I.G. Fowler was such a humble man and never touted his many successes. He was a Pharmacist by trade, the 1st Mayor of Independence, Kansas, The Superintendent of the schools, wrote articles for the Youth's Companion under two different pseudonyms and many other positions during his life time. He lost the love of his life, Nettie Bee Coder at a very young age and never married again. He rejoiced in the day they would meet again. The most endearing part of I.G., was he took many an orphan he found walking along the train tracks into his home. He fed and clothed them making sure they were taught a trade. The love for this man was so great that the town of Independence, Kansas stood still for 20 minutes after his funeral.
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Independence Daily Reporter, September 21, 1929
I. G. FOWLER, BOYS' FRIEND, ANSWERS CALL
Youth's Philanthropist Dies After Brief Illness
Isaiah G. Fowler, friend of the boy, druggist, politician, author, club and lodge worker and one of Independence's most prominent citizens, is dead. He was 68 years old.
In a flower-banked room at Mercy hospital, the end came at 11 o'clock this morning. All but one of the family were at the bedside.
While he had been in ill health for about a year, he was not forced to cease work until about six weeks ago. Suffering with a throat ailment he entered the hospital two weeks ago and his condition gradually grew worse, as paralysis developed.
Funeral Pending.
His condition early this morning apparently was slightly improved after passing a comfortable night. He was conscious until a few minutes before he died.
The funeral arrangements are pending. The body is at the Potts undertaking establishment.
Native of Indiana.
Mr. Fowler was born in Covington, Ind., January 27, 1861. He was forced to seek his own livelihood early and at the age of nineteen owned a drug store at Vandersburg, Ind. In 1884 he came to Kansas, first settling on a farm near Liberty. After preparing a home he went back to Acola, Ohio, and married Miss Nettie Bee Coder, February 9, 1885.
They came to Kansas for their honeymoon and to reside. Mr. Fowler farmed for a short while and then taught McTaggart school near Liberty. The following year found him back in the drug business, an employee of J. H. Pugh. He worked and saved for nine years and in 1895 opened his own drug store, the first door south of where the present one on North Penn is located.
Mrs. Fowler died August 24, 1890 leaving her husband with several small children.
Boys' Friend.
After becoming owner of a drug store, Mr. Fowler began spending his time in aiding delinquent wandering boys and it estimated that he has helped approximately a hundred. Many he aided in securing a schooling and getting a start in life.
Politics, of which he was active for a long period, began early. He was a member of the school board for 14 years, eight of which he served as president. He was also a member of the old city council and served a time as president. From1912 to 1921, he was city commissioner of finance and revenue and also commission for the poor. He reached the climax of his long and active political career with his election as mayor. During his term, Memorial hall was completed. When he retired in 1925, he gave up active participation but retained his interest and was a prominent member of local Republican circles.
Lodge Affiliations.
He was especially well known in this section as the result of his many lodge affiliations. He belonged to all the Masonic orders, including the Shrine and Grotto. He also was a member of the Royal Order of Moose, Sons of Union Veterans, I. 0. 0. F., A. O. V. W., and the Eastern Star. He also had held memberships in the Elks lodge, F. A. U., and the Rebekah’s.
Mr. Fowler was a charter member of the Independence Rotary club and held a membership in the Chamber of Commerce. He belonged to the National Retail Drug association and also the Kansas association. While he joined the Christian church early in life, upon his marriage he changed to the Methodist church.
Author.
A membership in the Kansas Authors club afforded Mr. Fowler much pleasure. During his life he wrote a number of stories and some poetry. He had frequently contributed to the Youths Companion, the National Tribune and the Inter-Ocean, under the nom de plume of "Fireglow."
He Is survived by two sons: Harry E. Fowler, Texas City, Texas, and Frank W. Fowler, Tulsa: a daughter, Mrs. O. L. O'Brien, 920 West Main; a brother, Harry S. Fowler, Monett, Mo.; a sister, Mrs. Charles Carsh, Humboldt, Neb., and five grandchildren.
Aided Boys.
Four boys whom Mr. Fowler assisted in giving an education were: Rollie Slusher, Denver; Elmer Hatfield, Wichita; Bryan Haley, Mountain Home, Ark., and Norman Cooley, Independence. Mr. Slusher was summoned and arrived in time. The others are expected.
