Frederick M Stowell

STOWELL

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/20/2009 at 01:33:35

Frederick M Stowell for only a comparatively brief period was Frederick Mason Stowell a resident of Boone, but few men have ever occupied a more honorable or honored position in public regard than he, both because of his upright life and his activity and enterprise in business affairs. It was therefore natural that at the time of his death Boone county mourned the loss of one of its valued men--a man whose history forms no unimportant chapter in the annals of this city.
Mr Stowell was born in Davis Junction, near Rockford, Illinois, on September 25, 1851, and was one of eight children whose parents were Daniel and Eliza J Stowell. His mother died when he was only six years of age, after which his father married again and by the second union had five children. Mr Stowell of this review spent his boyhood days near his childhood’s home and attended the county schools, but at length put aside his text books in order to provide for his livelihood and form that time until his death was dependent upon his own resources. He deserved great credit for what he accomplished, for his course was ever straightforward, self reliant and enterprising. He went to Miller, South Dakota, and there he secured a homestead claim locating thereon until he had secured a clear title. In its cultivation he manifested energy and diligence and the value of land was thereby greatly increased so that he afterward sold at a good profit. His first investment therefore proved a successful one. In 1883 he disposed of his realty interests in that state and came to Iowa settling in Ida county, where for several years he engaged in agricultural pursuits. Later on he too up his abode in Parkersburg, Butler county. This was the year 1892 and throughout his remaining days he was a factor n mercantile circles, establishing a furniture store in Butler. He successfully conducted this enterprise until July 1896, when desiring a broader field of labor he came to Boone and afterward organized the firm of F M Stowell & Company. Gradually his trade increased here until his business was equal if not superior to any furniture enterprise of central Iowa. Mr Stowell possessed qualifications essential to the successful merchant, a kindliness and courtesy of manner, combined with deference for the opinions of others, and his earnest desire to please were essential factors in his prosperity. Moreover, he sustained an unassailable reputation for honesty and the growth of the house therefore continued steadily until the business had reached extensive and profitable proportions. Mr Stowell did not confine his efforts alone to this line, however, but made judicious investments in realty, mining stocks and plantation stocks which returned to him a good income.
While residing in Ida county, on March 26, 1889. Mr Stowell was united in marriage to Miss Zilpha McCreery, of Rock Island, Illinois a daughter of Robert D and Marian G McGreery. She was the fourth in order of birth in a family of eight children, and by her marriage she has become the mother of five children: Lyle, Harold, Paul, Robert, and Marian, all of whom are still with the mother and are a great comfort to her in her bereavement.
Fraternally Mr Stowell was connected with the Masonic order, with the Knights of Pythias, with the Modern Woodmen of the World and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his life was in harmony with the benevolent principles of these organizations. He took a deep interest in the welfare and progress of his adopted city and was generous and liberal in his contributions to measures for the general good. He was the president of an organization known as the Boone Business Men’s Association , which flourished under his direction and proved of benefit to the city. At the time of his death he was president of the Iowa State Association of Funeral Directors, having been elected to the position after two years of capable service as vice-president. His business associates speak of him in terms of highest commendation and praise. He passed away in march 1902, and his death was deeply mourned by all who know him.

1902 Boone County History Book