MAYOR BOWMAN, 87, STARTS ON SEVENTH TERM

Induction Into Office Made Occasion For Celebration

Proctorville’s 87-year-old "fighting mayor," John A. Bowen, last night assumed the duties of his office with a post-inaugural celebration participated in by virtually the entire citizenry of the village.

The election of Mayor Bowen, a Democrat, marked his seventh successful mayoralty candidacy in the village which is Republican by an overwhelming majority. He was recently elected for a two-year term over S. J. Ellette, Democrat, the retiring mayor, and Fred Atkinson, Republican.

Starting at the town hall, where Mayor Bowen took the oath of office, the program shifted to the Knights of the Golden Eagle hall, where Mayor Bowen was host to a public gathering of voters.

The program consisted of talks by Bowen and various citizens. In his talk, Mayor Bowen reviewed accomplishments of his six previous terms and outlined a program of economy which his proposes to inaugurate in the administration of village affairs.

One of Lawrence county’s oldest and most widely known citizens, Mayor Bowen is a veteran of the Civil War, an active and progressive civic and church worker and prominently identified with the tri-state organization of the Grand Army of the Republic.

His title, the "fighting mayor," was bestowed during his previous terms as mayor in which he conducted a vigorous campaign against lawless ness. So relentless was his crusade that unidentified persons dynamited his home several years ago. Although he and his wife escaped injury, considerable damage was done to his dwelling.

Ironton Tribune, 6 January 1932, Wednesday, Page 8.

Proctorville Mayor’s Home Is Dynamited Early This Morning

Doors Blown From Hinges; Windows Blown Out Of Three Nearby Houses

Sidewalk Strewn Over Neighborhood; Blast Wakes Village

Side of J. A. Bowen Residence Blown Away

Excitement reigned in the little village of Proctorville at 1 o’clock this morning when, likened to an unexpected peal of thunder, a charge of dynamite exploded on the sidewalk in front of the home of Mayor J. A. Bowen. The sidewalk was blown away leaving a large hole, and the concussion of the explosion caused the houses in the vicinity to tremble. The front doors of the Bowen home were blown from their hinges while the glass of the upper part of the doors as well as the wood panels of the lower part were blown free of the door frame. Every window in the Bowen home was blown out. It was reported, and the weather boarding on one side was stripped away. The Virgil Green home adjoining the Bowen residence like wise suffered heavy damage insofar as the windows were concerned. On the opposite side of the street windows were blown from the front of the Lou Marks home and the front and side of the John Reckard home.

Were Not Injured

Fortunately for Mr. and Mrs. Bowen, whose house was damaged more extensively than the others, they were in the rear of their home where their sleeping quarters are located. They were not injured although the interior of the home was disturbed considerably.

It is reported that Mayor Bowen was advised in an anonymous letter prior to the election last November that it would be to his best interests not to become Mayor of the village. The dynamiting early this morning is believed to be the result of these threats. So far as could be learned today no one saw the party or parties when the attempt to blow up the Bowen home was made.

Were Bombed Before

Several years ago when Mr. Bowen was mayor of Proctorville similar threats were made to dynamite his home. He resigned at that time and though he became Magistrate of Union township no attempt was made to do him bodily harm.

While no announcement was made by authorities concerning last night’s affair at the village it is understood that an investigation will be conducted.

Ironton Tribune, 11 February 1932, Thursday, Page 2.