Bowers, William Jr

William M. BOWERS Jr (1846 - 1929) and Mary Elizabeth BOWERS (1849 - 1935)

my gg-grandparents

William BOWERS Jr and Mary E. (ALLEN) BOWERS were the parents of Lena BOWERS, who married Stephen Mannon MARTIN in 1893. Their shared gravestone in Barn Hill Cemetery, Magazine, Logan, AR says that WM. BOWERS was born 4 Nov 1846 and died 17 Mar 1929, and M.E. BOWERS was born 7 Sep 1849 and died 29 Oct 1935. A separate stone commemorates WM. BOWERS' service in Co. H, 1 Ark. Inf.

William's death certificate gives the same dates as the gravestone for his birth and death, and says that he was born near Spadra, AR. Currently, Spadra is the name of a township in Johnson county, containing the city of Clarksville. This is less than 30 miles northeast of Driggs. His place of death is Magazine, Logan, AR, and his last residence in north of Magazine, presumably his farm, near Driggs.

    [Thanks to Rory BOWERS for the pictures!]

William M. BOWERS Jr was the son of William BOWERS Sr and Sabra CHRISTIE. William Jr appears with the family in the 1850 and 1860 censuses. See the William BOWERS Sr page for this.

The BOWERS surname is not an uncommon one, so it is not surprising that unrelated BOWERS families can be found in Arkansas before 1850. In particular, there was a William J. BOWERS, born 8 Aug 1847, in Jackson County, AR. Hence it is useful to have the middle name, or at least the initial, when examining records. Unfortunately, there seems to be some uncertainty about this. The 1910 Census for Logan County (below) has William M. BOWERS. Some family records have William T. BOWERS, and some land records have William G. BOWERS. At the very least, I think we can say that any BOWERS records in Johnson or Logan Counties are from our family.

Mary E. ALLEN's parents were William ALLEN, born about 1823 in Alabama and died between 25 Jul 1870 and 11 Jun 1900, and Matilda C. ALLEN, born May 1830 in Alabama and died after 11 Jun 1900. Matilda's parents were both born in Alabama. Mary appears with the family in the 1850 and 1860 censuses. See the ALLEN page for this.

William BOWERS served in the American Civil War, on the side of the Union. These records refer to the correct William BOWERS because they agree with the information on his gravestone, mentioned above. Only about 20% of the soldiers from Arkansas who fought in the Civil War were on the Union side. At the time William enlisted, he was still 4 months shy of his 18th birthday.

About 1866, William BOWERS married Mary ALLEN, and took up farming in northwest Arkansas. In 1870 the family was living in Franklin County, in the area of Short Mountain, which was to become part of Logan County, and which is close to Paris and Driggs. Sarber County was formed in 1871 from parts of Franklin, Johnson, Scott and Yell Counties, and was renamed Logan County in 1875.

In the 1870 Census, the young BOWERS family is listed immediately before Mary's parents and family. It appears that William and Mary BOWERS had 3 small children in 1870. The second Mary BOWERS is probably William's sister, but she would have to be the one who was Sabra in 1850 and Jermiah in 1860. Since there is a page break, maybe the census taker just recorded Mary twice. William BOWERS was a farmer in 1870, and both Marys were illiterate.

In 1880, William BOWERS was a farmer. His wife Mary, and 2 oldest sons, could read but couldn't write. The 4 oldest children had attended school. William has named two sons after his half-brothers, John and Redden, who had recently been killed in the Civil War. Lucinda must be Lucinda Caroline "Lina" BOWERS (1875 - 1955), who married Stephen M. MARTIN. See the Stephen M. MARTIN page.

The period between 1880 and 1900 is often difficult to research, because of a lack of census data. There were no state censuses in Arkansas during this time, and the 1890 US Census was mostly destroyed by fire. However, William and Mary kept having children, and their older children were getting married. This was an eventful period for the family!

1879 Aug 17 - Mary F. BOWERS was born.

1879 Sep 19 - Mary F. BOWERS died.

1880 Nov 21 - Liz Aisabel BOWERS was born.

1881 Jul 23 - Liz Aisabel BOWERS died.

1882 Jul 6 - Henry BOWERS was born.

1885 Oct 7 - Everett Allen BOWERS was born.

1886 Feb 26 - Robert T. L. BOWERS was born.

1890 Mar 8 - Bertha Ollie May BOWERS was born.

1890 Nov 16 - John G. BOWERS married Liza HAULSTED.

1891 Mar 29 - James W. BOWERS married Nancy Caldonia BROCK.

1891 Jul 16 - Bertha Ollie May BOWERS died.

1892 Aug 4 - Redden and Ellen (HALL) BOWERS 1st child born, William Calvin BOWERS.

1892 Aug 31 - Redden L. BOWERS married Ellen HALL.

1893 Jan 29 - James W and Nancy (BROCK) BOWERS 1st child born, Willie Dee BOWERS;

1893 Mar 4 - Lucinda "Lina" BOWERS married Stephen MARTIN.

1893 Jun 4 - Myrtle C. BOWERS was born.

1894 Jan 7 - Martha C. BOWERS married John STAFFORD.

1894 Jun 26 - Stephen and Lina (BOWERS) MARTIN 1st child born, Mamie MARTIN.

1894 Oct - John and Martha (BOWERS) STAFFORD 1st child born, Viola V. BOWERS.

1895 Jan 14 - Cordia BOWERS married Herbert DANIEL.

1895 Dec - Herbert and Cordia (BOWERS) DANIELS 1st child born, Lucy M. DANIELS.

1896 May 12 - Stephen and Lina (BOWERS) MARTIN 2nd child born, William Ezra MARTIN.

1897 May 9 - John and Martha (BOWERS) STAFFORD 2nd child born, Morrison McKinley BOWERS.

1897 Aug - Redden and Ellen (HALL) BOWERS 2nd child born, Lenora E. BOWERS.

1898 Mar 7 - James W and Nancy (BROCK) BOWERS 2nd child born, Erwell BOWERS.

1898 Mar 19 - Stephen and Lina (BOWERS) MARTIN 3rd child born, Omer MARTIN.

1899 Feb 12 - Herbert and Cordia (BOWERS) DANIELS 2nd child born, Dewey DANIELS.

In 1900, the BOWERS family was still in Logan County. The 6 children in the 1880 Census were all married between 1890 and 1895, and William and Mary had 4 new children. They had 13 children in all, but 3 of them died in early childhood, and were never in any census. See the sections below.

This census is useful because it gives the month and year of birth, in addition to age. In most other censuses, the birth date is estimated by the transcriber, based on age. Also, this census give the relationship to the head of household. In this case, Matilda C. ALLEN is the mother-in-law of William BOWERS. This established that Mary E. BOWERS' maiden name was ALLEN. Furthermore, Mary's parents and younger siblings were living next to her and her young family in 1870 (above). In other words, she and her family were living with her parents. Matilda ALLEN is a widow, so her husband died before 11 Jun 1900.