The housekeeper who had been with Mr. Fowler since the death of his wife, Miss Vina Compton, remains. Mr. Fowler maintained a residence at 724 North Ninth since his old home was moved from the Memorial hall site.
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Independence Daily Reporter, September 21, 1929
I. G. FOWLER, BOYS' FRIEND, ANSWERS CALL
Youth's Philanthropist Dies After Brief Illness
Isaiah G. Fowler, friend of the boy, druggist, politician, author, club and lodge worker and one of Independence's most prominent citizens, is dead. He was 68 years old.
In a flower-banked room at Mercy hospital, the end came at 11 o'clock this morning. All but one of the family were at the bedside.
While he had been in ill health for about a year, he was not forced to cease work until about six weeks ago. Suffering with a throat ailment he entered the hospital two weeks ago and his condition gradually grew worse, as paralysis developed.
Funeral Pending.
His condition early this morning apparently was slightly improved after passing a comfortable night. He was conscious until a few minutes before he died.
The funeral arrangements are pending. The body is at the Potts undertaking establishment.
Native of Indiana.
Mr. Fowler was born in Covington, Ind., January 27, 1861. He was forced to seek his own livelihood early and at the age of nineteen owned a drug store at Vandersburg, Ind. In 1884 he came to Kansas, first settling on a farm near Liberty. After preparing a home he went back to Acola, Ohio, and married Miss Nettie Bee Coder, February 9, 1885.
They came to Kansas for their honeymoon and to reside. Mr. Fowler farmed for a short while and then taught McTaggart school near Liberty. The following year found him back in the drug business, an employee of J. H. Pugh. He worked and saved for nine years and in 1895 opened his own drug store, the first door south of where the present one on North Penn is located.
Mrs. Fowler died August 24, 1890 leaving her husband with several small children.
Boys' Friend.
After becoming owner of a drug store, Mr. Fowler began spending his time in aiding delinquent wandering boys and it estimated that he has helped approximately a hundred. Many he aided in securing a schooling and getting a start in life.
Politics, of which he was active for a long period, began early. He was a member of the school board for 14 years, eight of which he served as president. He was also a member of the old city council and served a time as president. From1912 to 1921, he was city commissioner of finance and revenue and also commission for the poor. He reached the climax of his long and active political career with his election as mayor. During his term, Memorial hall was completed. When he retired in 1925, he gave up active participation but retained his interest and was a prominent member of local Republican circles.
Lodge Affiliations.
He was especially well known in this section as the result of his many lodge affiliations. He belonged to all the Masonic orders, including the Shrine and Grotto. He also was a member of the Royal Order of Moose, Sons of Union Veterans, I. 0. 0. F., A. O. V. W., and the Eastern Star. He also had held memberships in the Elks lodge, F. A. U., and the Rebekah’s.
Mr. Fowler was a charter member of the Independence Rotary club and held a membership in the Chamber of Commerce. He belonged to the National Retail Drug association and also the Kansas association. While he joined the Christian church early in life, upon his marriage he changed to the Methodist church.
Author.
A membership in the Kansas Authors club afforded Mr. Fowler much pleasure. During his life he wrote a number of stories and some poetry. He had frequently contributed to the Youths Companion, the National Tribune and the Inter-Ocean, under the nom de plume of "Fireglow."
He Is survived by two sons: Harry E. Fowler, Texas City, Texas, and Frank W. Fowler, Tulsa: a daughter, Mrs. O. L. O'Brien, 920 West Main; a brother, Harry S. Fowler, Monett, Mo.; a sister, Mrs. Charles Carsh, Humboldt, Neb., and five grandchildren.
Aided Boys.
Four boys whom Mr. Fowler assisted in giving an education were: Rollie Slusher, Denver; Elmer Hatfield, Wichita; Bryan Haley, Mountain Home, Ark., and Norman Cooley, Independence. Mr. Slusher was summoned and arrived in time. The others are expected.
The housekeeper who had been with Mr. Fowler since the death of his wife, Miss Vina Compton, remains. Mr. Fowler maintained a residence at 724 North Ninth since his old home was moved from the Memorial hall site.
