FOWLER

fowler, john (1826-1864), english inventor, was born at melksham, wilts, on the 11th of july 1826. he learned practical engineering at middlesborough-on-tees, and about 1850 invented a mechanical system for the drainage of land. in 1852 he began experiments in steam cultivation, and in 1858 the royal agricultural society awarded him the prize of l500 which it had offered for a steam-cultivator that should be an economic substitute for the plough or the spade. in 1860 he founded at hunslet, leeds, the firm of fowler & co., manufacturers of agricultural machinery, traction engines, &c. he died at ackworth, yorkshire, on the 4th of december 1864.