John Anderson Bowlin (1820 - 1908)

Born 26 Jul 1820 in Smith, Tennessee, United States

Husband of Amanda W. (Taylor) Bowlin — married 5 Apr 1843 in Jackson, Illinois, United States

Descendants

Died 28 Aug 1908 at age 88 in Du Quoin, Perry, Illinois, United States

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Biography

Birth and life

John was born in Smith, Tennessee on 26 July 1820. His parents were Rodney Bowlin and Tricy Harris and was the eighth of 15 children. He married Amanda Taylor on 30 April 1843.^[1] Together they had seven children. He was a farmer by trade and was elected to the Illinois State Legislature, as noted in his obituary below.

Death and Burial

John died on 28 Aug 1908 in Du Quoin, Perry, Illinois. He was buried in Old Du Quoin Cemetery in Rural Perry County.^[2] Below is his obituary.

Copied from microfilm. DuQuoin (IL) Tribune Sept. 1, 1908

The death of John A Bowlin occurred last Friday morning at his daughter's home on Hickory Street. His demise was not unexpected. He lived somewhat over 88 years.

The funeral occurred from the residence Sunday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. W.H. Boles of Marion, who was reared on the Bowlin farm south of the city. The interment occurred in the little burial ground at Old Town, where many of the pioneers lie sleeping. A number of years since Mr. Bowlin had his tombstone erected there, with the figures "101" inscribed thereon; his desire was to attain to the famous 101 Democratic members who steadfastly voted for John M. Palmer for U.S. Senator until it resulted in his final election, two Populists being won over. There were at that time 204 members in both houses, so 103 were necessary to elect. Afterwards, Senator Palmer cut a large cherry tree which grew on his premises and had the wood carved into 103 walking canes, and presented one to each of those loyal constituents. Mr. Bowlin carried his until some few months ago, when it became accidentally broken.

John Anderson Bowlin was a native of Tennessee, having been born in Mill Creek, Smith County, July 26, 1820. He was one of 17 children. At an early age he came with his parents overland to Perry County, Ill, where he has lived for more than 78 years.

Mr. Bowlin was married 66 years ago and was the father of 11 children. His wife died about two years ago. He leaves 16 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers and one sister whose ages are 75, 86, and 83 respectively.

Mr. Bowlin was a picturesque figure in our city; he lived an upright and consistent life, and the esteem in which he was regarded is shown by the comments of both metropolitan and country newspapers upon his passing. Obituary of John A Bowlin.

Census Records

John was 30 years old living with his family for the 1850 United States Census.^[3] Last name spelled incorrectly.

John was 50 years old living with his family for the 1870 United States Census.^[4]

John was 60 years old living with his family for the 1880 United States Census.^[5]

John was 80 years old living with his family for the 1900 United States Census.^[6]

Sources

1. ↑ "Illinois, County Marriages, 1810-1940," database with images, (FamilySearch Record: KFKT-3LP) : 19 February 2021), John A. Bowlan and Amanda Taylor, 30 Apr 1843; citing Jackson, Illinois, United States, county offices, Illinois; FHL microfilm 968,927.
2. ↑ Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 13 May 2018), memorial page for John A. Bowlin (26 Jul 1820–28 Aug 1908), Find A Grave: Memorial #8390004, citing Old Du Quoin Cemetery, Du Quoin, Perry County, Illinois, USA ; Maintained by Mrymerry (contributor 46605525) .
3. ↑ "United States Census, 1850," database with images, (FamilySearch Record: M85X-WK5) : 19 December 2020), John A Bowland, Perry, Pike, Illinois, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
4. ↑ "United States Census, 1870", database with images, (FamilySearch Record: M6H5-3BS) : 29 May 2021), John A Bowlin, 1870.
5. ↑ "United States Census, 1880," database with images, (FamilySearch Record: MXKQ-DTT) : 13 January 2022), John A. Bowlin, Du Quoin, Perry, Illinois, United States; citing enumeration district , sheet , NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm .
6. ↑ "United States Census, 1900", database with images, (FamilySearch Record: MSHS-CQD) : 11 March 2022), John Bowlin, 1900.