Clara Bow

Birth Name: Clara Gordon Bow

Date of Birth: July 29, 1905

Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Death: September 27, 1965

Place of Death: Culver City, California, U.S.

Ethnicity: English, some Scottish

Clara Bow was an American actress. Her films include Down to the Sea in Ships, Maytime, Black Oxen, Wine, Dancing Mothers, Mantrap, Rough House Rosie, It, the first Best Picture Oscar winner Wings, Call Her Savage, and Hoop-La. She appeared in 46 silent films and 11 talkies. She was nicknamed “The ‘It’ Girl.”

Clara was the daughter of Sarah Frances (Gordon) and Robert Walter Bow.

She was married to actor and Republican Party politician Rex Bell, until his death, with whom she had two children. Rex was Lieutenant Governor of Nevada, from January 1, 1955 to July 4, 1962.

Clara’s paternal grandfather was named William Addison Bow (the son of Elijah Bowe). William was born in New York. Elijah was the son of Elijah Bow and Elizabeth “Betsy” Stowe.

Clara’s paternal grandmother was Catherine/Catharine M. “Kate”/Katie Gaylor (the daughter of Hiram Gaylor and Sarah Weaver). Catherine was born in New York.

Clara’s maternal grandfather was Frederick Gordon (the son of Simpson Duke Gordon and Martha Drake). Frederick was born in Berkshire, England. Simpson was born in Aberdeen City, Scotland, the son of Lewis Gordon. Martha was the daughter of Thomas Drake.

Clara’s maternal grandmother was named Sarah Grace Hatton. Sarah was born in Missouri or Indiana.

Sources: Genealogy of Clara Bow – https://www.findagrave.com

Clara Bow on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Clara Bow on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org