Charles L. Bowen, was a distinguished figure in Bridgewater Township, Williams County, celebrated for his contributions to agriculture and the community. As the steward of the Bowen homestead, he was pivotal in upholding the county’s agricultural prestige through his dedication to raising Shorthorn cattle and breeding Poland China hogs. Beyond his farming endeavors, Bowen’s impact extended into local business as a director of the Montpelier National Bank, illustrating his multifaceted influence. His legacy is also marked by a strong family foundation and active participation in the Methodist Episcopal Church, embodying a life committed to service, family, and community values.
Charles L. Bowen. — The agricultural importance of Williams County has long been recognized, and at the present time, when farm production is one of the urgent needs of the nation, there are experienced and progressive men in this line of work who are fully maintaining the county’s old prestige. One of these, who is a foremost citizen of Bridgewater Township, is Charles L. Bowen, a prosperous farmer and stockman, who owns the old Bowen homestead, situated three miles north of Montpelier.
Mr. Bowen’s ancestors came to Ohio at a very early day and both his parents, Robert and Rebecca (Cline) Bowen, were born in Richland County. They were reared and married there, then moved to Williams County and spent their last years at Montpelier. They were active members of the United Brethren Church. The father was a soldier in the Civil war during its closing eighteen months, and as long as he lived was a valued member of Hiram Lowden Post, Grand Army of the Republic. He was a man of sterling character, was a strong republican in his political convictions and frequently was elected to local offices. To Robert and Rebecca Bowen six children were born, namely: Leonard, who is a resident of Montpelier, Ohio; Charles L.; Bert H., who is in business at Mobile, Alabama; Elmer, whose interests are at Coldwater, Michigan; O. H., who lives at Montpelier; and Ella M., who is the wife of Cyrus Pierce.
Charles L. Bowen attended the district schools in boyhood and remained with his father on the old farm until he reached manhood and in later years acquired the homestead. He has 140 acres of valuable land, well watered and favorably situated as to transportation. For a number of years he has mainly devoted himself to raising Shorthorn cattle and breeding Poland China hogs, his enterprise in this and other directions, adding to his reputation as a substantial and farseeing business man. Mr. Bowen has additional interests and is one of the directors of the Montpelier National Bank.
In 1898 Mr. Bowen was married to Miss Clara Allman, who was born in Superior Township, Williams County, Ohio, November 12, 1876, and is a daughter of John Allman, who was a substantial farmer of that township, in which Mrs. Bowen was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Bowen have three children, namely: Ethel R., who is a graduate of the Montpelier High School; Robert R., who is doing well as an eighth grade student; and Clarence C, who is also making satisfactory headway in his studies; all of the children being unusually intelligent and studious. The family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bridgewater, Mr. Bowen being one of the church trustees. In his political attitude he has always been a republican, believing firmly in the fundamental principles of that party, and as a sound, reliable citizen, exerts considerable influence in local affairs. He is a member of the Grange at Bridgewater.
Source: Bowersox, Charles A. ed. A standard history of Williams County, Ohio: an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, educational, civic and social development , 2 vols. Publisher Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1920.