BOWERS, Peter - Putnam

Peter Bowers was born of German parents in North Carolina, near Lexington, March 25, 1822. He with his parents moved to this county and settled in Russell township, about two miles east of Portland Mills in the fall of 1832, he at that time being 10 years of age. The country at that time was in the wilds, covered with forests. The family underwent many hardships, but they succeeded in clearning up and improving a nice home. His education was limited. He was christened in the German Lutheran church when a baby and never belonged to any other. he was the oldest of a family of seven children. Three brothers and one sister survive him. He was married to Mary Guilliams Nov. 20, 1849, and to this union were born four children, three sons and one daughter. John D.l, better known as Johnnie, died Nov. 10, 1879; Clay died Feb. 15, 1900; Milton T and Annie C survive him. He was a man of strong constitution and great will power. In his young days he was known to walk four miles, cut and cord two cords of four-foot wood at the price of 37 1/2 cents per cord and then walk home at night, for one day's work. He frequently cut with the old fashioned cythe and cradle five acres of wheat as a day's work. He succeeded in accumulating considerable property and owned a nice home in Franklin township near Fincastle. Mary, his wife, died Feb. 22, 1908. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. D.A. Brothers, January 29, 1911, aged 88 years, 10 months and four days. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. M.G. Linton., Universalist Minister of Brookston. Burial at Blakesburg Cemetery.

Peter Bowers, farmer, sect. 30, Frankling Township, was born in Davie County, North Carolina, March 25, 1822, son of David and Catherine Bowers, the former b. in 1797 in Northcarolina and the latter in the same state 1804. They had seven children, six of whom are living - two in this county, two in Montgomery County andtwo in Kansas. Mr. Bowers was married, November 20, 1849, to Miss Mary Guilliams daughter of Edgecomb and Anna G. Guilliams, natives of Tennessee. her parents had 8 children, three of whoma re living at the present time. mr. and Mrs. Bowers have had four children; Milton T, born August 23, 1852; Anna C, born February 18, 1856; John D., deceased, born January 17, 1858; Clary, born November 26, 1870. Milton married Sarah Burkett, a daughter of Benton and Rebecca Burkett, and he lives on section 20. Anna married David Brother and their children are - Gertrude, Ida and Jessie. Mr. Bowers' paternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was once taken prisoner by the "redcoats" and retained a few months, then succeeded in making his escape. Mr. Bowers was educated in the primitive log schoolhouse, with puncheon floor and door, clapboard roof, greased paper for windows and mind-and-stick fireplace. Politically Mr. Bowers is a Democrat and Mrs. Bowers is a member of the Christian Church.

Feb 7, 1911

Greencastle, In - to Andrew B. Hanna, Dr. Furniture Undertaking Phones

Store 88; Residence 130;Corner Indiana & Walnut Street

Casket $65

Flowers $3

Suit $15

Shirt $1.50

Slippers $1.50

Suspenders .50

Total: $86.50

Received Payment in full by MF Bowers Feb 7, 1911 AB Hanna

1870 Putnam Co In Franklin Twp 7 June 1870

Peter Bowers 48 Farmer 5500/100 NC

Mary 40 Ind

Milton 17 Farm laborer Ind

Anna K. 15 Housekeeping Ind

John D. 12 at home Ind

Clay 3/12 Ind