I always look for the best in my Fowler family ancestors. I am always a little shocked when I find a skeleton in the closet. But everyone has a black sheep in their past regardless if they know it or not.
I have discovered a new research source: South Carolina, U.S., Sheriff Department Records.
A thief, a murderer, disorderly conduct and enough drunkenness to rival Otis of Mayberry, I found out more than I bargained for. But no one is perfect….. right?
ELIAS FOWLER
Elias T. Fowler (1836–1908) was the son of Permilly “Milly” Mitchell (1811-after 1880) and Lemuel Holter Fowler (1808–1865), son of John Fowler The Hatter (d. 1833).
- Arrested Nov 27, 1889: Grand Larceny
- Arrested Mar 3, 1890: Stealing
- Arrested Nov 3, 1890: Drunkenness
Click on the link for more information about Elias Fowler:
The Confederate Soldiers: ELIAS FOWLER (1836-1908)
FRANK FOWLER
- Arrested Sept 18, 1900: Disorderly
There were several Frank or Franklin Fowlers in Union County who could have been the man arrested for being disorderly in 1900. After more research, I will revise this post to reflect newly discovered information.
GEORGE W. FOWLER
- Arrested Aug 28, 1886: Accessory to murder
- Arrested Oct 17, 1886: Murder; acquitted
- Arrested June 26, 1890: Disorderly Drunkenness
- Arrested Nov 30. 1894: Disorderly Drunkenness
- Arrested Mar 2, 1896: Drunkenness
- Arrested Nov 17, 1896: Drunkenness
- Arrested Feb 18, 1897: Disorderly Drunkenness
George W. Fowler (1847-1913) was the son of William Goode Fowler (1825–1899) and Salena Bevis (1824–1897).
Many years of research have been invested in this Fowler family. Please click on the link to find out more:
WILLIAM G. FOWLER (1825-1899) married to Salena Bevis
GILBERT FOWLER
- Arrested Dec 3, 1900 Disorderly
Gillman Fowler (1863-1930), son of William Fowler and Charity Fowler was often referred to as Gilbert Fowler.
William Fowler (1810-after 1870) was likely the son of Jasper Fowler (1785-before 1849), son of Ephraim Fowler (1765-1822), son of Henry Ellis Fowler (1846-1808).
Charity Fowler (1822– after 1880) was the daughter of John Fowler (1787-before 1840), son of Ephraim Fowler, (1765-1822) son of Henry Ellis Fowler (1746-1808).
JAMES FOWLER
- Arrested Oct 14, 1892: Aggravated assault
- Arrested Mar 6, 1893: Aggravated assault
There were several James Fowlers in Union County who could have been the man arrested for aggravated assault in 1892 and 1893. After more research, I will revise this post to reflect newly discovered information.
SMITH FOWLER
Robert Smith Fowler (1881–1935), son of Ellis Jackson Fowler (1854–1893) and Ellen Woolbright (1859–1935); married Ida Inez Garner (1884–1938).
- Arrested Nov 27, 1900: Shooting (?)
For more information on the family of Robert Smith Fowler, click on the link below:
Finding E.J. “JACK” FOWLER (1856-1893) ELLIS JACKSON FOWLER
WASHINGTON FOWLER
- Arrested Jan 15, 1889: Assault with intent to kill
- Charged Jan 17, 1889: Rape
Washington Fowler was born circa 1810, son of John Fowler (1787–before 1840), son of Ephraim Fowler (1765-1822), son of Henry Ellis Fowler (1746-1808).
For more information about Washington Fowler, please click on the link below:
WASHINGTON FOWLER (1818-after 1860) Son of John, Son of Ephraim

Deb:I’m still enjoying your Confederate Fowlers posts. Are these sheriff’s records a part of the Ancestry website?Fredrick
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Hi Fredrick, Yes, the Sheriff’s records are on ancestry! I just found them so I am thinking they are a new source. I am flying to London today, but when I get home at the end of the week, I have 2 months off and nothing to do but research and finish those CSA articles. Deb
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