William and Mary had been married 34 years in 1900, so they were married about between 11 Jun 1865 and 11 Jun 1866. Recall from the 1870 Census that their first child, James, was born between 25 Jul 1865 and 25 Jul 1866, in Arkansas. The 1900 Census says that William owned his farm, free of mortgage. This was probably the same farm he obtained as a land grant in 1883, as a veteran's benefit.

On 1 Aug 1883 William BOWERS was granted 142.51 acres, in Section 6, in Twp-Rng 6N-26W. In 1884, his brother Madison J. BOWERS was granted 63.46 acres, in the same section. This tool at the Bureau of Land Management shows the William BOWERS and Madison J. BOWERS properties. Click the box and it will show the township and section. 

The Arkansas Geologic Survey has detailed topographic maps of this region. Zoom in and click the Magazine Quad. It's the one southwest of Paris. Select "Topographic Map of Magazine". You will get a pdf map, with Driggs in the northeastern part. Section 31 has the Barn Hill Cemetery, where many BOWERS graves are found. The next square-mile section to the south is Section 6, where William BOWERS' farm was in the northwestern part.

William BOWERS' property was in 3 parts in 6N-26W Section 6. First, N½SW¼. Translation: the north half of the southwest quarter. Each section is 1 square mile, or 640 acres, so the southwest part is 160 acres, and the north half of that is 80 acres. So the other 62.51 acres are in the other 2 parts, which are called tract 9 and tract 10 in the NW¼. (I don't have a map of the tracts.) Madison J. BOWERS had Tract 1 in the NE¼, which comprised all of his 63. 46 acres.

Landowners possibly related to William BOWERS, with section numbers

Mary was the mother of 12 children, with 9 still living in 1900. We now know of James W. (1866), John G. (1868), Lafayette (1870), Redden L. (1871), Martha C. (1872), Lucinda C. "Lina" (1875), Cordelia (1877), Henry N. (1882), Everett A. (1885), Robert T. (1890) and Myrtle C. (1893). That's 11. I think Lafayette and Redden L. BOWERS are the same. There must be one more that died before 1900, and one more that didn't appear in any census. Matilda C. ALLEN was the mother of 8 children, with 5 surviving in 1900.

In summary: The mother of Lina BOWERS was Mary E. ALLEN, born 7 Sep 1849 in Mississippi, and died 29 Oct 1935. Mary ALLEN's parents were William ALLEN, born about 1823 in Alabama and died between 25 Jul 1870 and 11 Jun 1900, and Matilda C. ALLEN, born May 1830 in Alabama and died after 11 Jun 1900. Matilda's parents were both born in Alabama.

In 1910 there were 2 adjacent BOWERS families in Driggs.

In 1910, William and Mary BOWERS were left with their youngest child, Myrtle, at home, and their son Robert was married and lived next door, with his wife and 2 daughters. This one says that William's father was born in Arkansas, but by now we have plenty of evidence that he was born in Virginia. William is given a middle initial, M. In 1910 William and Mary had been married 44 years. Robert and Vergie had been married 4 years. Vergie had 2 children, both still living, and they are Lucy and Agnes. Vergie couldn't read or write; Mary E. could read but not write. William and Robert were still farmers.

This elevation map of the Ozarks show that its most mountainous region is the Boston Mountains, in Arkansas. Just south of the Boston Mountains, between Russellville and Fort Smith, is Magazine Mountain, the highest point in Arkansas. Just northwest of this mountain ridge are the villages of Magazine, Driggs and Paris. The Arkansas River is not shown in this image, but it runs east from Fort Smith, passes north of Magazine, Driggs and Paris, through Russellville, and on to the Mississippi.

In 1920, William and Mary BOWERS are still in Driggs.

The 1920 Census says that Mary is unable to read or write. One of William and Mary's daughters must have married someone named Gamble, and had a daughter named Oma, who is now living with her grandparents. William owns the home, free of mortgage. William is still a farmer, not listed as retired.

William BOWERS passed away on 17 Mar 1929, and Mary (ALLEN) BOWERS on 29 Oct 1935, as noted above. So Mary was a widow in the 1930 US Census.

In 1930, Mary is still owner of the farm, valued at $1500. Mary is living with her daughter, Myrtle, who has married, had 3 children, and is now a widow, listed as a farmer. None have any occupation, except Myrtle--she is a Farmer. Surely the 4 are not all daughters of Mary. The last 3 must be granddaughters. The surname for Myrtle is Reed, but it is crossed out. The surname fields for the next 3 just have dashes, which should mean same as above.

This census gives the age at first marriage, which is 15 for Mary, 19 for Myrtle. So Mary E. ALLEN and William BOWERS were married about 1864, during the Civil War. This makes sense because their first child was born about 1866. They may have married before 1 Mar 1864, when William enlisted. Imagine William the newlywed, not yet 18, leaving his 15-year-old bride, and marching off with the Union Army.

The map above shows places mentioned on this page. The BOWERS disapora generally drifted westward on this map.

For brevity, Magazine is Magazine Township, Logan County, AR.

