*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* HISTORY AND LIFE OF JOHN A. BOWEN *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* As Written by Himself on Thanksgiving Day, November 29, 1928, At his Home in Proctorville, Ohio, at the Ripe Old Age of 84. *** Submitted by TONEY C. BOWEN, gr-gr-grandson.*** (Typed by Linda Cunningham Fluharty.) The said John A. Bowen was born on Big Paddy Creek Rome Township, Lawrence County, Ohio, on February 25, 1845, and was reared a Farmer Boy at the age of 15 years was converted and joined the Baptist church at Bulah and was baptized by Rev. James Kelley who was pastor of the church at that time. And at the age of 16 years I volunteered in the Civil War for 3 years and was mustered into the service at Cread, W. Va., in Company D, 5th W. Va. Volunteers Infantry to serve three years under Captain Samuel C. Miller, and served three years when I re-enlisted in Company E of the 1st. W. Va. Veterans volunteer Infantry commanded by Captain Hamilton Willis for three years more and in this Company I was honored with a commission as 4th Duty Sergeant of my Company with which Company I served for the duration of the war in August 1865. And on the 18th day of October 1861 our Regiment was engaged in driving the enemy from the Kanawah Valley W. Va. and on the 10th day of Dec. 1861 my regiment was ordered to Parkersburg, W. Va. and there we camped all winter and on the 25th day of May 1862 my Regiment joined General Freemont's Corps in the Sheanadoah Valley Va., and General Freemont moved against General Stonewall Jackson's forces in the pursuit up the Shenadoah Valley and on the 8th day of June 1862 the two armies came face to face and the great battle of Cross Kees Va., was fought, the enemy being defeated. When my regiment was placed under the command of General Pope and we were engaged in the following battles to-wit: On Aug. 10th, Battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., and on August 11th. Rappahannock Station Va. August 12th Freemont's Ford Va. August 22, Sulphur Springs Va. August 23rd and 24th at Waterloo Bridge Va. August 25th and 26th and on the 29th and 30th the Bloody Battle of Bull Run at this battle our command was defeated many of our Comrades lost their lives in the above stated battles after the many hard fought battles as mentioned above our Regiment was returned to W. Va. in Oct. 1862 and there doing guard duty in W. Va. until May 1864 when our Regiment was assigned to the command of General Crooks Division which made the raid to the Va. and Tennessee Railroad and on to Lynchburg, Va. where on the 18th day of June 1864 the great battle of Lynchburg was fought and our command was defeated which caused great suffering among the comrades as we lost our provision train and were without provisions for five days on our retreat from Lynchburg, Va. to the falls of Kanawha West Virginia, when my Regiment was returned to the Shenadoah Valley under the command of General Crooks and were engaged in the following battles to wit: July 24 Rums town, Va. August 21st, to the 23rd at Halls town Va. and August 25th Berryville, Va. Oct. 19 Winchester Va. Sept. 22 Fisher Hill and at Cedar Creek Oct. 20th, 1864. Now the history of my regiment shows that the 5th West Va. all the 1st W. Va. Veterans regiments were engaged in two hundred skirmishes other than those above mentioned. And now the bloody conflict is over and a few of us returned home after all I think God was surely with me during my long four years of mv soldier warfare at least, I feel it my duty to give God the honor for his watchful care over me through all the dangers seen and unseen in which I went through during the time from 1861 to 1865. And I wish to say to those who may happen to read this short sketch of my service rendered to my Country that I am so glad that I do not know that I did take the life of any man nor do I want to know that I ever brought great grief and distress upon any home or loved ones. XXXXXXXXXX SAVED THE LIFE OF A BOY. But to the contrary I do know of 2 lives that I did save. One of them was a boy just about my age and size at a home not far from Casville, W. Va. one morning in 1861 we were ordered to go to a home called the Jarils home there was a Company of rebels being organized at this home so my Company D. of the 5th W. Va. was sent there to break up this organization and on arriving at this home we surrounded the house and barn as they were sleeping in the barn and house both, and at the break of day our Company opened fire on the house and barn and there was a boy ran from the house straight to me and asked me to save his life and in reply I promised him my protection I saw this boy when he first started from the House and saw he did not have any gun and I did not shoot at him as I saw he was coming direct to me and as this boy came up to me and pleaded for protection S. F. Fuller one of our company drew his gun to shoot this boy and I told Fuller that if he did I surely would shoot him. I took this boy with me to Casvill, W. Va. and that is the last I ever saw or heard from him. But it is great satisfaction to me to know that I saved his young life. XXXXXXXXXX SAVED THE LIFE OF A GOOD SOLDIER On the 19th day of Oct. 1864 and on the Morning before daylight at Cedar Creek, Va.,when General Earlys Army crossed the South Branch of the Potomac during the night of Oct. 18th. 1864 and surprised our command there being a dense fog that morning the rebels were right on us before we were aware of their presence, the fog was so dense that we could uot see 50 feet from us or our line of battle and when they opened fire on our lines they were not over 60 feet from our line and the first fire Lieutenant John Zimmerman received a broken leg and at the very first began to beg the boys not to kave him and did not cease to intreat the boys not to leave him but our lines soon broke and we retreated and as we were on the run I heard Lieutenant John Zimmerman call out "For Gods Sake Boys do not leave me. At this God thrilling voice piercing my heart I undaringly turned about and ran back right up almost in the enemy's fire and lines and picked him up and carried him to safety. But comrade Zimmerman never returned to the company any more but returned home after the war and was always looked upon as one of Lawrence County's very best and most beloved citizens. J. A. BOWEN XXXXXXXXXX DISCHARGE FROM MILITARY SERVICE KNOW YE, That John A. Bowen a sergeant of Captain Hamilton Willis of Company E. First Regiment of West Virginia Veteran Infantry VOLUNTEERS who was enrolled on the twenty first day of December one thousand eight hundred and sixty three to serve three years or during the war is hereby DISCHARGED from the service of the United States this 21st day of July 1865 at Cumberland Maryland by reason of telegraphic instruction, A. G. 0. (No objection to his being re-enlisted is known to exist.) Said John A. Bowen was born in Lawrence County in the State of Ohio is twenty one years of age five feet ten inches high light complexion Hazel eyes dark hair and by occupation when enrolled a Farmer. Given at Cumberland Md. this twenty first day of July 1865. O. PHELPS, Lieutenant, 1st Vet. West Va. Vol Infantry. H. WILLIS, Captain, Commanding Company. Also he was a member of the following: Name Rank Age when mustered Into service Remarks Willis Hamilton Capt. Wounded Alfred Enocks 1st Lieut. 22 Oct. 18, 1864 Wounded John Zimmerman 2nd Lieut. 27 Oct. 18, 1864 Wounded John H Smith 1st Sergt 24 Mar. 22, 1864 Vet. Vol. John Sowards Serg't 28 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Solomon Hisler Serg't 38 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Ben P. Shattuck Serg't 23 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. John A. Bowen Serg't 20 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Geo. W. Benedict Corp.l 18 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. G. B. Lambert Corp.l 23 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Lemuel Spaur Corp.l 22 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Carlisle W. Greer Corp.l 26 Feb. 16, 1864 Vet. Vol. James Vandergraft Corp.l 21 Dec. 21, 1864 Vet. Vol. William Hix Corp.l 22 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Richard Blankenship Corp.l 23 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Daniel J. Turner Corp.l 21 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Geo. W. Bevan Priv. 19 Aug. 12, 1862 Recruit John Blankenship Priv. 19 Oct. 21, 1863 Recruit A. Blankenship Priv. 18 July 24, 1863 Recruit A. J. Blankenship Priv. 18 July 24, 1863 Recruit Joseph M. Burke Priv. 35 July 24, 1863 Recruit Samuel Benedict Priv. 21 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. H. J. Bumgardner Priv. 18 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Leander D. Beavan Priv. 23 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Peter Bowman Priv. 23 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Josiah Chinn Priv. 22 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Alma Crawford Priv. 26 April 6, 1863 Recruit Thomas J. Davis Priv. 20 Dec. 25, 1863 Vet. Vol. Joshua Dillon Priv. 20 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Aerlewine Dunfee Priv. 22 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. John Dunfee Priv. 18 Oct. 16, 1863 Recruit Cornelius Ellis Priv. 18 April 4, 1863 Vet. Vol. Francis M. Engle Priv. 25 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Richard Elkins Priv. 21 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Calvin Engle Priv. 34 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Jacob B. Fugett Priv. 18 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Stephen Fuller Priv. 23 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. William Fleur Priv. 26 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. James Fudge Priv. 28 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Joshua Greer Priv. 22 Feb. 16, 1862 Recruit Solomon Haskins Priv. 18 Sep. 17, 1863 Recruit John Harris Priv. Feb. 10, 1864 Vet. Vol. John Henson Priv. 20 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Wm. C. Holcomb Priv. 18 Dec. 21, 1863 Wounded Charles Hix Priv. 26 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. William Hardy Priv. 26 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Samuel Hardy Priv. 24 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. William Hayes Priv. 23 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Gordon Haner Priv. 18 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Joseph Jeffers Priv. 26 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Thomas E. Johnson Priv. 19 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Daniel G. Jewell Priv. 21 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Giles Judd Priv. 24 Oct. 16, 1862 Recruit James Kerny Priv. 20 Feb. 16, 1862 Vet. Vol. Vincent Linn Priv. 28 Feb. 16, 1862 Vet. Vol. William Liffingwell Priv. 19 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Sartin McComas Priv. 21 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Geo. W. McCaffrey Priv. 26 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Edward Marks Priv. 20 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Andrew Miller Priv. 21 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Given Milstead Priv. 22 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Geo. W. Miller Priv. 23 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Marion Mann Priv. 18 Feb. 10, 1863 Recruit Creed Milstead Priv. 18 Sep. 2, 1863 Recruit Samuel Martin Priv. 18 July 24, 1863 Recruit Lewis P. Neff Priv. 23 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Geo. W. Pemberton Priv. 18 July 24, 1863 Recruit Henry Pancake Priv. 18 July 24, 1863 Recruit William Pemberton Priv. 18 May 15, 1863 Recruit Asbury B. Rucker Priv. 28 Feb. 18, 1862 Recruit John Ross Priv. 21 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Zachariah Stephens Priv. 20 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Alfred Storm Priv. 23 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Isreal L. Smith Priv. 23 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Benjamin F. Saylor Priv. 25 