I.G. Fowler was such a humble man and never touted his many successes. He was a Pharmacist by trade, the 1st Mayor of Independence, Kansas, The Superintendent of the schools, wrote articles for the Youth's Companion under two different pseudonyms and many other positions during his life time. He lost the love of his life, Nettie Bee Coder at a very young age and never married again. He rejoiced in the day they would meet again. The most endearing part of I.G., was he took many an orphan he found walking along the train tracks into his home. He fed and clothed them making sure they were taught a trade. The love for this man was so great that the town of Independence, Kansas stood still for 20 minutes after his funeral.
*************
Independence Daily Reporter, September 21, 1929
I. G. FOWLER, BOYS' FRIEND, ANSWERS CALL
Youth's Philanthropist Dies After Brief Illness
Isaiah G. Fowler, friend of the boy, druggist, politician, author, club and lodge worker and one of Independence's most prominent citizens, is dead. He was 68 years old.
In a flower-banked room at Mercy hospital, the end came at 11 o'clock this morning. All but one of the family were at the bedside.
While he had been in ill health for about a year, he was not forced to cease work until about six weeks ago. Suffering with a throat ailment he entered the hospital two weeks ago and his condition gradually grew worse, as paralysis developed.
Funeral Pending.
His condition early this morning apparently was slightly improved after passing a comfortable night. He was conscious until a few minutes before he died.
The funeral arrangements are pending. The body is at the Potts undertaking establishment.
Native of Indiana.
Mr. Fowler was born in Covington, Ind., January 27, 1861. He was forced to seek his own livelihood early and at the age of nineteen owned a drug store at Vandersburg, Ind. In 1884 he came to Kansas, first settling on a farm near Liberty. After preparing a home he went back to Acola, Ohio, and married Miss Nettie Bee Coder, February 9, 1885.
They came to Kansas for their honeymoon and to reside. Mr. Fowler farmed for a short while and then taught McTaggart school near Liberty. The following year found him back in the drug business, an employee of J. H. Pugh. He worked and saved for nine years and in 1895 opened his own drug store, the first door south of where the present one on North Penn is located.
Mrs. Fowler died August 24, 1890 leaving her husband with several small children.
Boys' Friend.
After becoming owner of a drug store, Mr. Fowler began spending his time in aiding delinquent wandering boys and it estimated that he has helped approximately a hundred. Many he aided in securing a schooling and getting a start in life.
Politics, of which he was active for a long period, began early. He was a member of the school board for 14 years, eight of which he served as president. He was also a member of the old city council and served a time as president. From1912 to 1921, he was city commissioner of finance and revenue and also commission for the poor. He reached the climax of his long and active political career with his election as mayor. During his term, Memorial hall was completed. When he retired in 1925, he gave up active participation but retained his interest and was a prominent member of local Republican circles.
Lodge Affiliations.
He was especially well known in this section as the result of his many lodge affiliations. He belonged to all the Masonic orders, including the Shrine and Grotto. He also was a member of the Royal Order of Moose, Sons of Union Veterans, I. 0. 0. F., A. O. V. W., and the Eastern Star. He also had held memberships in the Elks lodge, F. A. U., and the Rebekah’s.
Mr. Fowler was a charter member of the Independence Rotary club and held a membership in the Chamber of Commerce. He belonged to the National Retail Drug association and also the Kansas association. While he joined the Christian church early in life, upon his marriage he changed to the Methodist church.
Author.
A membership in the Kansas Authors club afforded Mr. Fowler much pleasure. During his life he wrote a number of stories and some poetry. He had frequently contributed to the Youths Companion, the National Tribune and the Inter-Ocean, under the nom de plume of "Fireglow."
He Is survived by two sons: Harry E. Fowler, Texas City, Texas, and Frank W. Fowler, Tulsa: a daughter, Mrs. O. L. O'Brien, 920 West Main; a brother, Harry S. Fowler, Monett, Mo.; a sister, Mrs. Charles Carsh, Humboldt, Neb., and five grandchildren.
Aided Boys.
Four boys whom Mr. Fowler assisted in giving an education were: Rollie Slusher, Denver; Elmer Hatfield, Wichita; Bryan Haley, Mountain Home, Ark., and Norman Cooley, Independence. Mr. Slusher was summoned and arrived in time. The others are expected.
