IRA ROWEN.-The subject of this sketch was born on the first day of April, 1799, in the state of Maryland, and emigrated with his father, Alexander ROWEN, to Ross county, Ohio. He was only four years of age at that time. He worked on the farm during the spring, summer, and fall months, and attended school during the winter months. He followed farming until 1826, when he was married to Miss Mary KERSEY, sister of Dr. KERSEY, of Winchester, and a native of Sussex county, Delaware. Mr. ROWEN, in the meantime, learned the boot and shoe making trade, which he followed until 1830, when, in company with Dr. KERSEY and family, he emigrated to Winchester, Morgan county, Ill., now the county seat of Scott county, where he settled in the fall of 1830. His first work in Winchester was boot and shoe making, which he carried on for one year, and in 1831 built the saw mill situated on "Big Sandy," adjoining the town of Winchester, which he sold to James LADD, and then engaged in selling goods, which he continued until 1864.

Mr. ROWEN was elected recorder of deeds of Scott county in August, 1839. He served four years, and in 1843, was re-elected to the same position, and in 1848 was prevailed upon to serve the people four years more, and was again re-elected by a large majority. He was one of the first magistrates elected in Winchester, which office he held for many years. When the complete record of Scott county shall become known to the world none will take a higher position than the subject of this article, who was identified in so many ways with her weal and woe. The great secret of Mr. ROWEN's success in life consisted in the combination of temperance, industry, persistence, and economy, which were so happily blended in his character. The word "fail" was not in his vocabulary. This was a trait strongly marked in western pioneers, of which Mr. ROWEN was a distinguished example. He had the energy and decision of character to break away from his early associations, and follow the "star of empire" westward to a new country, where he spent nearly forty years of active life. His life was devoted to the instruction and interest of a large family, and as a husband and parent he was loved and appreciated. By his upright course of dealing, and the faithful fulfillments of all his contracts, he gained the confidence and esteem of all his business acquaintances.

Mr. And Mrs. ROWEN were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. He died June 13, 1866. Mrs. ROWEN is still living at the old homestead, and is highly respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. They had a family of nine children,--five sons and four daughters,--six of whom are now living.

The subject of this sketch, Judge Thomas R. ROWEN, was born on the third day of December, 1828, in Ross county, Ohio, and emigrated with his father, mother, and two sisters to Winchester, Scott county, Illinois in 1830. At the age of twenty-one he became a partner in the mercantile business, under the name and style of Rowen & Son, which they conducted until 1864, when they sold to D. B. WATT. He was elected by the democratic party, of which he has ever been an active supporter, the 3d of November, 1857, to the office of county clerk, and re-elected to the same position in 1861. Judge ROWEN at the expiration of his official duties as county clerk, engaged extensively in the stock business. He was not, however, allowed to follow his private pursuits of life, but was again called upon by his party to fill the honorable position of county judge, which he accepted, and in November, 1850, was elected by a large majority.