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Note: f the Eaton County, MI History Books), pg not stated:
" Daniel B. Bowen, one of the very oldest peioneers of Kalamo township, was born at Martinsburgh, Lews Co., N.Y., March 20, 1811. His youth and early manhood were spent in farming, lumbering, and mechanical pursuits. His grandfather, Asa Bowen, was a native of Connecticut, and served through the Revolutionary war, attaining the rank of captain. He retired to private life, reared a large family of children, again enlisted, in the war of 1812, and when peace was proclaimed settled at Shelbyville, Orleans Co., N.Y., where he spent the remainder of his life. Asa, Jr., was born in Connecticut, and after becoming of age married Miss Mehitable Boyden, a native of Vermont. they were the parents of ten children, all of whom (save one) reached years of maturity. There were eight sons and two daughters. Asa, Jr., served in the War of 1812. He had previously settled at Martinsburgh, Lewis So., N.Y., to which place he returned at its close. He lived to see his children grow up around him and depart to homes of their own, and now sleeps side by side with the partner of his joys and sorrows. On Sept. 5, 1836, Daniel B., took to himself a wife in the person of Beulah D. Cox, daughter of Elisha and Abigail (Clifford) Cox, both English. The Cliffords were of noble birth. Soon after their marriage they came to Kalamo, and located one hundred and sixty acres on section 32. His brother Hiram and family came at the same time. They built Hirma's house first, and lived in it until Daniel erected his. Hiram had been here and purchased his land previously. It was then he began fully to realize that life is an active, earnest warfare, and he who would prosper must be no laggard in the work. At "early morn and dewy eve" the sound of his axe washeard, intermingled with the crash of falling timber. So untiringly did he labor that soon his impreovements were far in advance of many who had superior advantages in the outset. His present farm consists of two hundred and forty acres, with one hundred and fifty under cultivation, a large orchard, good farm-house and barns, and all appliances for practical farming. Two children came to bless their home: Mrs. Caroline Bardon, of Red Oak, Iowa, born Sept. 16, 1839; and George D., born Oct. 16, 1843, who resides near the old home.
Mr. Bowen has served his townsmen as justice and highway commissioner for over twenty years; is not a politican, but a firm believer in a Democratic form of government. In domestic relations he is sociable and companionable; in business matters, prompt and reliable; as a citizen, respected and influential."
From "Portrain and Biographical Album," source unknown but probably in one of the Eaton County, Michigan History books, pg 803:
"Daniel B. Bowen, the oldest resident settler of Kalamo township, is one who has experienced the ups and downs of pioneer life and by his energy and hard work has overcome difficulties and secured a goodly amount of property. He has won what is still better, the respect and esteem of all who know him, and "Uncle Daniel" is known far and near and counted as a honored guest on all important occasions. His home is one of the attractive rural residences in this part of the State, the property consisting of two hundred and forty acres on sections 29 and 32. It is thoroughly improved, well fenced, adorned with a fruitful orchard which produced the first apples raised in the township, and is otherwise fitted for occupancy.
Mr. Bowen is of Revolutionary bllod, his paternal grandfather, Asa Bowen, having been a Captain in the Colonial Army and was in active service during the seven years struggle with Great Britain. Not being satisfied with that experience, he took up arms in the second struggle against the Mother County and fought with all his former vigor and gallantry. His birthplace and early home was in Connecticut, whence he removed to Shelby, N.Y., later in life. He was occupied in blacksmithing and farming. His son, Asa, father of our subject, was born in Connecticut, went to the Empire State and made his home in Lewis County until his death when sixty years old. He was a brick and stone mason by trade but followed farming for many years. He also fought in the War of 1812. He was a Democrat in politics and belonged to the social order of Masonry. He married Mehitable Boyden, daughter of Daniel Boyden, a Connecticut farmer. Both husband and wife were of English ancestry. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Daniel was sixth in order of birth and he is the only survivor. Mrs. Bowen died in the Empire State some years since.
