John & Clarissa Bowser c. 1901-1902
In 1916, Fred Bowser owned 80 acres located in E 1/2, SW 1/4, Section 17, T25N - R5E, Curtis Township.
1n 1916, F & E Bowser owned 40 acres located in SW 1/4, SW 1/4, Section 17, T25N - R5E, Curtis Township.
Frederick Bowser & Emma (Sinclair) Bowser c. 1901
Bowser Homestead
John Bowser, b. Oct 18, 1842 in Canada, d. Oct 4, 1918 in Curtisville, married Clarissa Merrit, b. 1883, d. 1960, daughter of Rev. George Merritand Sarah Touch. They came to Curtisville in the late 1800's. John Bowser helped organize Curtis Township. The Bowsers were active workers in the Curtisville Baptist Church and the Gleaner Life Insurance Society.
They had an interest in eduction. The first Curtisville school was held in their home. They boarded the school teachers for many years. Rev. George Merritt was ordained in the Bowser barn, which had been used for church services at that time.
John and Clarissa had one son:
- Fred. Fred married Emma Sinclair. Fred and Emma's only son, Walter b. 1909, d. 1969, , married Lois Healy b. 1913, d. 1940, of Glennie.
Fredrick and Emma Bowser were members of the Ancient Order of Gleaners - Curtis Arbor in 1903.
Bowser Farm on Clouse Road c. 1920. Left to right Clarrisa Bowser, Emma (Sinclair) Bowser, Fred Bowser, Walter “Buster” Bowser.
The 1910 Census identified the following members of the Bowser family living in Curtisville: John Bowser (head of household) and Clarissa (wife). John Bowser was identified as being a Farmer.
Walter “Buster” Bowser c. 1916
The 1920 Census identified the following members of the Bowser family living in Curtisville: Fred M. Bowser (head of household), Emma (wife), Walter (adopted son) and Clarissa (mother).
In 1920, Fred and Emma Bowser owned a 120 acre farm consisting of the Sw 1/4 and E 1/2, SW 1/4 of Section 17, T. 25 N., R. 5E., Curtis Township. This property was located to the north of the Curtisville Civic Center.
One old timer told us that John Bowser always held a St. Patrick's Day party for the young folk.
Although we haven't been able to find out much about the Bowser's background, their influence on this community speaks well of them. The
epitaphs on their tombstones are fitting eulogies:
Clarissa Bowser
1852 - 1926
She has done what she could
She has gone to rest
John Bowser
1843 - Oct. 4, 1918
I have fought a good fight
I have kept the faith
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