H. C. BOWEN, farmer and distiller, P. O. Ruddel's Mills. Among the
early settlers of Bourbon County was the Bowen family, which came here
from near Baltimore, Md., and settled upon wild land, following farming.
One of the sons of the first Bowen, Benjamin by name, was born Oct. 8,
1794, whose father dying, was bound out to the carpenter's trade in
Lexington; but the war of 1812 coming on he enlisted in the service; but,
in consequence of Kentucky's quota being complete, he was not mustered
in. He afterward became a contractor, during which time he erected many
buildings, including three churches in Ruddel's Mills. He also farmed
and kept a hotel; he was also engaged in distilling. He married Miss Mary
Current, of this County, by whom he had six children, H. C., our subject,
being next to the youngest of these children. Benjamin died Oct. 7,
1881, having held the office of Constable for many years. Our subject
was born Feb. 11, 1842, and since the age of fifteen years has "paddled
his own canoe" having by industry and perseverance placed himself in
independent circumstances. May 16, 1865, he was married to Anna E.,
only child of Benjamin F. and Minerva H. Howard, of Bourbon County. She
was born April 30, 1849, and died July 31, 1878, leaving five children:
Lida, Benjamin, Joseph W., Nannie K. and Hattie. Mr. Bowen has been
engaged in distilling and farming since he arrived at manhood, and owns a
farm of 364 acres and a copper distillery. He is a Democrat.
