Charles Ray was the son of Andrew and Malinda (Canon) Bowersock born on May 12, 1885 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Andrew and Melinda Bowersock had five children; Rilla (1876), Bertha (1880), Charles Ray (1885), Rosco (1892), Vesta (1898). In the 1900 Federal Census, Charles is a fifteen-year-old boy living with his family and doing farm labor.

Charles Ray Bowersock married Ada Voltz on August 29, 1906, in Allen County, Indiana. By the 1910 Federal Census, Charles and Ada are living in Lafayette Center, Indiana and his occupation is listed as Farmer. Charles Ray registered for the WWI Draft on September 12, 1918. He and Ada live in Lafayette Center, Indiana. He describes himself as medium height, stout build with brown eyes and black hair. He also states that he is missing a finger on his right hand.

By the 1920 Federal Census, Charles Ray and Ada are now listed as living in Fort Wayne Ward 6 and Charles is a Grain dealer. They have a son, Gale Andrew who was born in 1912. They have a boarder living with them, Russell Nonemaker. In the 1930 federal Census, Charles and Ada are living on Lafayette Center Road, Lafayette Center, Allen County, Indiana with their son.

In the 1940 Federal Census, Charles and Ada have their son’s family living with them; Gale, Donnabella, Arnold, Eldon, Louella, Wilma. Charles lists his occupation as Farming. In his 1942 WWII draft registration, Charles states that they live in Lafayette Center, Indiana but his mailing address is in Yoder, Indiana. He is employed by the Indiana Feed Store located in Fort Wayne.

Charles Ray Bowersock died fifty-six years ago today after being involved in an auto accident on New Years Day.

Charles is buried in Prairie Grove Cemetery in Fort Wayne Indiana.

Charles Ray was the brother-in-law of my first cousin 1X removed. Vesta Bowersock, Charles’s sister married my cousin, Oscar Jackson.

Rest in peace, Charles Ray.

Love, Jan