Doc and Sylvia Bowen

Dr. Fred Bowen was born at Chillicothe, Iowa, on April 4, 1875, and received his diploma June 21, 1901, from Rush Medical College in Chicago. Dr. Bowen is the doctor that Woodburn remembers the most, as he practiced here for over fifty years.  While waiting for his license to practice from the State Board of Health, he looked around for a suitable location and finally selected Woodburn.  On October 1, 1901, he opened his office. In 1903, he bought the Trent Drug Store in Woodburn, which was on the north side of main street, and where he operated the rest of his years in Woodburn.    In 1904, Bowen bought out Landes and was sole owner of the drug store.  The only time Dr. Bowen was not on duty was during World War I, when he volunteered for service in the Army.  Armistice came soon after his enlistment and he was back at his practice in a few months.   He served the community for over 50 years. 

 

 In December of 1902, he went to Chicago - the news items reported “rumor has it he will not return alone”.  When he returned, he had his bride with him, Agnes Mary Sullivan, of New York.  Agnes was born May 14, 1873, in New Jersey to Robert and Sarah Maine (Porher) Sullivan.  She passed away September 29, 1930, after suffering a paralytic stroke earlier that summer. Agnes is buried at the Woodburn Cemetery.

On November 10, 1941, he married Sylvia Mae “Sylvie” Smith, daughter of Elmer and Mary (McClure) Smith.  She was born February 2, 1885, and lived all of her life in Clarke County except for two years when the family lived in Russell, where she graduated.  Her parents were Elmer and Mary (McClure) Smith.  Sylvie was a member of the United Brethren Church.  Many remember Sylvie for the great cherry Cokes she made at the drug store and her enthusiastic cheering at ball games.

            Infirmities caused the doctor to announce his retirement after 50 years of service to the town, in 1953.  The town showed their appreciation in a retirement party at the school gymnasium, and 300 people attended.  Dr. Bowen passed away on June 3, 1953, at Veterans Hospital in Des Moines.  Sylvia passed away on January 11, 1963, at the Clarke County Hospital.  They are buried at the Woodburn Cemetery.