William M BOWERS b: 04 Nov 1846 in Clarksville, Johnson, AR, d: 17 Mar 1929 in Magazine, age 82
+ Mary Elizabeth ALLEN b: 07 Sep 1849 in Richmond, Covington, MS, m: 06 Aug 1865 in Fort Smith, Sebastian, AR, d: 29 Oct 1935 in Magazine, age 86
......1. James William BOWERS b: 24 Feb 1867 in Reveilee, Logan, AR, d: 20 Apr 1938 in Paris, Logan, AR, age 71
...... + Nancy Caldonia BROCK b: 24 Apr 1876 in Allison, Jackson, AL, m: 29 Mar 1891 in Logan, AR, d: 24 Nov 1920 in Shady Point, Le Flore, OK, age 44
......2. John G. BOWERS b: 13 Dec 1868 in Johnson, AR, d: 1938 in Logan, AR, age 69
......  + Eliza HOLSTED b: 1872 in AR, m: 16 Nov 1890 in Logan, AR
......3. Redden Lafayette BOWERS b: 12 May 1870 in AR
......  + Martha Ellen HALL b: 1876 in AR, m: 31 Aug 1892 in Logan, AR
......4. Martha C Emine BOWERS b: 04 May 1872 in AR, d: 24 Mar 1916 in Logan, Logan, AR, age 43
......  + John W. STAFFORD b: 1871, m: 1894 in Logan, AR, d: 1957, age 63
......5. Lucinda Caroline "Lena" BOWERS b: 28 Feb 1875 in Magazine, d: 03 May 1955 in El Dorado, Butler, KS, age 80
...... + Stephen Mannon MARTIN b: 25 Feb 1875 in Milton, GA, m: 08 Mar 1893 in Magazine, d: 25 Dec 1953 in Douglass, Butler, KS, age 78
......6. Nancy Cordelia "Cordia" BOWERS b: 18 May 1877 in Logan, AR, d: 15 Jul 1963 in Magazine, age 86
...... + Herbert Alfred DANIEL b: 07 Oct 1876 in AR, m: 14 Jan 1895 in Logan, AR, d: 02 Jan 1953 in Driggs, Logan, AR, age 76
......7. Mary F BOWERS b: 17 Aug 1879 in AR, d: 19 Sep 1879 in Magazine, age 1 month
......8. Liz Aisabel "Eliza" BOWERS b: 24 Nov 1880 in Reveilee, Logan, AR, d: 23 Jul 1881 in Reveilee, Logan, AR, age 8 months
......9. Henry N BOWERS b: 06 Jul 1882 in Booneville, Logan, AR, d: 12 Nov 1951 in Fort Smith, Sebastian, AR, age 69
......  + Lydia DURHAM b: 24 Mar 1887 in AR, m: 05 Jan 1905, d: Feb 1976 in Fort Smith, Sebastian, AR, age 88
......10. Everett Allen BOWERS b: 07 Oct 1885 in Paris, Logan, AR, d: 23 Dec 1950 in Kern, CA, age 65
...... + Annie V. HOPSON b: Apr 1894 in Christian, KY, m: 03 Aug 1911 in Logan, AR, d: 26 Apr 1914 in Logan, AR, age 20
...... + Pearl DANCER b: 1903 in AR, m: 03 Jan 1918 in Sebastian, AR
...... + Beulah HALE b: 1902 in AR, m: 13 Jan 1921 in Sebastian, AR
......11. Robert Theodore Lincoln BOWERS b: 26 Feb 1888 in Magazine, d: 21 Aug 1947 in Antioch, Contra Costa, CA, age 59
...... + Virginia Dare HEATHCOTT b: 14 May 1889 in Magazine, m: 15 May 1906 in Logan, AR, d: 01 Jan 1960 in Knightsen, Tulare, CA, age 70
......12. Bertha Ollie May BOWERS b: 08 Mar 1890 in AR, d: 16 Jul 1891 in Logan, Logan, AR, age 16 months
......13. Myrtle C BOWERS b: 04 Jun 1893 in AR, d: 08 May 1977 in Oroville, Butte, CA, age 83
...... + Homer R. GAMMILL b: 1892 in TN, m: 25 Mar 1913 in Logan, AR, d: 1914 in Magazine, age 22
...... + Andrew Allen REED b: 18 Jul 1892 in San Bois, Haskell, OK, m: 27 Aug 1915 in Logan, AR, d: 21 Feb 1983 in Butte, CA, age 90

Migration Summary

William M. BOWERS Jr was born in 1846, Clarksville, Johnson County, AR. His father had come from VA, and his mother from the Old Cherokee Nation. They married in 1842, Newton County, AR, and settled in the general area that became Logan County, AR. 

William Jr served in the Civil War, on the Union side. After the war, in 1865 he married Mary E. ALLEN, in Fort Smith, AR. She was born in Covington County, MS, the area that became Itawamba County. Her parents were from northern AL, the area that later became Birmingham, and settled in the area that became Logan County, AR in the mid 1850s.

William Jr and Mary had 13 children in Logan County, where they lived the rest of their lives. Some records indicate that James, the oldest, was born in LA, 1867. 

Of the 13 children, Mary died at 1 month, Liz died at 8 months, and Bertha died at 16 months. The remaining 10 lived to adulthood, and married. Most of the older children remained in or near Logan County. 

James, the oldest, moved back and forth between Logan County, AR and La Flore County, OK. After WWII, most of his sons and daughters took their families to Sebastopol, Sonoma, CA.

Next was John, who married and stayed in Logan, with no offspring. Both James and John died in 1938. Redden Lafayette "Fate" stayed in Logan, but disappeared after 1920, and he may be the Fate BOWERS who lived in Pontotoc, OK. Lena raised a family in El Dorado, Butler County, KS.

Cordie raised a family in Logan, with a brief period in Yell County, AR. Henry lived in Logan, and died in Fort Smith. 

The 3 youngest surviving children all went to CA. Myrtle, the youngest, and her family were in in Jackson County, OK in 1920, and Oroville, Butte County, CA by 1940. They lived in Chico, CA for many years. Everett lived in Sebastian County, AR, but was in Yell County, AR in 1940, and died in Kern County, CA in 1950. He was married 3 times, but his only child died in infancy. Robert raised a large family in Logan, then found work as a coal miner in Kiowa, OK, and doing farm work in Yell County, AR, but between 1940 and 1947, moved his family to Contra Costa County, CA.

The following sections will cover each of the 13 children of William M. BOWERS and Mary E. ALLEN.

1. James William BOWERS was born on 24 Feb 1867, in Louisiana. He died on 21 Apr 1938, in Franklin County, AR, and is buried in Barn Hill Cemetery, Magazine, Logan, AR. The birthdate comes from his obituary (below), and the death date is in the Arkansas Death Index.

James William Bowers - Obituary

Funeral service for James William Bowers, age 71 years, of Paris Route 2, who died Wednesday night at 10 o'clock was held at the Barnhall (sic) [should have been Barn Hill] cemetery Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock. The Rev. Silas Lovett conducting the service. Burial was in the Barnhall (sic) cemetery with the Evans Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Bowers died suddenly. Death was due to heart failure. He was born Feb. 24, 1867 in Louisiana. He had been residing in Logan county for many years.

Surviving relatives are: three sons, William Bowers of Oklahoma, Ernest Bowers and Emory Bowers both of Paris; five daughters, Miss Minnie Bowers of Paris, Mrs. Molly Lasater of Memphis, Tenn., Mrs. Ola Brumley of Paris and Mrs. Verna Hamilton and Mrs. Lila Hutcheson both of Branch; three brothers, Henry Bowers of Fort Smith, Everett Bowers of Hot Springs, Bob Bowers of Magazine; and three sisters, Mrs. Lena Martin of Kansas, Mrs. Corda Daniels of Magazine and Mrs. Myrtle Reed of California. 

Thanks to Rory Bowers for this.

James married Nancy Caldonia BROCK on 29 Mar 1891 in Logan County, AR.

James moved his family back and forth several times, between Logan County, AR and La Flore County, OK.

James and Nancy had been married 19 years in 1910. Nancy had 10 children, with 7 still living, apparently the 7 that are listed here. James is a Farmer, with a rented farm. Erwell, James Jr and Minnie have attended school within the year. I'm not sure what the x means, for William.

