Biography of John S Fowler, written and copyright 2012 by Will Johnson, Professional Genealogist, wjhonson@aol.com
Creative Commons License 2.0
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