James L. (James Lorenzo) Bowen

Born in Marlboro, Vermont, on April 2, 1842, James Lorenzo Bowen had only limited formal schooling and learned his father's trade in the woolen mills of North Adams, Massachusetts. His life changed during the Civil War: he enlisted in Company E of the 37th Massachusetts Volunteers in 1862, was wounded at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863, and was later discharged for disability.

While recovering, he began writing, and his first novel appeared in 1865. Over the next several years he became a prolific author of dime novels and adventure stories, while also working in journalism. He bought an interest in the Hoosac Valley News, edited a temperance paper for a time, lectured widely on temperance, worked as a proofreader for the Springfield Republican, and spent years on the editorial staff of publications connected with Clark W. Bryan & Co., including Good Housekeeping.

Bowen also wrote serious historical works, including History of the Thirty-seventh Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers and Massachusetts in the War, 1861-1865. Later in life he served in public roles in Massachusetts, including Sealer of Weights and Measures and Soldiers' Relief Commissioner. He died in Springfield, Massachusetts, on September 23, 1919.