All That is Known
All That Is Known is a documentary podcast about one woman's lifelong search to understand where she came from.
What begins with a records request in 1981 becomes a decades-long pursuit through adoption files, court records, hospital archives, and family secrets—each discovery revealing new truths while raising new questions.
At age sixty-eight, a chance encounter uncovers a record that appears to answer the largest remaining mystery, the identity of her father. Instead, as records often do, it opens an entirely new chapter of the search.
Season One is a serialized story and is best experienced in episode order, beginning with Episode 1: A Life Recorded.
All That is Known
A Letter Returned
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January twenty second, nineteen fifty three.
SPEAKER_01Multnomah Hospital Nurses Notes. Gabrielle Bowman Ward two C unit number one nine five five seven. Permit doctor McFarlane to doctors Asmuson and Moore's four thirty-five AM Transferred from three E to Patient having a legible statement. Large amount of bright red vaginal bleeding. Dr. McFarlane here BP seventy-eight over fifty. Ten o'clock.
SPEAKER_02Large amount vaginal bleeding. Ten twenty. Illegible statement.
SPEAKER_01Eleven o'clock. Eighty over sixty. Large amount of vaginal bleeding. Blood culture drawn by Dr. Bergner. Specimen to lab. One o'clock. BP eighty over fifty. Two o'clock eighty-five over fifty. Blood culture done by Dr. McFarlane. Three o'clock. IV fluid taken. IV restarted by Dr. McFarlane. Blood pressure 85 over 50. 4 o'clock. BP eighty over 50. 5 o'clock. BP eighty over 50. Patient talking rather irrationally. 545. Large amount vaginal bleeding. 630. Blood pressure 110 over 72. Pulse week. Irregular temperature 105.2 degrees. 7 o'clock. BP 100 over 68. Seems irrational. Ivy pulled out by patient. Restarted by Dr. McFarlane. Alcohol sponge. 830. BP 100 over 68. Resting more quietly. Illegible note bleeding. 930. Temperature 98.6. Resting quietly. Cooperative rational. 1030. BP 100 over 68. Resting quietly. Sleeping some.
SPEAKER_04Multnomah Hospital. Twenty seven year old wife separated illegible words. Incomplete abortion. Illegible sentence. Illegible signature. 630 PM Patient has been soaking one pad an hour, temp now ninety-nine degrees. Dr. Breeze advises removal of placenta tonight. Illegible sentence. Illegible signature. For residents and interns. Pain and abdomen. Two previous criminal abortions. Last delivery in 1951. Twins, here at MCH, lower abdomen pain, history LMP in September 1951. Began to have regular cramps and pain in lower abdomen in December or January. Since then has spotting intermittently. Had fever plus chills plus illegible word plus spotting for 24 hours before admission. Denies any instrumental intervention or other means of attempted abortion, vague about allegible words, not married R by S. Note Psychotic paranoid schizophrenia plus social illegible word, pain in joint motion, but states that she did have swelling of feet, which was better when she allegible words rainy weather. Patient is vague and detached on questioning and will not give specific answers. PG Febral male seen on examining table after abortion of viable, immaturely deceased infant, hot flush skin, pulse 110. ENT negative, chest clear, heart. No perceivable enlargement, no M, regular rhythm, split P2, remainder of sounds okay, illegible signature. Uterus enlarged illegible word between symphysis plus umbilicus, fundus plus firm tender, pelvic, sterile speculum, enlarged illegible words, fetal membranes within a legible sentence. EXT, grossly normal, no abnormalities, no evidence of illegible words, EBL three hundred cubic centimeters. Differential diagnosis. One miscarriage. Two. Rule out possible placental tumor or malignancy.
