Biographical Sketch of

James Bowler

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 727 - 728 


James Bowler, who is engaged in general farming on section 8 in the town of Buffalo, Marquette County, is of Irish birth, 
and emigrated from that country to America in 1851, with the view of trying his fortune in the New World.  Two sisters 
had proceeded him, Mary and Hannah, and the former is still a resident of New York.  Hannah has since been called to her 
final rest.  On reaching his destination, Mr. Bowler made a location in Herkimer County, N.Y., where he continued to reside 
for several years, coming to Wisconsin in 1858.  Since that time he has made his home in Marquette County, and is one of 
its well known and respected citizens.
 
In 1865, Mr. Bowler was united in marriage with Miss Bridget Gilroy, who died about 1878.  She was a faithful wife and in 
the community where she made her home was greatly esteemed for her many excellencies of character.  Mr. Bowler was again 
married in 1870, his second union being with Miss Mary A. Cotter, a native of New York, born in Franklin County, March 30, 
1844.  Her parents, John and Prue (Nagle) Cotter, are still living and are residents of the town of Buffalo.  Both are 
natives of County Cork, Ireland, and emigrating to this country, landed at Ft. Covington in May, 1841.  They there made 
their home for a period of eight years, when they became residents of Canada, and after four years removed to St. Lawrence 
County, N.Y., whence they came to Marquette County in 1867.  As before stated, they are residents of the town of Buffalo 
and rank among the best citizens of the community.  Unto them was born a family of nine children, five sons and four 
daughters.  Patrick, the eldest, is a prominent lawyer and leading politician of Pennsylvania; Mary, the honored wife of 
our subject, is the next in order of birth:  Ellen is the wife of Alonzo Close of Merrill, Wis.; John is a well known 
lumberman living in the same city; Catherine is the wife of Mr. Button, who resides in Dakota; Prue is the widow of James 
O'Connor, and makes her home in Merrill, Wis.; Richard and William are engaged in the lumber business in Merrill; and 
Fred, who completes the family, is living on the homestead farm, and cares for his parents in their declining years.
 
Since coming to Marquette County, Mr. Bowler has followed the occupation of farming and is the owner of 100 acres of valuable 
land under a high state of cultivation.  He has made many improvements upon his farm and in his pleasant home, where sociability 
abounds and hospitality sits enthroned, he and his family are surrounded by all the comforts, and many of the luxuries of life. 
Three children grace the union of our subject and his worthy wife, all daughters, namely:  Katie, who is now eight years of 
age; Mary, aged seven; and Bessie, aged three.  In political sentiment, Mr. Bowler is a Democrat.  Having made a free choice 
of the party which he wished to support, he accords to all others the same privilege.  He is liberal in his judgments, full 
of charity, doing right from a sense of duty rather than because he believes it to be the best policy.  He and his wife are 
members of the Catholic Church, and are living faithful and consistent lives.






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