Orlie H. Bowen stood as a prominent business figure and respected citizen in Williams County, Ohio. Born on April 24, 1884, in New London, he later became the esteemed cashier of Montpelier National Bank, contributing significantly to his community’s prosperity. Orlie’s parents, Robert and Rebecca Bowen, hailed from Richland County and eventually settled in Williams County after farming. A graduate of Montpelier High School and Davis Business College, Orlie advanced from assistant to elected cashier at First National Bank of Montpelier, serving steadfastly even after a bank merger. Married to Lucy Opdycke and father to Mary and Alice, he actively participated in the United Brethren Church and various Masonic bodies, also supporting the Republican Party.
Orlie H. Bowen. — Upon the roll of representative citizens and influential business men of Williams County consistently appears the name of Orlie H. Bowen, the popular and able cashier of the Montpelier National Bank of Montpelier, Ohio. He is one of those who has contributed largely to the material welfare of the community in which he resides. He has been a resident of this community for many years, during which time he has won the esteem and respect of the people, for he possesses those sterling qualities of character which commend themselves to an intelligent people.
Orlie H. Bowen was born at New London, Huron County, Ohio, on April 24, 1884, and is the son of Robert and Rebecca (Cline) Bowen, both of whom were born and reared in Richland County, Ohio. They were married there and for a time engaged in farming. Subsequently they came to Williams County and eventually Mr. Bowen was able to lay aside active farm work and retire. They were members of the United Brethren Church and in politics Mr. Bowen gave his support to the republican party. Of the seven children born to them, six are now living, namely: Leonard E., of Montpelier; C. L., of Montpelier; Bert H., of Mobile, Alabama; Elmer B., of Coldwater, Michigan; Orlie H., the subject of this review; Ella M., the wife of Cyrenus Pierce, of Pathlow, Canada.
Orlie H. Bowen spent his boyhood days under the parental roof and received his elemental education in the public schools and attended the Montpelier High School. He then took a commercial course in the Davis Business College at Toledo, Ohio. His first employment was with the First National Bank, from which he went to the Kunkle State Banking Company on June 8, 1903, as assistant cashier. On March 1, 1907, Mr. Bowen was elected cashier of the First National Bank of Montpelier, and after the consolidation of that bank with the Montpelier Bank, on March 1, 1916, he was continued as cashier of the merged institutions, which position he still holds. This bank enjoys an enviable standing throughout this section of the country and is counted among the strong and reliable banks of the county. Its official personnel is as follows: J. D. Hill, president; Gerry Drake, vice president; Orlie H. Bowen, cashier, and W. P. Tressler, assistant cashier. Mr. Bowen is a man of sound and mature judgment and devotes himself indefatigably to the interests of the institution with which he is connected.
Mr. Bowen was married to Lucy Opdycke, who is a graduate of the Montpelier High School, and they are the parents of two children, Mary E. and Alice J. Mr. Bowen is a member of the liberal branch of the United Brethren Church and of its official board. Fraternally, he is a member of Montpelier Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; the chapter of Royal Arch Masons, of which he is past high priest, and the Council of Royal and Select Masters. Politically, he gives his support to the Republican party and he stands stanchly for the best things in the community life. Because of his business ability and his sterling character he is deservedly popular throughout the community.
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.