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JAMES E.
FOWLER.--The subject of this sketch is the second son of Stephen C. and
Rebecca Fowler. He was born in New York City, December 28, 1828, where he spent
the most of his youth in acquiring an education. His father being a builder and
contractor he adopted that occupation as a basis for future operations. Unlike
many city youths James felt the restraint of city life and longed for some new
field where he thought he could use what talent he possessed to a better
advantage. The fall of 1848 brought vague rumors of the discovery of gold in
California. A few weeks of suspense and the most exaggerated stories of the
wonderful wealth of the new El Dorado were confirmed. In company with his elder
brother Stephen, he sailed in the old ship Brooklyn, January 12, 1849, with
upward of 200 Argonauts on board, and as motley a crowd as ever ventured forth
on old Neptune's broad domain. One hundred and twenty days brought them to the
Island of Juan Fernandez where Alexander Selkirk spent four years solitary and
alone, where his cave dug out of sandstone with its smoke begrimed walls still
stands as when he left it so many years ago. A few days spent there while the
ship took in a supply of fresh water, was like an oasis upon the desert. After
ninety days of monotonous sea life varied by a burial at sea, and a narrow
escape from shipwreck at the mouth of the Garcia River, they entered the Golden
Gate with every thing set alow and aloft and came to anchor opposite the canvas
town of Yerba Buena. Without a parting tear they left the old ship that had
been their home for seven months. In a cozy little valley where they had wood
and water convenient they pitched their tent. The Oriental Block now occupies
the site. All kinds of labor were in demand, skilled or unskilled. Mechanics'
wages were $12 per day. Laborers shoveling sand received $8 per day. The
Fowlers erected several buildings by contract and, having accumulated quite a
pile of doubloons, concluded to try mining, sailed up the Sacramento, organized
a party, chartered a team for Dry Town, Amador County, mined successfully till
January, 1850, when they sold out cabin, mining tools, rocker and entire
out-fit, and packed their blankets on their backs and were once more on their
way to San Francisco where they hoped to take part in rebuilding some of the
burnt district just laid waste by the first great fire. A short time had
wrought great changes, for it was only in its infancy and was yet the most
cosmopolitan city in the world. After erecting a few small building they set
sail for the new town of Marysville, built quicksilver machines for saving the
fine gold on the lower Yuba, and later became interested in the new town of
Plumas on Feather River, just laid out by Captain Sutter and G. H. Beach. Who
could shove a jack-plane while the stories of the fabulous wealth of Gold Lake
were being repeated every day? With all their worldly effects upon a pack-mule,
they reached Downieville just in time to meet the victims of misplaced
confidence returning. However, nothing daunted, they went to work on the bar
opposite the town. There was no credit asked or given. The old rocker paid cash
every night; if they worked hard and ounce and a half was made. As winter was
approaching this could not be continued. They returned to Plumas, were taken
with the ague and could not shake it off. While in search of a more congenial
climate they brought up on the table-land above Salmon Creek, in Bodega, and
engaged in raising potatoes. In the summer of 1852 Mr. Fowler bought land where
Valley Ford now stands. In the fall of 1855, in company with George Stanley, he
opened a restaurant in Petaluma. He revisited the scenes of his childhood in
the summer of 1857, and was married to Charlotte E., daughter of Jacob and
Sarah Palmer, of Morris County, New Jersey. On his return he settled down to
agricultural pursuits, but that soon became too tame for one of his temperament
and for fifteen years he was actively engaged in merchandising, lumbering and
farming. In 1861 he built the residence in which himself, wife and daughter,
Lottie Bertha; who was born March 3, 1864, still reside. In 1865 he erected the
Good Templars Hall, in which Valley Ford Lodge has met weekly ever since. He
also assisted, financially, in building the church and all public improvements
in the village. During the dark days of our national trouble, the Union had not
a more staunch friend than Mr. Fowler. His liberality in aiding the Sanitary
and Christian Commission fund was well known throughout the community. His home
for more than a quarter of a century has been an abiding place for the stranger
and the homeless. Many will recall his genial welcome with pleasure. During his
long residence in the county he has been interested in developing the resources
of his section. He was among the prominent workers in bringing his district
into railroad communication with San Francisco, having given the North Pacific
Coast Railroad the right of way for a mile through his ranch. His farm of 340
acres has a fine orchard, containing nearly all varieties of fruit and berries
that are raised in his section. He has a dairy of sixty cows, and a
considerable portion of the ranch is devoted to the production of hay and
potatoes for market. Mr. Fowler has been long and favorably known as a true
friend to religion and temperance, is honorable and upright in his business
transactions. He has won for himself the confidence and friendship of a large
circle of acquaintances all of whom unite in according him that respect and
esteem to which he is so justly entitled. |
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