Merton E. Bowling Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Bowling, Boies, Bennett, Merton E. Bowling, the general manager of the M. V. Boies Company, is one of the business men of Davenport who has rapidly risen, through his own efforts to the responsible position he now holds. A native son of this city, he was born March 11, 1872, his parents being George D. and Almeda (Bennett) Bowling. The former was also born in Davenport, a descendant of one of the early pioneer families, and is still living, although he has given up active participation in the world of affairs and business. Merton E. Bowling grew to manhood in Davenport, attending the public schools here, and after he had completed the prescribed course enrolled as a student at a college. For a number of years after the completion of his education he worked at various pursuits, finally turning his attention to the undertaking business, and about twenty years ago he entered the employ of the M. V. Bois Company. This concern was established in 1857 by M. V. Boies, under whose name it has continued to do business ever since. When Mr. Bowling first became connected with it he held the position of assistant, but as the years went on and he gave proof of his ability he was rapidly promoted until he now is general manager of the firm. In the meantime, however, he fitted himself for the work, for he took a course in the Western College of Embalming, form which he was graduated October 26, 1898, so that he is fully competent to assume charge of every phase of the business that is given to the company. Mr. Bowling married Miss Mary Snyder, of Dixon, Iowa, and their union has been blessed with three sons-Ralph, Elmer and Raymond. The eldest is attending the high school, while the second is a pupil in the school of district No. 8, and the youngest has not yet entered upon his period of education. Mr. Bowling enjoys wide fraternal relations, for he is a member of the local lodge of Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Elks, and the Modern Brotherhood of America. He also belongs to the he Turners Society of Davenport. In all of these organizations he is well known as a man of ability, of the highest principles and one endowed with many social graces as well as with those which make for success in the world of affairs. His rapid rise in the esteem of his business associates has not been without its substantial financial advancements. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES