FOWLER, James A. c1832-1882

FOWLER

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 4/22/2014 at 22:14:27

[Iowa State Reporter, Waterloo, Iowa, Wednesday, April 5, 1882]

James A. Fowler died at Independence on Sunday morning last. His remains were brought to this city on the Sunday night train.

Mr. Fowler was born in Orange County New York; and was just past fifty years old at the time of his death. He came to Iowa about sixteen year ago, and for a time was engaged as conductor on the railroad running between Missouri Valley Junction and Sioux City; When the Burlington road was being constructed from Cedar Rapids north, he had charge of the track laying as far as this city, and we believe had a contract on the same road between Waterloo and Cedar Falls. After that was finished he became a resident of Waterloo, and for a, time was in the grocery business. He afterwards started the Floral Hill Green House, and for several years had given his entire time to horticultural, pursuits, originating two or three varieties of strawberries from which he expected, large returns. Previous to locating here he bad been seriously afflicted with rheumatism, and. three or four years ago he again fell a victim to the disease from which he has seriously suffered off and on since, at times being unable to give his business the slightest attention. His ill health and some financial losses preyed on his mind to a great extent and softening of the brain was the final result and the direct cause of his death.

Before his troubles began, he was open-hearted, generous and, public spirited, a good citizen, and such was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He served as a member of the City Council in 1873 and 1874, and held various positions in the County Agricultural Society, in which he always had a warm interest. He was a member of the A. O. U. W., the Knights of Honor, and the Masonic fraternity.

The funeral services were conducted yesterday afternoon by the A. O. U. W. They were held at the residence in this city and devotional exercises were conducted by Rev. Clayton Welles assisted by Rev. M. K. Cross and Rev. Clapp. A large number of friends of the family were present.