(Rev.) John F. Bowen, b. 29 Sep 1860

GILLOON

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 2/21/2004 at 17:54:18

Rev. John Francis Bowen, Priest of the Catholic Church at Preston, is a young man of more than ordinary natural abilities, which he has fostered by close application to his books, and for a man of his years has certainly made remarkable progress intellectually. He is probably the youngest clergyman in the county, and from interviews with his friends and acquaintances we learn that he is accounted as one possessing an unusual proportion of mental vigor and force. He is a native of Iowa, having been born in Asbury, Dubuque Township, Sept. 29, 1860, and is the son of one of its prominent citizens, Daniel Bowen, who died in 1886, at the age of fifty-five years. The mother, Mary (Gilloon) Bowen is still living in Dubuque at the age of fifty-two. Seven of their children are living, namely: Daniel, John Francis, our subject, Peter T., a prominent business man of Dubuque, Henry, Sarah, Eliza and Frank. The parents of Father Bowen were both born in Ireland, and were both pioneers of Dubuque County.

The subject of this sketch was reared in the "Key City" and pursued his early studies in the ward schools. When a lad of ten years he entered St. Patrick's Parochial Catholic School at that place, and six years later became a day pupil of St. Joseph's College, Dubuque, which he attended more or less until completing the classical and philosophical course. From both of these he was graduated with honors and was made the valedictorian of the class of 1883. Young Bowen next entered the Grand Seminary conducted by the Sulpitian Fathers, in Montreal, Canada, of which he was a student three years. He then received sacred orders, being ordained by Bishop Hennessy of Dubuque. He was at once appointed to a charge in Sioux City to fill a vacancy, remaining there ten months, after which he was stationed at Preston, in October, 1887. His present pastorate consists of the congregations at Sabula, Greene Island, Prairie Mission or Bryant, (where a church edifice is now being built), and Preston. The combined membership in all these congregations numbers about 150 families.

The people of Preston are unanimous in their praise of Father Bowen, both as a clergyman and as a member of the community. In manner he is remarkably courteous and easy, although possessing decided views and great force of character. While pursuing his studies he was connected the the Dubuque Herald, and thus obtained the means to complete his education. He has never received any financial assistance since starting out for himself, and thus is one of the men having a full realization of what it is to depend on their own resources. Not only has he met expenses, but also has a comfortable home. He is more than ordinarily liberal in his ideas, and is entirely devoted to the duties of his calling. Rich and poor are met alike by the popular young clergyman who has a word of sympathy and encouragement for all. Personally, he is remarkably prepossessing, of medium stature, while his fine head and brilliant eye denote the superior mind and cultivated intellect. There is every prospect of his becoming in the near future a leading light in the religious world.

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