Robert T. Chown

CHOWN

Posted By: J. Kevan Chown (email)
Date: 9/14/2007 at 09:44:40

Robert “Bob” Taft Chown, born November 21, 1908 to Lewis D. and Elizabeth A. (Meyers) Chown of Nichols, Iowa. His father passed away on October 20, 1920, when Bob was eleven. Early in life he demonstrated an understanding of enterprise. He had many part time jobs, including chauffeuring Doc Muench, working on the thrashing crew, and driving a truck for Jim Poole- who later developed Poole Transport in Muscatine.

In the late 1920’s he bought a gas station that was located at the west end of Ijem Avenue in Nichols from a Mr. Black. His brother Louis “Peanut” Chown joined Chown Motor Co. as a partner early in the development of the business. The two brothers had a service station, sold Chevrolet Autos and Goodyear Tires, and delivered Skelgas (propane). At the same time they also cultivated the farm and managed livestock for their mother. Bob started ABC Appliances, which was a travel trailer he converted into a show room. By appointment he would drive the trailer to a residence and demonstrate a clothes washing machine that was powered by a gasoline engine. After their mother’s death in 1948 the two brothers dissolved their partnership of Chown Motor Co and the farming operation. The gas station and auto repair part of the business was sold to Max Hanif. Chown Appliance was established, a business that is still operated in Nichols today by Max Chown.

December 29, 1932 at Rock Island, Ill Robert “Bob” Chown wed Doris L. Poole. Doris was born December 29, 1914 in Nichols, Iowa, the daughter of Fred F. and Hazel F. (Bixby) Poole.
Bob and Doris had seven children {Fred L. “Pete” Chown, August 8, 1933; Karen L. “Kay” (Chown) Cline February 3, 1935; Glenn Robert Chown December 21, 1935 deceased April 16, 1940; James C. Chown October 31, 1940; Max D. Chown February 8, 1948; Dana L. Chown June 3, 1953 and J. Kevan Chown March 2, 1955} and twenty-one grandchildren.

Doris and Bob enjoyed traveling the lower 48 states, along with trips to Canada, Hawaii and Mexico. They built a cottage on Lake Odessa where many fun weekends were spent with their children and grandchildren. They enjoyed the Washita Mountains around Hot Springs, Arkansas so much they bought a vacation home for retirement at Joplin, Arkansas.

Doris was very involved with the Nichols Christian Church, Christian Woman Federation, Eastern Star, Rebekah, and the Democratic Party. She was involved in most of her children’s activities, such as 4-H, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and chauffeuring the ball teams. She was also a very accomplished vocalist, and enjoyed baking and decorating wedding cakes and festive candies. Doris passed away of cancer on November 18, 1976 after a lengthy illness.

Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, picnicking, bowling and cards with friends and family. He was a Volunteer Fireman, a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Nichols, the Nichols Gun Club, Masonic Temple, Masons and served on the Nichols School Board. He passed away May 25, 1977 in Arkansas on a fishing vacation.
They both are still deeply missed.
The biography was contributed by all six surviving children and posted by Kevan Chown