Their 2nd son, Erwell C. BOWERS, was born 7 Mar 1898 in Bokoshe, Le Flore, OK. At age 19 he married Cora B. DAVIS on 24 Jun 1917 in Logan County. Cora was born about 1904 in AR, so she was about 13. (The marriage record says she was 15.) They were not married very long, as Erwell died on 9 Dec 1918 in Carolan, Logan, AR, age 20, after registering for the WWI draft.

In 1920 the family was back in Logan County, on a rented farm in Cauthron Township. The census taker had been a little sloppy, misspelling the surname and writing James' age as 82, when he should have been about 52. The 3 oldest sons had left home, and 3 new daughters had come along. 

Nancy Caldonia (BROCK) BOWERS died on 24 Nov 1920, in Shady Point, La Flore, OK. She left behind 8 children, aged 4 to 27.

By 1930, James had moved back to Bokoshe, where his lived with his youngest daughter, Adie/Odie. They had a rented farm on the north bank of Braziel Creek. 

1 James William BOWERS b: 24 Feb 1867 in Reveilee, Logan, AR, d: 20 Apr 1938 in Paris, Logan, AR, age 71
+ Nancy Caldonia BROCK b: 24 Apr 1876 in Allison, Jackson, AL, m: 29 Mar 1891 in Logan, d: 24 Nov 1920 in Shady Point, Le Flore, OK, age 44
......a William D. "Willie" BOWERS b: 29 Jan 1893 in Magazine, Logan, AR, d: 05 Aug 1965 in Imperial Beach, San Diego, CA, age 72
...... + Katie Dovie SMITH b: 08 Feb 1892 in New Hope, Madison, AL, m: 29 Jan 1911 in Le Flore, OK, d: 23 Oct 1964 in Chula Vista, San Diego, CA, age 72
......b Erwell C. BOWERS b: 07 Mar 1898 in Bokoshe, Le Flore, OK, d: 09 Dec 1918 in Carolan, Logan, AR, age 20
......   + Cora B. DAVIS b: 1904 in AR, m: 24 Jun 1917 in Logan, AR
......c James Ernest BOWERS b: 31 Jan 1900 in Shady Point, LeFlore, Oklahoma (IT), d: 22 Dec 1972 in Sebastopol, Sonoma, CA, age 72
...... + Mary Agnes BOWERS b: 08 Nov 1908 in Magazine, m: 16 Jul 1925 in Johnson, AR, d: 18 Sep 2002 in Ceres, Stanislaus, CA, age 93
......d Minnie Elizabeth BOWERS b: 19 Feb 1902 in AR, d: 24 Jul 1979 in Sonoma, Sonoma, CA, age 77
...... + John Creston BOURLAND b: 19 May 1898 in AR, m: 09 Feb 1940 in Franklin, AR, d: 24 Jan 1969 in Sonoma, CA, age 70
......e Mollie Leona BOWERS b: 02 Feb 1904 in AR, d: Jan 1977 in Memphis, Shelby, TN, age 72
...... + Ira Franklin LASITER b: 28 Nov 1904 in AR, m: 20 May 1923 in Logan, AR, d: 1977 in Memphis, Shelby, TN, age 72
......f Emery Clay BOWERS b: 01 Nov 1905 in Muskogee, OK, d: 14 Nov 1982 in Santa Rosa, Sonoma, CA, age 77
...... + Minnie HARGER b: 07 Dec 1909 in AR, m: 13 Feb 1927 in Logan, AR, d: 14 Nov 1982 in Sonoma, CA, age 72
......g Lilly Mae BOWERS b: 1909 in OK, d: 05 Aug 1942 in Toledo, Lucas, OH, age 33
...... + Ralph T. HUTCHINSON b: 1908 in AR, m: 29 Oct 1927 in Le Flore, OK
......h Verna L. BOWERS b: 23 Dec 1913 in OK, d: 26 May 1998 in Sebastopol, Sonoma, CA, age 84
...... + Truman Albert HAMPTON b: 25 Feb 1906 in OK, m: 06 Jun 1931 in Crawford, AR, d: 05 Dec 1980 in Sonoma, CA, age 74
......i Oda Ellen BOWERS b: 20 Oct 1915 in AR, d: 28 Apr 1998 in Sebastopol, Sonoma, CA, age 82
...... + Thomas Gilbert BRUMLEY b: 1908 in OK, d: 09 May 1943 in Logan, AR, age 35
...... + Levi Henry BROONER b: 10 Nov 1901 in West Plains, Howell, MO, d: 04 Aug 1985 in Sonoma, CA, age 83

After WWII, most of James and Nancy's sons and daughters took their families to Sebastopol, Sonoma, CA.

2. John G. BOWERS was born 13 Dec 1868 in Johnson County, AR. He died in Dec 1942, in Pulaski County, AR. (His uncle, also named John G. BOWERS, was born in 1856, and died in 1938. This may cause some confusion.) He married Eliza HOLSTED/HAULSTED on 16 Nov 1890 in Logan County. She was a daughter of William Henderson HOLSTED and Eliza TWEEDLE, of Johnson County, AR. Eliza HOLSTED was born about 1872 in AR, they were 21 and about 17 or 18 when married. They don't seem to have had any children. 

1 John G. BOWERS b: 13 Dec 1868 in Johnson, AR, d: Dec 1942 in Pulaski, AR, age 74
+ Eliza HOLSTED b: 1872 in AR, m: 16 Nov 1890 in Logan, AR

3. Redden Lafayette "Fate" BOWERS was born in May 1870, probably in Driggs, Logan, AR. Brothers John and Redden were probably named after their father's half brothers, John and Redden BARNES, who were both killed in the Civil War. Redden married Ellen HALL on 31 Aug 1892, in Logan County, AR. Redden was 22 and Ellen was 16. 

In 1900, the family was living in Chickasaw Nation, in what is now the State of Oklahoma.

Fate and Ellen had been married 7 years on 22 Jun 1900, consistent with the marriage date of 31 Aug 1892. Ellen has had 4 children, with 2 surviving in 1900. Redden (Fate)'s parents were actually born in AL and MS, so this must be a mistake.

In 1910, Redden is a general farm laborer, able to read and write. Ellen is now Martha E, so she must be Martha Ellen. Calvin has become William C, Leaura has become Pennena L, and a daughter Puldie M has joined the family. Redden's mother's birthplace is still wrong--it should be MS.

In 1920, the family is still in Driggs, in a rented home. Puldie is now Goldie--it was probably Goldie in the first place! The new addition is a son, Lenard, who is either 1 year and 8 months or 1 year and 6 months, I can't quite tell. Reddin is a Stone Mason.

I don't know where the family was in 1930, but in 1940, Martha was back in Arkansas.

