Biography - MICHAEL BOWMAN

A life of wisely directed activity generally yields gratifying returns and the experience of Michael Bowman has been in accordance with the rule indicated. He has never been afraid b> work and, as he was blessed with a good constitution and a laudable ambition to accomplish worthy aims, he is now the owner of one of the valuable farms of Macoupin county. He was born in Western Mound township, July 14, 1875, a son of Hardin and Anna (Quinn) Bowman. The father was also born in this county and is now living in Western Mound township, where he has spent his entire life. The mother is a native of Ireland and is also living. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman were the parents of nine children: Edward, deceased; Michael, of this review; William Lawrence, who resides in Western Mound township; John, of Greene county, Illinois; Ella, deceased; Rose, who married Leo Robinson, of Hagaman; and Mamie, Philip and Eli, all of whom are at home.

After securing his preliminary education in the district schools of Western Mound township, Michael Bowman gave his attention to the cultivation of the home farm, continuing under the parental roof until twenty-three years of age. He then began farming on his own account on his father’s place and, after two years, having acquired the necessary capital, he purchased land in his own name in Western Mound township and is now the owner of two hundred and seventy acres. The land was partly improved when he assumed possession, but he has remodeled all the old buildings upon the farm and erected new ones, also making many other improvements which have added largely to its value. His attention has been concentrated upon farming ever since his early boyhood, and he has shown an interest and ability in his calling which have produced very satisfactory results. His methods are practical and his well directed labors are rewarded with abundant harvests.

On the 2d of November, 1898, Mr. Bowman was married to Miss Anna Shea, a native of Grafton, Illinois, and to this union six children have been born: Raymond, Florence, Marie, Henry and Vincent, all of whom are at home; and Mildred, deceased.

Mr. Bowman has never given much time to politics, but he votes the democratic ticket and is a sincere believer in the principles of his party. A man of business rather than theory, he has applied himself to good purpose, and his neighbors recognize that his judgment is to be relied upon in all matters pertaining to agriculture or stock-raising. He is a stanch friend of education and is now serving as school director, a position he has occupied for six years. He is a policy holder of the Bankers Life Insurance Company. He and his wife are consistent members of the Catholic church, to which he is a liberal contributor. As a result of early self-denial and years of patient labor he now enjoys the blessings of home and the friendship of the people of the entire community.

Extracted 18 May 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 19-20.