I. B. Bowen, Sr.
April 1, 1934; Oregonian, p 21  (photo)
"Retired Publisher Dies After Crash"
Baker, Or., March 31
 

   I. B. Bowen Sr., 75, retired editor of the Morning Democrat, who chronicled Baker county's mineral, political and social development in the news for nearly 50 years, died today at St. Elizabeth's hospital of internal injuries suffered Wednesday night when struck by an automobile driven by Dennis Runyan.  Mr. Runyan has been absolved from blame.

   His influence for purpose and progressiveness was felt in the community almost from the time printers' fair first attracted him in 1873, to his retirement in 1928, as editor and co-publisher of the Morning Democrat, closing one of the most remarkable careers of newspaper service in the state.  He assisted in the reorganization of the Baker County Pioneer association seven years ago, and has been its president and moving force since.

   In 1875 he began an apprenticeship under George H. Himes, resuming work on the Bedrock Democrat in 1880.  In 1887, together with George B. Small, he purchased the paper and made it a daily.  Resolute and a strong believer in the principles of the democratic party, he conducted a newspaper of opinion.  He was a courageous editor with deep human compassion. On his 74th birthday almost a hundred friends gathered at a banquet in his honor.

   Behind the forceful, colorful years lived in intimate contact with the townspeople and events, lies a genuine pioneer heritage.  Born in Oak Park, Cook county, Illinois, November 28, 1853, he was 3 years old when his father and mother succumbed to the call of the west and crossed the plains behind an ox team.

   They arrived in the valley in September, 1862, and the senior Bowen soon erected the first sawmill in Auburn.  Mrs. Phoeboe Dooley, his aunt, is the only surviving member of the train.

   He was married to Miss Mary Burke, October 16, 1895.  Their son is I. B. Bowen Jr.  Other survivors are:  two brothers, Harry S. and J. C. Bowen, and two sisters.  Mrs. B. D. Postlewaite and Mrs. J. T. Anderson, all of Baker.

   The funeral will be held from St. Francis cathedral Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock.