OBIT: James B. BOWMAN, 1919, Blair County, PA

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JAMES B. BOWMAN CALLED BY DEATH

James B. Bowman, one of the city's oldest and highly respected
citizens, died at his home, 1411 Twelfth avenue, at 3:40 o'clock
yesterday morning of a complication of diseases due to his advanced
years.  He was taken ill Thanksgiving Day and gray gradually weaker
until he passed away.  The news of his death was received with sincere
regret by those who shared his acquaintance.

Mr. Bowman was born at Mercer, Pa., on February 14, 1838, the son of
Mr. and Mrs. William Bowman.  His father was a noted artist and
portrait painter.  He was one of the first students to enter St.
Francis college at Loretto and there he pursued a course of study to
fit him for the battle of life.  He was graduated with the first
class.  He then came to this city and entered the service of the
Pennsylvania Railroad company, becoming an apprentice in the Altoona
shops on May 3, 1858.  On completing his apprenticeship he became a
draughtsman in the Twelfth street offices, beginning this work on
August 1, 1861 and being the first draughtsman the company ever
employed.  He became chief draughtsman in 1876 and was promoted to the
position of assistant engineer in 1895 and then made architect in
1902, a position he held until retired at the age of 70 years, in
1908.  He specialized on passenger cars, the majority of those early
in the service being those he designed.  He also was interested in
architecture outside the service of the railroad and performed
important duties in the construction of St. John's church, school and
convent buildings.  He was a member of St. John's church and was
highly respected and esteemed by all.  He was married in early life to
Miss Kate J. Doyle, who preceded him to the grave four years ago last
April.  Six children were born to this union and but one survives,
Mary, wife of Dr. Harry McCarthy, of this city.  The funeral will take
place Friday morning with services in St. John's church.  Private
interment will be made in the family Fault in St. Mary's cemetery.
Friends may view the remains Thursday afternoon and evening.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Wednesday, December 31, 1919, page 10

FUNERAL NOTICES.

Funeral services of the late James B. Bowman will be held from St.
John's Pro-Cathedral at 9 o'clock Friday morning.  The cortege will
leave the home, 1411 Twelfth avenue, at 8:45 o'clock.  The remains
will be place in a vault in St. Mary's cemetery.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, January 1, 1920, page 12