William Stephen Gowin (1927)

GOWIN, GOWEN, GABBERT, BILLINGS, BALES

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 2/15/2011 at 16:40:22

Winterset Madisonian – August 18, 1927
Pg 2

William Gowen was born April 13, 1847, in Ripley county, Indiana. His father died, leaving him the care of the family at the age of fourteen. In the year 1872 he decided to try a new country, coming to the Fairview community at the age of twenty-six. One year later he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Elizabeth Gabbert, daughter of Mary and Jacob Gabbert, pioneer settlers of the community. Ten children came to bless this union, three of whom died in infancy. Seven are still living: James, Portland, Oregon; Rev. Chas S., Bristow, Iowa; Bertha Gowen Billings, Des Moines; Mrs. Jennie Gowen Bales, DeSoto; Arthur, Clarence and Dean, Des Moines. The wife, seven children, eleven grandchildren, many other relatives, together with a host of friends in every community where he has lived, remain to suffer the loss of a husband, father, and friend. He was converted and joined the Fairview Methodist Episcopal church soon after his marriage and has remained in that relation ever since. At his death his membership was held at the Capital Park Methodist Episcopal church in Des Moines.

He lived in the immediate neighborhood of Fairview for twenty-three years, when he moved with his family to Dexter, where he made his home until five years ago when he moved to Des Moines to make a home for the two youngest sons. Finally, after a severe sickness, he departed this life, August 10th, at his home, 1351 E. 18th street, Des Moines, at the age of 80 years, 3 months, and 28 days.

The funeral services were held at the home and at the Fairview Methodist church, Friday afternoon, at 2:30, in charge of the pastor, Rev. James Walls.

Transcriber's note: Transcribed as published in the Madisonian. Last name is "Gowin".

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