Redden BOWERS must have died some time between 1920 and 1940. His widow, Martha, was living with their son, Charles Lenard, in a rented home, near Fort Smith. They didn't live on a farm, but in an unincorporated place, called Ursula? Charlie worked in road construction for the government, and was employed only 30 weeks in 1939. In 1935 they had lived on a farm in Oklahoma City, OK.

Based on the census data, the children of Redden and Ellen are: William Calvin (Aug 1894), Pennena Leaura (Aug 1897), Goldie M (1909-10), and Charlie Lenard (May-Jul 1918).

3. Redden Lafayette BOWERS b: 12 May 1870 in AR, d: bet. 1920-1940, age 50-70
+ Martha Ellen HALL b: 1876 in AR, m: 31 Aug 1892 in Logan, AR
......a William Calvin BOWERS b: 04 Aug 1892 in AR, d: 30 Apr 1976 in Arkoma, Le Flore, OK, age 83
......  + Nora Elizabeth BURNETT b: 10 Jul 1898 in AR, m: 08 Oct 1916 in Logan, AR, d: 30 Apr 1987, age 88
......b Lenora E. BOWERS b: 1898 in AR
...... + Charles Welborn "Charley" DEARMORE b: 18 May 1895 in TX, m: 24 May 1914 in Logan, AR, d: May 1956 in Joplin, Jasper, MO, age 61
......c Goldie M. BOWERS b: 1910 in AR
......d Charlie Lenord BOWERS b: 20 May 1918 in AR, d: 29 Jan 1972, age 53

Note: Another Lafayette "Fate" BOWERS was born about 1881 in AR, and lived in Ada, Pontotoc, OK. Our Fate was about 10 years older, but it seems that some of his children ended up in Pontotoc, and also, we don't know what happened to Fate after 1920. So the two Fates may be conflated, but I have not yet sorted this out.

4. Martha C. BOWERS was born 4 May 1872 in Logan, AR, and died 24 Mar 1916, as inscribed on her gravestone in Carolan Cemetery, Logan County, AR.

Martha married John W. STAFFORD on 7 Jan 1894 in Driggs, Logan, AR. In 1900 they were still in Driggs, with 2 small children.

In 1900, John is a farmer, and has a farm with a mortgage. Martha has had only the 2 children present. John and Martha are able to read and write. There are several other Stafford families on the same page of the census.

In 1910, the family lived in Cauthron Township, Logan County (not to be confused with the city of Cauthron, in Scott County, AR). Martha had had only the 4 children present. John owned another farm, with a mortgage. All except 5-year-old Alma were Farmer or Farm Laborers, on the Home Farm. The 3 older children had attended school within the year. This census says that Martha was unable to read or write. John's unmarried younger sister, also Martha C. STAFFORD, was living with the family. Apparently Morrison M is Mckinley M STAFFORD.

Martha (BOWERS) STAFFORD died on 24 Mar 1916, probably in Cauthron. She was 43, and left behind a husband John (44), and children Viola (21), Morrison (18), Willie (14) and Alma (10). 

The 1930 Census has John living with his sister, and his 3 younger children. His daughter Viola was married in 1919. John owned his farm in Cauthron, free of mortgage.

In 1930 John STAFFORD owned his farm in Cauthron Township. He lived with his daughter and his sister. His middle initial is A, which must be a mistake.

4. Martha C. Emine BOWERS b: 04 May 1872 in AR, d: 24 Mar 1916 in Logan, Logan, AR, age 43
+ John W. STAFFORD b: 1871, m: 1894 in Logan, AR, d: 1957, age 86
......a. Viola I. STAFFORD b: 17 Oct 1894 in AR, d: 13 Jan 1973 in Muskogee, Muskogee, OK, age 78
...... + Francis Marion BROCK b: 13 Mar 1897 in AR, m: 04 May 1919 in Logan, AR, d: 07 Jan 1975 in Muskogee, Muskogee, OK, age 77
......b. Morrison McKinley STAFFORD b: 09 May 1897 in AR, d: 27 Jan 1957, age 59
......c. William C. "Willie" STAFFORD b: 1901 in AR
......d. Alma L. STAFFORD b: 1905 in AR

5. Lucinda Caroline "Lina" BOWERS was born 28 Feb 1875 in Magazine, Logan County, Arkansas, and married Stephen M. MARTIN in Logan County, on 4 March 1893. 

They are my great grandparents, so they are covered on the Stephen M MARTIN page.

6. Cordia BOWERS was born 18 May 1877 in Logan County, AR, and died 15 Jul 1963. These dates are inscribed on her gravestone in Ellington Cemetery, Magazine, Logan, AR.

Cordia married Herbert Albert DANIEL/DANIELS on 14 Jan 1895 in Driggs, Logan, AR.

In 1900, the family has a rented farm, near Driggs. They have 2 small children. They are listed immediately after Cordia's parents, so they are probably living next door.

The 1910 Census has Herbert and Cordia, still living with or near his parents. John DANIELS owns his farm, free of mortgage, and Herbert rents a farm, probably from his father. 

In 1920 the family had a rented home on Booneville Street in Magazine. (This street must have been renamed, as it's not on the current map.) Herbert and his son Dewey worked for the railroad. The 5 children were all still single.

The 1930 Census has Herbert and Cordie on a rented farm in Driggs, where Cordie's sisters, Myrtle and Mary, were also living. Herbert had gone back to farming, and the youngest son, Guise, was 19 and still single, an unpaid farm worker.

In 1940 Herbert is owner of his farm in Magazine, valued at $1,000, but he is not a farmer, as no occupation is given. They had lived in the same place in 1935.

Herbert and Cordie remained in Logan County the rest of their lives, as Herbert died in 1953 and Cordie in 1963.

6. Nancy Cordelia "Cordia" BOWERS b: 18 May 1877 in Logan, AR, d: 15 Jul 1963 in Magazine, Logan, AR, age 86
+ Herbert Alfred DANIEL b: 07 Oct 1876 in AR, m: 14 Jan 1895 in Logan, AR, d: 02 Jan 1953 in Driggs, Logan, AR, age 76
......a. Lucy M. DANIEL b: 1896 in Logan, AR
......  + Wayman SCOTT b: 1894 in AR, m: 16 Jul 1920 in Logan, AR
......b. Dewey O. DANIEL b: 1899 in Logan, AR, d: 25 Nov 1951, age 52
......  + Dortha LAND b: 1901 in AR, m: 28 Sep 1920 in Logan, AR
......c. Foye A. DANIEL b: 14 Feb 1903 in Yell, AR, d: 14 Jun 1979 in Sayre, Beckham, OK, age 76
......  + Walter P. POOLE b: 01 Nov 1900 in AR, m: 21 Aug 1920 in Logan, AR, d: 13 Oct 1991, age 90
......d. Nella Faye DANIEL b: 16 Jun 1906 in Yell, AR, d: 1989, age 83
......  + Loyd POWERS b: 1903 in AR, m: 05 Jul 1924 in Logan, AR
......e. Guise E. DANIEL b: 14 Feb 1911 in AR, d: 17 Dec 1974 in Magazine, Logan, AR, age 63
......  + Reba LOWDER b: 1913 in AR, m: 07 Nov 1931 in Logan, AR

7. Mary F. BOWERS was born 17 Aug 1879, and died 19 Sep 1879, living just 1 month and 2 days. Her grave lies in Barn Hill Cemetery,  Magazine, Logan County, AR.

