J. W. Mowen
J. W. Mowen, United States referee in bankruptcy for the district comprising Putnam, Allen and Auglaize counties, with offices in the Holland Block, Lima, was born in this city in 1865, and is a son of the late Jacob R. Mowen who was a prominent contractor and builder at Lima and one of the early settlers in the county.
J. W. Mowen was reared and educated at Lima, and after graduating from the High School entered the University of Michigan where in 1888 he completed the course in law. In the following year he became a member of the firm of Cunningham, Mead & Mowen, at Lima, which combination continued until 1895, when it was dissolved and the new firm of Mead & Mowen was organized, which is still in active practice. Mr. Mowen is serving his second term as a justice of the peace.
On January 2, 1905, Mr. Mowen was appointed by Untied States District Judge Swing as United States referee in bankruptcy for two years, to succeed S. S. Wheeler. The appointment has given general satisfaction, as Mr. Mowen is recognized as a very able member of his profession and especially well equipped for the duties of this office.
In 1902 Mr. Mowen was married at Lima to Ethel Hoover, who is a daughter of J. G. Hoover, of Lima.
Fraternally Mr. Mowen belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being very prominent in the latter organization. During 1901 and 1902 he was district deputy grand exalted ruler for Northwestern Ohio, said district embracing some 25 Elk lodges.