Notes |
- This portrait of her husband also tells about her:
DAVID W. BOWE. About a half century ago, when Scott township, Sandusky county, was an almost unbroken wilderness, before roads were made or oil wells dreamed of, there settled on the now Greensburg pike, about two miles from the present village of Bradner, a gentleman by the name of George Bowe, and his wife, Catherine (Wegstein). Since that time the tract of land which he secured has been known as the "Bowe homestead." These honored pioneer people reared a family of six sons, five of whom are living, and are numbered among the most prominent citizens of the township, worthy representatives of the name. They are possessors of fine homes and extensive business interests, and are highly esteemed by all.
The subject of this sketch is the youngest of the five sons. Like his brothers, he was born on the farm which he now owns, the date of his birth being November 10, 1847. There is a marked contrast between the farm as it appears to-day and that of half a century ago. The giant trees have fallen, and in their place, towering skyward, are the oil derricks. The old log house, in which the sons of our subject, as well as himself, were born, still stands and is well preserved. In front of this, however, is a modern residence, large and commodious, supplied with many comforts and conveniences. Mr. Bowe was educated in the district schools, and then took a trip through Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, returning after nearly a year. He next entered the Fremont High School, and on the completion of a two-years' course of study taught one term in a district school. In his mercantile career he began as a clerk in a jewelry store in Fremont, but on account of poor health he was obliged to abandon his labors in that direction, and employed himself in teaching for several terms.
On November 28, 1872, Mr. Bowe married Martha P. Lansdale, of Scott township, Sandusky county, who was born April 13, 1851, and is the only child of Rezin Addison and Martha (Moore) Lansdale. Her father was born April 7, 1827, her mother December 19, 1833, and their marriage was celebrated June 27, 1850. Mrs. Bowe's maternal grandfather, Elisha Moore, was born December 27, 1809, and died in September, 1892. He married Phoebe Smith, who was born May 8, 1807, and is still living. Her father, Randall Smith, was born in 1779, and served in the war of 1812. He wedded Martha Crow, who was born about 1780, and was one of seventeen children. By her marriage she became the mother of thirteen children, three of whom are now living. Randall Smith was noted as a humorist. On one occasion he was present at a gathering, and remarked that he had a white Crow. This seemed such an improbability that his friends were rather inclined to question his statement, whereon he remarked: "If you will accompany me home I will prove to you I am a truthful man." This his friends concluded to do, and on reaching home he presented his wife, whose maiden name was Crow. They at once saw the joke, and joined with Mr. Smith in his hearty laugh at their expense. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were the parents of six children: Daniel W., born September 18, 1830; Charity Ann, born January 15, 1832, became Mrs. Braden, and died March 26, 1878; Mrs. Martha Lansdale, who died April 27, 1851; Mrs. Rachel Jane Edwards, born November 4, 1836; Mrs. Alvina Shively; and Mrs. Minerva Angus.
Mrs. Bowe was educated in the high school of Fremont, and at Milan, Ohio, and became a teacher of recognized ability in Sandusky county. She is a lady of culture and refinement, and has been to her husband a faithful companion and helpmeet. They began their domestic life on the farm which is still their home, and to them have come three children: Agnes Estella, born January 8, 1876, died August 25, 1877; Hugh H., born January 19, 1880, now assisting his father in the oil business; and Warren W., born May 31, 1881.
After his marriage, Mr. Bowe engaged in farming and the dairy business, meeting with excellent success in his undertaking. About 1890 a new industry was established in this section of the country. Oil was found, and a few wells were producing quite fair returns. Our subject had many chances to lease his land to oil companies, but always declined. In March, 1895, he decided to find out if there was oil upon his farm, and accordingly sunk a well near the center of his land. It proved very profitable, and there has since been a steady yield. He has now sunk the sixth well, and from the oil business he is deriving a good income, and will continue to sink wells as long as practicable. In addition to his other interests, he has for some years been the owner of a fine apiary, keeping some fifty - five colonies of bees.
In politics, Mr. Bowe is a Democrat, and has served as trustee of Scott township for two years, as justice of the peace six years, and was president of the board of education for several years. He is devoted to the best interests of the community, and no one is more deserving of the high regard in which he is universally held than David Bowe, a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family. [4]
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