A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Fowell, William Newton
FOWELL. (Commander, 1839.)
William Newton Fowell, born 5 June, 1803, at Black Hall, is third son of the late Rev. John Digby Fowell, Rector of Torbrian, in Devon, by Sarah, second daughter and co-heir of Peter Knowling, Esq., of Washboume House, in the parish of Harburton, co. Devon.
This officer entered the Navy 26 March, 1819; served, as Midshipman of the Lion schooner, in action with pirates in the West Indies; and was Mate of the Pickle at the capture of the Calero slaver. Obtaining his first commission 12 Aug. 1834, he afterwards joined – 21 Nov. 1834, the President 52, flag-ship of Sir Geo. Cockburn in North America and the West Indies – 14 Feb. 1835, the Comus 18. Capt. Wm. Price Hamilton, on the same station – 15 July, 1836, the Inconstant 36, Capt. Dan. Pring, off Lisbon – and 17 Aug. 1838, as First-Lieutenant, the Niagara 20, Capt. Williams Sandom, on the lakes of Canada. By the latter officer Mr. Fowell (who on the occasion was wounded) appears to have been commended in the highest terms for his gallantry, zeal, and activity in repelling, conjointly with the troops, a rebellious attack made on the town of Prescott, and on the British territory in its vicinity, 13 Nov. 1838.[1] Ae a reward for his conduct, he was invested with the rank of Commander, 4 July, 1839; and next appointed, 3 April, 1843, to the Montreal, on Lake Erie. Since 25 July following he has been in successive command of the Mohawk and Cherokee steamers on the Canadian lakes.
Commander Fowell married, 29 May, 1841, Theana, daughter of John Holland, Esq., of Clapham Common, co. Surrey.
- ↑ Vide Gaz. 1838, p. 2975.