J. W. ROWELL, D. D. S.

Dr. J. W. Rowell, a most active and successful practitioner of dentistry in Leon, who has been identified with the profession here since December, 1882, is a native son of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Union county, January 8,, 1864. His parents, N. W. and Anna E. (Ownby) Rowell, were pioneers of Decatur county, both having been brought here in their childhood days. The father was born in Ohio but came to Iowa with his parents when but a boy. He studied law in the University of Ohio, at Athens, and was admitted to practice in the early ‘60s. He has become prominent in the legal profession and at one time served as county judge of Decatur county, while for two terms he was a member of the general assembly. Although he is now in his seventy-ninth year, he is still actively engaged in practice at Afton, in Union county, this state. He is a republican in his political belief and a Methodist in religious faith. His wife, who is a native of Virginia, is also identified with the Methodist church, and both are highly respected in their community.

D. J. W. Rowell was reared in Union county and at the usual age entered the public schools. He supplemented the education there acquired by a year’s study in Simpson College, at Indianola, Iowa, and having decided upon the dental profession as a life work, he entered the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania, graduating therefrom with the class of 1888. He at once opened an office in Leon and in the years that have since come and gone he has built up a splendid clientage. His office, which is now located in the Exchange National Bank building, is equipped with the most modern appliances known to the dental fraternity and his practice has grown to such an extent that he now employs an assistant. The doctor has demonstrated his ability in a profession which demands not only scientific knowledge but also mechanical skill and ability.

Dr. Rowell was married to Miss Grace Curry, who was born and reared in eon and who is a daughter of E. W. Curry. Her father, who was a prominent attorney of this city, also took a very active part in politics as an adherent of the democratic party, being well known in political circles throughout the state. At the time of his death, in 1896, he was serving as a member of the democratic state central committee. His widow survives and makes her home in Leon. Their daughter, Mrs. Rowell, was accorded liberal educational advantages, having pursued a course of study in the Ladies Seminary at Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. and Mrs. Rowell have one son, Edgar, who is a high-school student.

Dr. Rowell is a republican in his political views and affiliations and in religious belief he is a Methodist, but he and his wife belonging to the church of that denomination in Leon. He is likewise prominent in Masonic circles and belongs to the Shrine at Davenport. He is also a member of the State and National Dental Associations and in 1914 served as president of the Corning District Dental Society. He has ever held to high ideals in his professional service and his ability places him in a prominent position among Iowa’s dentists.