ELI W. COWGER was born at Monticello, White County, Ind., November 13, 1837, and is a son of Silas and Elizabeth S. (Bott) Cowger, the former born in Virginia November 25, 1809, the latter also in Virginia November 29, 1815. They were married in 1834. The father of Eli came to and settled in this county, building a log cabin on the Monon. Eli bad but sparse learning; he remained on the paternal farm until he was twenty-four years of age. On March 10. 1862, he was married to Nancy Downey, daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Moore) Downey, born November 5, 1839. To this union succeeded seven children-Alice R., born April 9, 1863 ; Charles W., born December 16, 1865; William A., born October 20, 1868, deceased ; Ida M., born April 2, 1870 ; Elizabeth C., born September 29, 18T2; Thomas S., born February 4, 1876, &,ad Clara E., born October 6, 1879. Mr. Cowger purchased 120 acres of land in 1865, and now has 354 acres, all well improved. In addition to farming in general, be gives large attention to the purchase and sale of stock. Mr. Cowger is a Jackson Democrat, and has been Road Superintendent and County Commissioner. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity, and his wife is a communicant of the Presbyterian Church.

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