Memorable Manitobans: James Robert Gowler (1858-1920)

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James Robert Gowler
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Grocer, municipal official.

Born at Headingley on 19 June 1858, son of Oliver Gowler and Mary Braybrook Gowler, he was educated at Headingley. He came to Winnipeg in 1880 and commenced a grocery business in 1886, from which he retired in 1917. He spent his retirement managing farms which he owned. He served as a Winnipeg City Alderman from 1906 to 1912.

In 1879, he married Margaret McLennan (1861-1929) of Headingley. They had two sons and four daughters. He was a member of the Canadian Order of Foresters, Liberal party, and Methodist church. An avid curler, he was President of the Thistle Curling Club (1905-1906).

He died at his Winnipeg residence on 19 December 1920, and was buried in the Elmwood Cemetery.

Sources:

Who’s Who in Western Canada: A Biographical Dictionary of Notable Living Men and Women of Western Canada, Volume 1, edited by C. W. Parker, Vancouver: Canadian Press Association, 1911.

“J. R. Gowler Is death victim,” newspaper clipping. [Manitoba Legislative Library, Biographical Scrapbook B7]

“Ex-Ald. Gowler’s death due to heart disease,” Winnipeg Free Press, 21 December 1920, page 7.

Death registration, Manitoba Vital Statistics.

Death registration [Margaret Gowler], Manitoba Vital Statistics.

We thank Rick Mutton for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 26 April 2022

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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