Memorial Record of Western Kentucky, Lewis Publishing Company, 1904,
pp 642-643 [Fulton]

     ROBERT M. CHOWNING.  For a number of years Robert M. Chowning
has occupied a conspicuous place among the leading business men of
this section, and is now serving as cashier of the First National
Bank of Fulton.  He was born in Owen county, Kentucky, in New
Liberty, on the 16th of February, 1864, being a son of Christopher
C. and Lizzie (Miller) Chowning, both also natives of that county. 
His father, who was a carpenter by trade, made his home in Owen
county until 1868, in which year he removed to Mayfield, Kentucky,
here residing for twenty-five years, on the expiration of which
period he removed to Shelbyville, this state, where his life's
labors were ended in death in 1893, at the age of eighty-three
years.  In the family of Christopher Chowning were two children, the
daughter being Mrs. J. E. Robbins, of Mayfield, Kentucky.
     Robert M. Chowning received his educational training in the
schools of Mayfield and Shelbyville, and on reaching his fifteenth
year he entered the battle of life for himself.  During the
intervening period from 1879 until 1888 he was engaged in railroad
work, having previously learned the art of telegraphy, and during
his connection with the railroad service he rapidly climbed the
ladder of promotion.  For four years he was the efficient agent of
the road at Mayfield, but in 1888 resigned that position to enter
the employ of the Graves County Banking and Trust Company, at
Mayfield.  In 1891 this corporation established the First National
Bank of Fulton, of which Mr. Chowning was made the cashier, and he
has ever since continued to discharge the duties of this important
position, having proved himself an invaluable official and one who
by his conservation and wise management has promoted the welfare of
this financial institution and placed it among the substantial
banking houses of the county.
     The marriage of Mr. Chowning was celebrated in 1889, when Miss
Emma Mayes, of Mayfield, became his wife, and they have become the
parents of two children, a son and a daughter.  Mr. Chowning gives
his political support to the Democracy, while in his fraternal
affiliations he is a member of the old and time honored Masonic
order.  In all his varied relations of life he is proving himself
honorable, sincere and trustworthy, thus winning the esteem and
confidence of all with whom he is associated. 

Chowning Miller Robbins Mayes
=
Owen-KY

http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/fulton/chowning.rm.txt