Biographical.
Lewis Bowen was born at Blaenavon, Monmouthshire, Wales, May 24, 1815. His parents
names were David Bowen and Margaret Richards. He joined the Church of
Latter-day Saints at Abersychan, Wales, on September
18, 1852, this being in the Herefordshire Conference. He was a prominent man in
the land of his nativity and was president of four branches of the church
there. His home was always open for the elders, many of whom, throughout the Territory,
even now, can testify to the warm hospitality dispensed by him. In this, as in
everything else, he labored faithfully for the up-building of the Latter-day
work in that country. In October 1863, he emigrated
with his family to Zion and located in the First Ward, Salt Lake City. In
January, 1866, he came to Toole, and immediately became actively identified
with the interests of the community. He took charge of the choir and was its
leader for eighteen years. He also taught school here for several years, and in
every position he held he labored faithfully to serve the people. For some time
he was leader of the brass band and a member of the first band organized here.
His last sickness began on May 11,
1894, and he lingered until July 20 – just ten weeks – when he died. The
principal causes of his demise was Bright’s disease
and general debility. When taken sick he fell into a stupor, and was
semi-unconscious most of the time. He could occasionally recognize some of his
family, but had a difficulty in conversing coherently. All through his sickness
he was perfectly helpless, and had to be handled like a child. He suffered
little pain until just about two days before his death, when he appeared to be
in agony. At 8 o’clock in the morning of the 20th he opened his eye,
seemed to recognize one of his sons, and then his spirit took flight.
The funeral services were held on
Sunday at the Meeting House. The remains were carried from the residence and
the pall bearers were Moroni England, W. H. Casalty, J. K. Orem, Thomas Martin, Frank Hanson and Arthur
Bryan, they being under the direction of H. B. Haynes and Henry Dahling. A procession was formed, which was headed by the
brass band, and following were the relatives, the high priests quorum, of which
deceased was an honored member, and other friends, and the march was begun to
the Meeting House, the scene and occasion being duly impressive with sad and
soulful music played.