SPEAKER_01January twenty third. Nurses Notes 1205 Placenta Past Seen by Dr. Kaufman illegible word. Very large dark clot illegible words. Patient nauseated, patient illegible sentence. BP seventy eight over fifty. P seventy six R twenty patient illegible statement. Six o'clock. Pulse stronger BP ninety over seventy-six P eighty illegible sentence. Very little vaginal dark bleeding. January twenty fourth. Small amount vaginal bleeding. Feels somewhat better. This AM Resting quietly. Very little bleeding. January twenty fifth. Nine forty five AM. No bleeding. Up to bathroom. No complaints. Color good. Looks much better. Cheerful. No bleeding. M Freeman. January twenty sixth. Nine o'clock. No bleeding noted. Up to bathroom. Illegible words. BP 116 over 70. Pulse regular. Blood pressure 118 over 90. Pulse 60. Regular. January 27th. Illegible sentence to lab. Has some vaginal bleeding and membrane scene. Up to bathroom during PM. Very cheerful. Illegible signature. 8 30 PM. Discharged illegible sentence.
SPEAKER_00University of Oregon Medical School. Gabrielle May Bowman. Address 916 Northwest 23rd. Referred in by Catholic Charities. January twenty third, fifty-three to January twenty seventh, fifty-three. Incomplete abortion.
SPEAKER_04Discharge summary. Twenty-seven year old with illegible word, five months pregnant, illegible sentence. Patient treated, illegible words, placenta on day of eligible word. Patient became illegible words on eligible word and patient discharged. Illegible signature.
SPEAKER_03February third. A hearing was held this morning at juvenile court. Neither of the parents was present. At this time, the youngsters were made dependent wards of the court, and it was learned that we would not be able to proceed with permanent commitment until a year had expired, which would date back to December 1st, which was when Mrs. Bowman no longer visited the children or showed any interest in them. We had earlier received a call from a Dr. Name Redacted in the Corbett building expressing his interest in the Bowman situation. He was most indignant that a letter should have been sent to Mr. Bowman's mother in Iowa regarding this court hearing because she had been officially cited through the sheriff's office.
unknownDr.
SPEAKER_03Name Redacted stated that this had been a very upsetting experience for her. He also took a very protective attitude toward Mr. Bowman and stated that he would like to stop all this trouble that Mrs. Bowman has been making for everyone. Worker did not wish to reveal too much information about this family situation and mentioned to Dr. Name Redacted that this case was very active in the juvenile court, and if he should wish to discuss it further, he could call them. At the hearing today, Worker mentioned Dr. Name Redacted's telephone call. The judge also requested that we send a copy of the letter sent to us by Mrs. Bowman, stating that she no longer wished to have anything further to do with the children or with the agency. Later today, we sent a letter to the juvenile court confirming the judge's request. We also outlined a statement of Mrs. Bowman's payments for the children's care and the exact date of her last visit. The children were to have been presented to the court this morning, however, they were in isolation with chickenpox. It was explained that we would call them later when it was possible to bring them in. February 13th. A copy of the dependent wardship on David and Mary Olivia Bowman was received in the office this morning. February 16th. An appointment was made this morning to bring the two Bowman children to juvenile court to be presented to Judge Long. February 17th. David and Mary Olivia were presented to Judge Long at the juvenile court this morning. Neither Mary nor David found the car ride too upsetting. David, in particular, sat back without showing too much emotion about this experience. He sucked his thumb and clung to worker much more so than Mary Olivia, who is far more outgoing than her brother. She seemed to be interested in her surroundings and answered worker when she talked to her. Mary Olivia says several words and when spoken to directly, answers in some chatter. She is walking where David is not. It is felt that Mary Olivia is more advanced than her little brother. February 18th. Mrs. Name Redacted of YMCA called today about Gail Bowman, stating that she had arrived at the Y without any funds and wanted someplace to stay for the night and also some food. Mrs. Name Redacted further told Worker that Gail had stayed at the Y the 11th and 15th of February and paid for her own room. Mrs. Name Redacted stated that Gail had come in at 4 o'clock and 2 o'clock in the morning. Mrs. Name Redacted mentioned that they were not able to provide meals at the Y, and in view of this, referred Gail to Volunteers of America. Mrs. Name Redacted felt that Gail seemed somewhat peculiar and wondered if we knew very much about her. Worker explained our past contacts with her, and Mrs. Name Redacted explained that she could see why she had so much hostility toward Catholic charities. Mrs. Bowman had given two addresses on the cards that she had filled in the previous evening she had stayed at the Y, one night she gave address redacted, and the following night she gave address redacted. This is what caused Mrs. Name Redacted to question Gail. However, as she is not able to do too much for her, she has called Mrs. Name Redacted at Volunteers of America, and they have agreed to accept her. February 19th. Mrs. Name Redacted of Volunteers of America called this morning, and she wished to know something of our contact with Mrs. Bowman. Mrs. Bowman sounded very confused. Last evening, it took Gail two and a half hours to arrive at the Volunteers of America office from the Y. When Mrs. Name Redacted questioned Gail about this, she stated that she got confused with Ash and Oak Streets. Mrs. Name Redacted did not see her too long last evening or this morning, but referred her to the Employment Bureau. Worker also told Mrs. Name Redacted of Mrs. Bowman's previous work record and felt that at the present time, Gail was too disturbed to hold down a steady job. It was explained, too, that she had been receiving public assistance for a time.
