John A. Bowler Biography


	This biography appears on pages 1188 in "History of South 
	Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. II (1904) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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	JOHN A. BOWLER was born April 8, 1861, in North Adams, 
Massachusetts, and at the age of six years removed with his parents, 
William and Bridget (Malvey) Bowler, to Sparta, Wisconsin, near which 
place he grew to maturity on a farm and in the public schools of which 
he received his educational training. He remained at home assisting his 
father until his twentieth year, and then engaged in the implement 
husiness at Sparta, but after spending about one year in that town, he, 
in 1882, came to South Dakota, locating at Groton, where he became a 
member of the well-known implement and machinery firm of Short & Bowler. 
This relationship continued until 1884, when the subject purchased his 
partner's interest and since that time he has carried on business at the 
old stand, in connection with which he also conducted a branch 
establishment at Sioux Falls from 1896 to 1899. In 1903 Mr. Bowler 
bought an interest in the Western Security Company, of Sioux Falls, and 
from that time to the present he has been actively engaged with the 
enterprise as president and general manager, its continued success and 
prosperity being largely the result of his energy and correct business 
methods. 

	Mr. Bowler has won a conspicuous place in the business circles of 
Sioux Falls and Groton and has also been influential in all that 
concerns the material advancement of the two places, being a forceful 
factor in promoting all legitimate enterprises and to no small degree a 
leader in public affairs. He is a zealous and uncompromising Democrat 
and for a number of years has been prominent in the councils of his 
party, both locally and throughout the state, his ability as an 
organizer together with his judicious leadership gaining him such wide 
and favorable recognition that in 1894 he was chosen chairman of the 
state central committee. In this responsible and exacting position he 
demonstrated ability and resourcefulness of a high order and so 
thoroughly was the party organized under his management and so earnestly 
and effectively did he conduct the campaign of the above year, that for 
the first time in its history the state was carried by the Democracy. In 
the year 1902 Mr. Bowler was the choice of his party for United States 
senator and received the full vote of the Democratic side of both houses 
of the legislature, but failed of election by reason of the large 
Republican majority. He made a gallant and dignified fight, however and 
in addition to receiving the endorsement of the Democracy of the state, 
won many warm friends among those opposed to him by political ties. He 
held the chairmanship for a period of six years and the meantime, May, 
1899, was appointed by Governor Lee warden of the state penitentiary, 
the duties of which position he discharged in an able and business-like 
manner until 1901, his administration being one of the most creditable 
and satisfactory in the history of the institution. 

	Mr. Bowler is a man without an enemy, for his large humanity 
embraces all his race and neither party feuds nor religious differences 
are able to separate him from his kind nor mar the cordiality of his 
social relations. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent and 
Protective Order of Elks, belonging to the lodge at Sioux Falls, and at 
various times he has held important official positions in the 
organization. He is also a Knight of Columbus, at Sioux Falls, being 
grand knight of the local lodge, and district deputy. 

	Mr. Bowler was married at Sparta, Wisconsin, December 31, 1883, to 
Miss Mary E. Linehan, of that place, a lady of valued culture and 
sterling character and a favorite in the best social circles of her 
present place of residence.