Springfield-Greene
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J. W. FOWLER. It seems there is no start in life which so well prepares a man for his future career, no matter what he may choose to follow as the boyhood years spent on the farm; this is not strange to the contemplative mind, for, in the first place, the boy reared next to nature, to the fresh soil, surrounded by the clear air and amidst the growing, blooming vegetation will be stronger physically and mentally than his city-bred brother, and will agree that health is the first prerequisite in the chase for success in this world; many a man has been handicapped, submerged and defeated because of lack of it. J. W. Fowler, chief, stationary engineer of the south side Frisco shops, Springfield, was fortunate enough to be born and reared on a farm, and thus has a heritage of physical strength which has stood him well in hand.
Mr. Fowler was born on the farm of his parents near Tipton, Missouri, November 24, 1864. He is a son of G. W. and Parmelia (Hodges) Fowler. The father was born in Pennsylvania, in 1842, and is still living on his farm near Tipton, Missouri, having engaged in farming all his life. He came from the Keystone state to Missouri more than half a century ago and has lived here ever since. During the Civil war he enlisted at Tipton, and made a splendid record as a soldier.
G. W. Fowler was a voting man when he came to this state and. he married near there, his wife having been born on a farm there in 1847. Fourteen children were born to this union, nine of whom are still living, namely: J. W., of this sketch; Mrs. Nancy Sehklin, wife of a merchant; Mrs. Sarah D. Mock, wife of a farmer; William M. is a blacksmith; Edwin is a boilermaker; Mrs. Dosia Williams married a farmer; Mrs. Edna Hatfield; Mrs. Millie B. Moon married a farmer; Harrison is engaged in farming; the others are deceased.
W. Fowler grew up on the home farm and spent his earlier years engaged in tilling the soil. He received a common school education. He came to Springfield in 1889 and has since made his home in this city. He began working for the Eversol & Son Milling Company as stationary engineer. He liked the work, studied it and became an expert in his line. After a few years he went to work for the Frisco Lines in their south side shops as extra stationary engineer, where he became chief engineer and he still holds this position. His long service with the Frisco would indicate that he has given entire satisfaction and that he is a capable and trustworthy employee. He has not had a shutdown in more than twenty-four years, during working hours, or since he has been with the Frisco.
Mr. Fowler was married twice, first, to Augusta, Breckinridge, at Tipton, Missouri. She was born November 25, 1864, at Galloway, Missouri. Her death occurred February 9, 1901. To this union four children were born, namely: Ira, born September 23, 1887, married Kate Campbell, he is a boilermaker and lives in Springfield; Roy, born February 15, 1890, married Grace Edwards, and he is employed as blacksmith in the south side Frisco shops; Earl, born April 3, 1898, lives at home; Clara A., born May 31, 1901, is at home. On November 10, 19l4, Mr. Fowler married the second time in St. Louis, Priscilla Givan, a widow of Wm. Givan. She was born January 17, 1866. She is a daughter of Albert and Nancy (Butterball) Daugherty. Mrs. Fowler was born in Pennsylvania and she received a common school education. She came to Missouri when young. The second union of our subject and wife has been without issue.
Politically, Mr. Fowler is a Republican. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen. He is a member of the First Baptist church
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