For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 275
LOUIS D. CHOWN. Louis D. Chown, who owns a valuable farm in Pikes township, Muscatine county, and also other property, was born in Zanesville, Ohio, May 17, 1856. He comes of worthy English parentage being the son of John and Eliza ( Aplin ) Chown, both of whom were born in England. They came to America in 1852 after their marriage and after living four years in Ohio were attracted to Muscatine county, Iowa, Mr. Chown entering the employ of John Barnard, of Bloomington township, with whom he continued for several years. Being an industrious and economical man of good habits, he accumulated sufficient capital to purchase eighty acres of land in Lake township, which he cultivated until his retirement from active work. After spending several years with his children he removed to Columbus Junction, Iowa, where he died February 17, 1904. He was very successful as a farmer and became a prosperous landowner, giving to each of his four children a farm of one hundred and sixty acres or its equivalent. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Chown, three of whom are now living: George, a farmer of Columbus Junction; Mary, the wife of William H. Foster, of Muscatine, Iowa; and Louis D., our subject.Coming with his parents to Muscatine county quite early in life, Louis D. Chown received his education in the public schools and was taught by his father the importance and value of applying himself diligently to everything that demanded his attention. At nineteen years of age, being desirous of seeing the world, he went west and was absent for ten years, during which time he engaged in farming and railroad work. Returning to Muscatine county he rented the family homestead for four years, then taking charge of one hundred and sixty acres which his father had purchased and which later was deeded to the son. Under his management the land became highly productive and is now one of the best improved farms in Pike township, every acre having been brought to a high state of cultivation except eleven acres which are in timber. Mr. Chown also owns a handsome residence in Nichols and other property. As a farmer and stock-raiser he has met with a goodly measure of prosperity, being also successful in the line of business to which he has applied himself and is known as one of the responsible citizens of the county.
On January 6, 1886, Mr. Chown was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth A. Meyers, who was born in Muscatine county, May 19, 1865, and is a daughter of Henry and Mary ( Meyers ) Meyers, both natives of Germany. The parents came to America in early life and made their home in St. Louis, Missouri, subsequently coming to Muscatine, Iowa. Mr. Meyers purchased a farm in Lake township, Muscatine county, upon which he lived until the death of his wife, June 27, 1894. He departed this life in September, 1898. There were nine children in their family, one of whom died in infancy, the others being: Mary, the wife of George Chown, of Columbus Junction; Henry, who now lives on the farm of our subject; William, of Audubon county, Iowa; Charlie, who died at the age of two years; Louis, of North Dakota; Elizabeth A., now Mrs. Chown; Jessie, of Muscatine county; and Alice, now Mrs. George Chown, of Muscatine county. Three children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chown: John William, who was born July 8, 1887, and is now living in Nichols; Louis W., born December 4, 1904; and Robert Taft, born November 21, 1908.
Mr. Chown is a valued member of the Congregational church and politically is a supporter of the republican party. He has not been a seeker of political honors but for four years has held the office of road supervisor. Fraternally he is identified with Camp No. 644, M. W. A., and Nichols Lodge No.664, I. O. O. F., both of Nichols. He has from his earliest recollection been closely identified with the interests of this county and is recognized as a public-spirited citizen, ever willing to assist in forwarding any enterprise that aims to promote the welfare of the community. He is well known socially, having the regard of a wide circle of friends in Muscatine county.
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