Milton S. Bowling

BATLEY, BINNS, BUCKLEY, BARROWS, TRACY, WILLISON, JOHNSON, COOLEY

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 2/21/2004 at 21:35:35

The homestead recognized as part of the Bowling estate comprises a well-regulated farm, under a high state of cultivation, with a large frame dwelling, a good barn, and the usual out-buildings and machinery required for the successful prosecution of agriculture. The farm is laregly devoted to live-stock - the raising, buying, feeding, and selling of cattle.

The subject of this notice is the offspring of a good family, being the son of Franklin Bowling and the grandson of James Bowling; the latter a native of Stafford County, Va., where he married Miss Elizabeth Batley, who was born in the same State. They continued to live there until after the birth of their three eldest children. Thence they removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, where eight more children were added to the family circle, and where the grandparents spent their last days. Grandfather Bowling did good service as a soldier in the War of 1812.

Franklin Bowling, the father of our subject, was the eldest child of his parents, and was born in Virginia in 1800. He emigrated to Iowa about 1841, settling first in the vicinity of what is now Iowa City, but later removed to Dubuque. He was married in Farmers' Creek Township, Oct. 2, 1848, to Miss Sarah J., daughter of William and Elizabeth (Buckley) Binns. The mother of our subjest was born in Lincolnshire, England. Her parents emigrated to Canada when she was a mere child, and lived there until their death. They were members of the Church of England. Grandfather Binns passed away in 1848, having outlived his wife five years - her death occuring in 1843.

Mrs. Sarah J. Bowling came to this county in 1846, where she still lives. Franklin Bowling was a carpenter and cooper by trade, at which most of his time was spent. They lived in Dubuque two years after their marriage, then removed to the farm now occupied by our subject and his mother. When they removed onto it, it was a tract of wild, uncultivated land, and here Mr. Bowling spent the remainder of his days, his death taking place May 16, 1876, at the age of sixty-two years. He was one of the pillars of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He left to his family a farm of 120 acres, with moderate improvements, and to which our subject has largely added. To the parents of our subject there were born six children, viz.: Elizabeth A., Mrs. Alford Barrows, a resident of Nashville, this county; James H.; Milton S., our subject; Samantha J., Mrs. H.M. Tracy; Martha; and Nettie, Mrs. George W. Willison, of Farmers' Creek Township.

Miss Clara J. Johnson became the wife of our subject, Aug. 22, 1877, the wedding taking place at the bride's home, in Brandon Township. She is the daughter of James and Eunice (Cooley) Johnson, who are still living. Of this union there have been born the following children: Clara J., Isaac, and William E.

Hugh M. Tracy, who married Miss Samantha Bowling, was born in Brandon Township, this county, in 1858, and is the son of H.F. Tracy, one of the worthiest pioneers of this county. He spent his boyhood and youth at the homestead, receiving careful parental training, and a practical education in the common schools. Upon reaching manhood he was married, July 13, 1879, to Miss Bowling, and in the autumn following they removed to the farm where they now live, and which is pleasantly located on section 30, in Farmers' Creek Township.

Mr. Tracy has 100 acres of land, which has been brought to a high state of cultivation, largely by his own industry. There was a large area of timber, the greater part of which has been cleared away, and the soil, under careful cultivation, yields in abundance the richest crops in Iowa. He is one of the most highly respected citizens of his township, and is now serving his sixth year as its Trustee. In political matters he affiliates with the Democratic party. To him and his excellent wife there have been born three bright children, viz.: Elsa M., Alva E., and Florence P.

The parents of Mr. Tracy were natives of Ohio, and are now residents of Brandon Township. They were people who represented the best phases of the pioneer element in this section, and by their thrift and industry secured for themselves a good position, socially and financially. Our subject, Milton S. Bowling, has two children, Isaac Merdella and Lillie May.

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