History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, 1887



Bowman Family - FRANCIS CARLETON BOWMAN Biography

The Bowman family, worthily represented in the present generation by Francis C. Bowman, who is actively and prominently identified with various business enterprises in Williamsport, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, is a lineal descendant of Ebenezer and Sylvia P. (Barnaby) Bowman, and the eldest son of Benjamin Carlton and Eliza Ann (Buck) Bowman.

Francis C. Bowman was born in Centre county, Pennsylvania, February 5, 1844. His early life was spent in attendance at the public schools and assisting his father in the work on the farm. Upon the removal of his father to Williamsport, Francis C., then twenty-one years of age, was left to conduct the farm, which he did in a highly satisfactory manner for a period of one year. He then engaged in the lumber business with H. Woodward, who operated a general store and lumber yard, remaining with him about ten years. He then took up his residence in Williamsport and at once entered the employ of the firm of Bowman, Foresman & Company, this connection continuing until 1881. The following three years he resided in the west in order to recuperate his health, and upon his return east took a position in the Lycoming Rubber Company, of which his father was president from its organization until his death, which he held for twelve years. On the death of his father, in July, 1896, Mr. Bowman retired from active work and became interested as a stockholder in many of the industries of the city. In 1898 he established a gents' furnishing business, taking an old stand with the name of The H. K. Smith Hat Company. During his many years' residence in Williamsport he has been recognized as an industrious and honorable citizen, contributing in every way to the interest of the city and its people, a man whose character is above reproach, and whose success has been attained by a conscientious performance of duty. He is an active member of the board of trade, also of the Democratic Club, of which he has been treasurer for several years and is still serving; the Ross Club, and the Athletic Club, serving as president of the latter named. He is a member of all the Masonic bodies, and of Irem Temple, Wilkesbarre.

Mr. Bowman was married twice. His first wife, whose maiden name was Fannie Wilhelmina Harmon, bore him two children : Sylvia Elizabeth and Harvey Rowland Bowman. For his second wife he married Amanda Radebaugh, daughter of John and Mary Radebaugh, and their children are: Carrie Munson, who became the wife of Archie Brownnell, and one child was born to them, Anna Blanche, now deceased; after the death of Mr. Brownnell she became the wife of James Rhodes, and they are the parents of one child, Carleton Rhodes. Blanche, who became the wife of William Otto Ellis, and one child was born to them, Emily Bowman Ellis., Benjamin C., who married Katherine Miller, and their children are: Clifford, Vernon and Francis Bowman.

George and Hannah (Belig) Harmon, grandparents of Fannie Wilhelmina (Harmon) Bowman, were the parents of six children, among whom was Amos Harmon, who married Mary Hayes, and their children are as follows : Leonora D., who became the wife of Charles H. Hunter, and they were the parents of four children, all deceased; after the death of her husband she became the wife of William B. Reighard, and the issue of this union is two children : Ina and Alfaretta Reighard. Daniel, who died in infancy. Alfaretta, who became the wife of Anson A. Artley, and their children are: Lettie, wife of Dr. John Luther; Harry, deceased; John, William, Mary, Fannie Lois, Allen and Ruth Artley. Alletta, whose first husband was Stanley Gibson, and whose second husband is Thorndike Bremer. Fannie Wilhelmina, aforementioned as having been the wife of Francis C. Bowman. Meredith H., who married Ora Newcomer, and their children are Fannie Lois and Grace Harmon. Harry F., who married Mary Bricker, and their children are : Mary and Helen Harmon.

Mary (Hayes) Harmon, mother of Fannie Wilhelmina (Harmon) Bowman, was the daughter of John and Wilhelmina (Geltner) Hayes, who were the parents of the following named children: Ann, wife of a Mr. Dickson, and mother of five children; Jacob, unmarried; Betsy, who married a Mr. Jarrett, two children; Levi S.; William, married Anna Eaves; Israel, married Lettie Worrell; Mary, unmarried; Catherine, who became the wife of Daniel Lukens; David; Charles; Lavina, who became the wife of B. Delaney; Rebecca, who became the wife of J. Delaney.


Source: Genealogical and Personal History of Lycoming County, John W. Jordan, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1906.










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