Obit: Bowen, Erastus (1846 - 1923)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: BOWEN ANDREWS RICHMOND BISHOP

----Source: Greenwood Gleaner 12/27/1923

A GOOD MAN GONE TO HIS REWARD

Erastus Bowen was born in Johnston, Rock Co., Wis. June 5, 1846. When three years of age he moved with his parents, brother and sister to Columbus, Wis. The family lived in the village of Columbus for one year, then moved to a farm west of Columbus on the Lodi road. He attended school in the district school near the farm.

Afterwards, when a young man, he moved with his parent to a farm east of Columbus.

He was married in January, 1881 to Miss Mary Elizabeth Andrews of Greenwood, Clark County, Wis., bringing his bride back to the home of his parents where they made their home for several years.

Sometime later he took up a claim in Dakota, where he spent nearly five years, afterwards returning to the home of his parents where he and his good wife cared for them in their declining years. After they had passed away, he moved with his family in Jan., 1900 to Greenwood, Clark Co. Wis., where he had investments in real estate.

Sometime later he became interested in banking. He was president of the Greenwood State Bank and also of the Colby State Bank at the time of his death.

Two daughters blessed this union, of which Grace, the youngest, died in Nov. 1898 of diphtheria at the age of nine years.

His other daughter, Rose passed away in March 1920, at the age of thirty four years. In six weeks his wife also passed on before him, May 19, 1920.

Thus left sorrowing and alone, his faith in the Heavenly Father's wisdom never faltered.

He passed from this earthly life, Wednesday evening, Dec. 19, 1923, at the age of 77 years, 6 months and 14 days, on the same day of the month that his only brother died, eleven years before.

His last deeds and thoughts were for others. His regret had been that he could not finish his work that he had wished to do, but was comforted when his pastor assured him that even Christ did not finish his work.

He was tenderly cared for to the end by his sister-in-law, Mrs. J. S. Andrews.

Funeral services were held Friday morning at nine o'clock from his late residence in Greenwood. The body was taken to Columbus, Wis., accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Andrews, Kin Andrews of Colby and G. W. Bishop, where on Saturday afternoon at two o'clock funeral services were held from the residence of his sister, Mrs. E. E. Richmond.

Interment was made at Hillside Cemetery, Columbus, Wis. beside those he loved.

He leaves to mourn his loss, his only sister, Mrs. E. E. Richmond and many other sorrowing relatives and friends.