BOWERMASTER, John Eldon - 1912 Bio (1854-1939)

BOWERMASTER, PYLE, GOW, ROBERTS, COOPER, ALLUM, DOUGLAS, SCHLIEF, HIATT, JONES, COX, STEWART

Posted By: Debbie Nash (email)
Date: 10/20/2003 at 20:51:50

From the History of Jefferson County - 1912, Volume II
Pages 324-326

J. E. BOWERMASTER

“J. E. BOWERMASTER, whose record in public office as in private life has at all times been progressive and commendable, is now conducting a substantial business as a contractor and builder of Fairfield. He was born in Clinton county, Ohio, February 21, 1854, a son of Frederick A. and Amanda (PYLE) BOWERMASTER, both of whom were natives of Clinton county, Ohio. The mother died when the subject of this review was but three years old. The father, who was born February 15, 1825, came to Iowa in 1858, living in Henry county until 1867, when he removed to Jefferson county where his death occurred June 6, 1909. He had followed blacksmithing in Ohio and engaged in merchandising in Henry county and devoted his life to farming in Jefferson county. By his first marriage he had two children: Mary E., who in 1874 became the wife of J. C. GOW and is now deceased; and J. E., of this review. Having lost his first wife, Frederick BOWERMASTER was married to Miss Mary C. ROBERTS and they became the parents of four sons and three daughters: O. R., a resident of Wyoming; J. W., living in Fairfield; Henry L., who also makes his home in Wyoming; Homer L., of Fairfield; Dora, the wife of F. S. COOPER, of Fairfield; Annie, who became the wife of James ALLUM, but both died in Jasper county; and Nellie, the wife of Milton DOUGLAS, a farmer of Jefferson county.

J. E. BOWERMASTER was a youth of thirteen years when he came with his father to this county within the borders of which he has since made his home. He was reared to farm life and followed that occupation until thirty years ago, when he turned his attention to the carpenter’s trade and has since been engaged in carpentering and contracting in Fairfield. Because of his thorough workmanship and reliable business methods he has been accorded an extensive patronage and now has his two sons, James H. and Peter E., associated with him in a partnership under the firm name of J. E. BOWERMASTER & Sons, this business relation having been maintained five or six years. They have erected a number of the best buildings of Fairfield and the surrounding district, representing modern styles of architecture, and their work has at all times been satisfactory.

Mr. BOWERMASTER has been married twice. On the 3d of February, 1876, he wedded Maggie GOW, who was born in this county May 18, 1854, and is a daughter of Peter and Jeanette GOW, who were born, reared and married in Scotland. Their last days, however, were spent in Fairfield. Unto J. E. and Maggie BOWERMASTER there were born six children: James H., who is now in partnership with his father; Harvey C., a barber of Fairfield; Annie M., who was a twin sister of Harvey and is now the deceased wife of William SCHLIEF; Peter E., who is in partnership with his father; John F., a clerk in the Fairfield postoffice; and Charles F., at home. Following the loss of his first wife Mr. BOWERMASTER was married on the 13th of October, 1892, to Mrs. Mary (HIATT) JONES, who was born in this county March 30, 1855, and is a daughter of Enoch and Edith (COX) HIATT. By her first marriage with Andrew JONES she had one child, Bessie May, now the wife of T. R. STEWART, of Fairfield. Mr. and Mrs. BOWERMASTER now have an adopted daughter, Pauline. In this city where they have long resided their circle of friends is extensive and the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them. They hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. BOWERMASTER also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political allegiance has been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he has been called to several offices, serving as assessor of Center township, while for two terms he was county recorder, filling the position from the 1st of January, 1907, until the 1st of January, 1911. Over his official record there falls no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil, and he has made an equally creditable name in business circles by his fidelity to duty and his reliability. Having thoroughly mastered the trade he is able to direct the labors of those in his employ and his work has not only been satisfactory to his patrons but is also a source of improvement in the town and county.”

I am copying this for genealogical purposes and am not related to said individuals.