SOWERS-Noah D. - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Noah D. Sowers was for many years a progressive farmer in Verm Co Il and recognized as a valued citizen, his loss was deeply deplored by many friends. He was born in Fountain County IN Feb 5, 1843 a son of Michael and Sarah (Rachard- sic) - Reichard -- Sowers, who were natives of Davidson Co NC, where they were married in 1835. Four years later they removed to Fountain County where the father engaged in farming until his death which occured Aug 15, 1845, when he was 52. The mother afterward married a Mr. MORGAN (Note: Nathaniel Morgan) who has since died, and she passed away on the 21st of Nov 1881 at the age of 71. Our subject's father was a Democrat in political views and was identified with the Lutheran Church. In his family were three children: Louis, who resides in Fairmount, Ill; Phebe wife of Thomas Gooding a resident of Fountain County and Noah D. In the district schools of his native state the subject of this review pursued his education until 16 years of age. His advantages in that direction, however, were somewhat limited because during the months of summer his services were needed upon the home farm. He remained upon the farm, assisting his stepfather in its cultivation until he was 21 years of age. In 1867 he arrived in Illinois, taking up his abode in Vermilion County, where he engaged in farming with his brother for 10 years. During that time he saved his earnings and with the capital thus acquired he purchased 80 acres of land in Vance Township. Upon this he erected a good house and substantial barns and continued the cultivation of his fields with good success for a number of years. On the 17th of February 1881, Mr. Sowers was united in marriage in Washington County, Pennsylvania, to Miss Cinderella Conklin who was born in that county March 21, 1847. Her parents, William and Catherine Ross Conklin were both natives of the Keystone state and were married in Greene County, Pennsylvania after which they located on the farm near Prosperity, Washington County. They lived there until the father died 1 June 1879 and the mother still makes her home on the old farm. He was a Democrat and held a number of township offices, including that of justice of the peace. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church and his life was in consistent harmony with his religious faith. Mrs. Sowers was one of a family of 9 children, 6 of whom are living: William A, who resides upon the old homestead; Cinderella, widow of our subject; Phebe Jane, wife of Cephus Meeks, who is living near Waynesburg, Greene County, Pennsylvania, Ophelia, the wife of Ross McLain of Greene County, Pennsylvnia; Iva G. widow of George Mann and resident o Washington County, Pennsylvania, and Ross M, who makes his home in Portland, Oregon. At the time of their marriage Mr. Sowers took his bride to his home farm and there they resided continuously until 1899 when they removed to Fairmount. He was quite successful in his agricultural work and was the owner of 120 acres of valuable land. His death occurred June 27, 1900 and he was laid to rest in the Fairmount Cemetery. A stanch Democrat in his political views he always refused to hold office but in other ways rendered his party what services he could. He belonged to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and his life was a busy, useful and upright one characterized by qualities which in every land and every clime command esteem and good will. In 1901 Mrs. Sowers built a commodious home in Fairmount and she also owns an acre of ground here on which are some good residences which she rents. She is an estimable lady and is widely and favorably known in this portion of Vermilion County.