Page 406

 

E. L. BOWERS

 

Since locating in Taylor county in 1899, E. L. Bowers has so directed his energies along agricultural lines that today a valuable farm of three hundred and twenty acres on sections 20, 29 and 30, Marshall township, gives evidence of the success to which he has attained.  He was born in Monongahelia county, West Virginia, January 16, 1855, was there reared to farm life and acquired his education in the schools of that county.  He remained on the old home place until he came to Iowa.  He was married in Greene county, Pennsylvania, February 25, 1877, to Miss Sarah A. Russell, who was born and reared in Greene county.

 

Following his marriage Mr. Bowers located on the old homestead, which he continued to operate until 1899.  Believing that the west offered better opportunities to the farmer, he decided to make a change in his abode and accordingly located in Bedford, Iowa, in that year.  A year later he purchased his present farm of three hundred and twenty acres, on sections 20, 29 and 30, Marshall township.  After taking up his abode here, he built to and remodeled the house, erected a fine barn and granary, built fences and made many other needed improvements and the place today is lacking in none of the accessories essential to successful farming.  In addition to raising wheat, corn and oats, he also fattens three carloads of cattle and one load of hogs each year for the market.  While busily engaged in his private business, he also finds time for public interests and was prominent in the organization of the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company, of which he is a stockholder.

 

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bowers was blessed with three children: William O., who assists his father on the home farm; Dora May, the wife of William Ritchie, a resident of Nebraska; and Benjamin, who died at the age of three years.

 

Mr. Bowers is a democrat in his political belief and endorsement but he has never desired public office.  He is affiliated with the Fraternal Aid and Insurance Company, and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist church at Gravity.  He is watchful of every opportunity pointing to success and feels that he made no mistake in coming to Taylor county, for the rich soil of this district furnishes ample scope for his energies, and he is numbered among the well-to-do and substantial citizens of Marshall township.