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. John F. Sowards Priv. 23 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. Abel Sowards Priv. 21 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. William C. Swan Priv. 22 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. Anderson Spears Priv. 24 Dec. 15, 1863 Vet. Vol. Samuel Tull Priv. 21 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. John Taylor Priv. 26 Dec. 21, 1863 Wounded Jackson Vandegraft Priv. 18 Feb. 10, 1864 Recruit James Woods Priv. 27 Dec. 18, 1863 Vet. Vol. John Walls Priv. 24 Feb. 10, 1864 Vet. Vol. Milton Webb Priv. 21 July 24, 1864 Recruit Wounded William Willis Priv. 22 July 28, 1862 Recruit Henry Willis Priv. 21 July 28, 1862 Recruit John Willis Priv. 18 July 28, 1862 Recruit John Wiseman Priv. 38 Sept. 1, 1863 Vet. Vol. James C. Miller Priv. 33 Dec. 21, 1863 Vet. Vol. James W. Gearhart Priv. 18 Sept. 1, 1863 Died of Fever Aggregate-------------------94 Men XXXXXXXXXX COMMISSION AS AN OFFICER THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE REGIMENT OF 1ST. WEST VIRGINIA INFANTRY VOLS. "TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETING." KNOW YE. That reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of John A. Bowen, I do hereby appoint him Sergeant in Company E. of the 1st Veteran Regiment of West Virginia Infantry Volunteers in the service of the UNITED STATES, to rank as such from the 21st day of October one thousand eight hundred and sixty four. He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Sergeant by doing and performing all manner of things hereunto belonging and I do strictly charge and require all Non Commissioned Officers and soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as Sergeant and he to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as he shall receive from me or the future Commanding Officer of the Regiment or other Superior officers and Non Commissioned Officers set for him according to the rules and discipline of war. This warrant to continue in force during the pleasure of Commanding Officer of the Regiment for the time being. GIVEN under my hand at the head quarters of the Regiment at Cedar Creek, Va. this twentieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty four. BY THE COMMANDING OFFICER. W. H. ENOCHS, Colonel Commanding the Regiment. Francis L. Hersey, 1st Lieut., Captain of the Regiment. A. G. 0. No-103 XXXXXXXXXX No-386-536 UNITED STATES OF AMERICAN DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS. IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED: That in conformity with the laws of the United States John A. Bowen who was a Private Co. D. 5th Regiment West Virginia Infantry is entitled to a pension at the rate of sixteen dollars per month to commence on the twentieth day of February one thousand eight hundred and eighty nine. This Pension being for Disease of Stomach and resulting disease of Heart. GIVEN AT THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior this twenty first day of August one thousand eight hundred and eighty nine and of the INDEPENDENCE of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA the one hundred and fourteenth. GEO. C. CHANDLER, acting Secretary of the Interior Countersigned JAMES TANNER, Commissioner of Pensions. 0, 3-686 Amended By Act March 4, 1913. No-386-535 Increase UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Department of the Interior BUREAU OF PENSIONS IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED; That in conformity with the law of the United States John A. Bowen who was a Private Co. D. 5th Regiment West Virginia Infantry is entitled to a pension at the rate of twenty five dollars per month from February 25, 1915, and thirty dollars per month from February 25, 1920. GIVEN at the DEPARTMENT of the INTERIOR this thirteenth day of May one thousand nine hundred and fifteen and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and thirty-ninth. Secretary of the Interior In addition to these two pension certificates there has been another one issued which contained an increase of seventy-two dollars per month which has been misplaced. After I received my Discharge from the army I returned home on the 10th day of August 1865 and I settled down to civil life and purchased a small farm situate in Rome Township Lawrence County, Ohio and contented myself to working my small farm and on the 15th day of June 1866 was joined in marriage to Rosan Locey by John White a Justice of the Peace and to this union five children were born to-wit as follows: Dennis I. Bowen, Born February 13, 1867. Cora Bowen, Born January 8, 1870. Albert Bowen, Born June 15, 1872. Departed this life Nov. 26, 1927. Alta Bowen, Born Dec. 13, 1876. Departed this life Feb. 4. 1899. Charlie Bowen, Born May 3, 1879. My wife and I were reared on joining farms with the bars not always closed and of course, we knew each other from childhood. She was my senior 9 months and I know she can say she nursed her husband when he was first born and which no other wife can say. To make this plain you see she was the daughter of a midwife who waited on my mother at my birth and she was sitting on the floor and when I was dressed I was laid in her lap, this I have heard her mother and my own mother make this statement time and again and of course, it is true because our mothers said so. At this writing my wife and I have lived together for the past 62 years she seems to be doing fairly well at her age 85 years her family and my family both seem to be long lived people. Her folks all lived to be of a ripe old age my wife and one brother is all of her family that is living at this date Dec. 2, 1928. My father, William Bowen lived to be 94 years of age and my mother lived to be 72 years old, and my oldest brother Elijah Bowen lived to reach 92 years. There were 6 brothers of my fathers family and 5 of us were soldiers in the civil war. To-wit William J. Bowen, R. J. Bowen, Hugh Bowen, J. A. Bowen, J. H. Bowen, all of whom lived to receive an Honorable Discharge from the army except Brother Hugh Bowen who died during the War and I, J. A. Bowen is the only one living of his father's family of 6 brothers and 1 sister, Mary J. Bowen at the above date. My wife and I have lived to se all of our children married and raise families of their own thereby we have become Grand Pa and Grand Ma to 15 great Grandchildren and 19 Grandchildren. We moved to and resided at Athalia, Ohio for 15 years and I was in all kinds of business while there. I ran two flat boats loaded with tan bark to Cincinnati in partnership with Henry Eckhart then I went into the Cooper business making what was called in those days Ham Barrells, Flour Barrells and Apple Barrels, I run a little store in connection with the cooper shop I was buying apples and all kinds of produce and shipping the same to the different markets at that time. I was making a living with my small business until the 1883 flood came, it half way cleaned me up but I could have lived over the 1883 flood which I had began to get on my feet again then came the 1884 flood which made a clean sweep of all I possessed save my house and lot, I was running a large coopershop at this time and I had a large stock of staves and hoops, headings, and all of my cooper tools stored in this large coopershop and the flood came high enough to float the shop. I saw it when it rounded out to leave Athalia, Ohio and I said to myself good bye to my business in Athalia, Ohio, that shop floated down to the Sam Swain farm about two miles below Athalia, Ohio and there was a very large hickory tree standing out in the field and the coopershop struck this tree and these that saw it strike the tree said that it was a sight to see the cooper material and barrels that spread out over the water when the shop fell to pieces. Then to make my words good I sold my house and lot at Athalia, Ohio and moved to Rome now called Labelle, Ohio. I purchased a home there and for several years my health was bad and I did not do very much of anything save tilling my small garden and the duties of my office as Justice of the Peace. The last four years of my Stay at Rome I rented a farm now owned by Roy Ice and peddled the products to Huntington, W. Va. market. Some years I done fairly well and some years not so well. I tried to be honest with my customers and thereby I did not have any trouble after the first year to sell all I could raise. The last year of my gardening I took in a partner while then only a boy about 15 years of age. This boy had worked for me all the three years before he went in partners with me and he knew what to do and I am here to tell you he did it from the very start on the run and has not stopped yet; he is still on the run that boy was my grand son Charlie Darling one of the leading gardners of this section of the gardening belt. This is one case in which it surely paid to encourage a boy, as this boy Charlie Darling has never halted to look back but has pushed forward from the beginning. As I have already stated I returned home from the Army August 10, 1865 and you might know I was glad to get home again to greet my old mother and father and my many friends and they all appeared to join in with me in my happy mood over my return home to stay and it appears like the people took a great liken to me from the very first and they could not do too much for me and they elected me to almost all the township offices in the gift of the people. As soon as the second year after my return from the army my friends elected me as their supervisor of the public highway in which capacity I served the people to the very best of my ability. Then on the next spring election they elected me to the office of constable then for the next two years I was elected assessor of personal property, then my people elected me as land appraiser for one term; then my good people elected me their humble servant to the office of Justice of Peace of Rome Township Lawrence County, Ohio, in which office I served the people of said township for the period of 21 years. I wish to say I cannot express my hearty thanks to my friends of Rome Township for their loyalty shown me in long past years but not forgotten that day and age. Then on or about 1910 moved to the village of Proctorville, Ohio, and on or about June 1st, 1914 I took the seat as Mayor of said village to which office I served the people of said village for ten years as their Mayor, cleaning up an indebtedness of five thousand dollars which was hanging over the taxpayers and had been gnawing away at the village treasury for the past 20 years, yes sir, paid that $5,000 and installed the street lights, and spent over $1,000.00 on the fire engine and city hall besides paying the running expense of the village for 10 years and when I left the Mayor's office the village did not owe one red cent and I left in the treasury $1500.00 soon after I was elected Mayor of the village of Proctor- ville, Ohio I was elected justice of the peace of the township of Union and in which office I have served the people of Union about 9 years at this writing and my commission as Justice will expire in the year of 1930, so you see I will have less than two years to serve the people of Union township as Justice of the Peace, and at the end of that time if I should live I will ask the people to excuse me as you see this will make me 31 years as a Justice of the Peace in Rome and Union Townships Lawrence County, Ohio, and surely I feel very grateful for the hearty support I have received from Union Township and the image of Proctorville, Ohio. J. A. Bowen. XXXXXXXXXX CIVIL WAR VETERANS HOLD 36th. REUNION "Boys of 61" swap stories, exchange reminiscenses, and enjoy program at Annual Reunion. Elect Officers. Reminiscences of the Civil War were exchanged at the thirty-sixth annual reunion of the Fifth West Virginia and Dick Lambert Post. G. A. R. veterans held Wednesday at City Hall. The reunion under the auspices of the Womens Relief Corps was one of the most enjoyable ever held in this city. A very beautiful, inspiring program was enjoyed in which cherished songs of the "Boys in Blue" were sung by the veterans and the assemblage. The only