Wapello County IA Archives Biographies.....Mowrey, John Burnett 1840 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 June 30, 2013, 12:10 am

Source: See Below
Author: S. J. Clarke, Publisher


JOHN BURNETT MOWREY.

Honored and respected by all, there is no man who has occupied a more enviable
position in the financial and business circles of Ottumwa than did John Burnett
Mowrey, not alone by reason of the success which he achieved but also owing to
the straightforward business policy which he ever followed. He governed his
conduct by the rules of strict, unswerving integrity and unfaltering enterprise,
and his achievements represented the fit utilization of his time, talents and
opportunities. His efforts, too, extended beyond the bounds of Ottumwa and
brought him into close connection with financial circles in other cities. A
native of Knox county, Illinois, Mr. Mowrey was born on the 10th of December,
1840, and the period of his boyhood and youth was spent upon a farm at the place
of his nativity. He early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the
soil and caring for the crops, and he developed habits of industry and diligence
which remained factors in his success throughout the remainder of his days.

On the 1st of March, 1866, Mr. Mowrev was united in marriage to Miss Adeline
Plummer, and they began their domestic life in Knox county, where for three
years thereafter they maintained their residence. They then crossed the
Mississippi into Iowa and made their way to Keokuk county in 1869, remaining
there until 1877 when they removed to Ottumwa. Upon coming to Iowa they took up
their abode upon a farm near Martins-burg and during the first winter after
their arrival Mr. Mowrey engaged in teaching school. He afterward established a
general store in Martinsburg, conducting the business for two years, during
which period he met with excellent success. Withdrawing from commercial
pursuits, however, he turned his attention to the live-stock business, in which
he engaged with his cousin, the late I. D. Mowrey, remaining active along that
line for sixteen years. Mr. Mowrey was a stock buyer for the well known firm of
John Morrell & Company for several years following the establishment of their
plant in Ottumwa. He then reentered the commercial field by opening a hardware
store in Ottumwa, which he conducted for one year. In 1890 he entered upon what
proved a most successful connection with financial affairs, being elected
president of the Ottumwa National Bank. On the organization of the Wapello
County Savings Bank, in 1897, he was elected its president and held both offices
to the time of his death, wisely directing and safely guarding the interests of
the two institutions and their depositors. Beside filling the office as
president of the two Ottumwa banks, he was the chief executive officer of four
other financial institutions—the Blakesburg Savings Bank, the Batavia Savings
Bank, the Hedrick State Bank and the Farson Savings Bank. In all of the cities
in which these were located Mr. Mowrey was held in the highest regard both as a
man and citizen.

In his political views Mr. Mowrey was a republican, and from 1887 until 1891 he
served as a member of the board of supervisors of Wapello county, in which
connection he rendered valuable service in behalf of public interests. He was
also active and prominent in church work. In religious faith he was a Methodist
and during his long residence in the city labored earnestly and effectively to
promote the interests of his denomination. For several years he was
superintendent of the Sunday school and did everything in his power to promote
all the lines of church work and extend moral influence, which has led to the
establishment of high standards among the people of this locality. He had a
circle of friends that was almost coextensive with the circle of his
acquaintance. He manifested unfeigned cordiality, was ever courteous, kindly and
helpful and his example, both in his business and other connections, is one well
worthy of emulation.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY IOWA
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY 1914

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