Edward Brush Fowler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Brush Fowler
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| Born | May 29, 1826 Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Died | January 16, 1896 (aged 69) Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. |
| Buried |
Green-Wood Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  USA |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Commands held | 14th Brooklyn Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
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Edward Brush Fowler (born May 29, 1826 – died January 16, 1896) was an important leader in the Union Army. This was the army that fought for the United States during the American Civil War. He is famous for leading the 14th Brooklyn Regiment. He also led a smaller group of soldiers called a demi-brigade. This was during the big Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863.
Edward Fowler's Early Life
Edward Fowler was born in Manhattan, New York. When he was a baby, his family moved to Brooklyn. He went to Brooklyn Gaslight School. He planned to become an accountant, someone who manages money. But then he decided to join the military instead.
Joining the Military and Family Life
Edward Fowler became a sergeant when he was only 18 years old. By 1847, he was a lieutenant. This is when he joined the 14th Regiment (New York State Militia). This army unit was mostly made up of business people, traders, and firefighters from Brooklyn.
By 1852, he was a lieutenant colonel. He married Annie Cook at a church in Fort Greene. Edward and Annie Fowler had three children together. They had two boys and one girl.
Military Career During the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Edward Fowler was the commander of the 14th Brooklyn Regiment. They were stationed in Fort Greene Park. The regiment was sent to fight in their first big battle. This was the Battle of Bull Run.
At this battle, their red pants and brave fighting earned them a special nickname. People called them the "Red-Legged Devils."
The 14th Brooklyn Regiment fought again at the Second Battle of Bull Run. This battle is also known as the Battle of Manassas. It was a very tough fight. Out of 960 men, 860 were lost. This means they were either killed, wounded, or captured.
Fowler himself was shot in the thigh. He had to recover in Alexandria, Virginia. While he was recovering, he was promoted to full colonel. He was also put in charge of the hospital there.
In January 1863, Fowler returned to active duty. He led the 14th Brooklyn in the very important Battle of Gettysburg. His regiment was part of the First Army Corps.
The 14th Brooklyn continued to fight in many more battles. These included the Battle of Mine Run, the Wilderness Campaign, and the Battle of Spotsylvania. In total, they fought in 22 military battles.
The 14th Regiment's time of service ended on March 13, 1865. On that day, Edward Fowler was given a special honor. He was made a brigadier general of United States Volunteers. This was for his brave and excellent service during the war.
Life After the War
After the war, Edward Fowler went back to Brooklyn. He lived in Fort Greene. He took on many important jobs. He was an officer at the Long Island Savings Bank. He was also the treasurer of the Atlantic & Pacific Company. He worked as an auditor for the Commercial Cable Company. An auditor checks financial records.
He was also the chief clerk for the Brooklyn Board of Audit. And he was a member of the Kings County 11th Ward Board of Supervisors.
Fowler stayed connected with the 14th Brooklyn for two more years. He helped soldiers get their pension funds. These were payments for their service. He was also very active in helping other war veterans.
Edward Fowler passed away at his home on January 16, 1896. He was 69 years old. His body was placed at Brooklyn City Hall for people to honor him. He was buried with full military honors. His grave is in Green-Wood Cemetery.
Fowler's Statue
On May 18, 1902, the City of Brooklyn honored Edward Fowler. They put up a statue of him in Fort Greene Park. The statue was made by an artist named Henry Baerer.
By the 1960s, the statue had become old and damaged. So, it was moved to storage to keep it safe. In 1976, it was put back up in a new spot. This new spot is called Fowler Square. It used to be Lafayette Square. It is located where Lafayette Avenue and Fulton Street meet Fort Greene Place.
The statue was cleaned and repaired in 2005. The square around it was also made new in 2010.
