Charles-G_-Fowler-85082

Obituary

Charles C. Fowler, 78, for many years engaged in the real estate and abstracting business in this city ended his life by shooting himself in a shed. Charles C. Fowler, 78, deputy county auditor for 32 years and a prominent Burlington realtor and abstractor, was found dead in a shed at the rear of his residence, 705 Summer street, by Miss Lucille Wood, an employe of the Fowler household, at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Mr. Fowler had been in ill health for two years and his condition had failed so rapidly during the past year that he was under the constant care of a physician. He left his office yesterday afternoon about 1:30 leaving a note for his stenographer, Miss Helen Dodds, that he was going to the courthouse which is just across the street from his offices. When he did not return, Miss Dodds telephoned the courthouse and learned that he had not been there. She telephoned the house but received no answer. He also had made an appointment with his physician yesterday, which he failed to keep. Despite the fact that he was suffering from brights disease and heart trouble he continued his work and many of his friends and acquaintances were unaware of his condition. He was born at Pittsburgh, Pa., Aug. 18, 1853, and graduated with an engineering degree from the Pennsylvania Military college in 1871, coming directly to Burlington. Mr. Fowler entered the office of the county auditor immediately on his arrival here, serving as deputy. He was known as one of the best-informed men in the middle west on matters concerning property rights and realty questions. Not long after Mr. Fowler became a county employe, the courthouse fire occurred, and he was responsible for saving many valuable records. During his many years at the courthouse, he instituted systems which are still in use today, not only in Des Moines County, but in other court houses throughout the state. Being unusually well informed on matters of real estate, Mr. Fowler's opinion was often sought in such matters. Mr. Fowler left the auditor's office in 1903 to open a real estate and abstract office across the street from the courthouse, where he had continued in business ever since. He had been a member of the inheritance tax board for many years, and he was credited with being the best-informed men in Des Moines County on real estate values. Mr. Fowler married Miss Cornie Parsons of Burlington here, Dec. 9, 1879. Mrs. Fowler survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Mrs. Harry N. Goodell of Kansas City; one son, Albert W. Fowler of Chicago; two sisters, Mrs. John R. Wightmen and Miss Mary Fowler of Pittsburgh; a brother, William P. Fowler of Braddock, Pa.; one grandson, John Fowler, who is a student at Iowa State college at Ames and one granddaughter, Beverly Goodell of Kansas City. The daughter, Mrs. Goodell, arrived from Kansas City early this morning. Arrangements for funeral services were being made last night but will not be completed until today. The body was removed to Prugh's chapel where it will remain until plans for funeral services can be competed. Mrs. Fowler who was attending a luncheon of the What-So-Ever circle of the King's Daughters at the home of Mrs. Cyrus J. Schenck, 410 South Garfield Avenue, was prostrated with grief when she returned home and found her husband dead and is under the care of a physician.