Long connection with the oil industry has made John B. Fowler an expert in this branch of activity and through the capable management of his business affairs he has accumulated a substantial competence which now enables him to live retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest, his home being in Bartlesville. He was born in Butler County, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1852, and his parents were John P. and Margaret (Keppler) Fowler, who were also natives of the Keystone state, the father’s birth occurring in the same County. John P. Fowler became a resident of Crawford County, Pennsylvania, in 1860 and there began drilling wells, but his first efforts were not successful. He became associated with Jonathan Watson, one of the largest oil operators in that section, a relationship that was maintained for seven years, and they were very successful in the conduct of their interests. Mr. Fowler passed away in Butler County, Pennsylvania, in 1877, and his wife’s demise occurred two years later.
On reaching adult years John B. Fowler naturally turned his attention to the business with which his father was so long connected and he has been identified with the oil industry in eleven states of the Union. In 1903 he came to Bartlesville and became an active factor in the development of the oil fields in this section but has now retired from the arduous cares of business, devoting his attention to the supervision of his investments.
On the 13th of October, 1878, Mr. Fowler was united in marriage to Miss Ida Solley, a daughter of Judge James and Matilda (Watson) Solley, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and are now deceased. Six children have been born to this union: J. C., who married Edith Moore, a native of Pennsylvania, and is connected with the oil and gas business; Floyd, deceased; Edwin J., who was married and died leaving a daughter, Edwina, who is being reared by her grandparents; Margaret L., who during the last year of the World war served overseas as a canteen worker for the Red Cross and is now at home; Beulah F., who is studying miniature painting at the Art Institute of Chicago, being the possessor of notable artistic ability; and Beatrice A., deceased.
The family reside in a beautiful home at No. 707 Shawnee Avenue, in Bartlesville. Fraternally Mr. Fowler is identified with the Knights of The Maccabees and is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason and member of the York Rite. His wife is connected with the Eastern Star. In his business affairs he has displayed keen discernment and unfaltering enterprise and the years have marked his progress along lines which lead to success, while his personal qualities are such that he has gained and retained the warm friendship of many.