John S Fowler (1819-60)

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John S Fowler was born in New York. He is stated by kuzzuns@gmail.com to be named John Sherman Fowler and to have been born on 12 Jul 1819 in New York City. I don't yet know the source for that, but he was 31 in the 1850 census which also stated that he was born in New York (state), so it is at least plausible. I don't yet know who his parents were.

John S Fowler married Jerusha Ensign (b 1820 MA), daughter of Elias Ensign and Jerusha Taylor. They had four children: Thomas, George, John and Charles, but then John (the father) must have come to California before his wife, he might be the same person as Bancroft's overland immigrant of 1843. John and Jerusha joined the Latter Day Saints. The Latter Day Saints persecuted from place to place, evidently formed a plan to go to the Western ocean. Samuel Brannan who was at the time the publisher of The Prophet, the church newsletter in New York City, was appointed in Sep 1845 to charter a ship and lead those Saints living in the East. John S Fowler's wife, children, and her relations went on the ship Brooklyn, while John was either already at, or traveled back to, Nauvoo where he received a patriarchal blessing from Asahel Smith that same month of Feb 1846.

Elias Ensign and his wife Jerusha, their daughter Eliza, son John Warren Ensign, and daughter Jerusha (Ensign) Fowler and her then-four children: Thomas, George, John and Charles all embarked 4 Feb 1846 on the ship Brooklyn sailing from New York City, bound for California. They were all Mormon converts who were heeding the call of the church to go West, the ultimate destination of the Latter Day Saints, now Salt Lake City, had not yet been chosen. The ship sailed around the Horn and headed first to Honolulu in Hawaii which at that time was called the "Sandwich Islands". Jerusha Fowler is mentioned in this narrative. This ship arrived at Yerba Buena (now San Francisco) on 31 Jul 1846. Elias Ensign, Eliza Ensign and Charles Fowler had all died at sea on the voyage. Samuel Brannan who had brought his printing press with him, commenced publishing the California Star in January 1847. For more on the ship Brooklyn see "Gold Rush Saints" at this link.

Meanwhile John S Fowler was a member of the Pioneer Company

16 Apr 1847 at the pioneer staging area 35 miles away from Winter Quarters

26 May 1847 on the North Platte River, Nebraska

29 Jun 1847 on the road to Fort Bridger, Wyoming

21 Jul 1847 at East Canyon, Utah

Map of the route of the Pioneer Company

In Apr 1847, Samuel Brannan headed East to meet the rest of the Saints to guide them to California. He met the Pioneer Company with Brigham Young on the Green River in (present-day Wyoming) where he guided the Mormon Battalion to the Salt Lake. He stayed at the Salt Lake a short time, then returned to California. John S Fowler, came to California by the Fall of 1848 and perhaps he came with Samuel on this trip. For more intricate details of Sam Brannan see "Riches For All" at this link.In an election at Sutter's Fort (then called New Helvetia), John was elected Second Alcalde of New Helvetia, in the Fall of 1848, but he resigned his position that Spring when he was called upon to arrest Pickett. John Fowler and Samuel "Sam" Brannan, "used the frame of Sutter's grist mill upstream from Sutter's Fort to build the City Hotel in Sacramento." They had brought the frame of the mill from Brighton to Sacramento and set it up a block away from Sam's store. John S Fowler or sometimes just "J S" Fowler, owned the City Hotel in Sacramento in 1849 and 1850 at least He ran for California State Assembly in 1849 but lost, and was nominated for Sacramento City Council but apparently lost again. He was in business in 1849 with H C Cardwell, E L Brown and John Harris as "Cardwell, Brown and Co".

John, his wife Jerusha, their three remaining children: Thomas, George and John; her mother Jerusha Ensign and brother Warren, are all found in the 1850 Census of Sacramento City, where John is listed as "Jno S Fowler" a "Real Estate Dealer" worth $120,667. In 1850 he lost $10,000 in a Sacramento fire, but later that same year, with R Semple he was in the process of having a steamboat constructed. (This is Robert "Bob" Semple the famous Bear flagger.)

