James Corbley BOWEN was born November 11, 1895, to Judson Ellsworth (J.E.) and Leona Lenora (GARARD) BOWEN of Maloy, Iowa, and Ruby Lois SMITH was born October 15, 1908, to Albert and Myrtle (AUSTIN) SMITH of Blockton, Iowa. They were united in marriage on June 21, 1923. They were the parents of twelve children: Anna Marie, James Junior (Bobby), Lenora Mae (Sally), marjorie Kathleen (Katie), Alice Lucile, Mildred Maxine (Mickey), Norma Jean, Ruby Belle, Marvin Joe, Sandra Kay, Larry Dean, and Jerry Max. They established their first home in Maloy, Iowa, where Annie, Bobby, Sally, Katie, and Alice were born. They moved to Benton, Iowa, in 1932, where the rest of their children were born. They spent the rest of their lives in Benton. James BOWEN died February 24, 1970, and Ruby BOWEN died January 5, 1972.

Anna married Elbert HALEY of Benton, and they had two daughters, Cathy Ann and Lora Lou. Cathy married Jerald SMITH, and with their two sons, Chad and Danny, now live in Germany, where Jerald is stationed with the U.S. Army. Lou married Leon BAXTER, and with their daughter, Annie Jean, live at Fort Madison, Iowa. Anna Marie died in 1968.

Bobby died at an early age.

Lee and Donna Jean. Arnie and his wife, Rita, and their children: Kelly, Duane, Kim, and Kary, live in Kansas. Donna Jean lives in St.Joseph, Missouri.

Katie married Hollis BUTLER of Benton,and they had five children. Hal Leroy and his wife, Joyce, live in Germany with their daughters, Andrea and Angela, while Hal is stationed there with the U.S. Army. Stanley Lynn and his wife, Laura, and their children, Melissa and Richard, live in Otley, Iowa. Joyce Marie married Calvin STEPHENS, and with their daughter, Katie, live in Knoxville, Iowa. Janice Jean lives in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Holly Ann is attending school. Alice married Tim JOHNSTON of Diagonal, Iowa, and they have one son, Thomas Theodore (Ted). Ted and his wife, Joan, have two sons, todd and Nicholas. They all live in Fort Madison, Iowa.

Mickey married Richard ROUTH of Clearfield, Iowa, and has three children. Richard Michael (Mike) and his wife, Ann, live in Kansas City, Missouri. Gary Joe and his wife, Julie, and their three children: Katie, Tricia, and Matthew, live in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Patricia Sue (Patty) and her husband, John PARRISH, and their children: Kimberly, Rebecca, and Lincoln, live on a farm near Clearfield. Mickey lives in Clearfield.

Jean married Jim HERRINGTON of Benton. They have two daughters, Connie Jean, who lives at home with them in Marion, Iowa, and Pamela Kim, who lives in Creston, Iowa, with her husband, Steve DENTON, and their two sons, Ryan and Todd.

Belle married Donald GRAHAM of Diagonal, Iowa, and they have two children, Steven Dean and Cynthia Colleen (Cindy). Steve and his wife, Jerri, and their two children, Jessica and Daniel, live in Benton. Cindy married Robert SCHLAPIA, and with their children: Amanda, Amy, and Adam, live in Diagonal. Don and Belle now live on a farm north of Benton.

Joe married Alice McMAINS, and they live in Fort Madison, Iowa, with their children: Michelle Leigh, Tyler James, and Ryan Cleo.

Kay married Frank HULETT of Creston, Iowa, and with their son, Frankie lee, now live in Osage Beach, Missouri.

Larry married Sharon PINKERTON of Delphos, and they have three sons: Judd Corbly, Eric Dean, and Austin Jay. They make their home in Benton.

Jerry and his wife, Verlene, live in Benton with their children: Clint BOWEN, Chellie, and Andy KNAPP.

SOURCE: 1887 - Benton, Iowa Centennial - 1987. p. 180. Courtesy of Mount Ayr Public Library, Mount Ayr IA

Transcriptions and notes by Sharon R. Becker, October of 2012

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