Obituary of a Civil War Veteran

Squire John A. Bowen of Proctorville, one of the most active and best known Civil War veterans in the county and district died this morning at 7:30 o’clock at his home after a three-week illness. His condition had been critical during the last week.

Squire Bowen had been a leader in ranks of veterans since the war and during the last thirty years he had been intimately connected with social and political life in the Proctorville neighborhood. He had been justice of the peace for thirty years and had served as mayor, off and on, during the last ten years. He completed his last term in 1933.

He was 90 years old but his activity belied his years. He was an ardent crusader for the principles he held to be right and his campaign against law violation in the village brought bombing of his home several years ago. Undaunted he carried on his campaign in faith and principles were his admirers.

He served through the Civil War with the Fifth West Virginia Infantry and had been president of the veteran organization for years. In addition he was president of the Lawrence County Veterans Reunion and had long been an active member and officer of the G. A. R. He was an ardent patriot and the brightest hours of his last years were those spent in the company of fellow war veterans and with members of his family. He is survived by his beloved wife Rosanna, also 90 years old, one son, Charles of Proctorville, and several grandchildren. During recent years Mr. and Mrs. Leland Dillon, grandchildren, have lived at the Bowen home and cared for the beloved couple.

The body has been removed to the Schneider funeral home and will remain there until Saturday at noon, when it will be returned to the home at Proctorville. Last rites will be conducted at Rome M. E. church Sunday at 2:30 p. m. by Rev. B. F. Caudill of Huntington. Burial will be in Rome cemetery.

Ironton Tribune, 13 April 1934, Friday, Page 8.