Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Tombstone Tuesday - James W. Fowlie

Tombstone of James W Fowlie

This is the tombstone of James W. Fowlie at Parkers Grove Cemetery, Canton Township, Benton County, Iowa. James is a 2nd great grand uncle of mine and the son of my 3rd great grandparents George and Margaret (Cantley) Fowlie.

This is another one that I have conflicting dates for. The notes I was given say he was born 28 Oct 1839, but the tombstone says 3 Oct 1836. The 1900 Census says Oct 1939, the 1885 Iowa census says 1833 and the 1880 US census says 1830, so there is a fairly large spread of dates. It appears that James lived in Benton County with his mother and his sister Jane at least according to the 1880 and 1900 census.

The 1900 Census says he immigrated in 1861 and was a naturalized citizen. His occupation listed was "Capitalist" which apparently means he was living of off some kind of investments. At age 60, this might have been some form of retirement savings from a farm sale or something.


From IPUMS USA's page entitled, "1900 Census: Instructions to Enumerators":
163. Many a person who does not follow any occupation still has an income. In that case indicate the source of the income. Report a person whose income comes from the rent of lands or buildings as "landlord." Report a person who receives his income, or most of it, from money loaned at interest, or from stocks, bonds, or other securities, as a "capitalist."

The tombstone is transcribed as follows:
James W.
Fowlie
Born in
Aberdine
shire
Scotland
Oct 3, 1836
Died
Dec 5, 1904
Aged
68 yrs 2 mos 2 das