EMMETT J. BOWSER
Page 499
EMMETT J. BOWSER
Page 499
 EMMETT J. BOWSER. The present high standing of Mason County among the agricultural regions of Illinois may be attributed to the patient, self-sacrificing labors of the men who have for years conducted general farming pursuits here. As a representative of this class we present the name of E. J. Bowser, a successful and capable farmer residing on section 23, Forest City Township. Although a lad of eight when coming to this county, in 1853, he has witnessed its development, and when further advanced in years contributed to its material prosperity. While advancing his personal interests, he has also promoted the welfare of the people. His landed possessions aggregate two hundred and thirty acres, upon which he has placed first-class improvements. Our subject is the son of John Bowser, who was born in Maryland in 1817. He was a farmer by occupation, and after his marriage to Miss Mary A. Rickenbaugh, who was also a native of the above state, moved to Seneca County, Ohio, and carried on agricultural pursuits near Tiflin. In 1853, however, they came to this state, locating on a portion of the property now included in our subject's farm. The wife and mother departed this life in 1868, and the father, who survived her many years, died in 1881. The parental family comprised four children, namely, E. J., of this sketch, Sarah, Samuel and Albert. Mr. and Mrs. John Bowser were devoted members of the Evangelical Church and were much esteemed in their community. The father was prominent in local affairs and for many years served as a member of the School Board. The subject of this sketch was born in Seneca County, Ohio October 2, 1845, and was a lad of eight years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this county. He received his primary education in the public schools and for two terms was a student in the Northwestern College in Plainfield. Since starting out in life for himself he has always followed farm pursuits and has on his place some fine Percheron and Norman horses. He has made most of the improvements on the farm since it came into his possession and is regarded by his fellow-agriculturists as one who thoroughly understands his business in every department. There is a power mill on the place, operated by wind, that grinds feed, saws wood, and does the churning and tool grinding. In connection is a tank that holds sixty barrels of water, with a gauge that tells the amount of water in the tank. From this tank he has pipes running to different lots for watering stock and the garden. Miss Mary Rose became the wife of out subject in 1876. She was born in Germany and by her union with Mr. Bowser has become the mother of three children: Ralph E., Roy D. and Bernice E. With her husband she is a working member of the Evangelical Church, in which he is a Trustee. They are giving their children the very best opportunities for obtaining a good education, and Mr. Bowser is at the present time a member of the School Board. As every public-spirited citizen should do he takes an intelligent interest in local and national issues of importance, and in matters political gives the weight of his influence, and ballot to the principles of the Democratic party. He is Secretary of the Mason County Farmers' Mutual Fire & Lightening Insurance Company, which position he has held for the past ten years. |