The housekeeper who had been with Mr. Fowler since the death of his wife, Miss Vina Compton, remains. Mr. Fowler maintained a residence at 724 North Ninth since his old home was moved from the Memorial hall site.
*************
Independence Daily Reporter, September 21, 1929
I. G. FOWLER, BOYS' FRIEND, ANSWERS CALL
Youth's Philanthropist Dies After Brief Illness
Isaiah G. Fowler, friend of the boy, druggist, politician, author, club and lodge worker and one of Independence's most prominent citizens, is dead. He was 68 years old.
In a flower-banked room at Mercy hospital, the end came at 11 o'clock this morning. All but one of the family were at the bedside.
While he had been in ill health for about a year, he was not forced to cease work until about six weeks ago. Suffering with a throat ailment he entered the hospital two weeks ago and his condition gradually grew worse, as paralysis developed.
Funeral Pending.
His condition early this morning apparently was slightly improved after passing a comfortable night. He was conscious until a few minutes before he died.
The funeral arrangements are pending. The body is at the Potts undertaking establishment.
Native of Indiana.
Mr. Fowler was born in Covington, Ind., January 27, 1861. He was forced to seek his own livelihood early and at the age of nineteen owned a drug store at Vandersburg, Ind. In 1884 he came to Kansas, first settling on a farm near Liberty. After preparing a home he went back to Acola, Ohio, and married Miss Nettie Bee Coder, February 9, 1885.
They came to Kansas for their honeymoon and to reside. Mr. Fowler farmed for a short while and then taught McTaggart school near Liberty. The following year found him back in the drug business, an employee of J. H. Pugh. He worked and saved for nine years and in 1895 opened his own drug store, the first door south of where the present one on North Penn is located.
Mrs. Fowler died August 24, 1890 leaving her husband with several small children.
Boys' Friend.
After becoming owner of a drug store, Mr. Fowler began spending his time in aiding delinquent wandering boys and it estimated that he has helped approximately a hundred. Many he aided in securing a schooling and getting a start in life.
Politics, of which he was active for a long period, began early. He was a member of the school board for 14 years, eight of which he served as president. He was also a member of the old city council and served a time as president. From1912 to 1921, he was city commissioner of finance and revenue and also commission for the poor. He reached the climax of his long and active political career with his election as mayor. During his term, Memorial hall was completed. When he retired in 1925, he gave up active participation but retained his interest and was a prominent member of local Republican circles.
Lodge Affiliations.
He was especially well known in this section as the result of his many lodge affiliations. He belonged to all the Masonic orders, including the Shrine and Grotto. He also was a member of the Royal Order of Moose, Sons of Union Veterans, I. 0. 0. F., A. O. V. W., and the Eastern Star. He also had held memberships in the Elks lodge, F. A. U., and the Rebekah’s.
Mr. Fowler was a charter member of the Independence Rotary club and held a membership in the Chamber of Commerce. He belonged to the National Retail Drug association and also the Kansas association. While he joined the Christian church early in life, upon his marriage he changed to the Methodist church.
Author.
A membership in the Kansas Authors club afforded Mr. Fowler much pleasure. During his life he wrote a number of stories and some poetry. He had frequently contributed to the Youths Companion, the National Tribune and the Inter-Ocean, under the nom de plume of "Fireglow."
He Is survived by two sons: Harry E. Fowler, Texas City, Texas, and Frank W. Fowler, Tulsa: a daughter, Mrs. O. L. O'Brien, 920 West Main; a brother, Harry S. Fowler, Monett, Mo.; a sister, Mrs. Charles Carsh, Humboldt, Neb., and five grandchildren.
Aided Boys.
Four boys whom Mr. Fowler assisted in giving an education were: Rollie Slusher, Denver; Elmer Hatfield, Wichita; Bryan Haley, Mountain Home, Ark., and Norman Cooley, Independence. Mr. Slusher was summoned and arrived in time. The others are expected.
The housekeeper who had been with Mr. Fowler since the death of his wife, Miss Vina Compton, remains. Mr. Fowler maintained a residence at 724 North Ninth since his old home was moved from the Memorial hall site.
Family Members
Parents
