Thomas, Jennie (Bowles) 1859-1941

THOMAS, BOWLES, ELYCK, CORLETTE

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 8/22/2024 at 15:36:32

Funeral arrangements for Miss Jennie Bowles are pending the arrival of the body from Turlock, Calif. Sunday afternoon. Burial will be in the family lot in the City cemetery.

Miss Bowles, a former resident of Monona, died April 28 at the age of 81 years. In 1879 she moved from Monona to Rockwell, moving from there to St. Louis, Mo., and later to Turlock, Calif.

She leaves three sisters, Lou and Verne Bowles of Turlock,, and Mrs. William Pen Elyck of Delhi, Calif., and one brother M.C. Bowles of Santa Monica, Calif. Members of the Mrs. Maude Wilson and Killen families are cousins of Miss Bowles.

~Monona Leader, Thursday, May 8, 1941; pg 4
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Monona, Ia. - Funeral services for Mrs. Jennie Thomas, 81, who died at the home of her sisters, Vern and Lou Bowles, in Turlock, Calif., were held here Monday. The Rev. H.W. Farnham, Methodist pastor, officiated at the burial services in City Cemetery.

Mrs. Thomas was born near Luana on Dec. 6, 1859, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Bowles. In 1879 she moved with her parents to Rockwell and in 1885 she went to St. Louis where she was married to the Rev. Benjamin F. Thomas. She continued to live in St. Louis until 10 years ago when she moved to California. Survivors include three sisters and one brother.

~Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, May 13, 1941; pg 12
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Funeral services for Mrs. Jennie Bowles Thomas, 81, who died April 28 at Turlock, Calif., were held at the Schultz Funeral home and the City cemetery Monday morning with Rev. Harley W. Farnham officiating.

Mrs. Thomas was born in a country home in northeast Iowa, Dec. 6, 1859. Her father, David D. Bowles, was a charter member of the Methodist church of Monona and was one of the early class leaders.

She moved to Rockwell in 1879 and to St. Louis, Mo., about 1885, where she was an active member of the Union Methodist church for many years.

She was elected secretary of the first Business Woman's club organized in St. Louis. Upon the group's request, she opened a restaurant, known as the Woman's Noonday club, for them. Later she owned it and managed it until she was married.

She is a widow of the late Rev. Benjamin F. Thomas, a minister of the Methodist church.

She was teacher of the woman's Bible class in her church, was president of the local auxiliary of the Woman's Foreign Missionary society, and for 15 years was president of the Woman's Foreign Missionary society of the St. Louis district.

She was a member of the D.A.R. and was one of the founders of the Daughters of American Colonists. Her grandfather, Thomas C. Bowles, served in the War of 1812. Her name is inscribed on a bronze tablet in St. Louis.

A few years ago she retired and went to California to make her home with her sisters, Mrs. W.C. Pen Eyck of Delhi, Calif., and Misses Loui and Verne Bowles of Turlock, Calif., at whose home she died. A brother, N.C. Bowles of Santa Monica, Calif., also survives.

Her mother was Nancy Hall, and aunt of Mrs. Maude Hall Wilson, Mrs. Bernice Corlette Bernard of Clarion, and Glenn Corlette of Linton, Ind.

Pall bearers were: H.H. Smith, Dr. G.W. Tapper, W.B. Wiethorn, and H.S. Rittenhouse. Those from out of town attending the funeral were: Misses Lou and Verne Bowles of Turlock, Calif., Mrs. Ransom Bernard of Clarion, and Miss Susan Chapman of Luana.

~Monona Leader, Thursday, May 15, 1941; pg 6