Eva Kelly Bowring

Eva Kelly Bowring served as a Senator from Nebraska in the United States Congress from 1954 to 1955. A member of the Republican Party, Eva Kelly Bowring contributed to the legislative process during 1 term in office.

Eva Kelly Bowring’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the Senate, Eva Kelly Bowring participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Eva Bowring (née Kelly; January 9, 1892 – January 8, 1985) was a U.S. Senator from Nebraska. Bowring was born in Nevada, Missouri. In 1928, she married Arthur Bowring. They made their home at the Bowring Ranch near Merriman in Cherry County, Nebraska. Bowring was active in Republican politics in Nebraska. She was appointed to the United States Senate by Governor Robert B. Crosby to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Dwight Griswold, making her the first woman to represent Nebraska in the Senate. She served from April 16, 1954, to November 7, 1954. Bowring was the fourth of six Senators to serve during the fifteenth Senate term for Nebraska’s Class 2 seat, from January 3, 1949, to January 3, 1955. After her service in the Senate, Bowring continued ranching near Merriman. She served part-time on the Board of Parole of the Department of Justice from 1956 to 1964. She died in 1985, only one day before her 93rd birthday. After her death, Bowring Ranch was donated to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, becoming Bowring Ranch State Historical Park.