8. Liz Aisabel BOWERS was born 21 Nov 1880 and died 23 Jul 1881, at age 8 months and 2 days. Her grave lies in Barn Hill Cemetery,  Magazine, Logan County, AR.

9. Henry N. BOWERS was born 6 July 1882 in Logan County, AR, and died 12 Nov 1951. His biography, written by Rory BOWERS, can be found here. Henry appears in the 1900 US Census (above), with his parents and younger siblings. 

Henry married Lyda/Lydia DURHAM in Logan County on 3 Jan 1905. 

In 1910, Henry and family lived on Wood Street, in Magazine. Henry worked as a Section Hand for a railroad. This census says that Henry's parents were both born in Alabama, but we have many other records saying that they were born in Arkansas and Mississippi.

Henry's WWI draft card, dated 12 Sep 1918, has his address as 106 North 9th, Fort Smith, AR. He was employed as a waiter at Peoples Cafe, 920 Gas? Ave, Fort Smith. (In the 1925 and 1928 Fort Smith city directories, Peoples Cafe was located at 914 Garrison Ave.) His nearest relative was Ira or Iva Bowers, at 316 North G Street, Fort Smith. I think this might be his cousin, a son of Redden "Fate" BOWERS. Henry is described as short, slender build, blue eyes, black hair. 

I'm not sure this is the right Henry BOWERS. He is a lodger in the home of Augusta DAVIS, at 715 North B St, Fort Smith, although the family numbering is messed up. This Henry was widowed, although I believe his wife lived until 1976. He was 33, should have been 37. He was a cook at a restaurant, which makes sense, as he was a waiter in 1918. His children should have been about 11 and 13, and they were absent. And Henry's father was born in AR, not NC.

It seems that Henry N. BOWERS went from waiter to cook to restaurant owner in Fort Smith. The city directories for 1925, 28, 30 and 51 are helpful. In 1925, Henry and wife Effie resided at 621 So B (I think this means B Street South), and Henry owned a restaurant at 104 South 9th. These locations are downtown, near Fort Smith National Cemetery, where the Poteau River joins the Arkansas. In 1926 Henry and Effie have rooms at 408 So 6th, and Henry's restaurant is at 81 or 811 Rogers. These are in the same neighborhood, near the cemetery, if it's 811 instead of 81. In 1930 Henry is explicitly called Henry N. BOWERS. He and Effie reside at 522 S Towson Ave, and the restaurant is at 504 S Towson. Again, the same neighborhood. In 1951, Henry N. Bowers still has the restaurant at 504 Towson, and lives, without Effie, at 211 North G street (again, I think this is G Street North), about a mile north of the restaurant. See the map, above.

In the 1930 US Census, one Henry BOWERS appeared with a new wife and children. I suspect that Pauline may have been an adopted daughter of his 2nd wife, Effie. They lived at 522 South Towson Ave, Fort Smith, in a home rented for $12 per month. The census also tells us that Henry and Effie's "age at 1st marriage" was 42 and 22. Of course it would not have really been the 1st marriage for Henry, and probably not for Effie, but it seems to mean that they were married about 1923. This Henry's parents were born in TX and AR, and our Henry's parents were born in AR and MS, so this may be the wrong one. However, the connection with the restaurant business is interesting, and if this isn't the right Henry BOWERS, then where was he after 1910?

The 1930 Census finds Henry's wife and 2 grown children, at 122 South Bullitt, Holdenville, in a home they rented for $25. About half the families on the census page owned a radio, but they didn't. Lydia had gone back to her maiden name.

In 1940 Lydia had a rented home in Holdenville, at 623 East 5th Street. It looks like she pays $6 per month, and there are other lodgers, consisting of a family of 4, headed by Leo BILYEW, a stone mason. It says that Lydia was widowed, but I believe Henry was still living. Her occupational income was $0, but she had some "other" source of income.

The 1940 US Census has Linoel in an apartment to 2396 East 14th Street, Eden, Alameda, CA. He has a roommate, Orby S. LONG, also from Hughes County, OK. They pay $21 per month in rent, and both work in the fruit canning industry. 

The 1940 US Census also has Vivian and her husband, Walter T. BROWN, in Coalgate, OK. Walter is a shovel operator for the state highway department. They own a home valued at $915.

Henry's WWII draft card, dated 27 Apr 1942, has his address as 804 North 2 Street, Fort Smith. He is 59 years of age, 5' 5'' tall, 130 lbs, blue eyes, gray hair, light complexion. His employer is "none" so it looks like he was unemployed. His nearest relative was his sister, Cordia DANIELS, in Magazine.

9. Henry N. BOWERS b: 06 Jul 1882 in Booneville, Logan, AR, d: 12 Nov 1951 in Fort Smith, Sebastian, AR, age 69
+ Lydia DURHAM b: 24 Mar 1887 in AR, m: 05 Jan 1905, d: Feb 1976 in Fort Smith, Sebastian, AR, age 88
......a. Vivian Victoria BOWERS b: 11 Feb 1907 in Magazine, Logan, AR, d: 08 Apr 1996, age 89
...... + Walter T. BROWN b: 13 Oct 1893, m: 24 Dec 1934 in Shawnee, Pottawatomie, OK, d: 04 Jan 1970, age 76
......b. Linoel Guise "Guy" BOWERS b: 08 Feb 1909 in AR, d: 04 Feb 1982, age 72
...... + Minnie L. ADAMS b: 1909 in OK, m: 21 Jun 1931 in Hughes, OK
...... + Alyene STEPHENSON b: 10 Feb 1918 in Atwood, Hughes, OK, m: 03 Sep 1942 in Shawnee, Pottawatomie, OK, d: 03 Mar 2016 in OK, age 98

Note: There was a Henry Robert BOWERS in Lawrence County, northeastern AR. He was born 6 Mar 1880. He lived in Hoxie, Lawrence, AR in 1910 and 1918. His wife was Florence, and his daughter Margie was born about 1910. I mention this because I'm not sure all the records above are for the right Henry BOWERS, so I want to be able to distinguish them.

