J. H. Bowles, a highly respected citizen of this community died Tuesday afternoon at 1:45 o’clock, at the home of his son, Samuel Bowles north of town, after an illness of about ten days. The deceased was 76 years of age and his death was due to heart failure.
The funeral services will be held Thursday at two o’clock p.m., at the M. E. church, conducted by Rev. C. M. Wilson. Burial in the Astoria cemetery.
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James Hamilton Bowles was born July 19, 1834 in Hancock Maryland. He died on the 22 day of November, 1910 at his old home where he resided with his son, Samuel and family. At the time of his death, he was 76 years 4 months and 4 days of age.
The deceased was married to Miss Elgin May 2, 1867. Mrs. Bowles died November 22, 1902, just 8 years ago, lacking one day.
Mr. Bowles was the father of four sons, namely: Charles H., Wm. A., and James E., all of Chicago, Illinois; and Samuel E., Astoria, Illinois.
The first three named comprise the well known law firm of Bowles and Bowles of the city of Chicago.
The deceased was the grandfather of two children; namely: the Misses Irene and Maud Bowles, the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Bowles.
While the deceased was a native of Maryland, he came to Illinois when quite a young man and considered himself an Illinoisan by adoption. He first bot a farm near Vermont, Ill., and lived on it until about 18 years ago when he sold out and bot the farm near Astoria and lived there until the time of his death. He was well-known and well-loved. He was robust in health and spirit. The illness that preceded his death was really his only illness.
His very life indicated the true fraternal and Christian spirit. He labored for and loved others. He abhorred the evil actions of men; he commended the good in all. He and his wife became Christians very early in life and united with the Cumberland Presbyterian church near Vermont, Illinois. As the church of his choice was not located in Astoria, he was a regular attendant and supporter of the Astoria Methodist Episcopal church. He was deeply interested in religious matters and was an inspiring listener. His seat will be vacant and his presence will be sadly missed.
He was a member of the A. F. & A. M. lodge. He first became a member of the order during the early history of the Vermont lodge. A few years ago he demitted and brought his membership to the Astoria lodge. As in the church, so he was in the fraternal society, one of the best of the order. In politics, he was a Democrat and was ever ready to advocate general policies of his party.
Unassuming and true, he has lived the life that was allotted to him. We all lament his departure but feel confident that all is well with his soul.
O may these anxious hearts of ours
The lesson learn from birds and flowers
And learn from self to cease,
Leave all things to our father’s will,
And in His mercy trusting still,
Find in each trial, peace.
The funeral was held in the Astoria Methodist Episcopal church Thursday, November 24, at 2:00 p.m. The sermon was preached by Rev. C. M. Wilson. The body was buried in the Astoria cemetery. The members of the Astoria Masonic lodge accompanied the body to the cemetery and there, tenderly and impressively, by the rites of the order laid it to rest in the family burial lot beside the grave of his beloved wife.
The four sons acted as pallbearers, and six members of the Masonic lodge as honorary bearers or escort.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus