George Fowler

(1852-1924) Merchant. USA

George Fowler was born in 1852 in Cellardyke the son of George Fowler (Murray). From a lowly origin he became one of the merchant princes in the US, but he never renounced his connection with the fisher folk.

He served his apprenticeship as a draper and general merchant with Sharp and Murray, the then leading company in Cellardyke. He emigrated at 19 and worked as a clerk in Meridan (Connecticut.), Norwich, and New London.

He set up his own dry goods store in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania with two other Scotsmen, Alexander Dick and Gilbert Walker. The first store opened 5^th April 1879 as “Fowler Dick and Walker” but later became known as “Fowlers”.

In 1882 they opened a department store in Binghampton (New York State), and then expanded opening many branches throughout several states. This principal store in Binghampton relocated to impressive new premises in 1904 (picture) and was the flagship of the company for 75 years.  The company prospered and new store opened as late as 1975.  Four years later on Fowlers 100^th anniversary, trading conditions had become so difficult that the company was broken up and sold on to various corporate owners.

George Fowler never forgot his native Cellardyke, he visited in the summer months, residing in the house in which he was born. He was especially mindful of the older folks and poor of the town who each year received a “helping hand” in the way of coals and other goods. In 1923 over 50 tons of coal were distributed to 100 Dykers. He also carried out several town improvements at his own expense.

He died in 1924 and was survived by his widow, a son, and five sisters.

Research by Richard Wemyss