Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1891-01-29
A Veteran at Rest.

Our readers in all parts of the State
will regret to learn of the death of Rev. j.
X. Bowler, which occurred Monday fore
noon, Jan. 10, at the Name General Hospi-
tai in Portland. Mr.. Bowler came to the
hospital for surgical treatment Dec. 30,
having been greatly benefited by an opera
ton at the same place about two years
ago. In some respects his condition was
notso critical as he supposed; yet, though
the operation, which was performed Dec.
81. gave him relief at the time, there were,
ere long, indications that his general sys-
TEN was seriously affected. Unfavorable
symptoms at length appeared. and during
the past week he failed to such an extent
it became evident that nothing further
could be done except to make his last days
as comfortable as possible. Mrs. Bowler
was made acquainted with his condition
and came to the hospital on Saturday.
Two weeks ago, Bro. Bowler said to US,
This is blessed institution" He had
reason to repeat these words on TO the
close. All that could be done for him was
done by physicians and hospital attend
ants, and with suherings alleviated he en-
tered into rest.
pecially characteristic of the man. On
tai were conducted by members of the
Young Mems Christian Association. We
called on Bro. Bowler not long after the
service. He referred to it, and said. Il
felt to pray for them" We supposed he
meant by these words that he had lifted
up silent petition in their behalf. But
DIR. Hunt tells us that during the service
in the ward as opportunity offered, the
voice Of Bro. Bowler was heard, as, lying
upon his couch, he offered most tender
and appropriate prayer.
Bro. Bowler was born in Palermo, July
10. 1928. His father, school teacher,
was deacon of the Baptist church in that
place, and his mother also was devoted
Christian. He became interested in relig-
ious matters when he was twelve years of
age, but his conversion occurred when,
at twenty-fv years of age, he was en-
gagged in teaching school. The change
was radical one. The things which he had
delighted in hitherto lost their attractive
ness, and his whole soul was directed to-
ward heavenly things. 1t was his chief
JOY to tell to others what great things the
Lord had done for his soul. Ere long the
conviction took possession of him that he
was called to the work of the gospel min
istry. He was ordained, and in the MN
utes Of 1856 he is recorded as pastor of the
Second So. Thomaston Baptist church In
the following year he was pastor of the
church at Union Centre. In the minutes for
1850 We read BRO. j. r. Bowler having
closed his labors with the Baptist church
at Union Centre, has recently become pas
tor of the First Baptist church in So.
Thomaston.' In the following year he
became pastor of the Second Islesboro
~ LOTT ha luft IuIa
and was preaching in Searsmont, Apple
ton aud Hope. In ls6G and 1867, he was
pastor of the First Camden Baptist church
In 1858, Bro. Bowler entered the service
of the Maine Baptist Missionary Conven-
tion, and for almost a score of years, with
some intervals, he did service for the
smaller weaker Baptist churches in Maine,
which will rot soon be forgotten. He
preached the gospel not only in pulpits,
but from house to house. His winning
words and kindly manner made him vel
come on the street, in the shop, or the
private dwelling, and, as he was about his
Master : business, wherever he went re-
suits followed. He brought things to pass.
Ill health in 1888 compelled him to with
draw from the work of the Convention.
But since that time, as his strength per-
mitted. he has devoted himself to his
Masters work, especially in Hancock
county where he has served the churches
in Hancock, franklin and Sullivan. In
West Sullivan he organized church year
ago last summer, and there he has baptized
fifteen. Rev. j. i. Vine, the evangelist,
has just gone there. Bro. Bowler cannot
be with him in person as he hoped to be,
but who can doubt that he will be present
in spirit:
Bro. Bowler's first wife was Miss Adaline
Turner. of Union Nov. 10, 1883, he was
married to Miss Amanda Watson, of South
Hancock. There were two children by his
first wife, OF whom one. a son, survives.
A sister. Mrs. Louisa knowlton, of Johns
town, Penn. is now the last of nine chill
dren. .-ZioH's idrocdte.