Dr. Chester A. Rowell (Oct. 17, 1844 - May 9, 1912) was an American physician and politician who served as a California state senator and as mayor of Fresno. He was also a regent of the University of California. Before moving to California, Dr. Rowell was a Union soldier in the Civil War mustered in the 17th Illinois Infantry along with four of his brothers. He took part in several battles between 1861 and 1864, including the Fort Donelson, the Battle of Shiloh and the Siege of Vicksburg. In 1909 he received an overwhelming share of the vote to win the mayoral election.