• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Having Fun!We Are Generous!We Are Presidential!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Ozias Bowen Homes

By MarionMade! on August 8, 2017

Young attorney Ozias Bowen came to Marion in 1828 and started his law office.  Five years later, he married Lydia Baker, daughter of town founder Eber Baker, and their house at 270 E. Center St. was the first brick house in the village of Marion. Bowen admired the ancient Greek and Roman republics and he built his house with the end gable facing the street, making his house resemble the silhouette of a Greek temple with its strong triangular pediment framed in heavy molding.

Bowen’s house was reputed to be a station on the Underground Railroad. Originally the kitchen was in the basement and had a finished hiding room with access through a small door two feet off the floor—with a cupboard hiding its presence and purpose.

As judge, Bowen presided over the famous Slave Trial of 1839, which nearly sparked the Civil War—two decades before its official beginnings.

Today, the memorable old house is home to Laipply’s Printing and Marketing Solutions and owned by the Laipply family.

After Lydia’s death in 1847, Judge Bowen married Eliza McIntire. In 1864, he built a larger brick home at the corner of S. State and Washington streets, which now houses the Stengel-True Museum and Marion Community Foundation. This Victorian splendor of the Civil War era was passed down through the family to grandson Henry A. True, a noted banker in Marion. He donated the home for use as a museum.

The museum portions of the home includes the entrance foyer, music room, frontier room, upper hall, parlor, bedroom, and third floor hall leading to the cupola and a fine view of the city. The museum houses the collections of optometrist, jeweler, and hobbyist, Dr. Frederick A. Stengel. Stengel’s collections—everything from swords to teacups—record the early life of Marion, Ohio.

The Stengel-True Museum shares space with the Marion Community Foundation and is open to visitors by appointment only.

#marionmade #wearehistory

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • Chapel Hill House- Built on a Foundation of Hope

    Their mission is simple.  Chapel Hill House exists to provide a place for pediatric cancer families to visit, without cost, for a weekend together away from busy schedules and treatments. It is a place for the healing powers of serenity, relaxation, and family time to take effect.  This amazing place- Chapel Hill House, exists just […]Read More »
  • Marion Goodwill

    TAILORED FOR YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS In 1977, Marion Goodwill Industries branched off from the Columbus Goodwill agency and made their mark here in our community. This year marks their 40-year anniversary serving Marion County. Goodwill serves people through the following programs: Housing, Emergency Clothing, Wheels-to-Work, Job Readiness with students, Summer Youth, Education and Training Center, […]Read More »
  • Recycled Wood Brings New Products to reMARCAble Store

    Randy Boldman of Caledonia and his colleagues turn trash into treasure – sometimes literally. “We find furniture on the side of the road. We sometimes follow the trash man around to save pieces. We are regulars at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore! We also use old wooden skids,” said Boldman. Boldman and several others paint, […]Read More »
  • Marion Ohio Weather Team

    THE MARION OHIO WEATHER TEAM. The Marion Ohio Weather Team (MOW Team) has connected the community to hometown weather updates since 2012 through their Facebook page. The page began in 2012 under the direction of Zac Fuller, and has since grown to include two community Weather Spotters: Jennifer Conroy of LaRue and Chris Peria of […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2025 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image