Born in Lebanon, Connecticut, Fowler pursued classical studies and attended Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts.
He graduated from Yale College in 1814.
He studied theology and pursued extensive missionary work in the Valley of the Mississippi.
Finally settled as a minister in Plainfield, Connecticut, in 1820.
He moved to Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1829, where he was installed as pastor of the Congregational Church in 1831.
Wrote a history of Fall River in 1841.
He served in the State senate in 1848.