Levi Bowen, the first of the line here under consideration, was born in Lebanon, Mass., May 6, 1799. He was reared on a farm, and received a limited education in the district schools of that day, the education thus obtained being supplemented by sturdy common sense and habits of industry. In 1822 he came to Lowville, Lewis county, N.Y., to lay the foundation for his future home. He remained in the town until the succeeding fall, 1823, when he returned to Lanesboro, and Dec. 23, that year, married Electa Maria, daughter of John and Electa (Linsley) Farnam (see Farnam). Accompanied by his wife he soon returned to Lowville and engaged in farming on rented land. In 1832 he moved to a small farm of seventy-five acres, for which he had previously contracted, just off the West road, and identified himself with the dairy interests of the county. He began his career as a dairyman under discouraging circumstances, with his stock limited to fifteen cows and with the rude appliances for the manufacturing of the product afforded in the early day. There were then no cash sales for butter and cheese, and his first products in the fall that year were loaded into wagons and carried to Deerfield, near Utica, where they were sold, the butter for nine cents, and the cheese for five cents per pound. This was the first cheese taken out of the county for market. The following year his stock was increased to thirty cows and the dairy products brought an increased price. From this small beginning he built up an extensive dairy interest. He increased his acreage until he possessed some seven hundred acres of land. Between 1860 and 1865 he sold this land, purchasing a residence in Lowville, to which he removed in April, 1865, and there resided the remainder of his life.
In the days of the militia, Mr. Bowen held the rank of captain of riflemen in the 101st Regiment of New York Infantry, from Aug. 14, 1830, for four or five years. This was a company of one hundred and sixty picked men from the several towns.
Mr. Bowen possessed a staunch integrity of character, a kind and social disposition, and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him.
Children of Levi & Electa Maria (Farnam) Bowen:
Electa C., born March 30, 1825, married A. M. Searl.
Almena L., born April 10, 1827, married (first) Bela Hough; (second) Calvin Losee.
Farnam J., see forward.
Oren F., born March 5, 1833.
Levi Bowen died March 31, 1871. His wife Feb. 12, 1882.

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