Colonel George Walton Flower was born August 5, 1830 in Theresa, the son of Nathan Moore and Mary Ann Boyle Flower. He was the brother of New York Governor Roswell P. Flower. He was involved in the mercantile business in Theresa and manufactured butter tubs and cheese boxes.
During the Civil War, he raised a company of volunteers in his native town and went into service as Captain. He was a valiant soldier and won high credit from his superiors, rising to the rank of Colonel.
He moved to Watertown in 1865, and at once took an active interest in political affairs. By 1869, when the City Charter became operative, Colonel Flower was elected the City’s first Mayor and was efficient and honorable in his official acts as Mayor. He served three one-year terms - 1869, 1870 and 1871.
During his residence in Watertown, Colonel Flower was involved in the mercantile business and later in building and railroad construction. He was a well-known figure in Watertown and enjoyed great popularity.
He was married to Mary Elizabeth Putnam and had three children: Mary Flower Robinson, Frederick Stanton Flower and George W. Flower.
Colonel Flower died of pneumonia May 4, 1881 in Manhattan at the age of 50. He is buried at Brookside Cemetery.