unknownMrs.
SPEAKER_03Name Redacted stated that she would keep Worker advised about Mrs. Bowman's activities. April. Mrs. Name Redacted called a few days later and advised Worker that Mrs. Bowman had disappeared and did not leave word with anyone. A letter was received at the nursery for Mrs. Bowman from a serviceman in Nova Scotia. The man's name was Mr. Name Redacted. He is presumed to be the father of the twins. This letter was returned as Gail has not been visiting at the nursery, nor have we heard anything from her for several months. Long distance call from Timberline Lodge inquiring of Gail Bowman. The personnel manager stated that Gail was employed there, however, disappeared, and he was quite concerned about her. He also stated that she talked of her children at the nursery and has threatened to commit suicide. She disappeared for five hours, and he wondered if she might do something drastic. David and Olivia are progressing well in the nursery. They are both talking quite a bit and walk very well and are active children. Olivia appears more advanced than David. It was suggested a psychological test be completed. Should we receive a permanent commitment, this would not be effective until December 1953. Sergeant Name redacted, policeman at Hillsborough, Oregon, called because he understood from the YWCA that we had had previous contact with Gabrielle Bowman, whom he was now concerned about because she had been found sleeping on a park bench in Hillsboro. She had been sent to the welfare office, who in turn had sent her to the employment office. The employment office, having seen her, felt that she was terrifically disturbed. Her eyes were glassy, she didn't seem to know who she was or where she was, and had no identification, and they felt that they could not risk sending her out on the jobs they had. She stated that she had left her bags at the Y, and when the sergeant had checked with the Y, they said she had been there from the 19th until the 21st, but had not left any baggage, and that they felt too that she seemed to be disturbed. They had told the police that she came to Hillsborough with this boyfriend and that she had no money to go back to Portland and therefore slept on the bench. She had wanted to get some work. The sergeant had not yet interviewed the woman, but I had suggested that she was known to Multnomah County welfare, and that if there was a welfare need, that it might be well for them to discuss with the welfare department the possibility of returning her to Portland. And that the welfare office here would be able to give her assistance and that then they could take some responsibility in having her get the kind of treatment that she needed. I felt from previous contacts that she was probably known to the WPD here and they could check with them. Later in the day, the sergeant telephoned and stated that he had located Gabrielle and that she was in the welfare office now, and they were trying to get Multnomah County to accept responsibility for her, but that you can't talk sense with her. They found the WPD had a record, but it was one of larceny, sometime in the past, and evidently no charges were pursued. He stated that he had talked with the juvenile court but couldn't get anything out of them, and that the employment office continued to refuse to place her. It was therefore left that Multnomah County Welfare would probably assume responsibility for Gabriel. I had told the sergeant of our efforts to locate the woman and how she had eluded us, and we did have her two children under care. That we also felt that the woman did need some type of treatment, such as psychiatric, but that the judge had ordered rather recommended such at the time of the hearing when the children were removed, but the woman had refused to cooperate with the agency. July 22nd. Worker received a phone call from Mrs. Name Redacted of the Women's Protective Division, stating that Mrs. Bowman had walked into the police station seeking some help. Mrs. Name Redacted stated that they have a record on Gail from 1950, and when she saw her this morning, Mrs. Name Redacted wondered whether something should be done for her, such as possible commitment. Worker stated she would go down to see her and Gale. Later, Worker went to police station, and Mrs. Name Redacted wanted to get more information about this girl. Mrs. Name Redacted stated that she would sign a petition in order to proceed with commitment and asked Worker if she would also sign. Worker discussed this with Mrs. Sicott, and there was some question about worker being able to sign this in view of her lack of citizenship. However, it was learned that anyone could sign a petition. It was decided that we would go to Mr. Nay Redacted's office this afternoon to complete the necessary forms, and upon completion of this, Mrs. Bowman would be taken to Morningside Hospital. This was cleared with the county, and they are willing to accept her.