thing to mar the pleasure of the day was the realization that the ranks of the Blue are slowly but gradually thinning out. Many comrades answered taps during the past year. The great number of veterans that used to attend the reunion were missing and but a few answered roll call. Memories of the great struggle and civil strife that existed in the 60's were brought back with the singing of the ever inspiring song and march. "Marching through Georgia." The old veterans raised their voices strong and clear in the singing of the songs that inspired a nation to gain everlasting freedom and assert the rights of a "Government of the people for the people and by the people. Following the program the wearers of the "Blue" met in a social time and old acquaintances were rendered. War stories became the vogue of the day. The tales once told around the camp fires near the scene of battles were narrated with the same enthusiasm and vigor as they were in the trying days of 1861. The reunion was opened by devotional exercise offered by J. W. Greer which was followed by a song program. W. R. Hayes city auditor made the welcome address followed by J. K. Bowen of Proctorville who made the response. T. A. Jenkins congressmen from the tenth District gave a brief address in which he congratulated the veterans on their splendid turn out to enjoy the day. Mr. Jenkins told them of the various measures which were before the house for their relief and pledged his of this city as he delivered brief addresses. The next reunion is to be held at Huntington in 1926. Officers for the coming year were elected the successful ones being, President, John A. Bowen Proctorville: Vice President J. M. Cullen North Kenova: Secy. Treas. H. J. Baumgardner BarboursviUe W. Va. In the afternoon the Womens Relief Corps and the G. A. R. Veterans were treated to a ride through the city and surrounding territory. The following veterans and guests were present: William Clouse 30th. O. V. I. J. H. Lovins, 53 Ky. Kenova, W. Va. Louis Dixon 14th Ky. Ironton, Ohio. J. W. Rarden, 1st O. Ironton: Thomas D. Hicks 3rd. O. Ironton: John Endecott 14th Ky. Ironton: Joe 0. Ellis, 5th W. Va., W. H. Hoover, 77th Ohio, Shelby, Ohio. John A. Bowen 5th W. Va. Proctorville, Ohio. J. C. Miller 173 O. Ironton, Ohio. Elias Jenkins 8th W. Va. Ironton, Ohio. M. R. Adams U. S. Navy Louisville: Martin Roush 5th W. Va. Ironton; John Roush 5th W. Va. Ironton; Clinton Miller 9th W. Va. Ironto, Ohio. George Childers 13th W. Va. Ironton, Ohio. C. R. Gurran, 1st. W. Va. Kenova, W. Va. Andy Moreland 12th O. Ironton, Ohio. Perry Brumfield 23rd. O. Ironton, O. J. T. Halley 5th W. Va. Coal Grove. Charles Fortune 5th Ky. Ironton, O. Charles E. Fry 33rd. Ohio. Ironton, Ohio. Samuel Martin 1st W. Va. P. F. Hunter 53 Ky. Ironton, Ohio. Hamilton Adams 53 Ky. Ironton, Ohio. James H. Fuller. 5th W Va. Ironton, Ohio. T. J. Zimmerman 141 O. Ironton, Ohio. George Corn Co. L Ohio. Ironton, Ohio. Anderson Rutledge 7th W. Va. Ironton, Ohio. Edward Farmer 173 O. Ironton. Ohio; James Doyle 5th W. Va. Ironton, R. J. Higgins 1st Va. H. J. Baumgardner 1st. W. Va. James Vandergraft 1st W. Va. D. E. Munsell 5th W. Va., John F. Stafford 39th Ky.; J. W. Grewer 3rd W. Va. John Henry 5th W. Va. John E. Stafford 39th Ky. W. L. Cooper 173 O. J. P. Higgins 1st. W. Va. James G. Johnston llth W. Va. William H. Seagraves 2-0 O. E. Bebb 5th W. Va. John Thomas, 5th W. Va. John Patten 22nd Ky. Perry Bailey, 17th W. Va. The following members of the Relief Corps were as follows: Mrs. C. R. Gannon, Kenova, W. Va. Mrs. Malcene Arthur, Ironton, Ohio, Mrs. Ada Darling, Ironton, Martha J. Adams. XXXXXXXXXX 5th WEST VIRGINIA TO HOLD ITS 1926 MEETING IN CITY Huntington Selected for next year at close of Reunion at Ironton. JOHN A. BOWEN is elected president of veterans. J. M. CULLEN, of North Kenova, Vice President; Baumgardner, Secretary. Huntington was selected as the seat of the 1926 Reunion of the Fifth West Virginia Association of the veterans who assembled at Ironton Wednesday in conjunction with Dick Lambert Post G. A. R. The Ironton meeting was held under the auspices of the Womans Relief Corps. and was one largely attended. Bailey post No-4 G. A. R. was well represented. J. A. Bowen of Proctorville, commander of Bailey Post was elected President of the Fifth West Virginia Veterans, J. M. Cullen of North Kenova was made Vice President and H. J. Baumgardner of Barboursville was elected secretary-treasurer. Veterans in attendance were as follows: William Clouse 30th O. V. I. J. H. Lovins 53 Ky. Kenova, W. Va. Louis Dixon 14th Ky. Ironton, Ohio; John Endecott 9th W. V. J. W. Rarden 1st O, Ironton; David Gossett, 9th W. Va. Ironton. Thomas D. Hicks, 3rd. O. Ironton, Joe O. Ellis, Selby, O. 5th W. Va. W. H. Hoover 77th. Ohio. John A. Bowen, 5th W. Va. Proctorville, J. C. Miller 173 O. Ironton, Ohio, Elias Jenkins, 5th W. Va. Ironton, M. R. Adams, U. S. Navy, Louisville, Martin Roush 5th W. Va. John Roush 5th W. Va. Ironton. Clinton Miller, 9th W. Va. George Childers, 13th W. Va. Ironton. C. R. Gurran, 1st W. Va. Kenova, W. Va. Andy Moreland 12th O. Ironton, Perry Brumfield 23rd. Ironton, J. T. Bailey 5th W. Va. Charles Fortune, P. F. Hunter, Ky. Ironton, Ohio, Simson Neal 5th. W. Va. Ironton, Ohio; T. J. Zimmeran 141 Ohio, Ironton; George Corn C. I. Ohio, Anderson Rutledge, 7th. W. Va. Ironton, Ohio, Edward Farmer 173 O. Ironton, Ohio, James Doyle, 5th. W. Va. R. H. Higgins, 1st. W. Va. H. J. Baumgardner, 1st. W. Va. James Vandegraft 5th W. Va. De Munsel 5th W. Va. J. W. Grewer 3 W. Va. John Henry 5th. W. Va. John Thomas 5th W. Va. John Paten 22nd Ky. Perry Bailey, 17th W. Va. Relief Corps members and guests present were as follows: Melissa H. Enderson, Mrs. C. R. Cartwright. XXXXXXXXXX ENFORCEMENT OF BLUE LAW IS SEEN AS CHIEF ISSUE IN PROCTORVILLE ELECTION WHEN OLD RIVALS TOSS HATS IN RING. MAYOR BOWEN WILL NOT ENTER PROCTORVILLE RACE. John Reckard and Ed. Gardner head ticket in Proctorville Candidacy of the former being espoused by friend of the incumbrant who after several terms in office will retire this year. The political pot has started boiling in Proctorville the town just across the Ohio from Huntington, W. Va. Mayors and town councils are to be elected by the villages at elections to be held Tuesday November 13th. and already the corner stores and ice cream parlors are buzzing with the talk of the coming political battle, involved in the village elections are sufficient features to quicken the pulse of any political sage who delights in propounding political theories from a seat of vantage on the general stores most prominent cracker box or from the platform of the town assembly Hall. John Bowen the grizzled and gray "Fighting Mayor of Proctorville" is not a candidate for re-election. And in the two mayorships the candidates are the same two candidates who fought neck to neck for the village executive office two years ago one as an exponent of Sunday Blue Laws and the other as a liberal who voices the approval of the Ice Cream and gasoline on the Sabbath Day. Mayor John Bowen who won the sobriquet of the fighting "Mayor of Proctorville," during ten years of service as chief executive of the little town that nestles under the Ohio Hills across from Huntington is to withdraw from the political limelight. The 79th year Old Civil War veteran will take with him into retirement a record of service that is freely dotted with splotches of personal sacrifices made further to the best interest of the flock over which he has presided. During the closing years of his political life the fighting mayor has waged ceaseless warfare upon a band of Moonshiners, and bootleggers who is claimed infested the hills that overlook the town of Proctorville. And in turn the grizzled mayor has been harassed by enemies. At different times attempts have been made to dynamite the home which gave him and his family shelter, while gun shots mysteriously fired from shadowy spots have time and again carried threats from the lawless element which the fighting mayor continuously sought to ban from the town to which he has given freely of his services. One occassion the Proctorville town hall was rifled and records dealing with the cases of alleged liquor law violators were stolen from the Mayor's desk. But the "Fighting Mayor" had once again played his hole card. He had taken the main record book to his home every night packing the heavy ledger to and from his home to his office each morning and night to thwart any efforts that were being made to ridden suspected men of shadows that betokened prison bars. Mayor John Bowen is not afraid to continue in office. He said to himself but the duties of a mayor are taxing on a man who has almost attained four score years even if he is still erect with a flashing eye and punch that carries much kick as does the moonshine which the "Fighting Mayor" has fought for many years. The voters of Proctorville will ballot on election day to boost a successor to "The Fighting Mayor" John Reckard and E. Gardner are the two candidates. Both are Republicans in party affiliations the former being in office by the foradherents of the "Fighting Mayor". While the latter is being supported by the liberals. Another Newspaper Sketch of John A. Bowen, 77 year old Fighting Mayor of Proctorville. On Captain Paul Thomas' ferry boat bound for Proctorville to talk to John A. Bowen Proctorville's 77 year old "Fighting Mayor" who occasionally straps on a six-gun and personally conducts a moonshine raid. Three cabin passengers are holding an open conference upon the merits and demerits of serum applied to bovines with tubercular tendencies. A Fourth garbed in not unbecoming denim interrupts. "Holler Horn," holler tail and holler belly he opined them is all I ever saw the matter with any cows. "Tuberculosis was invested by some doctor-chap that needed money Coms Consumption a snort. He got a laugh and to hide his appreciation he eyed a chip that rested on the deck near the rail allowed a lump to disappar from out side his face and appear again as distention of the other cheek removed his gaze deliberately from the chip and pursed his lips. The chip suddenly became brown and animate and disappeared over the side, and was flotsam on the yellow surface of the river. Proctorville sits comfortable and inviting at the top of the grade to the ferry landing. It is a residential town a town of homes and is unmarked by factory smoke and factory grime. Its population is of a permanent native and substantial nature. In consequence Mayor Bowen more commonly addressed as Squire in honor of his long service on the magistrates bench has a few troubles that originate in Proctorville. He stated as much himself when he was first questioned in his office in the city hall a brick building in Elizabeth street. This building also houses the mechanical accessories of the Proctorville fire department. Power and locomotion for the department is housed all over town and hurries its personal pairs of legs to the city hall whenever the bell on the city hall tower sounds alarm. It is a good fire department and has many notable achievements to its credit and both Mayor Bowen and the town are proud of it. The steam fire engine and the smaller hand operated pump occupies half of the lower floor of the city hall, the rest of the first floor being taken up by the Mayors office and Justice of Peace court. Mayor Bowen acting for the time being in the capacity of Justice of the peace had just completed hearing a whiskey case and had assessed the Landis-Like fine of $500.00 upon the convicted defendant when he consented to be interviewed. He raised his straight six feet of bulk to its full height and smiled kindly at the interviewer, teeth gleaming beneath close cropped moustache as he greeted him. He admitted that he was soon to begin his fourth hand-running term as mayor of Proctorville and that he had also been elected Justice of Peace of Union township in the recent election. Of course, I am proud of being elected he said, it makes you feel that the town has confidence that you are serving it the best you now how. And I was returned this time by the biggest majority I ever got - I got 132 votes out of a total of 300 cast for my two opponents and me. That gave me 39 clean and back the first time I ran I only got five more than my opponent although of course we don't draw party lines in the town election. Good thing for to my personal knowledge there are only nine other Democrats in Proctorville. Proctorville's city officials serve a two-year term, and Mayor Bowen has had plenty of practice in mayoring. He has had even more practice as J. P. for while a resident of Rome Township he in the adjoining township has served twenty one years as magistrate. They can't cheat me in enforcing the laws just because I am getting along in my seventy seventh year declared Mayor Bowen. I've got a good constable in W. L. Hicks and he stays with me, between us anybody will tell you we've got things pretty well cleaned up. Of course, I never have any trouble you might say in Proctorville anyhow its outside the town that we have to fight. Fight what? fight moonshine whiskey - its causing more sorrow and trouble than anything else today. The Ohio State Prohibition law has just been in effect a mite over a year now, and this instant what you might call a vicious township, but during the year Constable Hicks and his deputies have captured fourteen moonshine stills and made many arrests. I've heard a whole lot more whiskey cases than any other justice of the peace outside of Ironton I could say it stronger than that if I wanted to and still not be lying any. I have gone out with them after stills but while I am strong and active its pretty hard to stretch staying up in the woods all night like the night we went to Millersport and Crown city and got the bunch and still with three men. It took all night. I hate whiskey and the trouble it causes and the disrepute it brings respectable places into, like the shooting affair we had last summer. Things like that give Proctorville a bad name and those people weren't Proctorville people. I get threatening letters and other kinds of threats warning me to keep my hands off "Friendly Moonshining," but pshaw I do not pay any attention to them. Somebody has to take the responsibility of enforcing the law or where would be. This fearless law enforcer for anybody in Proctorville will tell you that's his reputation and ran raider of moonshine retreats, gets scores of threatening letters, is veteran of a war history fifty six years ago. Children who were born the year he was honorably discharged from the Fifth West Virginia Infantry of the Union Army have grandchildren of their own now or should have if they survived. As a matter of fact Mayor Bowen has eight great grandchildren and thirteen grandchildren of their own now not to mention four living children and a wife who is noted the country over for her skill in designing and making patch work quilts. And there are other things in addition to Mayor Bowens reputation as a law enforcer, although he never attended a law college he has a wide knowledge of law and a reputation as a practicing attorney that makes him feared opponent in Justice courts. In these tribunals he has crossed swords with legal lights from Ironton, Huntington and other nearby cities and generally to the discomfoiture of city lawyers. Mayor Bowen was born in Rome township which adjoins that in which Proctorville is situated he has lived most of his life except for a time he served in the Civil war from August 10-1861 to August 10 1865 among his own people. Small wonder political opponents attempt to unseat him with seemingly increasing lack of success. On Captain Paul Thomas' ferry boat outbound from Proctorville, four passengers are draped along the rail languidly discussing the armament conference. One of them states he hopes that it will come out alright, but expresses doubt since all those fellows have data. Another attired in denim not unpicturesque approaches the group. He is the humorist of another trip. Now speaking of cows, he ventured Holler Horn, Holler Tail and Holler Belly that is all I ever saw the matter with any cow. Especially the holler belly in winter time. The volunteer disarmament smiled politely but without full appreciation the humorist after a moment eyed a chip rested on the deck near the rail. He removed his gaze and pursed his lips for action. It was a miss. Mr. Bowen takes active part in State wide Prohibition. Below one of the Speaking tours. Time of year and day Oct. 31 Speaks at Athalia 8:30 A. M. Millers 9:00 A. M. Platform 10:00 A. M. Scott Town 10:30 A. M. Linnville 11:30 A. M. Andis 12:30 P. M. Rockwood 1:30 P. M. Deering 2:30 P. M. South Point 3:30 P. M. Burlington 4:30 P. M. Sibene 5:00 P. M. Chesapeake 5:30 P. M. Coryville 6:00 P. M. Also takes active part in election in trying to elect old members who co-operated with him in his last administration. They were as follows: For Mayor, John A. Bowen; For Clerk, N. G. Greer; For Marshall, George Hodges; For Treasurer, C. H. Wilgus; For Council, A. E. Marks, T. J. Rines, W. H. Feurt, O. E. Dement, H. B. Mauck, G. W. Schultz; Trustees of public officers, J. W. Reckard, R. E. Atkinson, William Ice, A. R. Tyler. XXXXXXXXXX A LETTER FROM MAYOR BOWEN TO THE DECENT PEOPLE of Proctorville, Ohio. That means you. Why standeth thou afar off, my good people why hidest thyself in time of trouble? Preserve us O God for in Thee we put our trust. Keep us dear Lord shield and protect us in such a way that we may not have to return to the dark days of former conditions of things as they were prior to the present administration of our little village. Keep we pray, the reins of our little village out of the hands of those that are condemning the present administration for not any other reasons than a great desire to return to the dark days when the gutters of the streets were strewn with whiskey and beer bottles, the sidewalks smeared with vomits of the drunks almost every Sabbath morning, and when it was not safe for a decent person to be out on the side-walks after nightfall. Bad - - Yes, I know I am; bad but not bad enough to allow my back to be turned upon the people of this village when they called upon me for protection from the roughs and the toughs of this village. Yes I know I am bad but not bad enough to allow the evil influence that existed in this village to "cut any ice" with me in my endeavors to make Proctorville, a decent place for decent people to live. Bad surely but not so bad as to loaf on the street corners use bad and profane language in the presence of small boys chew tobacco and squirt ambeer on the side-walks and talk politics. Bad certainly but not bad enough to turn a deaf ear to the wants of the people of the village when they were shivering with cold, we gave them gas heat, while they were yet in darkness, we gave them light - light that lighteth every person who prefers light rather than darkness. Bad who said I was an Angel? Surely I am very bad but not bad enough if elected mayor of the village of Proctorville, to disregard the oath of office - then of course, I will continue to be bad to those wtlo violate the laws of our village. My fellow Citizens it is up to you to say whether I have been Mayor of Proctorville, or Mayor for Proctorville - You should be the sole judge of this question. You have the right to place the reins of your village in hands and should you place them in hands of those to whom you can look for protection for yourselves, your families, and your property. Believing you are competent to choose between the two evils, I hereby submit the question to you, and I am willing to abide by your decision. Yours respectfully, J. A. BOWEN, Mayor O, Yes, We must not overlook the great awakening which occured about the hours of 2 o'clock p. m. in the night season when all the inhabitants of our little village of Proctorville, Ohio was taking their rest with their heads resting upon their downey pillows dreaming of their future prospects of this life and the life beyond when their pleasant dreams were flustrated by an undreamed of explosion which awakened the country for miles around that of a dynamite explosion which was placed in the yard close up to the residence of John A. Bowen's dwelling which was set off at the hours above stated doing great damages to his house and other close by residences but I got off fairly well, it only cost me $20.80 to refill the windows of my house which was blown out by the explosion and the best of all I never learned for sure who did the dirty job and I am surely glad that I never did learn who was responsible for the dirty cowardly act. J. A. Bowen, Mayor. Now I have been accused of being oppresive and unjust in my dealings with my fellow citizens, by the enemies of good government of your village. Now gentlemen you have always heard it said that an open confession is good for the soul and if this be true why not good for Mayors of the village of Proctorville, Ohio? So here goes it. Now gentlemen in the year of 1914 January Ist when I look over the reins of your village I found that in the year of 1901 the village had been bonded for $6,000 and there was still due then on the sum of $5,000.00 on which interest on the whole amount had accumulated to $3,300 which the taxpayers of this village had been called upon to pay. Said interest being $300.00 more than one-half of the principal indebtedness of your village with an income from the Mayor's docket of said village from May 8th, 1908 to January 1, 1914 a period of six years to the amount of $19.42. Now gentlemen during my administration as Mayor of your village we have paid $1,000 on said indebtedness of your village with an income from my docket as Mayor of your village for three years and ten months of $654.00 to-wit as follows: MAYOR'S DOCKET FROM JANUARY 1, 1914, TO DATE. Drunk and disorderly 38 cases total fines $152.25 Assault and battery 11 cases total fines 32.50 Adultery 1 case total fines 10.00 Gambling 1 case total fines 5.00 Petty Larceny 1 case total fines 10.00 Provoking Breach of P. 5 cases total fines 9.00 Cruelty to animals 2 cases total fines 35.00 Riding bicycle on walk 2 cases total fines 2.00 Permitting horse at large 1 case total fines 5.00 Fast driving horses 1 case total fines 1.00 Fast driving autos 2 cases total fines 1.00 Fast Driving Autos 9.00 Unpaid fines 17.00 ------- Total fines collected $254.76 Number of cases 70.68 of which entered pleas of guilty as per affidavit and two entered pleas not guilty, one was tried by jury and one was sufferiing from asthma. Both are still living. Ferry license 4 issues $120.00 Show license 16 issue 35.00 Pk. Peddler 6 issues 6.00 Traffic license 57 issues 198.00 Received from Fair Society policing ferry 23.00 Received from old lockup sold W. A. Greer Co. 2.00 Received from old scales sold by J. W. Reckard Co. 15.00 Received from Fruit Growers J. C. Waddell .25 ------- Total $654.00 Gentlemen: Note the charges and fees thereon and then draw your own in my dealings with my fellow citizens as to my oppressiveness or my injustices. And further I am accused of holding up my fellow citizens in the way of traffic license, in regard to this charge will say, that as Mayor, I am just upholding the traffic ordinance of this village and not the individual. My friends, the enemies to good government of our little village have branded your humble servant with everything that is bad save robbing the merchants, doctors, and not those with whom I dealt of their goods and chattles. Those living in glasses houses should not throw stones. Yours respectfully, J. A. Bowen, Mayor XXXXXXXXXX PROCTORVILLE'S FIGHTING MAYOR RETIRES AFTER 10 YEARS OF SERVICE John A. Bowen surrenders reins at 78th year for quiet home life. LOVED IN LAWRENCE COUNTY Won Law and order fight when bootleggers nearly took town. Chosen the leader of his fellow citizens ten years ago in a time of strife and upheaval to guard the city of his love when it lay gripped in the throes of an intensive moonshine war, John A. Bowen surnamed the Fighting Mayor of Proctorville, has stepped down from the executive chair of the small buckeye town, to rest in the peace and prosperity which he has helped to promote. Now in the mellow years of his life facing his 78th Birthday when the harsh duties of public service are becoming to onerous to be borne by his stooping shoulders and official cares too exacting the silver haired Mayor a romantic figure in more than ten years of Lawrence County history has withdrawn from the political whirlpool to the quiet and solitude of a happy little home. His days in seething turbulent political world of Proctorville are over and it is the guerdon of his faithfulness that he might live to enjoy the fruits of his efforts. Rumors to the effect that Mr. Bowen was planning to relinquish the official reins buzzed about Proctorville many weeks ago but until the veteran Mayor confirmed the reports in a public statement no one attached much credence to them. Elected to the Mayorship for ten consecutive years and having serves the people kindly throughout the entire decade it was little thought but that the fighting Mayor would be back in the harness this year but before the election on November 6 Mr. Bowen announced that he positively would not be a candidate an the ticket. Mr. Bowen's retirement marks the passing of one of the most romantic figures in the history of Southern Ohio, prominent in the political life of the thriving little village outstanding in the church and social activities. He might almost be called the father of the town, his cool head his steady hand and his kind influence which so marked his ten years of service Will be missed by his fellowman. Those in the remotest corners of Lawrence County love and respect him the genial old gentleman Mayor and pour forth their thanks for his sterling work he leaves the post to which has been untiring servant these ten years. He was admired by the community in which he lived and held the highest esteem of all Southern Ohio. There is no one who will not say that the Mayor was a friend of mankind. Generous, hospitable, and open hearted. On the other hand Mr. Bowen was a stern believer in the fulfillment of his duty. Sworn to uphold and enforce the law and order of his community he held unswervingly to his creed and during his mayorship Proctorville enjoyed a period of peace and quietitude as could be expected. Nothing undertaken by him was not completed to perfection and it is encouraging to note the lack of violence during the years he administered to the township. The Mayor gave the best he had to the interest of the people and the deeds of this sterling man erect a lofty monument of success to his long and checkered career. There is another side of Mayor's life, however, and it is this part of the picture wherein is portrayed the virile character clearness of mind and keeness of judgment of the man. It is the chapter of Mr. Bowen's life that attracts the eye of sobriquet fluttering in the hearts of the more romantic. The sobriquet of the fighting Mayor which he has been through the many years of life was not attributed to him for the satisfaction of a mere fancy but than a pondering significance is attached thereon it characterizes possibly more than anything else the real nature of the man and a review of his life. He could easily show one why he earned such cognomen. Born in the township of Rome 1845 where he served as Justice of the Peace. Mr. Bowen came to Proctorville in 1903 when this town was torn by whiskey warfare and in a turbulent state. Under the circumstance the duties assumed by the mayor were far more strenuous than they would be ordinarily. He was elected over a stable Proctorville citizen mayor preceeding in years and at the most critical tune the welfare of the community thrust into his hands. The situation which he faced was appalling in addition to the whiskey trouble the healing of political disruption also faced the new Mayor and for several years he labored zealously in straightening out factional differences in welding his people into a more progressive unit. But Mr. Bowen's troubles did not end here the town needed a complete reformation and to restore the city to its pristine peace and prosperty unit. But of years not that of a few days. Financial difficulties hampered by the community and the citizenry was encumbered by a debt of $5000.00 the treasury was empty and the prospect for liquidating the debt appeared to be most unpromising. But by his diligent work and perseverance the new Mayor soon changed the look of things. Today the records show that not only $5000 payment has been removed but there is between $1500-00 and $2000.00 in the treasury. The city hall was repaired during the direction of Mr. Bowen, a fire engine repaired. The Mayor guided (illegible) and activities were rife in the hills surrounding Proctorville, and the town became a center of illicit whiskey trade. The reputation of the community was at stake and once more Mayor Bowen stepped in the limelight to champion the city he loved. Seeing that remonstrance was of no use against the offenders Mr. Bowen threw down the gauntlet and proceded to rout the moonshiners with such measures as the case called for and after a fearless campaign waged against them finally broke up their operations completely. This was just one of the many instances where the remarkable strength of mind and the strict adherence to the law of the mayor was shown for he has guided Proctorville through many other just such periods of strife. Mr. Bowen has guided to a golden age its history and quit the mayorship with plaudits of all Southern Ohio ringing in his ears. XXXXXXXXXX HERALD DISPATCH. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION To the Citizens of Proctorville Ohio: I, J. A. Bowen as Mayor, of said village do hereby request that all places of business be closed from three o'clock until five o'clock p. m. Friday August the tenth 1923 in due remembrance of our late president Warren G. Harding deceased. Given under my hand this 8th day of August 1923. J. A. BOWEN, Mayor. XXXXXXXXXX BECOMES INTERESTED IN WOMEN SUFFRAGE AND SENDS A DOCUMENT TO A WOMAN PICKET WHO STOOD ON THE OUTSIDE AS GUARD AT WASHINGTON, D. C. WOMAN SUFFRAGE. What is a woman anyway, is she an American citizen or is she just nothing but a woman. There is one thing sure she will never solve this question by standing picket in front of the White House at Washington, D. C. nor by displaying banners with her motives inscribed thereon, nor by calling upon the President of the United States. Then why expose herself to the cold freezing weather standing picket upon the streets of the city of Washington, D. C. Well she says we have appealed to the legislatures of the different states and have made prayer after prayer to congress of the United States, all of which have availed us nothing. Well why not try what virtue there is in the fountain head the Supreme Court of the United States and see if this honorable body of law can draw the line of distinction and settle this question once and for all time to come. What is woman? Is she an American citizen or just a woman. Now in as much as all fair minded people feel and do sincerely believe you are right in contending for your right of Franchise as an American citizen why not employ able council to represent your cause before the supreme court of the United States. Don't you think it would be better to do this in a legal and legitimate way before the court of component jurisdiction than to try and worry someone or some law making power to grant you your just rights of franchise. Now you see the Supreme Court of the United States has full power to decide any question relating to your citizenship which is safe guarded by the constitution of the United States. As you see Article 10 Section 1 of the Constitution of the United States of America says in plain language that the right of citizens of the United States of America to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Now don't you think this chapter of the Constitution of the United States of America means anything to you. It means if you are a citizen of the United States you have a right to the ballot. Now you see the burden of proof would rest with you to convince the court that you are an American Citizen. Then comes Chapter 14 Section 1 of the Constitution and it says "all persons born or naturalized in the United States are subject to the Jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. Now this leaves just one question tor the court to decide and that is "What is woman, is she an American citizen of the United States if so she has a right to handle the ballot and that not only for school directors or President of the United States but also a right to strike at slums between the school director and the President of the United States. Now I do sincerely believe that a woman is an American citizen in the true sense and meaning of citizenship. She cannot be an American citizen and at the same time be deprived of her rights constituting a citizen. Let this right be ever so small or ever so great if woman is a citizen of the United States how can she be denied the right of ballot, and if she is not entitled to the ballot she is not an American citizen. Then the question arises, what is woman that she has such great ambition to wield the ballot what has awakened her to such ideas as to demand her franchise as an American citizen. Their demands are honorable and just and why not grant them to the women if not why not come across with your poor lame back excuse don't conceal behind your wife and declare her place is in the house, answer the question "What is woman anyway? J. A. BOWEN, Mayor. XXXXXXXXXX MR. BOWEN A HEARTY SUPPORTER OF ALFRED SMITH DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY OF THE UNITED STATES. A newspaper item that was written to The Ironton News by Mr. Bowen concerning Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving Day as usually and why? And what for? And to whom should we be thankful? First: We should be truly thankful to our Heavenly father that we are still alive and have a good appetite for all we can get to eat under this Mellon-Coolidge high protective, tariff system. Second: We should be truly thankful unto our beloved President Coolidge that he has declined not to accept the nomination as the dictator of a down trodden nation by the money power. Mr. Coolidge is a long headed gentlemen and can read between the lines what is going to happen to the special interests of this nation soon, and he don't care to be in the landslide which will carry the G. O. P. (Republican Party) to their long resting terminals. It isn't any use to say joy and peace and happiness go with them, for they have the entire wealth of our nation in their clutches and will take it with them, and I hope never to return to power again for I don't think the people of this nation will ever forget the Mellon-Coolidge High Protective tariff system nor the income tax reduction, nor the prompt relief given the farmers, The Cotton Growers, the Fruit Growers, and the great protection the laboring class of people received at the hands of this administration. Now don't say you have done all you could to protect the farmers, the cotton growers, the fruit growers, and the laboring class of this nation for the school children know all you would have to do would be cut down the High Protective tariff and give the farmer, the cotton grower and the fruit growers a foreign market for their products. Now take warning and reduce that tariff that is robbing the greater mass of people to enrich the few. Respectfully yours, J. A. BOWEN. Here is a memorandum of the hard fought battle that I, J. A. Bowen fought for the common people of this government in trying to elect Alfred E. Smith president of the United States in the fall of 1928 J. A. Bowen at the age of 84. XXXXXXXXXX THE MIND READER. A newspaper sketch by the writer. The Mind Reader of the Ironton Tribune of July 20th 1928 predicts that three members of the Supreme Court of the United States will probably retire from the bench in the next year or so and if Al Smith is elected pres- ident of the United States he will fill those vacancies with three judges that are not favorably impressed with the prohibition laws of our land. Now of course, we may, expect anything in a Presidential campaign save and except the truth, and so we must take for granted that the dictator of