Albert Fowler

Who was Albert Fowler?

Albert Fowler was an American pioneer and politician.

Fowler was born to Elijah Fowler and his wife in Tyringham, Massachusetts. After his father's death, Fowler's mother and his family moved to Chautauqua County, New York.

In 1832 Fowler moved to Chicago where he stayed briefly before moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 18, 1833, where he worked as a clerk for Solomon Juneau. As there were few white settlers yet in the area, Fowler learned the Potawatomi and Menominee languages. His Native American acquaintances knew him as Mis-kee-o-quoneu, or "Red Cap," for his preferred head covering.

Fowler was appointed as the first clerk for the newly formed Milwaukee County in 1835. At the same time, he was made a justice of the peace. He was a member of the second Wisconsin state constitutional convention in 1847. Fowler moved to the town of Wauwatosa in 1839.

In 1856, Fowler moved to Rockford, Illinois, where he lived till his death. While living in Rockford, he served as its mayor for three terms.