BOWERS, John - Putnam

The irresistible power of the Divine has again manifested itself in our immediate midst, death having claimed for its own our friend and neighbor, John Bowers. Mr. Bowers was born in Davie County, NC, September 24, 1820 and departed this life March 27, 1904, aged 83 years 6 months and 3 days. Mr. Bowers came to Putnam County, Indiana at the age of 21 years, where he was married to Miss Celia McGaughey. To this union was born one child. In 1843 his wife, with her infant child died and he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Sowers in 1848. To this union were born 7 children, 3 sons and four daughters, William David; Daniel H; John D; Mary Jane; Sarah Elizabeth; Augusta C; and Harriet Ann. He united with the New Light Church at Freedom, thereby confessing his faith in Jesus which faith we believe he maintained to the end of life. As the sun was setting in the western horizon Uncle John's life with all that was mortal sank to rise in that beautiful land where the sun never sets. With his years of suffering not a murmur came from his lips, wholly resigned to the will of the kind Heavenly Father, ever ready to give a kind and loving word to all of his friends, trusting in the wisdom and faith of his Savior, and willing to go at the summons of his Master. As we look upon his cold and lifeless form in sadness and into the grave with sorrow, there comes a mingling of joy that the bright and beautiful testimonies that he gave his friends breaks the horror of death and we are lead to exclaim: "O death where is thy sting, O grave, where is thy victory? The giving up of such a life is only the refining fire that burns the dross out of our souls and fits us for the home beyond. We are loth to give him up, but we would not dare to call him back. Gone to sing the songs of Heaven, with his voice turned to the music of the angles, enjoying the companionship of friends and relatives and to add one more jewel to the crown of our Heavenly King. Mr. Bowers leaves a dear wife, two sons and two daughters and a host of friends to mourn his unrepairable loss. heavenly Father, give us grace and courage to live lives that when the summons comes the Master will exclaim, Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joys of the Lord." Preston McLain