the above article is "A Mind Reader" a Surmiser and for a moment what does the writer of the above article know about the three judges contemplating on vacating their gold padded seats and of lifting their hands out of the public treasury or what does he know as to Al Smith being dripping wet, not one solitary thing does the writer know it is all a political dream of his one forecast. So come along with me and listen to his consoling statements in same issue of July 20th, 1928 to the oppressed farmer of our country. When he vows that the proper way for Congress to relieve the Farmer is to pass the law that compels every individual to eat twice as much as he now eats. Now there is just as much reason in the second article as there is in the first of the tribune of July 20th 1928. When in fact both the articles as referred to is just calculated to mislead some few weak kneed voters. Now I want to say right now that the Tribune nor any other paper that Al Smith is other than a strict temperate gentleman and a Christian man as well. Actions speak louder than words. Al Smith has been elected four times as governor of that great state of New York and the 4th time Al Smith received a greater majority over his opponent and listen Al Smith will carry his home state over Hoover in November 1928. Smoke that in your pipe. Now a word as to the farmer and fruit growers of this section I surely sympathize with you if you should have to wait for relief from your offensive conditions until congress passed a law compelling each individual to eat twice as much as has been in the habit of eating in the past four or five years that would only bring him back to normal as at least two thirds of the consumers have not had a square meal in four years and why because the common consumer has not had employment. The shop doors are closed the coal mines are gone into the hands of the monopolies backed up by the money powers of this nation who at this time have the common people by the throat choking the very life out of them undercover of the High Protective tariff. I think it is surely time for the farmers and fruit growers to awaken from their slumber and think for themselves. You do not have to go back fifty years just before the High tariff went into effect, you will remember you were selling your apples right in the orchard from four dollars and half to five dollars per barrel, Oh yes some will say that was under Woodrow Wilson. Sure it was. J. A. Bowen. XXXXXXXXXX TIME WILL TELL (The Ironton Tribune of Ironton, Ohio.) Col. J. A. Bowen of Proctorville who is a fine old citizen and a Democrat of 83 years of age seems to feel we are guessing about Gov. Smith appointing wet judges on the Supreme Court of the U. S. when vacancies occur. Three of these judges will be retired within the next four years on account of age and health and possibly more and it is the President who names their successor. Gov. Smith if elected to the presidency would appoint men who are wet just as Mr. Bowen would appoint dry men if he were president. As Mr. Bowen knows any law can be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme court and the enforcing of the laws would not last ten seconds in the hands of an unfavor- able court. We agree with Mr. Bowen that Gov. Smith is a safe and trusted man but he is a wet man out of sympathy with prohibition bv his own admission but even a greater menace than his attitude on the prohibition question is his membership of tammany hall with Smith in the White House the government at Washington would be tammanyized within a month after his inauguration, as bad as the Harding administration proved to be, the Smith and Tammany Hall government would be infinitely worse. Why not avoid bad republican and bad Democratic rule by electing Mr. Hoover who was good enough to be selected by Woodrow Wilson and by Calvin Coolidge. Senator Owen a democrat of Oklahoma declares that Hoover is the best equipped man ever offered by either party for the president of the United States of America. We believe this to be true. Mr. Hoover was a great help to Woodrow Wilson during the war, he was then called by a Republican president. He is not a politician but a great force as a citizen and worker and no one has any strings on him. Mr. Bowen is a fine old gentleman and citizen unusually bright and active for one of his age. He has always been a democrat and if Hoover was good enough for Woodrow Wilson it is quite certain that Mr. Bowen will conclude that Hoover is good enough for him. Editor Ironton Tribune XXXXXXXXXX EDITOR IRONTON NEWS. I am frank to admit that I do not understand what is wrong with the prohibition people. Why are they making so much noise about a cause that is done settled for all time to come by the voice of the voters of the required number of the states of the nation and if they would just stop and think for a moment that this change was brought about by an amendment to the constitution of this government of ours and not by any one person but a majority of the people. They would see fit once that no one man can overthrow prohibition and return to the saloons again. I sometimes wonder if the dry element of this nation has for one moment given this prohibition question a real study as to who is the real promoters of this question of prohibition into the campaign and what for? Well sir, it's not any other than the politicans of the Republican party and for the sole purpose of attracting the attention of the voters from the real issue which is the Highway Robbery Tariff and these people the beneficiaries of the high protective tariff are setting back and looking on and laughing up their sleeves at the so-called prohibition fight going on in a crude issue. Now let me advise you prohibition people to let well enough alone and do not be hoodwinked by those politicians of the republican party as they are no friend to the prohibition laws if they were friendly to this administration, true enough and you had a market for your products of the farm which you have not got now. Your only relief is to cast your vote for men that is opposed to high protective tariff. Certainly it is sheer nonsense to talk about making the National treasury a market for the farm products take this for what it may be worth to the farmer and laboring classes. Yours respectfully, J. A. BOWEN. 83 years 6 months and written under a temperature 96 degrees in the shade. XXXXXXXXXX COMMENTS FROM READERS ON PUBLIC QUESTIONS Lawrence County, Ohio, G. O. P. vs. Tammany Hall, New York. Tammany Hall with all its combined forces cannot compete with Lawrence County, Ohio, G. O. P. in any dirty, filty black-mail political get even after dark. Now sir, I will just bet a good pumpkin pie against six eggs, one quart of sweet milk, one nutmeg and one-half gallon of Alpha flour that Lawrence County, Ohio, G. O. P. can skunk Tammany Hall, New York, in any dirty low-down undermineing political trickery that the human mind could possibly dream of while laying with his head on a soft, downy pillow. If I were the editor of the Tribune, I surely would cease to defend such dirty inhuman political gangs until they clean up their own party yard. Now I wish to make a request to the voters of Lawrence County, Ohio, and that request is that they do not forget the stump speakers and the dirty circulars that were distributed in the night season telling voters of this county just how unfit for office certain candidates on the G. O. P. ticket to be voted for at the primary, and even went so far as to state some of the successful candidates at the primary had stolen the tax-payers money of this county, and now after the dirty mudslinging is all over and the successful 28 committeemen were called to report to the fountain head they then and there adopted a resolution endorsing the successful candidates, including the men that they fought so hard and gave so many bad names to the voters of Lawrence county, and warned them not to vote for them as they weren't worthy of support as officers of the law. Now the question is for the voters of this county to decide which request they will obey, the first request or the last one. If the first request, and charges were true as we had read in support of said charges, the State Examiner's report read by a man that they dare not dispute. J. A. BOWEN. XXXXXXXXXX A QUESTION FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO CONSIDER What is wrong with our government? I will say nothing, as the fundamental principles of our Government are all right, but the would-be administrators thereof are all wrong, both in Spirit and Action. For this reason, it is the duty of the party in power to enforce laws of this government. Let it be a Republican or a Democrat Administration; first, I will call the attention of the General Public to the Prohibition Law enacted under Woodrow Wilson's administration as a Democrat, and turned over to the Warren G. Harding administration as a Republican. Now the question is, after seven years with full control of both Houses of Congress and the Army and Navy at their command, what have the G. O. P. accomplished in bettering the conditions of Prohibition in the past seven years? Now, I want the general public to be honest in their conclusion as to the real differences today and when intoxicating liquors were sold over the counters in the saloons, where the small boys and were not admitted. But now, my friends, how is it today? With five gallons of moonshine liquor to where there was one, when the G. O. P. took up the reins of this government, when Woodrow Wilson laid them down seven years ago, there is a bootlegger on every street corner and two at each cross-road to supply the thirsty ones and further you know from personal observation that those bootleggers have in their employ to aid them in their illegal sale of intoxicating liquor, boys from 10 to 15 years old. Now the real question is who is to blame for such conditions as really confronts us today. Surely, you cannot lay it at the door of the Democratic party as they are not in power, nor have they been for the past seven years. Now, my friends, the question is for you to settle this Fall by your ballot, knowing as you do, that the Republican party has utterly and wilfully neglected to enforce the Prohibition Law. How can the Drys depend on the G. O. P. to comply with their request to stamp out this dirty bootlegging, which is the ruination of our children, churches and neighbor- hood. Now, lay aside party prejudice and listen to what Hon. Alfred E. Smith says, if elected: "He will enforce the Prohibition Law." That is just what we want. Try him Respectfully yours, J. A. BOWEN, Proctorville, Ohio. XXXXXXXXXX Editor Ironton News:-- Proctorville, Ohio, December 25, 1927. CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO ALL! Let us be of good cheer and be of good hopes as I see by the Ironton Tribune that the fore-runner of the Iron and Steel Corporation, John W. Hill, has peeped his head around the corner once more and predicted a good, prosperous year in 1928. Thank you, Mr. John W. Hill, we are surely glad to hear from you again. Say, Mr. Hill, where have you been all of the past three years that you haven't heard the cries of the poor laboring clan, the oppressed farmer, the fruit and cotton growers of this country of ours? Was it the cries of this great mass of common people that awakened you from your slumber or was it the fact that you found that iron and steel industries as you stated had declined seven per cent in 1927 compared with 1926. That decline is easily accounted for. Just charge it to less exports on account of high protective tariff, and you have the correct answer. Oh, yes, Mr. John W. Hill, you forgot to explain to suffering humanity how long your promised prosperity is going to last after this Fall's election and what will be the result providing the G. O. P. is re-elected. Will you as the dictator of the Iron and Steel Corporation pledge yourself to the common mass of suffering humanity to reduce the high protective tariff so as to give them a market for their production of their farms and their labors. What we want and what we need is an open market to the world