The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-05
eNcinrv
BY ANNIE KENDRlck WALKER.

BY ANNIE KENDRlCk WALKER.
 The recent admittanee to the Alabama bar of Mir "Ben" Catchings recalls that memorable May morning nearly four years ago when the dashing troops of the First Alabama regiment marched away to Miami at the opening of the Cuban campaign. It was the most brilliant of May days and from the windows of the reeeding trains many soldier lads in kahki uniforms threw longing glances in the direction of a mass of summer gowns that were being left behind.
 The station was thronged with the friends of the men who were going to the front and amid the elashing of swords the fluttering of a flag, the quick firm tread of the men falling in line, there were many stories told that day that were to have their sequels. not on bat tle-felds, but when the war was over and the veterans had returned.
 This reads as if it was going to be a romance. Instead it is only recalling the successful business career of two of Birminghams best known young men, Mr. Ben" Catchings and MT. Tom
 
 Bowron, both of whom were in the senior class of '9S at the Birmingham hig< school, and together enlisted in the First Alabama regiment.
 They resembled Captain Mechlin- Richard Harding Davis latest war hero. who wanted to see the mimic balls plough up the earth and rushed away to the South African war.
 Wher their contemporaries in the grad uating class of 9S were debating on the probable outcome of the Cuban campaign and receiving diplomas, the two absent members were sleeping on tented field and growing impatient at the delay of the war department in sending their regi- ment into the thick of the fight
 There was great deal of sentiment att tached to the "enlfstlng' of both Mir Catchings and Mir Bowron, each mem Der of the class of '9s feeling personal interest which deepened their patriotism and added to ihe gravity of the war sstuation.
 The two soldier boys of the class of '9s will always enjoy a certain proud dis tinction that cannot ever be over shadowed by any subsequent success.
 MT. Catchings and MT. Bowron re- mained with the regiment until 1t was mustered out. Mir Catchings entered the Taylor school, where he took a prepara- tory course with desire 10 enter the university. After ten months under Pro lessor Taylors instruction Mr. Catch ings entered the senior class at the uni versity. where his record was an envi- 6 ple one.
 His army discipline. together with his personal popularity, secured him the cap taincy of one of the military companies, sn honor usually gained only through T1omotion. His military record was d brilliant ere. After leaving the university MT. Catch ings studied the ircn industry in the Bir- mingham district and later went to New York and Pittsburg for the purpose Of continuing his Investigations. While in New York he began the study of law. His l admittance to the Alabama bar is a mat ter of great interest to many friends, wno predict for him a most suceessful career. He is a soh Of Mr.. and Mrs. w. E. Catchings. sssass
 MT. Bowroii'g numerous friends have watched with much interest his career in the business world.
 Soon after Mir Bowron's regiment was mustered out he entered the First Ma tional bank and from a comparatively small position has gradually been pro- noted until he now fills the position of paying teller one of the most responsi- ble positions in the bank.
 He is considered one of the best in- formed and most capable young men in banking circles. and none of the younger coterie of men who are a part of Great CT Birmingham have brighter futures than Mir Bowron.
 MT. Bowron's parents, MT, and Mrs. James Bowron, are now In Alexandria, Egypt.