HENRY J. BOWN. Among the most prosperous and thrifty farmers of Bird Township, we may count a number who are of English birth or parentage, and who had learned farming in a most thorough and systematic manner in the old country. An English farmer is seldom careless and unsystematic in his plan of work. He has learned to economize space and to let nothing lie about at loose ends. These methods of work transferred to the broad and fertile prairies of the West make the best of farmers. Among these British-Americans we may name Henry J. Bown, who resides on section 12.
The parents of our subject were Samuel and Jemima (Barnstable) Bown, who were natives of Somersetshire, England, where they were reared, married, lived and died. Mr. Bown was a farmer by occupation and trained his children in the practical work of agriculture. This worthy couple were the parents of thirteen children of whom Henry is the youngest. His birth took place in Somersetshire, England July 15, 1860. He had reached the age of thirteen years when he left home and went to London, England, to make his home for five years with his eldest brother, Samuel. Here he engaged in peddling milk. In the fall of 1878 he came to America, making an end to his long journey by settling in Macoupin County.
When this young man first arrived in Illinois he lived for two years in Polk Township, and after this was employed by the late Charles Morris of Carlinville Township for three years on his farm. He then worked for Samuel E. Killam for two years and for Mr. Denby about a year and a half. His happy marriage January 5, 1887, with Miss Sarah Morris, presaged a period of prosperity and was the beginning of a life of true domestic happiness. The lady who now became Mrs. Bown is a daughter of the late Charles Morris, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this book. She was born in Carlinville Township April 2, 1865. Two children have blessed this home. They are named Minnie B. and Charles S.
Mr. Bown has a splendid farm of two hundred and thirty acres. It is in excellent condition and thoroughly cultivated. He has erected upon it a convenient and pleasant home and an excellent set of farm buildings. He makes a specialty of fine graded stock and gives to them kind and judicious care. In politics he is Republican, but is not an office seeker, but takes an intelligent interest, not only in local affairs, but in county, State and national elections. He is a wide awake, progressive farmer and well merits the esteem and confidence which is shown him by his neighbors.