with a tariff for revenue only. Let us not be afraid to speak up in support of the common class of the people who are being oppressed by the money power of this country of ours. Say, Mr. John W. Hill, what has become of the Sherman Anti-Trust Law? You surely ought to respect your own laws which prohibit the money power from forming trusts or combines to rob the common class of the people. Now let us use a little common sense. This promise of prosperity just before the election was looked for. It is no surprise, only just a little early. I do hope that the common people of this country will not be hoodwinked by this great man. John W. Hill, the spokesman for one of the greatest combines of our Government. Don't forget how many times you have asked for bread and they have given you stone. J. A. BOWEN, XXXXXXXXXX DECLARATION OF PATRICK HENRY Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death! In as much as God spoke unto Moses saying, "Lead my Sheep, the Children of Israel from under the yoke of Bondage out into the light and liberty of a free people." Even so hath the God-fearing and Oppressed people of this nation of ours chosen the Hon. Alfred Smith, Governor of the great state of New York to deliver them from the clutches of the great money peers of this country of ours. Now in as much as Moses was successful in his great undertaking even so will Alfred E. Smith be able to pilot the, Old Ship of Liberty to a safe landing in next November. I see the Ironton Tribune has got Al Smith in bad shape in Friday, August 24th issue. Smith is pictured as riding astride a booze barrel on a rickety automobile with head and tail up. It puts Smith up to, it to get his automobile repaired and a new supply of booze and make the Tribune a visit in order that the Tribune may be able to get a better sketch of Al Smith's out-fit, as I think this one is a very poor one. Now I dislike to think that the editor of the Tribune had anything to do with this dirty black-guard of and concerning the Hon. Alfred E. Smith, candidate for the Presidency of the United States. No, I would rather think it was perpetrated by some one that was on the out-side skirmish line as editor of the Tribune if the G. O. P. is in favor of the enforcement of prohibition law, why don't they take as much interest in the enforcement of the law during the past eight years of the Republican administration as they are taking in this campaign. Now, I wish to say to the dry element of this county, be sure you are right and then cast your vote as you think will be for the very best interest of your homes and those of your neighbors and friends. And oblige, Yours respectfully, J. A. BOWEN. XXXXXXXXXX Editor Ironton News:- I see by the Ironton Tribune that the M. E. Conference of Ohio have stepped to the front as a political organization at Springfield, Ohio, Sept. 8th, 1928, by calling to their assistance Senator S. D. Fess of Ohio, to assail the Democrats and their stand on prohibition. And the Hon. Senator Fess resurrected the late President Warren G. Harding and presented his good deeds which were many, to the apostles and elders where assembled, but the Hon. Senator Fess failed to impress on the minds of the apostles and elders then and there assembled that all mortal beings are subject to mistakes in this life and that the Hon. President Harding did make the greatest mistake of his life if he was in favor of prohibition in his appointment of the present Secretary of the Treasury, Hon. Andrew Mellon, the foundation of Overholt, the greatest liquor dealer in America. To administer the prohibition law of America. And the Hon. S. D. Fess failed to make known to the apostles and elders then assembled the great mistake of the Hon. President Coolidge made in the re-appointment of the great liquor head to enforce the prohibition law and Hon. Andrew Mellon. Now, if the Hon. S. D. Fess had ever made the above facts known to the apostles and elders there assembled they would have drawn their own conclusions as to the present. Now, if the charges against some of the successful candidates are true, then the resolution adopted by its chairman calling on the voters of Lawrence county to support said unworthy candidates or voting for the ticket as a whole, is nothing more or less than an imposition imposed upon the decent people of the county. Keep your eyes on them. Yours respectfully, JOHN A. BOWEN. XXXXXXXXXX Editor Ironton News:- Next Tuesday is "Clean-up Day" and those who do not take any part in putting the Lawrence County Court House in order forever, hereafter hold your peace. As the Democratic Party of Lawrence County has done its part in furbishing you with the very best material that Lawrence County affords, to apply to the "House Clean-up Process" of the different offices of the county to-wit as follows: Representative, Prosecuting Attorney, Probate Judge, Treasurer, Sheriff, Clerk of Courts, Commissioner and surveyor, all of whom have not the slightest of a shadow of Bossism hanging over them, and if elected they will well and faithfully serve the people of Lawrence County as a whole and not as the servant of a boss or faction. But as true Americans unhandicapped by any boss faction whatsoever or any blemish attached to their reputation. Now, Mr. Voter, come to the front and let us be men and women that fear not to stand for right in our own county at least. When we know there is something seriously wrong, all you have got to do is watch just before a primary election comes off and you can see the gravel trucks hauling gravel in every direction; men out on them and on the roads digging in the banks and it is kept up until after the primary election is over. Then go to them to do a little repaving on the roads and you will find them as poor as a church mouse. Actions speak louder than words. Now Mr. Voter, go to the polls on election day and vote for the best man and woman. This one time it may give you the nightmare, but you will soon get over that and oblige. Yours respectfully, J. A. BOWEN, Proctorville, Ohio. XXXXXXXXXX Editor of Ironton News:- I have been pondering over in my mind concerning the great conflict that is being waged for the controlling power in the Republican party of Lawrence county. Then the thought came to my mind, "What is, there in county politics anyway." And I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing in Lawrence county politics save self-gain, either politically or financially. Now to prove my statement, I shall call your attention to the fact that the political condition which exists today in Lawrence county and has existed for the past 25 years, is strictly confined to the Republican Party or the factions thereof commonly known as the Hon. A. R. Johnson and his followers against the field, and the poor little old Democratic party standing off looking on and wondering what will be the outcome of bitterly bloody contest waged between two factions of the G. O. P. and hearing condemned sentences passed upon each other factions by the stalwarts. And furthermore hearing the majority of the factions publicly read out the minority factions of the G. O. P. from the party. Now we, the poor little Democratic party of Lawrence county feet it our Christian duty as the good Samaritan to throw open wide the door to the G. O. P. of Lawrence County. We earnestly bid you welcome to our ranks, and in advance promise you one and all fair treatment. Yes, come back home and the fatted calf will be slain. Yes, come over to Massidona and help us poor little Democrats elect the very best blood of Lawrence county as your servants to fill the different county offices as you know them to be worthy of your support and not annimated by any boss. JOHN A. BOWEN. XXXXXXXXXX THE WOULD-BE AMERICAN HISTORY A first book in American History as it now appears revised edition by Charles A. Reed and William C. Bradley of New York in 1927. I wish to call the attention of the readers of this revised history to page 301 and there you will find that this revised history alleges that in the year of 1860 the good old Republican party held a convention and nominated old Abe Lincoln as their candidate for President of the United State of America at Chicago, Illinois, in May, 1860. Now, I just want to call the attention of the readers of this revised history that old Abe Lincoln was not nominated by the Republican party in the year of 1860, but by the Abolitionist party and elected as such. But later on the old parties to-wit, the Know Nothing Party and Whig Party and the Abolitionists parties did consolidate and called themselves the Republican party and in 1864 nominated old Abe Lincoln as their candidate for the presidency against George B. McClellen, the Democratic candidate for the Presidency of this government of ours. Now and right here I wish to say that in 1864 I cast my first vote for old Abe Lincoln as president of the United States and I am proud of it yet at this late day and age, 64 years ago. Oh, yes, some will say history says that Abe Lincoln was nominated by the Republican party at Chicago, May, 1860. Very good. We must make an allowance as to who revised the late History. You see, there is policy in war. You will find on page 162 of this revised history that it alleges that Hamilton and Jefferson cabinet officers of George Washington had a great deal of trouble and that Jefferson had a great many followers who shared his ideas and they formed themselves into a political party and later was known as the Republican party. Now the idea of Thomas Jefferson organizing any republican party back in 1789. Now, my good friends, there is not any good logic in either of the revisions of the revised history. According to this revised history the Republican party was the first political party of this country and formed by Thomas Jefferson followers, one of the great founders of this country of ours. Pew, Pew! The revised history smells of Republicanism. J. A. BOWEN, Proctorville, Ohio. XXXXXXXXXX And I don't want to look over the fact that I did serve the people of Athalia, Ohio, Rome Township as their Postmaster for the term of 4 years under Grover Cleveland's administration as President of the United States of America. And another most important fact I wish to speak about and that is I had the pleasure as well as the honor of seeing old Abraham Lincoln as he stood on the steps of the Capitol of the United States at Washington D. C., and another great honor I had been favored with and that was casting my first vote for old Abraham Lincoln for President of the United States in the year of 1864. Another good act of my life was the building of the M. E. church at Athalia, Ohio, in the year of 1877. We, the people of Athalia, Ohio, were in great need of a place to worship God, so we started a subscription to raise money to build a church and we got $900 subscribed to build with, and that was all we could raise, so the community felt around to see what they could do toward the building of the church, and they started and reported that $1800.00 was the least bid that they could get, and they would have to give it up. Then I stepped to the front and publicly declared that the church should be built and I would build it for what money they had in sight, the $9.00.00, and of course I got the job and went to work with one thin in view. And that was to have a home of our own where we could worship God where none dared to molest us or make us afraid. So I did build the house of God according to the plans and specifications and turned everything over to the trustees in good order, paid all my help and for all the material and had $200 left for my labor. And I want to say in that, church I saw the best of my life. I was honored by the people of that church as class leader for ten years and let me say when I left Athalia some 46 years ago, there were some good men living there just about my age, and when I look back there is not one of them living at this time, December 2, 1928. And of course I have great reason to be thankful to my heavenly Father for his loving kindness and watchful care during my long life. I surely believe that God has been on the giving hand all my life as he has blessed me with a reasonable portion of health and strength, and the necessities to sustain life. Therefore I give God all the praise and I thank God that I was taught to honor Him in my early days by my mother who was a devoted Christian mother. She taught we to trust God for all things in my early days and I am so glad that I have always believed in God so much so that I have always made it a point in my life to call upon God in all my undertakings and there is one thing sure God is all and in all and our only hope in this world and the world to come, then why not trust God. Then why should we boast of time to come Though but a single day, This hour my fix our final doom Though grony and young and gay. The present we should now retain, As this is only our own; The past a loos in all a dream, The future is unknown. 