Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BOWERMAN, John Biays
BOWERMAN, John Biays. (Towson, Baltimore County, MD--Dubuque, IA, Jan. 19, 2016). The son of Biays and Mary Alice (Moore) Bowerman, John (known locally as Biays) grew up up in Ruxton, Maryland. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during both WORLD WAR II and the KOREAN CONFLICT. Biays met Lois Powers while stationed at Pearl Harbor and they were married on November 24, 1951. (1)
After his service in the Navy, Biays completed his master's degree from Catholic University and begin his professional working career in the field of licensed social work with Catholic Charities in Baltimore and Bellingham. He moved his family to Dubuque in 1960 to continue his career with Catholic Charities and finally moved over to MEDICAL ASSOCIATES CLINIC PC (THE), where he stayed until his retirement in 1989. (2)
In 1975 Biays participated in the organizational meetings that led to establishing the Key City Genealogical Society in February 1976. In March 1985 the name was changed to the Dubuque County-Key City Genealogical Society. Biays wrote the constitution and contributed to establishing the procedure manuals and society policies. He was also the newsletter editor for many years. (3)
Biays' knowledge and experience were sought many times by news agencies and he was interviewed and quoted regarding churches and cemeteries. He was often observed helping people research their family histories at the CARNEGIE-STOUT PUBLIC LIBRARY. He volunteered on a regular basis at both the library and LORAS COLLEGE. A self-taught genealogist, he taught adult genealogy classes at both locations. He was remembered as often saying, "Quote your source." (4)
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Source:
1. Obituaries. Telegraph Herald, January 22, 2016. Online: http://www.thonline.com/obituaries/article_d333b0fe-1b5f-5230-9cd6-4adba13bc8ca.html?sp-tk=408822E40ED370B8DBD3F1B6B0FA9C243F643B28B3D41C26815020B9810F1F42AAD22CCA2876A5BC28426A268299D040E2F484D2D42E7B4D82CD4E7FFFCB216FE774A8A2C8C3152C201A4FC26516A29861279B955C3616CD13FFAA8944D89A9B8A890FDC838C953BAF6330B174F93D6195E7273131B9204BFE7D378EF08FF09FB6093B420603F492C75EC344BCED056B1F95194F
2. "John Biays Bowerman," Dubuque County-Key City Genealogical Society newsletter. Courtesy: Diane Harris.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