10. Everett Allen BOWERS was born 7 Oct 1885 in Magazine, Logan County, AR, and died 23 Dec 1950 in Kern County, CA. This is confirmed by the Social Security Applications and Claims Index, the California Death Index and his WWI draft registration. However, his WWII draft registration says he was born 7 Oct 1884 in Paris, Logan, AR. His birth certificate confirms 7 Oct 1885, and also says his mother's birthplace was Birmingham, AL.

In 1910, Everett was a servant in the household of William H. CURRY, a farmer in Butler County, KS. I think this is the right Everett BOWERS because the age and birthplace match up, and his sister Lena BOWERS also lived in the same township.

Everett married Annie V. HOPSON on 3 Aug 1911, in Logan County, AR. They had a daughter on 14 Apr 1914, who lived only 1 day. Annie then died on 26 Apr 1914, presumably of complications from childbirth. Her grave is in Barn Hill Cemetery, Magazine, Logan, AR.

Everett's future wife, Pearl DANCER, lived with her brother, mother and grandmother, in Conway County, AR. The grandmother was a farmer, and owned her farm, free of mortgage.

Everett married Pearl DANCER on 3 Jan 1918 in Sebastian County, AR. He was 33 and she was 14 or 15. The marriage didn't last long, as he married Beulah HALE on 13 Jan 1921, in Sebastian County. I don't know what happened to his 2nd or 3rd wife.

It was during his brief marriage to Pearl that he registered for the WWI draft. His card is dated 12 Sep 1818, and his address is 326 W. First, Tulsa, OK. His occupation was "Asbestos Man" at Cosden Oil Co, at 4th & Borton, Tulsa. His nearest relative was Pearl BOWERS, at the same address. Everett was tall and slender, with blue eyes and brown hair.

Everett lived in Route 3, Dardanelle, Yell County, AR when he registered for the WWII draft, on 27 Apr 1942. He moved to CA at some point, and spent some time in the Tulare County Jail, for public intoxication. His first jail term began on 7 May 1948. He was sentenced to 20 days, but only served 3 days, being released on 10 May 1948. He was employed as a kitchen helper in the city of Oroville, Butte County. (The same place where his sister, Myrtle, had settled in 1940. This is confusing because Oroville is nowhere near Tulare County.) He reported his birthplace as AR, and said he had been in Tulare County 7 years, and in CA 12 years. He was later sentenced to another 30 days, serving from 7 Jun 1948 to 7 Jul 1948. This time he was a cook in the city of Taft, and said he was born in MO. 

Everett Allen BOWERS died on 23 Dec 1950 in Kern County, CA, at age 65. 

10. Everett Allen BOWERS b: 07 Oct 1885 in Paris, Logan, AR, d: 23 Dec 1950 in Kern, CA
+ Annie V. HOPSON b: Apr 1894 in Christian, KY, m: 03 Aug 1911 in Logan, AR, d: 26 Apr 1914 in Logan, AR
......2 Infant BOWERS b: 14 Apr 1914, d: 15 Apr 1914
+ Pearl DANCER b: 1903 in AR, m: 03 Jan 1918 in Sebastian, AR
+ Beulah HALE b: 1902 in AR, m: 13 Jan 1921 in Sebastian, AR

11. Robert Theodore Lincoln BOWERS was born 26 Feb 1885 or 1886 in Magazine, Logan County, AR, and died 21 Aug 1947 or 28 Aug 1947 in Contra Costa County, CA.

    Robert married Vergie/Virginia HEATHCOTT/HEATHCOT on 15 May 1906, in Logan County, AR.

Robert appeared in the 1900 US Census with his parents, as a child of age 12. In 1910 Robert and Vergie still lived in Driggs, next to his parents. They had 2 small children. The census appears in the top section on this page. Robert and his father were farmers. Vergie was unable to read or write.

Robert's WWI draft card, dated 5 Jun 1917, says he was a farmer, with a wife and 5 children, in Driggs, Logan, AR. The children would have been Lucy (9), Mary Agnes (8), Lina/Nina (5), and 2 more unknown. Marvin had died in 1913.

In 1920, Robert and Vergie lived in Pittsburg, OK where Robert had found work as a coal miner. Pittsburg is about 130 miles west of Driggs. (The census page was marked Kiowa Township, but that was crossed out and replaced by Pittsburg. The villages of Kiowa and Pittsburg are about 2 miles apart. Several mines can still be seen, to the west and southwest of Kiowa village.)

In 1930 the family was in Bokoshe, OK, just 30 miles SW of Fort Smith. Robert was a farmer, with a rented farm on the north bank of Braziel Creek.  The 3 oldest daughters were married and starting their own families. The writing is sloppy, and Dewey has been transcribed as Delouis. Family #55 was Robert's older brother, James, and wife Adie. In the race column, Robert and family are Indian, although James is White. In the column headed "father's birthplace," Robert and the whole family have "Mixed Blood" and in the "mother's birthplace" column they all have "Cherokee". They must have been in KS in 1921, as Clayton was born there, but they were in OK by 1923, back in AR in 1925, and OK again in 1930.

In 1940 the family had a rented farm in Yell County, AR. Dewey was married, and lived with his parents, or nearby. They had lived in rural Logan County, AR in 1935.

Robert's WWII draft card in not dated, but says his age is 54, so it was probably about 1942. His residence was Wilson, Yell, AR, and his employer was G. L. POTTS, of Route 3, Dardanelle, AR. 

Between 1940 and 1947, Robert and Virginia moved to CA, followed by all but 1 of their surviving children, mostly grown, and their families.

