Bowen, Martha (d. 1885)

BOWEN

Posted By: Becke Dawson (email)
Date: 8/6/2003 at 15:07:47

DIED - At her home on West Second Street, Friday, December 4th, in her 37th year, Martha, wife of Mr. Crom Bowen, of this city.

Mrs. Bowen was a native of St. Albans, Vermont, where she spent her girlhood days and where she met her husband when both were school children. The friendship thus formed ripened into love as the years rolled by, and fifteen years ago the young lawyer left his Western home and claimed a wife from the Green Mountain state. Since that time they have lived in Des Moines, and here she soon drew around her friends by the score who learned to love her for those qualities which make true woman so precious. Unostentatious and full of a spirit of self-denial which shrank at no trial however severe, her life was spent in quietly ministering to the needs of others. A faithful and consistent member of the Congregational CHurch, its labors came next after those of home and her cheerful presence and aid will be sadly missed in its circles. As one of her friends said yesterday, "It does seem strange that she should be taken when we needed her so badly and that so many useless ones are left." Seldom has Des Moines lost one who was more universally respected nor one whose death will be more deeply regretted. Mrs. Bowen was ill but a few days and retained full possession of her faculties until the last. With characteristic forethought she made all the plans for the funeral and when the final hour cam sank quietly and peacefully into that sleep that know no waking on earth. To the heartbroken husband and three motherless children will go out the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community and every comfort which a kindred sorrow can suggest will be given them. At her especial request the funeral will be quiet and will probably take place from the house next Monday though the date has not been definitely settled as yet.

FROM THE IOWA STATE REGISTER
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1885
MORNING EDITION