Submitted by Rebecca Bowen
Our Dad, Ralph Elliot Bowen, was born on August 8,1922 on Snow Street at Cold Spring on the Allegany Territory. His parents were Francis and Bertha (Buck) Bowen. His maternal grandparents were Augustus and Acsah (Logan) Buck. His paternal grandparents were Esther Fatty and Wellman Bowen. He was a 6th generation grandson of Cornplanter. Dad was the second oldest of five children. His only sister, Lucille, died of pneumonia along with their mother in 1929. Following the death of their father, Dad, Leslie, Elwood, and Acel lived with their maternal great grandfather Samuel “Oak” Fatty. In time Dad and Elwood went to the Thomas Indian School (TIS). From there Dad went into the Civilian Conservation Corps followed by enlistment in the Army Air Force in December 1941. He served as an aerial gunner on a B-24 that flew missions over Europe. Upon his return home, he and my Mom, Annabell Clark, began our family.
At first glance there seems to be a lot of sadness in my father’s life story. In those early days Senecas were generally born into poverty. When both parents died Dad and his brothers were called orphans. As young boys he and Elwood were sent to TIS leaving behind the only world they knew, but he spoke often and well of his life at TIS. As young men he and his brothers went to war in a faraway place – an experience that haunted them for the rest of their lives. Some would crumble under such circumstances. Experiencing just one of these obstacles can defeat a person. But my father persevered.
He and my Mom raised my sister, brother and me in Red House in a little two-room house with green slate shingles on one side and tar paper on the other sides. By example he showed us how to pump water, chop wood, tend a wood stove, raise chickens, cook fish along the river bank, garden, drive a car. Our reward for weeding the garden on a hot summer day was a long walk to the local swimming hole. There were stretches of joblessness, no money and empty cupboards, but he never lost faith. He took us to church every Sunday in Red House. When Kinzua happened he told us about our treaties and explained sovereignty to us – long before the word was fashionable. A lacrosse player and snow snake thrower as a young man, he organized the Allegany Arrows about 1970. He rounded up donations and kicked in a few of his own hard earned dollars to buy sticks and pads. His first language was Seneca and he devoted years and energy to keeping our language alive. He demonstrated community leadership by serving multiple terms on Council and sitting as a Peacemaker for many years. He was once the Chief Marshal. He showed us what determination was when he became the oldest student to ever graduate from the police academy at JCC.
I could go on about my Dad, telling you about what a great father that Jackie, Dennis and I were blessed with. Those of you who have experienced the loss of a loving parent know what we are feeling. On December 7, 2020 at the age of 98 years and one day short of four months Dad went to his true home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I can only imagine the reunion! He’s eternal now, his health is restored, his joy knows no bounds, and we are assured we will be with him one day – then for eternity. The Bible says the first and greatest gift from God is love (1 Co. 13:13). For us that great gift was our Dad – always demonstrating unconditional love – no matter what we did!
To those who spent time with us during those difficult days, said a prayer, sent a card or message, called us, sent food, we are forever grateful. Let’s continue to demonstrate that greatest gift – love.
