Frank E. Fowler, president of the F. E. Fowler Company, one of the well known mercantile houses of New Haven, was born in Guilford, Connecticut, July 21, 1860. He is a son of Reuben L. and Sarah M. (Munson) Fowler, who were natives of Guilford and came of early New England families, the ancestral line being traced back as far as 1639.

Frank E. Fowler was the sixth in order of birth in a family of eight children and after attending the public schools of Guilford he pursued a business course in New Haven. He then joined his father in the fish oil industry and after three years spent in that connection secured a clerical position with C. G. Kimberly, of whom he remained a trusted employe for thirteen years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a half interest in the business and following the death of Mr. Kimberly it was continued by his son Frank H. and Mr. Fowler for four years. The latter then purchased the interest of his partner and continued alone for several years. Gradually he developed his business to large proportions, and in January, 1909, the F. E. Fowler Company was incorporated, Mr. Fowler becoming president, the other members of the firm consisting of W. W. Buckingham, vice president; Frank H. Kimberley, secretary; and Geo. C. Freeland, treasurer. The firm handles all kinds of woodenware, crockery, paper and twine.

In May, 1886, Mr. Fowler was married to Miss Martha Davis, of Guilford, Connecticut, a daughter of Edwin and Martha Davis.

The family attend the Congregational church, of which they are members, and Mr. Fowler is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. He has continuously worked to upbuild his interests, and by his straightforward and honorable course has won the confidence of patrons and contemporaries alike.