George Fowler (politician)
George Swan Fowler | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Kilrenny, Fife, Scotland |
| Died | October 1, 1896 (aged 57) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, businessman |
| Known for | Treasurer of South Australia, partner in D. & J. Fowler |
George Swan Fowler (9 March 1839 – 1 October 1896) was a prominent South Australian figure who served as Treasurer of South Australia and a member of the local political landscape.
Originally from Kilrenny, Fife, Scotland, Fowler was the son of James Fowler, proprietor of a general store in Anstruther. His elder siblings, James and David, relocated to South Australia during the 1850s and founded the prosperous grocery enterprise D. & J. Fowler in Adelaide. Following the passing of James in 1859, George became a partner in the business in 1860. By 1865, the company had shifted its focus to wholesale operations, inaugurating a branch in London and situating its principal office on King William Street, Adelaide, which George managed. After David died in 1881, George assumed the role of senior partner.
Fowler was elected to represent East Adelaide in the South Australian House of Assembly alongside John Cox Bray on 2 April 1878 and secured re-election in 1881; however, he resigned soon after taking his seat. His tenure as treasurer lasted from 10 March to 10 May 1881 under Premier William Morgan. Advocating for free trade principles, he opposed protective tariffs and criticized government borrowing practices that lacked thorough market evaluation. His support for temperance contributed to his defeat in the 1884 election, and he was also unsuccessful in the 1892 East Adelaide by-election against John McPherson.
In addition to his political career, Fowler partnered with fellow Scotsman William Murray to invest in the pastoral estate "Pandurra" near Port Augusta. His involvement extended beyond business into religious commitments; he held leadership roles within the Baptist church, promoted Sunday school initiatives, helped establish the Baptist Association, funded missionary activities including one in India, and supported building projects such as the Glen Osmond Baptist Church. Fowler passed away at his residence "Wooton Lea" in Glen Osmond on 1 October 1896, leaving behind an estate valued at £80,000.
Family
On 1 June 1864, George Swan Fowler married Janet "Catherine" Lamb (circa 1839 – 7 April 1922). Their offspring included:
- James Richard Fowler, M.A. (Oxford) (25 May 1865 – 17 December 1939), who wed Esther Tinline Murray of Glen Osmond on 17 November 1892; Esther was the daughter of distinguished gardener William Murray.
- Marion Anderson Fowler (died 5 August 1947), who married Ernest Allnutt on 5 October 1893.
- Laura Margaret Fowler M.B., Ch.B. (3 May 1868 – September 1952), notable as the first woman to earn degrees in medicine and surgery from the University of Adelaide in 1893; she later became a respected missionary in India and married Charles (Henry) Standish Hope B.A., M.D., Ch.B. on 4 July 1893.
- David Fowler (9 April 1870 – 12 May 1932), who led David Fowler, Ltd. based in Durban, South Africa.