Dr. W. LeRoy Bowman Passes Away

On Monday night, July sixteenth, the death angel came to call Dr. W. LeRoy Bowman from his earthly home to the place prepared for him above. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at his home by Rev. W. R. Johnston, a life-long friend, who paid a loving tribute to the deceased. A great host of relatives and friends gathered to pay their last respects and see the remains interred in the family cemetery.

Dr. Bowman was born in 1849, having reared his own family in the home of his birth. He became a member of the Pleasant Hill Church in early manhood and for a number of years had been deacon of the same church. He leaves a family of nine sons, one daughter and a wife to mourn his death.

This man of God truly lived a broad life as well as a life of years. He began the study of medicine in early manhood, and though a self-made physician, his ability in the profession was respected far and near. He was the kind of physician that our country needs more of today, for surely his valuable services rendered in his church were as highly appreciated as his professional work. No deacon and layman of Pleasant Hill church assisted more in prayer meetings and church work and none was more punctual to attend than he. His profession as practicing physician did not crowd out his interest in his Master's cause. His Bible study was sound and deep, thus broadening his life-work for services to mankind.

This great character was ever trusted by people who knew him, was ever a leader in all measures for the welfare of society, and towards whom the eyes of those even who despised and hated the things which he esteemed turned with involuntary, admiration and respect. What this county needs is a larger supply of men like Dr. Bowman to fill in with -- men who without any hypocrisy will show what Christianity really is, to prevent in this age of hardness and bitterness and growing hate, the church of Christ from being separated by an inseparable gulf from the men and women for whom Christ died.

In the departure of his life from its earthly sanctuary the community has lost a valuable friend and capable physician, the church has lost one of its most gifted members, and the commonwealth one of its most valiant citizens. ~A Friend.

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Dr. Bowman was first married to Sarah Ann Hall on January 18, 1867. They were the parents of three sons; Hudson Conn Bowman, Thomas Monroe "Tom" Bowman and Henry Owen Bowman.

He was married a second time to Candace Ritchie. They were married; December 29, 1875 in the home of John B. Richey. Ceremony performed by Rev. J.M. Ritchie. Witnesses, Ben Moak and Miss Mary Jane Rutland.