The following info provided by Viola Lawrence, a direct descendant of Alexander Fowler:
"Alexander was sort of a "professional soldier" because of his previous involement in the Mexican War. He entered service NY, 1844, 25 years old, and was discharged as a sergeant. He had his thumb (right hand) entirely torn off, at Fort Conception Vera Cruz Mexico, August 1847, while scaling cannon by order of Lt. Colonel Miles U.S., commanding officer. While priming cannon with a powder horn, his right thumb was torn off by the explosion of the powder in the horn (the sergeant was a novice at artillery). He enlisted in Indiana April 1861, promoted to Major October 1861 and made Colonel in 1862. On the widow's pension declaration says he was discharged Savannah, GA in December 1865. Alexander Fowler was a Colonel in the Civil War, served in the 99th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company F. He is buried at Hazelwood Cemetery, Springfield, Greene Co., MO. From 12-28-1907 Grand Army of the Republic honoring Colonel Alexander Fowler (provided by Greene County Historical Society: "Colonel Fowler has an interesting military history. He was made a Captain in the First U.S. Infantry in the war with Mexico [March 9-29, 1847]. While a Sergeant of Co. F, First Regiment of U.S. Infantry, his right thumb was blown off at Fort Conception Vera Cruz, Mexico. He took an important part in all the campaigns that brought the persistent Santa Ana to terms with the U.S. He was wounded in the right hand, on account of which he drew a pension of $8 a month. After the Mexican War he returned to Indiana and married. He was a shrewd, active man during his lifetime. He began life when a young man as a soldier in the army. He took part in all the campaigns until Mexico was subdued. He then returned to peaceful pursuits at South Bend Indiana and prospered until the breaking out of the late Civil War, when he offered his services to his country again. He was made, thru successive promotions, Colonel of the 99th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. In this capacity he distinguished himself in all the campaigns of the Army of the Cumberland, serving from '61 to '65 in the forefronts of battle, giving the best of his prime manhood to his country [two events were the Siege of Vicksburg and the Battle of Chattanooga]. When the Civil War was closed he returned to peaceful pursuits meeting success and reverses in the cotton business in the south, the lumber business and farming. At one time he owned a farm of 1,000 acres, near Fort Scott, KS. This he has divided among the children who survive him. Colonel Fowler came to Springfield several years ago, acquired several interests and has lived a quiet retired life. He was very interesting and had a remarkable memory of the great events he had taken part in and witnessed. He had met and was personally acquainted with the matchless leaders of that trying ordeal, that has made so many men famous. Colonel Fowler had many friends in Springfield, who held him in the highest esteem. He was born June 6, 1822 in Licking Co., OH."

American Civil War Soldiers, ancestry.com:
Name: Alexander Fowler ,
Residence: South Bend, Indiana
Enlistment Date: 24 April 1861
Distinguished Service: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Side Served: Union
State Served: Indiana
Unit Numbers: 564 564 657 657
Service Record: Enlisted as a Captain on 24 April 1861 Commission in Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment Indiana Union on 14 June 1861. Transfered on 21 October 1861 from company B to company S Promoted to Full Major on 21 October 1861 Promoted to Full Colonel on 28 October 1862 effective 31 October 1862 (As of 99th IN Inf) Discharged for promotion Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment Indiana Union on 28 October 1862 Commission in Company S, 99th Infantry Regiment Indiana Union on 31 October 1862. Mustered out Company S, 99th Infantry Regiment Indiana Union on 22 December 1864
Sources: 76, 50

Per 1870 U.S. Federal census Alexander Fowler is living in Fort Scott Ward 3, Bourbon, KS, born abt 1822 Ohio Head Married Lumber Dealer, spouse name Julia A.

Per 1880 U.S. Federal census Alexander Fowler is living in Franklin, Bourbon, Kansas, born abt 1822 Ohio Head Married Farmer, spouse name Lucinda, both parents born NY

Per 1900 U.S. Federal census Alexander Fowler is living in Franklin, Bourbon, Kansas, born June 1822 Ohio Head Married Farmer, spouse name Mary, both parents born NY [census states Alexander has been married 11 years]