Lewis County, N.Y., claims Daniel B. Bowen as her son, he having been born near Martinsburg, March 20, 1811. He was reared on the farm and made it his home until he was twenty-three years old. During his boyhood he attended school, gaining as thorough an education as was possible under the rate bill system when schools were not in session many months. At the age mentioned he went to Orlans County, where he learned pump making and worked at the trade, traveling with a horse and wagon. He followed this plan two years, and being a good workman and careful in his expenidtures he accumulated some means and felt justified in establishing a home. He won for his wife a worth and capable young lade --Miss Delancie B. Cox, daughter of Elisha Cos, a farmer in Rutland, VT. the marriage was solemnized there in September, 1836, and the young couple were soon afterward on their way to Michigan.
Mr. Bowen bought a wagon and a yoke of oxen, which were shipped to Detroit whither he journeyed also, going on the canal to Buffalo and thence by steamer to Detroit where he was met by his wife and her brothers who travled through Canada. With a wagon the untied party came on to Bellevue, Eaton County, and Mr. Bowen settled where he is still living. He and his brother were the first to locatein Kalamo Township, and he is not the only man therein owning land entered by himself. He secured one hundred and sixty acres from the Government which was in its natural condition, and by slow degrees relcaimed it and made it productive of fine crops.
The first dwelling put up on the farm was a log shanty which was roofed with basswood logs, split in two, hollowed out and laid face up. A third section would be placed face ddownward over the cracks and thus leaking was prevented. this primitive building was afterward replaced by a hewed log house and still later a two-story frame was erected on the same foundation. the third dwelling was detroyed by a fire four years after being built and upon its ashed rose the present residence. The orchard on this place was raised from apple seeds and the young trees were carefully watered and tended by Mr. and Mrs. Bowen. Whenever Mr. Bowen felled a tree near his house it was his habit to call his wife out lest the monarch of the forest should fall on the little shanty. At the expense of much hard work he cleared his land, prepared it for crops and raised wheat and corn. His work was done with oxen and his crops were hauled to Marhsall, which was the nearest market.
Wild game abounded in the woods, and Mr. Bowen being a good shot, kept his table well supplied with deer and other meats, he was also quite a fisherman. There were many Indians in the county, and as he always treated them well, he had no difficulty with them. He learned to speak the Pottawatomie language to some extent. He was well acquainted with the old chief Soby, who on more than one occasion dined with our subject. They once traded guns and Soby was to give $2 boot. Not having the money he gave his note, saying that he wanted to give a note like a white man. He made his cross and like a gentleman paid the amount due shortly afterward.
In all the labors of life Mr. Bowen had the encouragement and good counsel of a capable companion, with whom he lived in peace and harmony until January 15, 1889, when she exchanged time for eternity. A few years prior to her demise they had bought property in Kalamo and made their home there. When bereft of his wife Mr Bowen returned to the farm. He had two children, one living and one deceased. Caroline was well acquainted in Battle Creek and turned her attention to school teaching, which she abandoned to become the wife of Oscar Barden. she died at her home in Kalamo Township in 1889. Do. George, an intelligent and energetic farmer, lives with his father.
The offices of Commissioner of Highways and Justice of the Peace have been filled by Mr. Bowen for a score of years and he has also been a Notary Public, Townshipo Assessor, School Inspector and held other school offices. He was on the first grand jury in the county, attended the first township meeting and was connected with other first movements. He had been Treasurer of Blue Lodge in Kalamo for years, and is also a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to a chapter at Bellevue. His political allegiance is to the principles of Democracy and he has been a delegate to county, State and Congressional conventions. He was formerly identified with the Methodist Episcopal Society near his home, but the organization was disconitnued. Mr. Bowen was one of the first farmers to introduce full-blooded Short-horm cattle in this vicinity and he took the premium three years, also gaining the blue ribbon on horses. He always raised a good grade of hogs as well. He was a member of the Eaton County Agricultural Society and during his earlier years took an active part in everything in which the citizens were interested."
There is also an article on him in "Past and Presnt of Eaton County," on pages 210 and 211.
See brother Hiram's note for further reference to Daniel in another publication.
Note: REF: Biographical Sketches (not certain what book but probably from one o
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