Frank S. Bowman.—"The purest treasure mortal times afford is spotless reputation; that away, men are but gilded loam or painted clay." Thus said Shakespeare, and this all may truly say. Reputation is indeed the greatest treasure one can have in this world. The life and career of the gentlemen whose name opens this paragraph constitute a practical illustration of the maxim, but back of all this is the native carefulness which leads to self discipline and good reputation. The career of the gentlemen whose name opens this paragraph constitute a practical illustration of the maxim, but back of all this is the native carefulness which leads to self discipline and good reputation.

Frank S. Bowman, the prosperous agriculturist and prominent official of Oakfield township, Kent county, Mich., has been a resident here for over thirty years. He comes of German ancestry and was born in Waterloo county, Ontario, Canada, on the 9^th of October , 1850, He is the fourth in order of birth in a family of seven children, born to Gabriel W. and Louisa (Bowers) Bowman, five of whom are living, viz: Albert B., the eldest, who is employed as a salesman at St. Louis, Mo.; Harriet, wife of John Peterson, an agriculturist of Oakfield township, Kent county, Mich.; Lydia, the widow of Champie Satterlee, of Belding, Mich., and Louisa, wife of J. Cooley, a farmer living at Otisco, Ionia county, Mich.

Gabriel W., the father of Frank S. Bowman, was born in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, March 1, 1817. The educational advantages he possessed in his youth were meager, and he was obliged to toil diligently for all he obtained in life. He learned the trade of a carpenter, and in the year 1866 brought his family to Oakfield township, Kent county, Mich., and here for some years he plied his trade and purchased forty acres of improved farm land, which he subsequently sold and bought 110 acres, which is the present home of Frank S. Bowman. In politics he was known as a stanch adhere to republican principles, and both he and his wife were greatly esteemed members of the White Swan Methodist church.

Louisa (Bowers) Bowman, the mother, was born in Lancaster, Pa., on the 7^th of December, 1822. She is known for her devout religious views and is still living at Belding, Mich., remarkably preserved both mentally and physically.

Frank S. Bowman was a lad of sixteen years when he came to Michigan. He received his education in his native country, continued to live with his parents until twenty-six years of age, and, although by nature an excellent mechanic, has devoted the greater part of his attention to the pursuit of agriculture.

March 16, 1876, his marriage was celebrated with Miss Ada F. Green, who has borne him three children, viz: Miles Henry, Matie L. and Albert B. The first resides at Towner N. Dak.. He was educated in the common schools and also took a business course in the Ferris institute at Big Rapids, Mich. Matie L. has just completed the eighth grade at school and has received instruction in instrumental music. Socially, she is identified with the Eastern Star lodge, No. 108, at Grattan, Mich. Mrs. Bowman was born in Grattan township, Kent county, Mich., April 13, 1852, a daughter of Henry and Mary A. (Demorest) Green. Of a family of six children, four are living, viz: Henry W., who was educated in the Greenville graded schools, resides in the city of Grand Rapids, and is agent for the Monumental Bronze Co., of Bridgeport, Conn.; Mrs. Bowman; Clinton, an agriculturist residing on the old homestead in Grattan township, and Gertie, the wife of George Stevens, a ranch-man of Towner, N. Dak.

Henry Green was a native of Massachusetts and was born at Williamsport, March 1, 1820. e departed theH

He departed the life H

of this earth October 4, 1897, and a magnificent bronze monument has been erected to his memory in the Ashley cemetery. He had received a good education and by trade and occupation was a miller. In religious connections he and his wife were members of the Baptist church. Mary A. Green, his wife, was a native of New York, born February 28, 1828, and is now living on the old homestead in Grattan at seventy-one years of age and is a member of the Baptist Church. Her father, Samuel Demorest, was a soldier in the war of 1812.

Mr. and Mrs. Bowman began life with little or no capital, and for ten or twelve years were renters. They then went in debt $2,500 to purchase the old homestead of 110 acres. This transaction was made in 1887, and since that time they have, by industry, perseverance and economy, made themselves free from all debt and owners of valuable property.

As to politics Mr. Bowman is a true republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant. For many years he has been director of the public schools of his district, and is at present the school inspector of Oakfield. In 1895 he was elected treasurer of his township and re-elected in 1896 and 1899, which facts show that he has the utmost confidence of the people. He is a member of the Methodist church, while his wife prefers the Baptist. His wife has been a Sunday-school teacher for three years, and both contribute liberally to the support of their church and to all worth benevolence.

It might be added or concluded from the above facts that Mr. Bowman is a man true to every principles in which he believes, earnest in support of his honest convictions, industrious and energetic in the practical affairs of life, cordial and genial among his many friends, and at all times a gentleman whom to know is to respect.