CYRUS S. BOWMAN

Evening Kansan-Republican, Friday, Jan. 5, 1917, Pg. 1 & 5

Vo. XXXII, No. 290

JUDGE BOWMAN

DIED LAST NIGHT

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Eminent Lawyer Was First

County Attorney Here

In 1872

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WAS NATIVE BUCKEYE

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Vigorous Pioneer Claimed

After Energetic Life of

77 Years

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  Judge Cyrus S. Bowman, pioneer lawyer and the first county attorney of Harvey county, died at his home in Newton last evening, about 7:00 o’clock, at the age of 77 years.

  Judge Bowman had been gradually failing in health for several years, yet the decadence of the body in no way affected the vigor and alertness of his strong mind, and he conversed freely and clearly to members of his family to the very last.  He became afflicted with a dropsical condition some months ago, and became especially ill with that trouble early last fall, gradually failing until a few days previous to his death, it was evident that the end was near.

  Cyrus S. Bowman was born in a log cabin in Williams County, Ohio, Feb. 5, 1840, and thus lacked just one month of being 77 years old.  Until Central Kansas began to take on the aspects of modern home life and convenience, Judge Bowman’s life was that of a pioneer.  His boyhood was spent in clearings of his father’s farm, grubbing and planting and gathering by the use of ox teams.  He was taught “reading”, “ritin” and “rithmetic” according to the standards of the 40’s in the Ohio log school house.  Young Bowman had learned the carpenter trade before becoming of age, but after the death of his father in 1861, Cyrus returned to his family home, which was then near Wooster, Ohio, where he enlisted as a member of McLaughlin’s squadron of Ohio volunteer cavalry,” with which he served until Jan. 10, 1864, when he was discharged but after a brief furlough, re-enlisted, and was finally honorably discharged November 15, 1865.  He returned to Ohio and engaged in the milling business , but began reading law, and was admitted to the bar in March, 1871.  In April of that year he located in Newton, being the first lawyer to establish a practice here, and in May, 1872, when Harvey county was organized, he was chosen as the first county attorney and was re-elected for a regular term.  He was also elected county attorney in 1890, succeeding service in that capacity by appointment to fill an unexpired term.  He was early made local attorney for the Santa Fe railway company, and was perhaps the oldest lawyer serving in that capacity.  He was one of the most forceful lawyers in the state, and possessed a broad knowledge of law and court procedure, and activities.  He was a member of Judson Kilpatrick post. G. A. R., and had served as its commander, and as judge advocate of the department of Kansas.  He was a staunch republican in politics, always taking a keen interest in public affairs, and the last trip he made down town was on election day last November when he went to the polls to vote for Justice Hughes.

  Judge Bowman was married Feb. 5, 1867 to Miss Clara J. Bates, in Ohio, who survives, with four children as follows:  Miss Ola B. Raymond, who was widowed and has been living at the parental home, teaching in the Newton schools, and giving loving care to her aged parents, Nina C. is an instructor in the New York city schools, Harry C, is a member of the Kansas board of control, having been appointed to the board by Governor Hoch, and being still a member, Ellen C., is the wife of Harry C. Herby, of Clovis, N. M., Dora B. is deceased.  The family has always been prominent in the social life of Newton, and all are honored citizens, accomplishing much in their several walks of life.

  Judge Bowman was president of the Harvey county bar at the time of his death.  He had served frequently as judge pro tempore of the Ninth judicial district, and his services and advice was freely asked and generously given to young attorneys, to the public and to those who needed help.

  Judge Bowman was a man of simple habits, and shrunk from public acclaim.  He was possessed of a big heart, and his energy and untiring labors had perhaps as much to do with the development and prosperity of Newton and Harvey county as any one man.  He was known as an advocate and counselor at law all over the west.  He delighted in the association of young men of his profession, and the story of practically every lawyer in Newton would touch the life of Judge Bowman at some point.  At the time of his death he was head of the firm Bowman & Nye, the junior members being his son Harry, and Sidney Nye, a rising young attorney, whose first successes in active practice came under the tutelage of Judge Bowman.

  Definite announcement of funeral arrangements cannot be made at this time, for the reason that the exact time at which the daughter, Miss Nina, can reach Newton from New York.  At the time of going to press no answer had been received to telegram sent to her.  If she arrives in time, the services will be conducted at the home, 220 East Seventh street, at 3:30 Sunday afternoon.