Bowes, James born Ireland Oct 19 1836
Bowes, James-Stock raising is a very important branch of agricultural life, and those who carry it intelligently reap large profits. One of those thus engaged is James Bowes, owner of 320 acres of fine land on section 23, Edgington Township. He was born in county Fermanaugh, Ireland, Oct 19 1836, a son of Robert and Jane (Adams) Bowes, farming people. The father came to the United States in 1845, and his family followed him a year later. The trips were made via New Orleans, and thence up the Missippi River to Illinois. The father entered 162 acres in Bowling township, Rock Island county, which is now owned by his nephew, Edward Bowes. For some years prior to his death, the father lived retired at Reynolds, having turned over the farm to his son, Thomas Bowes. He was eighty years old when he died. Both he and his wife were Methodist, and he voted with the Republican party, Their children were: Eliza, James, Sarah Ann, Robert who died in Missouri; Jane; Thomas, who was the only one born in the United States, died at Reynolds; and Frank, who was killed at Champion's Hill in the Civil War.
James bowes received but a limited education, and was put to work when very young to help support the large family. Although only nine years old when the family came here, he began doing most of the work on the farm his father secured. After his marriage. Mr Bowes located on eighty acres in Bowling township, which his father bought for him. Two years later, he sold that and moved to his present farm, on which he has made all the improvements, building the house, barn and other farm structures. Although not active in life for some years, he exercises a general supervision on his property.
On April 18, 1861, Mr. Bowes was married in Rock Island, to Sarah Jane Johnston, whose family lived in the same vicinity as Mr Bowes' family. She is the daughter of Joseph Johnston, and he and his wife, with her brothers and sisters all remained in Ireland, but Mrs. Bowes came over here in young womanhood. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bowes: Jane, Mrs George Vanatta of Missouri; Frank, at home; Sophia, who died August 28, 1912, was buried at the Reynolds cemetery; Henrietta, Mrs. Frank Badham, living in the vicinity of Cedar Rapids, IA; Adeline, Mrs. Charles Crabs; James, of Cameron ILL; Elizabeth, Mrs. Paul Carpenter; Lillian, Mrs Henry D. Sparks, whose husband is president of a college at Shelbyville ILL. Mr. Bowes has been a republican since he was a voter. He and his family are members of the Methodist church. He has always been a good manager, a hard worker and economical in his habits. when he earned money he knew how to invest it, and his sucess in life is well merited, for he is certainly a self-made man.