William Fowler (1828-1905)
William Fowler (1828-1905) MP, chairman of John Fowler and Co, Leeds
1828 Born in Melksham son of John Fowler
School in Melksham
1845 Entered University College, London.
1849 BA with honours in classics and mathematics.
1850 he graduated LLB and became a fellow of the college. He then joined the chambers of Hugh Cairns and became an equity draftsman and conveyancer.
1852 he was called to the bar at the Inner Temple.
1856 he joined Cuncliffe Alexander & Co. of Lombard Street
1864 Following the death of his brother John, "father of the steam plough", William became a junior partner with his younger, unmarried brother Barnard Fowler in the manufacturing business founded by John in Leeds. Their elder brother Robert Fowler was senior partner.
1868 Fowler entered parliament as Liberal member of Cambridge
1874 Defeated in Cambridge
1886 When the company was incorporated, the three brothers, together with their nephew Robert Henry Fowler (1851–1919), became directors.
1888 William became chairman of the company. He took little part in the day-to-day management of the company, but regularly attended board meetings and social events such as the foreman's annual dinner. His last appearance was at the company's seventeenth annual general meeting, held in Lombard Street in December 1903.
1905 Died
See Also
Sources of Information
- Biography of William Fowler, ODNB