Litchfield enquirer., 1879-04-10

strong, sturdy, common sense flavor about ms religious views, home-spun piety, making no great show, but fitted to wear we'll in all cir cumstances, and with never the least trace of 1 gloom or melancholy aboutt.
 | As to his merits, his skill and success as physician, 1 need not say very much, since you all knew him in that capacity so we'll, but if ever any mans heart was in his work, it was certainly the case with this man. Dr. Fowler was an enthusiast in his profession; he did ''with his might what his hand found to do," and he did it very well he was aware that the science of the theory and practice of med icine, like every other science, is progressive he kept abreast of it, and was awake and alert to every new improvement in the methods and instrumentalities of his art. I have no hesita- tien in affirming that he was far more than an ordinary physician thoughtful, discerning in his view of whatever case was before him independent in his judgment; prompt and res- olute to do what the exigency required, and with rare discrimination to know just what ought to be done. I am equally confident in
  opportunities and greater stimulus which city would have afforded in medical and sur gical practice he would, ill that wider field, have been eminent in his profession. As it was, he made his mark in the county and State, and was we'll known as a member, also, of the National Medical Association. How pleasant he was in the sick room, many in this and other towns need not be told. He was so hearty and cheery man, that his coming to patient was like a wholesome breeze in a murky atmosphere. The very sight of his face was as good as medicine and the sound of his voice was tonic in itself. Since "a merry heart maketh a cheerful counte- nance," so, on the other hand, such cheerful countenance as his, SO kind and benevolent would not fail to bring encouragement to many sad'and Responding soul. His gener- osity was as great as his oheerfulness. A friend has told me that he has heard Dr. Fow- Ter remark, that Eff he had no family. he would never ask a cent for his services but would devote his whole time, ability, and knowledge in doing good" 1 do pot doubt it in the least. In point of fact, he seldom, if ever, charged one half that his services were worth, nor is it too much to say, that very many people in this and neighboring commu- mites are his debtors to-day, and perhaps in some cases, could never pay the debt they owe. He was eminently disinterested, kind hearted, large-souled man his very medical prescrip- tions of themselves partook of the largeness of his nature, being always generous in quantity no one ever took the Doctors medicine and complained of the snalness of the dose! He was man of full measure every way, espec- ially in the way in which he gave himself un- stintedly for the good of others. If some one were to write a history of this town, then, in the Book of the Acts and doings of the last fifty years distinct and very special mention should be made of it's ''beloved physician" He has been an apostle of good works for two whole generations: has filled large place in it's real history. and no mans departure from this community could produce deeper sense of loss, than his has accustomed
 1 should do great injustice to his memory. did not mention few additional traits in his character before close One was his un- compromising attitude on the temperance ques- tion. His trumpet Mere gave forth no ''uncer tain sound" He was very sparing in his pre- scriptions of alcoholic stimulants in cases of sickness, except for absolute necessity; and never used them himself. Indeed, when few years since, he was very i'll, and his attending physician thought such stimulus necessary, it was with the greatest difficulty that he was persuaded to take it, although at one time, his life was thought to depend upon it. His prac- tice and his profession here corresponded He was clear-sighted enough, long ago, to see what the highest medical authorities now, al- most everywhere affirm, viz: that alcoholic stimulants in every kind and degree, are not food or uourishnent, but only poison, and like other poisons, only to be used in extreme emergencies and when he thought that other means would fail. Dr. Fowler was marked by peculiar sensitiveness I might call it pride of character, only it was a manly sort of pride, and one that did him decided honor. He did not want to be dependent up- on anybody. Who did not like him all the better for it? He, who was se kind and help full to others was nobly jealous of his own dignity, and guarded we'll his own independ- ance. Had his professional services been al ways paid at their real value, it is we'll under stood in this community that an easy compe- tence would have attended his later years, and relieved him and his, of every trace of pecuni- ary anxiety. There is such thing as magnan- imous pride entirely consistent with christian modesty, and that, think, he possessed in remarkable degree.
 Dr. Fewler's sense of humor was also a marked feature of his mind. He had store of anecdote that seemed literally inexhaustible. If anyone ever found him, or knew him, when he could not tell another ''story," it must have been on some very extraordinary occasion! and his stories were always to the point, and generally so facetious, that hearty laugh all round was the sure result. Who can tell how much good his wit, so harmless and timely, may have done his patients? have not the least question, that cure was often hastened by the Doctors storytelling, and mirth-pro- voking humor. If the medicine was bitter, the jest, or joke was sweet, and the two oper- ated in the same direction.
 He was great lever of nsusic among other things, like his brother before him, and his children have fully inherited, almost without exception, this natural love of the art, while some of them. by more thorough culture, have attained great proficiency in the sci ence and practice. The Doctor had an ear for lighter, and gayer airs, as we'll as for sacred song, and we cannot help thinking. that many a long and lonely ride by night and by day over the rugged hills, has been cheered for him, by the ''tunes" which he hummed, and the strains he has sung along the way Hap py is the man who can carry music with him wherever he goes! He has one more antidote against the evils of life, and it is treasure