0 think what vast concerns depend, Upon a moment's space, When life and all its cares shall end: In vengenance or in death. Now, I wish to call your attention, you, who may happen to scan the few scattering thoughts to my favorite hymns that I used to delight in singing for my people at home and abroad. J. A. BOWEN. XXXXXXXXXX A FAVORITE POEM With tearful eyes I look around, Life seems a dark and stormy sea, Yet amid the gloom I hear a sound, A heavenly whisper comes to me. It tells me where my soul may flee, It tells my sould may flee, O to the weary faint oppressed; How sweet the bidding comes to me. When against sin I strive in vain, And cannot from its yoke get free, Sinking beneath the heavy chain, The words arrest me, come to me. When nature shadows loath to part, From all I love, enjoy and see, When a faint chill steals over my heart, A sweet voice utters, come to me. But there is a power which man cannot wield, When Mortal love gives it in vain, That eyes, that arms, that love to gain, That listening ear to gain. XXXXXXXXXX As Written by J. A. Bowen, Editor, Ironton News. Proctorville, Ohio, November 6th.,1929- According to arrangement entered into between J. A. Bowen and Mr. Carroll Kitts of Proctorville, Ohio, to make a trip east over the many battle fields in which the said J. A. Bowen was engaged during the Civil War, from 1861 to 1866. We left Proctorville, Ohio, November 6th., 1929 at 1:30 p.m. and we went by the way of Parkersburg, W. Va., arriving at Parkersburg at 5 o'clock p.m. There we stayed for the night. November 7th, 1929 -- After viewing the old camp ground of the Old Fifth W. Va., where she wintered during the winter of 1862, we left for New Creek Station, W. Va., where the Old Fifth camped, going out the B. and O. railroad. When we arrived at New Creek Station, we headed for the most noted point in the history of the Civil War - to that of Harper's Ferry, W. Va., arriving there at 6 o'clock p.m. November 7. There we put up for the night. On the morning of the 8th. day of November, we spent several hours in viewing the great sights that are to be found in that noted section of West Virginia where the forerunner of Old Abe Lincoln was offered up in defense of a free nation, to-wit: John Brown. We paid a visit to John Brown's monument before breakfast and after breakfast we visited John Brown's Fort where he made his last stand for liberty of all mankind. We were inside his fort and had a good view of its surroundings. Also there is another very great historical circumstance connected with this noted town called Harper's Ferry and that is a very large stone known as Jefferson Rock where Thomas Jefferson made a speech when he ran for President of the United States the first time. My friend Carroll Kitts went up on this great historical rock. A 8:30 o'clock we started for Winchester, Va., to view the many hard fought battle grounds, the said J. A. Bowen was engaged in, and on our way from, Harper's Ferry to Winchester, we passed thru Harrisburg where John Brown was tried and convicted of Treason, after which he was executed. Also we passed thru Berryville, where the Old Fifth West Virginia was engaged in battles on August 21 to 22 and 25th, 1864; then on to Winchester, Va., where the great battle of all battles took place on the 19th day of September, 1864; then thru the city of Winchester, on up the valley to the noted battle grounds of Cedar Creek, Va., where old General Early started a march on us during the night season while we slept and dreamed of future happiness when the bloody conflict would be over. But when we awoke from our pleasant dreams to find General Early and his army in our midst just at the break of day, our forces were soon outflanked and panic stricken and on the retreat down the Shennandoah Valley. But the tide changed before night-fall and we were victors with 1500 prisoners and a quantity of their artillery. Then the next clay at Fisher Hill, the narrowest point in the Shennandoah Valley, we cleaned them up in good style. This was the last stand General Early made in the Valley of the Shennandoah. We found all of those important battles marked, which called to our memory very distinctly the past and of those who gave their lives in defense of Old Glory. Then we passed through Staunton, Va. where the Old Fifth W. Va. camped. This place looked more natural than some of the other cities and towns we passed through on our trip. Then we headed for the Big Kanawha Valley, W. Va., arriving at Clifton Forge where we stopped and spent the night at the Jefferson Hotel. While there, we talked about the many battle fields we had visited during the day and we found that we failed to give the dates of the two great battles, first that of Cedar Creek which took place on September 22nd., and Fisher Hill on the 23rd. day of September 1864. On the morning of the 9th. 1929, we left the Jefferson Hotel at Clifton Forge at 7:30 a.m. passing thru the following cities and towns; to-wit - Covington, Va., Hot Springs, Va., White Sulphur, W. Va., Lewisburg, W. Va., Ronceverte, W. Va., Alderson, W. Va., Montgomery, W. Va., and Charleston, W.Va. After passing Lewisburg, I was at home again as we marched through Lewisburg on our way to the Shennandoah Valley in the spring of 1863. We crossed the Big Sewill Mountain on this march and I remember very well when we reached the top of this mountain we were almost fagged out on account of the heat and the long march up the mountain. This was on the 12th. day of Way, 1863. Then, Oh, what a change took place on tne top of this great mountain in about 15 minutes after we arrived. It began to snow and we were compelled to put our big blankets around our shoulders to keep from freezing. After passing over this mountain we came to the noted and much talked about Hawk's Nest on the New River. This is a spot worth the while of any man or woman's time it will take to visit the so-called Hawk's Nest. Then we came on down the Gauley River. There we crossed the bridge and I cast my eyes to the dear old spot where in 1862, my company D. of the Old Fifth W. Va. camped in 1862; then on down to the falls of the Great Kanawha River, and I cast my eyes over to the opposite side of said river where the Old Bloody Fifth camped in the Winter of 1863; then on down to Elk River where the Old Fifth camped in 1862; then we crossed the bridge at Charleston W. Va., for our dear old home at Proctorville, Ohio making the trip in three and one half days, and the distance traveled was 794 miles and in all that journey we did not have so much as a punctured tire. Now, I wish to say to all our old friends we surely had a pleasant trip, and on our way east from Parkersburg, W. Va., were surprised to notice a large sign erected on the mountains of Cheat River Mountain which read as follows, to-wit: - Cheat River and Cheat Mountain, altitude 2727 feet. Between the Grafton and Winchester Hill, road rums for nearly four miles. At this point we got out of the car and looked down this seat mountain which made my back and knees tremble. Just one more happening on this great tour of the east and that is this. While at Harper's Ferry we stayed at Jefferson Rock Inn Hotel where the New Yorkers take refuge and there were several of them at this Hotel and they were putting on so much "Old Dog" at the breakfast table, my mind ran back to Old Balshazar and his thousand of lords. I called their attention to the fact and told them that there was hand writing appeared on the wall and the king called on his wise men to explain to him this writing on the wall but none of them were able to solve the great mystery so the old king sent for a man of God whom he had imprisoned for his faithfulness to his creator and Daniel came in and explained to the old king that his kingdom was finished. Then I told those people that I was going to sing them "The Handwriting on the Wall," which I did, I thought it might have its effect on them hereafter in such much that they might not smoke cigarettes at the breakfast table any more. Excuse me for taking so much space in your paper, as this no doubt will prove to be the last. Good Bye, JOHN A. BOWEN, XXXXXXXXXX MY LIFE, MY LOVE, I GIVE TO THEE THOUGH LAMB OF GOD WHO DIED FOR ME. 0 have you not heard of that country above, the name of its King And his infinite love, his children are deathless and happy I am told, Oh will it abide, will we never grow old. Chorus - - It will always be new, it will never decay, no night ever comes, It will always be day, it gladens my heart with a joy that is untold, To think of that land where we never grow old. Second - - That wonderful land has a city of life never darkened with anguish, Nor dying, nor strife; its temples and streets are all flashing with gold, Oh, will it abide where we will never grow od. Third - - A mansion of wonderful beauty is there and Jesus that mansion has gone To prepare its bright jasper walls, how I long to behold and join in The songs that we will never grow old. Chorus - - They tell me its friendship and love is so pure its joys never die, Its treasures are sure and loved ones departed so silent and cold, Will greet us again where we will never grow old. Fifth - - In life's weary conflict there is fainting and care each year the gray Deepens a shade in the hair, but in that blessed book where my name is Enrolled I read of that land where we will never grow old. Chorus - - XXXXXXXXXX LISTEN TO THIS MEMORIAL If I walk in the pathway of duty, if I work till the close of day, I shall see the King in his glory, when I have gone the last mile of the way. Chorus - - When I have gone the last mile of the way, I shall rest at the close Of the days and I know that there is joy that await me when I have gone the last mile of the way. Second - - If for Christ I proclaim His glad story, if work till the close of the day I am sure he will show me His glory when I have Gone the last mile of the way. Third - - Hear the dearest of ties we shall sever tears of sorrow are seen Every day but no sickness, no sighing forever when I have Gone the last mile of the way. Fourth - - While here if I earnestly endeavor and seek all His Will To obey it will enhance all the rapture of Heaven, When I have gone the last mile of the way. Chorus - - Now I am going to say goodbye to my children, my grand children and my great grand children, and my many friends in this life. It surely has been a great pleasure to me to be with you all so many years and to look back over the many good times we have enjoyed together and to think how good God has been to us all these years. Now the time is close at hand when we must part, and it gives us inward pain, but we shall live in hopes that we shall meet again. Yes, when we come to Jordan's River, when the chilly waters foam, Jesus will be there to cheer us and to guide us home for he has said fear not for I am with thee, so cheer up and make a desperate effort to enter into the joys of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty of death for us. Then why should we murmur or complain, but rather be ready to say thy will be done. Farewell to all. Keep in mind that God's watchful eye is resting upon you. Be aware of sin and keep hands off of that which will lead you astray. Be as good as you can, and God will help You to conquer sin and the Devil. GOOD BYE! GOOD BYE!! JOHN A. BOWEN, P. O. Box 314, Proctorville, Ohio.