SPEAKER_05Notice of mental illness. In the matter of Gabrielle Bowman, alleged to be a mentally ill person. To the Honorable Ashby C. Dixon, Circuit Judge of said court. I, Clara DeRuz, and I, Myrtle S. Larrison, being first duly sworn, say that Gabrielle Bowman, Portland, Oregon, being within the county of Multnomah, state of Oregon, is mentally ill, as evidenced by the following facts. Her behavior is such that she is unable to take care of herself. She has a persecution complex. She is not dangerous to herself. Medical School Clinic suggested hospitalization. She has been mentally disturbed for about two and a half years. That by reason of such illness, she, Gabrielle Bowman, is in need of treatment, care, or custody, and that she has the following relatives in this state: Clara DeRuz, caseworker, 830 Northeast 47th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, VE2151, Myrtle S. Larrison, Sergeant, 209, Southwest Oak Street, Portland, Oregon, AT6611. Relatives Unknown. Subscribed and sworn to before me by Clara DeRuze and Myrtle S. Larison on this 22nd day of July, A.D. 1953.
unknownS.
SPEAKER_05I. Cohen, County Clerk, by R. G. Poland, Deputy.
SPEAKER_06Form 1B. Order for citation.
SPEAKER_05In the matter of Gabriel Bowman, an alleged mentally ill person. The court having been advised by written notice under oath that Gabriel Bowman in this county is mentally ill, and by reason of such mental illness is in need of treatment, care, or custody. Now, therefore, it is ordered that such charge be, and the same hereby is set for hearing before me on the 27th day of July, 1953, at the hour of 1030 a.m., in the courtroom of this court, or at such other place specifically designated by the judge thereof. It is further ordered that citation or written notice to said Gabrielle Bowman be immediately issued by the clerk of this court, informing her of the time and place of such hearing and the nature of such charge, and further, that a copy of such notice shall be served upon the district attorney at least 48 hours before the time set for the hearing.
SPEAKER_06Signed, Ashby C. Dixon, Circuit Judge. Form 1C. Notice and citation.
SPEAKER_05In the matter of Gabriel Bowman, an alleged mentally ill person. To Gabriel Bowman, you will please take notice that a charge in writing has been made and filed in this court in which it is alleged that you are mentally ill, and by reason of such mental illness are in need of treatment, care, or custody. You are cited to appear before the Honorable Ashby C. Dixon Judge of the Circuit Court in the courtroom of this court or at such other place specifically designated by the judge thereof at the hour of 10 30 a.m. on the 27th day of July 1953 for hearing on such charge.
unknownS.
SPEAKER_05I. Kahn, County Clerk, by R. G. Poland, Deputy. Due service of the foregoing notice by receipt of a copy thereof is hereby accepted and admitted this 22nd day of July, 1953 at 3.05 p.m. John B. McCourt, District Attorney, by Audrey H. Reed, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Multnomah County, Oregon. This examination will be held in the Examining Room Second Floor Courthouse Monday morning, July 27, 1953, at 1030 a.m.
unknownF.
SPEAKER_05Sidney Hanson, County Health Officer, Sheriff, by C.
SPEAKER_06H. Haldon, Deputy.
SPEAKER_02On the same day the petitions are signed, Gabrielle is driven from the police station to Morningside Hospital. This is all that is known for