Omaha daily bee., 1915-02-14
FATHER BOWLING
CALLED BY DEATH
Noted Educator and Former Head Of
Creighton University Sucoumbs
After Long Illness.
FUNERAL MAY BE IN OMAHA

Father Michael P. Bowling. for four
teen years president OF Creighton uni
versity, and since 1908 pastor Of st.
Alcysius church, a large Catholic parish
in Kansas City. died at 8 o'clock Saturday
morning in Kansas City. Death was
caused by a chronic disease Of the stoin-
ach. according to a telegram received at
Creighton university. His death and that
OF his brother, Father James Bowling, OF
Chicago. last week. removed two Of the
most prominent priests OF the west. Fun
eral services will be held Tuesday morn
ing at ESQ from 81. Johns church In
Omaha
Father Bowling is credited with the
principal share In the upbuilding OF
Creighton university. Since he has been
IN Kansas City Rockhurst college,
Jesuit Institution, has been built there as
a result of his efforts
He first came to Omaha IN the summer
Of 1855. A previous year OF higher edu-
cationat work in Detroit had discovered
in him the possession of uncommon ad-
ministrative ability. a circumstance which
led to his being appointed TO control
creightan university. then In it's infancy
To It's upbuildng Father Bowling gave
altogether. fourteen OF the best years of
his life. Beyond doubt, II owes 20 him
a very large measure of it's success
When he took charge in 1885 IL was little
more than struggling academy with less
than 200 students. For four years he
labored to hold the destiny of the acad-
envy towards full collegiate course. and
then, in 1889 shortly after the college
courses were introduced. he was trans-
ferred 10 Michigan and became president
Of Detroit college. After five years OF
strenuous service as head OF that school,
since grown into the University OF De
troit, and four years more OF ministerial
work IN Chicago and Milwaukee. he re-
turned TO Omaha in the autumn OF 1898
Years of Hard Work.
The ten years that followed until hls
final departure froh Omaha. in 1908, were
full Of work. Father Bowling gave him
self heart and sorl to the interests OF the
university. adding colleges OF law, phar-
macy and dentistry. solidly establishing
the various departments. providing first
class faculties for them. constructing new
buildings as needed. supplying the fine
library and laboratory facilities, and,
with tho generous help OF the late John
tnre Of the institution.
Father Bowling was deep student of
sociological questions and conditions. His
Opinions on such topics. whether put
forth in conversation or in writing or
public discourse commanded attention.
He was a stout believer in a great flu
ture for Omaha. and made many friends
here by his outspoken devotion TO its in
forests and his general public spirit.
When Mr.. Creightoh's viii was opened
after his death. II was found that, not
having any immediate heirs. he had be-
.dueathed large share of his estate to
Creighton university, in fulflllment OF
Intentions which he had frequently an
nounced during his life. This was an
immense relief TO Father Bowling, who
had been struggling for years TO advance
the university with very inadequate re-
sources. He was greatly choered. also,
by the warm congratulations poured IN
upon him from the numerous friends and
well-wishers OF the institution. Shortly
after Father Bowling left the scene or
his itfe-work, on March e. 1908. never to
return.
Modest mt Departure.
On the eve OF his departure the stu
dents OF the university thronged the
arts auditorium to bid him farewell. He
discouraged movement for a public
demonstration. and when the University
Alumni association and many citizens
eminent n the professional and business
life OF Omaha insisted on farewell ban
quet at the Hotel Rome. he begged them
TO give II the form OF a reception TO his
successor, Father Eugene A. Magevney
who had arrived the day before.
Rev. n. p. Downing was born in Gin.
cinnau, o.. June Il, 1881. He was edu.
Gated in the parochial schools. He begar
early life OF study and a search FOL
wisdom and had passion for books. and
his library is said to be one OF the mos
complete in the middle west He seemed
20 have dedicated his life 10 learnln,
and to teaching and had contributed
numerous articles TO religious pubiIca
tons.
Father Dowllngs speciality, az
teacher. was rhetoric. He was professo
OF that study az 81. xaviora college a
Cincinnati from 1876 10 1878 From Their
he moved to 81. Louis where he becam
professor OF rhetoric at the ST. Ioui
university from ISIS 10 1879. He moved 1
Detroit. Mich. and was professor o
rhetoric from 1889 until 1894
He was appointed pastor OF the Uol
Family church In Chicago. and RENAME
there from 1894 until 1897. when he move
TO Milwaukee and become pastor Of IN
Gesu church from 1897 until iSas IN
last church OF which he was the mast,
was 81 Aloysius church. in Kansas Cit,
Ao.
He was a most interesting speaker an
gave many addresses on religious. socl
and economic subjects lie was . De
suasive speaker and his voice was stror
and meldious.