JOHN FLOWER was born in England, August 7, 1818, and died at his home near Waco, November 19, 1890. The family came to America and settled in New York in 1840, afterwards in Madison county, Ill. It was here that John was converted. At the age of 24, he, with his sister, Hannah Flower, were baptized in Silver creek, Madison county, Ill. Soon afterward he was married to Miss Nancy Renfro. Bro. Fowler first settled in Texas, near Hillsboro, where he lost his first wife. He was the first sheriff of Hill county, afterward county surveyor of that county. He was married the second time to Mrs. Almorinda (Bennett) Moore. After a happy union of about 18 years, death claimed this companion. Nearly five years later, he was married to Miss Merritt, who also died soon afterward. Bro. Fowler was a devoted companion and father, a true Christian and patriot. It was the rule of his life to hold family worship every night before retiring. His Christian children remember this habit of their father with much joy.
Source: J. L. Walker and C. P. Lumpkin, History of the Waco Baptist Association of Texas (Waco: Byrne-Hill Printing House, 1897), p. 323.