Rev. Benjamin Fowler

The Society's records indicate that Elder Fowler served as pastor of the Manchester (later Brothertown) church in 1948. Perhaps a second B. J. Fowler also served as pastor of the Winnebago (later Allenville) church in 1850 and of the Manchester church in 1851). See also Deacon Benjamin Fowler of the Honey Creek church.

Death of Elder Benjamin J. Fowler
Died in Manchester, Wisconsin, .Dec. 12, 1848, Elder Benjamin J. Fowler, aged 73 years. *
   Our much beloved and highly esteemed brother, the last minister of the Gospel of Christ among the dear people of Manchester and Brothertown Nation, was born in Mohegan, Conn., in 1775. I can not give the date of his settling in old Brothertown, N.Y. He was ordained, according to the best information I can obtain, in the year 1819, by Elders Fairly, Hunt and Sherman. I will here insert a letter presented by Elder Fowler last June, when he became a member of the Jefferson Q.M.:

"This may certify that Benjamin Fowler is acknowledged as a public administrator in the Free-Will Baptist connection.- Done by order of the Union Yearly Meeting Council at Sherbum, June 14, 1845. Samuel Nichols, Yearly Meeting Clerk."

   Elder Fowler has not been able to preach but little, on account of his infirmity and old age, since he came to Wisconsin. He has, however, holding meetings every two weeks with the Manchester church at the time of his death. He preached to the church on Sabbath day, Dec. 2, for the last time. The next Sabbath, he was not able to attend meeting. Sabbath evening, Elder Sweet preached at his house. Elder Fowler was not able to set up during the sermon. After the discourse, the elder, feeling and able believing his passport was soon to be sealed, addressed him self to the church in such ecstasy of mind and heaven thrilling interest, that all present were melted into deep contrition before God. He spoke of the language of his Master. Little children, love on another. He spoke apparently with all ease and clearness of voice, not withstanding the nature of his disease, which was the asthma. He had been troubled with it for many years. But God gave him an easy passage over the cold Jordan of death. I became acquainted with Elder Fowler last June in my missionary labors, and have ever felt at home at his house; and ever found him expressing deep anxiety for the church; sound and unshaken in the faith, and well established in the principles of the Gospel. He was ever ready to face error and put down false doctrine in every form and feature. The elder was much engaged in our protracted meeting in Manchester last fall. He attended night and day. I well recollect of hearing him say on one occasion, that his physical and spiritual energies were so much renewed and invigorated by the grace of God, that he felt like a lad of seventeen years of age. The elder has left to mourn his departure and absence, his dear consort and one son. They take his death very hard. May God give sustaining grace. Very many of the dear people of Manchester were more distant relatives of the elder. His funeral was attended on the 15th, at the Methodist meeting house by the writer. Remarks form Rev. 14:13, by request of the elders son. A large concourse of people were there to pay their last respects to the departed. The mourners were addressed by Elder Sweet, who also made the concluding prayer. The elder was much beloved by all as a good citizen and philanthropist. He was reverenced as a minister of the gospel and a father in Zion. Thus the Manchester [church] has been bereft of one of the most prominent and useful members. Who will take his place God only knows. My dear brethren, pray God may raise up another man among that dear people to take his place, and labor for the Zion of God.

*This notice has been delayed in consequence of the difficulty of ascertaining facts relative to the life of Elder Fowler. Many interesting facts in regard to him has passed to the dark shades of oblivion. I have gathered but few particulars and some of these may be incorrect. If so, they will be corrected through the Star. E. N. Wright, Fon-du-lac Co., May 20, 1849

[From the Morning Star—Vol. 24, No. 10—June 20, 1849: Transcribed by the Free-Will Baptist Historical Collection, Greg McCarty]