11. Robert Theodore Lincoln BOWERS b: 26 Feb 1888 in Magazine, d: 21 Aug 1947 in Antioch, Contra Costa, CA, age 59
+ Virginia Dare "Virgie" HEATHCOTT b: 14 May 1889 in Magazine, m: 15 May 1906 in Logan, AR, d: 01 Jan 1960 in Knightsen, Tulare, CA, age 70
......a. Lucille Faye "Lucy" BOWERS b: 27 Sep 1907 in AR, d: 29 May 1983 in Sebastopol, Sonoma, CA, age 75
...... + Claude MING b: 17 Dec 1903 in AR, m: 31 Oct 1925 in Logan, AR, d: 01 Nov 1990 in Rohnert Park, Sonoma, CA, age 86
......b. Mary Agnes BOWERS b: 08 Nov 1908 in Magazine, d: 18 Sep 2002 in Ceres, Stanislaus, CA, age 93
...... + James Ernest BOWERS b: 31 Jan 1900 in Shady Point, LeFlore, Oklahoma (IT), m: 16 Jul 1925 in Johnson, AR, d: 22 Dec 1972 in Sebastopol, Sonoma, CA, age 72
......c. Lina Ollie Mae BOWERS b: 12 Jul 1911 in AR, d: 01 Oct 1982 in Oakley, Contra Costa, CA, age 71
...... + James Newton MILLER b: 10 Jan 1909 in OK, m: 11 Nov 1929 in Le Flore, OK, d: 03 Aug 1967 in Antioch, Contra Costa, CA, age 58
......d. Marvin Douglas BOWERS b: 28 Dec 1912 in Logan, AR, d: 13 Feb 1913 in Logan, AR, age 6 weeks
......e. Dewey Osborn BOWERS b: 04 Nov 1917 in Magazine, d: 11 May 1985 in Concord, Contra Costa, CA, age 67
...... + Margaret W. "Margie" SUTTON b: 1913 in OK, m: 10 Jun 1939 in Logan, AR, d: 17 Nov 2003 in Oakland, Alameda, CA, age 90
......f. Clayton Aubry BOWERS b: 01 Jun 1921 in KS, d: 03 Dec 1970 in Contra Costa, CA, age 49
......  + Mildred MOSLEY b: 20 Sep 1922 in AR, m: 18 Feb 1941 in Logan, AR, d: 18 Oct 1943, age 21
...... + Evelyn Joy PHILLIPS b: 02 Jul 1928 in Stapp, Le Flore, OK, m: 17 May 1944 in Le Flore, OK, d: 28 Jun 2006 in Coulterville, Mariposa, CA, age 78
...... + Alma Rita RUNNELS b: 1923 in AR, m: 15 Mar 1956 in Contra Costa, CA, d: 14 Mar 1996 in Fort Smith, Sebastian, AR, age 73
......g. Gladys Virginia BOWERS b: 17 Jun 1923 in Booneville, Logan, AR, d: 24 May 2016 in Stigler, Haskell, OK, age 92
...... + Cecil Roy SUTTON b: 24 Feb 1917 in AR, m: 23 Aug 1939 in Logan, AR, d: 04 May 2005 in Stigler, Haskell, OK, age 88
......h. Robert Joseph BOWERS b: 13 Dec 1925 in Logan, AR, d: 13 Nov 1984 in Sacramento, Sacramento, CA, age 58
...... + Clara Wenona BRADLEY b: 05 Aug 1927 in Marked Tree, Poinsett, AR, m: 23 Mar 1946 in AR, d: 12 Apr 2008 in Rio Vista, Solano, CA, age 84
......i. Edna May BOWERS b: 19 Nov 1927 in Paris, Logan, AR, d: 10 Sep 2010 in Oroville, Butte, CA, age 82
......  + Lloyd R. KEPPLE b: 28 Jan 1922 in Warren, KY
......  + James W. ROGERS b: 23 Jan 1923 in MS, d: 06 Aug 1983 in Oroville, Butte, CA, age 60

12. Bertha Ollie May BOWERS was born on 8 Mar 1890 and died 16 Jul 1891, at age 16 months. Her grave lies in Barn Hill Cemetery, Magazine, Logan County, AR.

13. Myrtle C. BOWERS was born 4 Jun 1893 in Logan County, AR, and died 8 May 1977 in Butte County, CA. She married (1) 25 Mar 1913 in Logan, AR to Homer R. GAMMILL, who was born about 1892 in TN, and died about 1914 in Magazine, Logan, AR. They had 1 daughter. Then she married (2) Andrew A. REED, on 27 Aug 1915 in Logan County, and they had 2 daughters. Her grave can be found in Memorial Park Cemetery, Oroville, Butte County, CA.

In 1930, Myrtle and her husband, Andy REED, had a rented farm in Jackson County, OK. 

The 1930 US Census (first section, above) had Myrtle REED living with her mother, Mary E. BOWERS, both widowed. I think Myrtle may have been divorced from Andrew, but not his widow. Myrtle's 3 daughters lived with them.

In 1940 Myrtle and Andrew were in Butte County, CA. They had a rented home in the unincorporated community of Feather Falls. Andrew was some kind of a Tender at a Saw Mill. The census tells us that they had lived in rural Logan County, AR in 1935.

It looks like Myrtle was the 1st of her siblings to make the mass migration from AR/OK to CA.

The city directory for Chico, CA has Andrew and Myrtle, in the years 1945, 48, 50 at 2795 Houston, and in 1952, 53, 55, 56 at 2746 Ithaca. (I haven't found these street on a modern map. Maybe they have been renamed?) Andrew was a "carmn" at WPRR. In the other years, he was employed at High Sierra Pine Mills. He was a "wtchmn" in 1948, 50, 52, 53, 55 and "night watchman" in 1956. 

13. Myrtle C BOWERS b: 04 Jun 1893 in AR, d: 08 May 1977 in Oroville, Butte, CA, age 83

+ Homer R. GAMMILL b: 1892 in TN, m: 25 Mar 1913 in Logan, AR, d: 1914 in Magazine, Logan, AR, age 22
......a. Oma Carennia GAMMILL b: 29 May 1913 in Magazine, Logan, AR, d: 23 May 1989 in Butte, CA, age 65n
...... + Raymond Franklin OWENS b: 13 Jun 1908 in NM, m: 13 Aug 1965 in Butte, CA, d: 01 Feb 1974 in Oroville, Butte, CA, age 65

+ Andrew Allen REED b: 18 Jul 1892 in San Bois (now Haskell), OK, m: 27 Aug 1915 in Logan, AR, d: 21 Feb 1983 in Butte, CA, age 90
......b. Laura Elizabeth REED b: 25 Nov 1916 in AR, d: Jun 1979 in Oroville, Butte, CA, age 62
......  + Oren HOPSON b: 1910 in AR
......  + Henry Julius HARDER b: 26 Jun 1910 in Canada, d: 10 Jan 1987 in Butte, CA, age 76
......c. Lois Marie REED b: 28 May 1920 in AR, d: 05 Aug 1989 in Butte, CA, age 69
......  + Kenneth Clyne OWENS b: 04 Nov 1916 in MO, d: 18 May 1979 in Oroville, Butte, CA, age 62

Half-sisters Oma GAMMILL and Lois REED married brothers, Raymond OWENS and Kenneth OWENS. Raymond and Kenneth were sons of Walter OWENS and Cassey HUNT, who had also migrated from Logan County, AR to Butte County, CA between 1935 and 1940.

Sources

[AGS] Topographic Maps from the Arkansas Geological Survey

[HLP] Logan County, Arkansas History and Genealogy, from Hearthstone Legacy Publications

[TS] The Serpent, a newspaper from Paris, Arkansas, 1885 to at least 1888

[BHM] Biographical and historical memoirs of western Arkansas : comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties, by Southern Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.), 1891

[HC] History of Benton, Washington, Carroll, Madison, Crawford, Franklin, and Sebastian Counties, Arkansas, 1889

[MSB] Mary Sabra BARNES nee Christie, b. abt 1818, by Rory Bowers

[WB] William BOWERS biography, by Rory Bowers

Updated 19 Nov 2023 by William Haloupek  (haloupek at gmail dot com)