Person:William Bowen (56)

W. W. Bowen, A Pioneer Of This State, Dies At His Home In Visalia At An Advanced Age

    Thursday morning shortly before 11 o'clock W. W. Bowen a Pioneer of this state, and one of Visalia's well respected citizens, passed away at the age 79 years.  The deceased had been in ill health for many years, but until eight weeks ago to the time of his death, he was able to get about without assistance.  Several physicians were in attendance at the time of his death and it is said that he was suffering with a growth in his stomach.  Eight weeks ago he was confined to his bed, and has not been able to leave it since.  From day to day he gradually grew worse till the end relieved him.
    The deceased was conscious till the morning of his death, and was able to recognize the members of his family who gathered about his bedside.
    Mr. Bowen was a pioneer of this state as stated 0above state.  He came to California in 1849 from Missouri and devoted the early years of his time here in the state in Tuolume county, where he was engaged in mining.  He was more or less successful at the business but in the early sixties he removed to this county where he has resided since.  Mr. Bowen came here and engaged in work on a ranch, and in stock raising.  He followed this for several years and shortly after the civil war was over he was made deputy sheriff of this county.  At that time Tulare county embraced Kings, Fresno, Kern and part of Inyo.  There was a large scope of country to keep watch over and some very bad men came here to seek refuge.
    It can be said that Mr. Bowen was a fearless officer.  It is said that he never let a man get away from him, and that when he started after a man wanted for crime, no matter the nature of the character of the man, he was arrested by "Bill" Bowen.  Mr. Bowen was a deputy sheriff for seven years.  After he left office, he again took up the quiet life, and mastering the carpenter's trade, he followed that till a year or so ago or until ill health prevented him.
    Mr. Bowen was a man well liked by all who knew him.  He had a host of friends, and was just the same man every day.
    To mourn his death he leaves five children, a widow and two sisters and a brother.  His children are Mrs. C. A. Spier of this city, John Bowen and Will Bowen of this city, Walter Bowen of Ogden, Arthur Bowen of Los Vegas.  He leaves a brother, Noah Bowen who resides in Texas, and two sisters Mrs. J. B. Null of Missouri and Mrs. James Sperry of Marysville.
    The funeral will be held this afternoon at 3:30.  L. C. Locey will have charge of the remains.

Newspaper clipping. Source unknown. Date: Friday, May 5, 1905.

Tulare County, California Great Register of Voters

1872 Bowen, William Wilshire, 40 years, born in Kentucky, carpenter, residence Visalia.

1879 Bowen, William Wilshire, 53 years, born in Kentucky, carpenter, residence Visalia. April 12, 1879.

1880 Bowen, William Wilshire same information as 1879.

1882 Bowne, William Wilshire same information as 1879.

1884 Bowen, William Wilshire, 58 years, born Kentucky, carpenter, residence Visalia.

         Bowen, Fidelia, 44 years, born Missouri, farmer, residence Visalia.

1892 Bowen, William Wilshire, 66 years, 6 feet, light complexion, blue eyes, gray hair, born Kentucky, residence Visalia.