My Genealogy Hound

CAPT. JOSEPH H. FOWLER. The name of Fowler, to the people of western Kentucky, brings to memory recollections of one of the pioneers of that portion of the State. But few persons, now living in the Purchase, that have not known Judge W. P. Fowler, whose sketch appears above. Capt. Joe, as he is familiarly called is one of his three sons, and was born in 1833, in Salem, Livingston Co., Ky. In early life he enjoyed the instruction of a noted teacher, Prof. James Weller, and in 1848 became a student in the Cumberland College of Princeton, Ky., completing his studies in Smithland, Ky. Thus far his entire business energy has been in the wharf and steamboat interest; he began the former in 1849. In 1850 he became a clerk in the Paducah and Nashville packet, “Annie Linington,” but after nine months became clerk on a wharf boat, on which he continued until 1857, when he was made master, and still holds a master’s license, though he has of late retired from the line. He is now engaged in the wharf boat and boat store business in Paducah, and owns an interest in the Cairo packet “Gus Fowler.” Mr. Fowler deserves special mention for his untiring efforts as a member of the Paducah school board, in establishing and maintaining the present efficient system of public schools. He has also shown his wisdom and administrative ability during a term of eight years as a member of the city council. In 1855, he contracted a marriage with Miss Mattie Leech, of Smithland, Ky., and has a family of six children: Given; Millie, wife of Dr. F. T. Davis, of Paducah; Mintie, wife of Cook Husbands, and Misses Mattie, Josephine and Rosebud Fowler.