Rowley, Clark

Dr. Clark Rowley
June 18, 1850-April 27, 1932


Niles Daily Star, Friday, April 29, 1932, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library

DR. CLARK ROWLEY, PIONEER DENTIST, DIES IN 81ST YEAR

Former Democratic Leader of Niles Stricken After Short Illness

 

Dr. Clark Rowley, 81, a pioneer retired dentist of Niles, and formerly well known in local and county political circles, died at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon in his home, 419 S. Lincoln, a home to which he moved two months ago, after returning to Niles after an absence of six years. Dr. Rowley's death followed 10 days of illness which had not been considered serious.

The body is at the Rutherford funeral home and friends may view it there this evening. The funeral services will be conducted tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock in the Rutherford funeral home.  The services will be under the auspices of Calantha lodge, Knight of Pythias, of which he was a charter member. Burial will be made in Silverbrook cemetery. The Rev. J.S. Collins, retired pastor of the First Baptist church, will be the officiating minister.

Dr. Rowley was born in Cleveland, Ohio, 1850. Before coming to Niles he took a course in dentistry and came to Niles at the age of 21 or in 1871 and opened his first office here.  He was married here to Daisy Holmes, a member of a prominent pioneer family who had lived in Niles since she was a child. Two years after their marriage they moved to Chicago where Dr. Rowley continued his studies in dentistry at Northwestern university and was graduated from that institution. They returned to Niles and continued to live here and repurchased the home which they formerly had occupied and which upon leaving Niles again six years ago they sold to the American Legion post for a home.  Last fall Dr. and Mrs. Rowley moved from Chicago to a farm near Paw Paw and two months ago returned to Niles, and he was engaged in a grocery business at the time he became ill.

Dr. Rowley was active in democratic circles, had served the city as a supervisor for several terms, and was chairman of both the city and county democrat committee.  He was a charter member of the Calantha lodge Knight of Pythias and had served as chancellor commander of that fraternity after having served in other offices in that lodge.  Of the four charter members of thse lodge but three ar now living: George A. Forler, Henry Henkel and Al Patzman.  Dr. Rowley and the late W.G. Blish had for several years been the oldest of NIles retired business men.

Dr. Rowley is survived by a widow, Mrs. Daisy Rowley and the following children: Mrs. Jeanette Rowley Olson, wife of Harry Olson; Raymond Rowley, Arthur Rowley, Mrs. Harry Benson and Robert Rowley, the latter of Chicago. Mrs. Benson resides in Bunnel, Fla. Besides the widow and children, Dr. Rowley is survived by one brother and one sister, Durmont Rowley and Mrs. Charles Cruson, both of Jackson.


Niles Daily Star, Friday, April 29, 1932, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

HERE FOR FUNERAL


Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rowley and son, Joel arrived in the city last evening on account of the death of his father, Dr. C.R. Rowley and are at the home of Mrs. Rowley's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Martin.  Mr. Rowley, who was a high school student here was active in the school musical interests, has for several years held a position with Lyon and Healy in Chicago.

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, April 30, 1932, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

FUNERALS


Funeral services for Dr. Clark R. Rowley, retired dentist, were held this morning. The Calanthe lodge, Knights of Pythias of which he was a charter member were in charge of the servcies.  The Rev. J. Collins was the officating clergyman. Burial was made in Silverbrook cemetery.  Dr. Rowley returned to Niles two months ago after being out of the city for six years. His death on Thursday followed a brief illness.

Berrien Spring Journal Era, Thursday, May 5, 1932, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niels District Library

Dr. Clark Rowley, 81, a pioneer retired dentist of Niles, died last Wednesday at his home there. Dr. Rowley was born in Cleveland, O., and came to Niles at the age of 21, opening his first dental office at that time. He married Daisy Holmes, a member of a pioneer family, who with five children survive him.