Again in the special California State Census of 1852, John S Fowler age 33 is listed at Sacramento, as a Farmer, born in New York. Listed with him is his wife Jerusha, sons Thomas W Fowler age 12, George E Fowler age 10, John S Fowler Jr age 9, and Francis E Fowler age 1. Then there is also listed her mother Jerusha Ensign age 63 and brother Warren age 22

Bancroft does not seem to know that Jerusha with four children on the Mormon ship is the same person as the wife of this John who died in 1860 in Sacramento, aged 42.

http://www.oldcitycemetery.com/JohnSFowler.htm

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http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&cl=search&d=PT18490714.2.2&srpos=9&e=-------en-Logical-20--1-byDA---fowler-all---

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=PT18491124.2.5&cl=search&srpos=16&e=-------en-Logical-20--1-byDA---fowler----

In 1849, he ran for California State Assembly for Sacramento, coming in 11th with 1503 votes, out of 16th candidates, of whom only the top 9 got seats.

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=PT18491124.2.8.3&cl=search&srpos=17&e=-------en-Logical-20--1-byDA---fowler----

With H C Cardwell, E L Brown and John Harris, he had formed the firm "Cardwell, Brown & Co" which announced it's dissolution 12 Nov 1849 at Sacramento

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=PT18491201.2.10.2&cl=search&srpos=20&e=-------en-Logical-20--1-byDA---fowler----

It then reformed as "Harris, Brown and Co" without Cardwell in it

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DAC18500214.2.5&cl=search&srpos=38&e=-------en-Logical-20--21-byDA---fowler----

Owner of the City Hotel, managed by M.A.D. Frye

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=PT18500216.2.7&cl=search&srpos=39&e=-------en-Logical-20--21-byDA---fowler----

Nominated for Sacramento City Councilman 1850

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18500405.2.5&cl=search&srpos=48&e=-------en-Logical-20--41-byDA---fowler----

Lost $10,000 in a fire

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18500603.2.5&cl=search&srpos=106&e=-------en-Logical-20--101-byDA---fowler----

With R Semple, had a steamboat constructed

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18500608.2.7.1&cl=search&srpos=116&e=-------en-Logical-20--101-byDA---fowler----#

Jun 1850 Called "Major John S Fowler" when he is named Aide de Camp by Brigidier General A M Winn

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18500625.2.3&cl=search&srpos=143&e=-------en-Logical-20--141-byDA---fowler----

Was a Mason

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18500713.2.7.1&cl=search&srpos=171&e=-------en-Logical-20--161-byDA---fowler----

Became Registrar for Capt Sutter

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DAC18500718.2.4&cl=search&srpos=176&e=-------en-Logical-20--161-byDA---fowler----

With Robinson, Gillespie and McDougal he bought the remaining property interests of Sutter

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18500720.2.7.1&cl=search&srpos=180&e=-------en-Logical-20--161-byDA---fowler----

20 Jul 1850 puts the City Hotel up for sale, and announces he has Sutter's power of attorney

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18500924.2.10.2&cl=search&srpos=296&e=-------en-Logical-20--281-byDA---fowler----

Sheriff Benjamin McCulloch seized the City Hotel in a foreclosure suit brought by S C Hastings against Fowler and Semple, for auction on the 14th of October

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DAC18501118.2.13.1&cl=search&srpos=374&e=-------en-Logical-20--361-byDA---fowler----

Died at the Mission Dolores, Charles D, infant son of Mr John S Fowler, 13 Nov 1850

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18501119.2.5&cl=search&srpos=380&e=-------en-Logical-20--361-byDA---fowler----

Vice President of the Democratic Party of the First District of Sacramento 19 Nov 1850

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18501129.2.6&cl=search&srpos=392&e=-------en-Logical-20--381-byDA---fowler----

Pallbearer at the funeral of Sacramento Mayor Hardin Bigelow 29 Nov 1850

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18501221.2.12&cl=search&srpos=417&e=-------en-Logical-20--401-byDA---fowler----

Member of the Democratic Vigilance Committee - First District - 21 Dec 1850

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18510213.2.13.2&cl=search&srpos=471&e=-------en-Logical-20--461-byDA---fowler----

Sheriff Benjamin McCulloch (again) seized the City Hotel in a foreclosure suit brought by Talbot H Green against John S Fowler for $9687.42, judgement made 17 Jan 1851, for auction 28 Feb 1851

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18510218.2.9.1&cl=search&srpos=482&e=-------en-Logical-20--481-byDA---fowler----#

President of the Sacramento Bridge Company, 18 feb 1851

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DAC18510316.2.19.1&cl=search&srpos=544&e=-------en-Logical-20--541-byDA---fowler----

Soliciting for bidders to build a draw bridge over the American River 16 Mar 1851

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18510317.2.4&cl=search&srpos=546&e=-------en-Logical-20--541-byDA---fowler----

17 Mar 1851 officer in the Democratic party for Sacramento

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18510325.2.13.1&cl=search&srpos=574&e=-------en-Logical-20--561-byDA---fowler----

Member of the Hook and Ladder Company 25 Mar 1851

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18510326.2.7&cl=search&srpos=580&e=-------en-Logical-20--561-byDA---fowler----

Sued with others by ex-Gov Smith for a fee.

Also same issue helped organize the Mutual Hook and Ladder Company No 1, 44 persons subscribed

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SDU18510405.2.5.3&cl=search&srpos=613&e=-------en-Logical-20--601-byDA---fowler----

Stilll advertising as the "sole agent" for Captain John A Sutter (Senior)

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18510425.2.4&cl=search&srpos=659&e=-------en-Logical-20--641-byDA---fowler----#

At a Meeting of the Democrats of the First Ward, he was appointed to the Vigilance Committee

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18510508.2.13.7&cl=search&srpos=686&e=-------en-Logical-20--681-byDA---fowler----

Still the sole agent of Sutter

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18510509.2.9.2&cl=search&srpos=687&e=-------en-Logical-20--681-byDA---fowler----

Appointed to City Police committee 9 May 1851

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18510526.2.9&cl=search&srpos=736&e=-------en-Logical-20--721-byDA---fowler----

Secretary of the Hook and Ladder Company No 1 26 May 1851

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=ST18510528.2.12&cl=search&srpos=742&e=-------en-Logical-20--741-byDA---fowler----

Party to a lawsuit

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SDU18510530.2.7&cl=search&srpos=750&e=-------en-Logical-20--741-byDA---fowler----

Petition in reference to a ferry 30 May 1851

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SDU18510603.2.6&cl=search&srpos=758&e=-------en-Logical-20--741-byDA---fowler----#

Major John S Fowler (apparently a different person?) 3 Jun 1851

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SDU18510604.2.12.6&cl=search&srpos=762&e=-------en-Logical-20--761-byDA---fowler----

On City Tax delinquent list "Fowler & Brannan" [lot being] 85 x 150

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SDU18510630.2.10.2&cl=search&srpos=833&e=-------en-Logical-20--821-byDA---fowler----

Notice - On the first of July next, John S Fowler, esq, will cease to be my sole agent. All persons having business to transact, have to do it directly with myself - J A Sutter, Hock Farm, 25 Jun 1851

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SDU18510901.2.7&cl=search&srpos=926&e=-------en-Logical-20--921-byDA---fowler----

1 Sep 1851 a member of Company A of Mounted Rangers as "Jas S Fowler"

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SDU18511029.2.8&cl=search&srpos=1008&e=-------en-Logical-20--1001-byDA---fowler----#

29 Oct 1851 Leaving on the "Game Cock" for the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii), alongwith Samuel Brannan and others

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SDU18511209.2.7&cl=search&srpos=1027&e=-------en-Logical-20--1021-byDA---fowler----#

9 Dec 1851 That Major Fowler is the same person as John S Fowler agent for Sutter

And that A M Winn had been Sutter's agent prior to that.

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SDU18520105.2.3&cl=search&srpos=1042&e=-------en-Logical-20--1041-byDA---fowler----#

5 Jan 1852 He had just returned to Sacramento from Honolulu

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SDU18520218.2.12.1&cl=search&srpos=1093&e=-------en-Logical-20--1081-byDA---fowler----#

18 Feb 1852 Judgement against him for $7500

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DAC18520920.2.13.2&cl=search&srpos=1303&e=-------en-Logical-20--1301-byDA---fowler----#

On a committee for a claim by Selby against FitzGerald and the US

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SDU18521011.2.6&cl=search&srpos=1322&e=-------en-Logical-20--1321-byDA---fowler----#

11 Oct 1852 Major John S Fowler of the Sutter Rifles

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SDU18530127.2.14&cl=search&srpos=1343&e=-------en-Logical-20--1341-byDA---fowler----

27 Jan 1853 John S Fowler vs S C Hastings et al - Suit dismissed by plaintiff

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http://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/moa/AJC3556.0001.001/31?sid=95e3f6e828e116b80d4cccd93c806bc1

17 Feb 1853 at San Francisco

John S Fowler deposition in "The United States v Sutter"

age 34, residence in Sacramento, has lived in California six years

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http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SDU18530329.2.14.3&cl=search&srpos=1369&e=-------en-Logical-20--1361-byDA---fowler----

29 Mar 1853 General A M Winn appoints him Lt Col John S Fowler Aid-de-Camp