Isaac Vanderbeck Fowler

Isaac Fowler

Isaac Vanderbeck Fowler (August 20, 1818 – September 29, 1869) was thrice the Grand Sachem of the Tammany Society, better known as Tammany Hall, from 1848–1850, 1857–1858, and 1858–1859, the last term shared with William M. "Boss" Tweed. He was appointed Postmaster of New York City by President Franklin Pierce on April 1, 1853 and was also a delegate from New York to the 1860 Democratic National Convention.

Fowler was an unusual leader of the Tammany Society as he was a college graduate. He also moved in the better social circles, and convinced a number of rich young men to join the organization.

Biography

He was born on August 20, 1818.

However, Fowler had long lived beyond his means, and on May 10, 1860 was removed from his office as Postmaster and a warrant was issued for his arrest, accusing him of embezzling $155,554.

Warned by his political friends of the charges leveled against him, Fowler eluded capture and traveled to Mexico and Cuba. On July 5, 1866, the District Attorney filed a nolle prosequi, saying that he no longer intended to prosecute Fowler for his misdeeds. Some time after that, Fowler returned to the United States.

Fowler died on September 29, 1869 in Chicago, Illinois, and was at the time planning to return to New York City.

References

• Gustavus Myers, "The History of Tammany Hall", 1901, pp. 229, 232-233
• E. J. Edwards, "Tammany: Early Spoilsment and the Reign of the Plug-Uglies", from McClure's Magazine, Vol. IV (Dec. 1894- May. 1895) pp. 574–575
• Isaac V. Fowler's obituary from The New York Times, Oct. 1, 1869
• "New-York's Postmasters Since 1687" from the New York Times, Oct. 18, 1896