Asa B. Bowen, M.D.

HORTON, DAYTON, CLARK

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 2/21/2004 at 17:27:26

Asa B. Bowen, M.D., physician and surgeon at Maquoketa, is one of the most distinguished and successful members of the medical profession in Iowa. He has a large practice, and is the beloved physician and friend in many a household where his presence has brought healing or stayed the hand of death. He comes of fine old New England stock, on both the paternal and maternal side of the house. Richard Bowen and his wife Ann were among the early colonists of Massachusetts, coming to America in 1640, but we have no further information of these progenitors of our subject, or of their descendants until the time of his grandfather. His name was Stephen Bowen, and he was born in the old Bay State, where he was reared to the life of a farmer. He removed thence to Rhode Island, and later in life took up his residence in Connecticut. He bought a farm in Eastford, county of Windham, and there spent his last years. His son Oliver, father of our subject, was born in Rhode Island, and was but young when his parents removed to Connecticut, where he grew to man's estate, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. After marriage he engaged in the mercantile business, keeping a country store in Eastford, which he managed in connection with his farm, and besides dealt quite extensively in agricultural products. He continued to reside in Eastford until his death, which occurred in 1881. He was a man of considerable business acumen, had an active mind, and was influential in the town where most of his life has passed. His wife still resides on the home farm in Eastford, where she is held in great respect by the whole community. Her maiden name was Betsy B. Horton. She was a native of Rhehoboth, Mass., and a daughter of Philip Horton. She is the mother of eight children, seven of whom grew to maturity: Harriet L. (who is married), Stephen O., Asa B., Andrew J., Julia F., Aaron M., Jesse B., and Nancy A., who died at the age of eight years.

Asa B., the subject of this sketch, was born in Eastford, Windham Co., Conn., and received the preliminaries of his education in the local district schools. In 1861 he became a student in the Academy at Mexico, Oswego Co., N.Y., and taught several terms, continuing his studies there until 1864, when, in the month of May, with several of his fellow-students, he enlisted in the naval service, fired with the ardent patriotism of youth to assist in preserving the honor of the old flag. He was assigned to the flagship "Neptune," and sailed from Brooklyn, N.Y., to do duty in the West India convoy service, guarding merchant vessels, conveying California mail and passenger steams, running down privateers, etc. He remained in the navy until the close of the war as surgeon's assistant, and passed through many exciting scenes and thrilling experiences, and was honorably discharged with the remainder of the crew of the "Neptune" at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, in June, 1865. He then returned to Mexico and resumed the study of medicine with his preceptors, his uncle, B. E. Bowen, and G. A. Dayton. He subsequently attended lectures at the Albany Medical College, as the medical department of the Union University was styled, and was graduated from there with honors in March, 1868. In September of the same year he came to Maquoketa, and opening an office here, established himself in the practice of his profession. The years, numbering twenty, that have ensued have been busy ones for him, and he has won an enviable and well-earned reputation for skill and competence.

Dr. Bowen was married, in 1874, to Miss Minnie Clark, and to them have been born the following children: Hattie, Frances, Jesse B., Cora, Julia C., and Bruce. Mrs. Bowen is a daughter of Warren S. and Harriet Clark, and she is a native of this county. She is a consistent member of the Baptist Church.

Dr. Bowen is not only popular as a physician, but as a man and citizen, and he has many warm friendships, both with the young and old. He is a whole-souled man, with firmness, kindness, and loyalty to the the right. He keeps himself well abreast of the times in regard to his profession, and is prominently connected with the following medical associations: The American Medical Association, Iowa Medical Society, and the Jackson County Medical Society. He is one of the leading members of the G.A.R., belonging to the A.W. Dripps Post, of which he is Commander. He is also connected with the A.F. & A.M., Helion Lodge No. 36, is also a member of Bathkol Chapter, and of the Tancred Commandery No. 40. In him the Republican party finds a judicious and stanch supporter. He interests himself in the welfare of his adopted city, and is especially active in educational matters, and is at present a member of the City School Board. In 1876 he was appointed Examining Surgeon for pensions, and acted in that capacity for a period of eight years.

("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)