Bowen, John W. bio

Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 687; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
John W. Bowen, a sketch of whose life now claims attention, and whose portrait will be noticed on the opposite page is a man well and favorably known throughout Joshua Township, and as every life has a history of its own, although in appearance it may seem to possess little to distinguish it from others, the reader will take interest in learning details of the business career, and private incidents connected with our subject.
Mr. Bowen was born in Franklin County, Pa., on the 20th of November, 1840, but though his natal day fell to that season of the year when nature casting off the freshness of summer, presents dreary appearance, only brightness and the sunshine of success have attended his pathway through life. Our subject’s father, David Bowen, born July 3, 1803, and his mother, Susan Bowen, who was born November 9, 1814, were natives of the State and county in which their son dates his nativity. The father’s death occurred January 4, 1848, and the mother’s on November 5, 1865. They breathed their last, and found their final resting place in this county. To them were born five children, of whom our subject is the only one living at the present writing.
Mr. Bowen came with his parents to this place in November, 1861, having for a short time previous to their arrival lived in Fairview, Ill. Before coming West the father purchased land on section 4, Joshua Township, where our subject now resides, and where by mean of industry and natural ability he is rapidly increasing his fortune through each successive year. The subject of our sketch enlisted in the late war in the month of August in 1862, with Company D, One Hundred and Third Illinois Regiment. They were in camp at Peoria for a time before marching to Boliva, Tenn. His war record is a good one, and he served his country faithfully and well for nearly three years, and at the expiration of that time was honorably discharged in July, 1865, having participated in the battles of Atlanta, Kingston, N. C., Mission Ridge, and others equally famous.
Mr. Bowen was married to Miss Anna Davis in Fairview, on October 17, 1867. She was born July 3, 1845, and is a highly cultivated and attractive lady, having done much by her devotion to her husband to assist him to his present success. To them have been born eight children, of whom those living, are as follows: Bell, born August 19, 1868; John Nelson, Janu15, 1873; Albert, June 19, 1876; Lawrence, August 6, 1878; Ida May, February 15, 1885; and Clara Alice, September 20, 1886.
The subject of our sketch owns a valuable estate, comprising two hundred and fifty acres of highly cultivated land, and in connection with his agricultural pursuits devotes much time to stock raising. A sketch of his life is a plain statement of the height to which integrity of purpose, undaunted energy, and generosity of feeling can elevate a man. He is one of the most useful citizens in this community, and one whom the people appreciate and high esteem.