This Bauer/Bower family originated in Germany and settled in PA during the mid-1700s. The immigrant was Diel, one of the early settlers of Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Each of his three sons served in the county's militia during the American Revolution. Dielman Jr. moved to NY State, where many of his descendants still live. Dietrich and John remained in eastern PA.

FIRST GENERATION IN AMERICA
DIEL and ELIZABETH BAUER

Diel Bauer was born in Germany and immigrated to America around 1750. He married Elizabeth __?__.

Children:(1)

Diel's parents are unknown. The name 'Diel' is very unusual and may indicate a place of origin. It is a shortened form of the name 'Dietrich' that usually appears in Hesse, Germany. According to information supplied to the Daughters of the American Revolution, Diel may have been born in 1718 or 1719 in either Hesse-Kassel or Hesse-Darmstadt in Germany. However, this file is riddled with errors and cannot be trusted in the least.(2)

His name is often spelled Dill, Diehl or Thill in records. Bauer is often anglicized to Bower in civil records, but records from German-language churches always spell the name Bauer.

It is possible that Diel immigrated to America with his mother and stepfather. The will of Johann Nicklas Schmith (Schmitt) of Lowhill Township, Northampton County, PA refers to "my son Johan Thill Bauher." Past researchers believed that this indicated Diel was this man's son-in-law. However, German genealogists believe this indicates Diel was his stepson. Also, other married daughters are listed under their own names and not under husbands'. If this is the case, Diel's mother was probably Nicklas' wife, Maria Margareta Schmidt, and had remarried after Diel's father died. The order of the names may also indicate that Diel's sisters were Anna Barbara Meiher, Anna Elisabeth Wick and Elisabeth Wieder, since their names follow his. It is possible that Diel's immigration records are under the name of Schmitt.(3)

It is uncertain exactly when the Bauer family came to America, but Diel was naturalized in Philadelphia on April 10, 1760. His name appears in PA Archives under the act of parliament calling for the naturalization of foreigners "having inhabited and resided the space of seven years and upwards in his Majesty's Colonies in America."(4)

Diel first shows up in what is now Montgomery County, PA in 1750. A notice printed in a German-language newspaper on August 18, 1750 says Diel lived on land at Falckner Swamp in what was then Philadelphia County. He also appears as the father of Maria Sophia Baur, who was baptized October 14, 1750, at Falkner Swamp Reformed Church in New Hanover Township.(5)

Sometime before 1752, Diel moved to Northampton County. He was among the early settlers of the area, which had only recently been 'purchased' from the Indians. In the 1700s, Germans constituted about 90 percent of the county's population.(6)

Diel first appears in Northampton County records on December 5, 1752. The business transaction is among the first in the history of the county, which was separated from Bucks County in 1752. It is recorded in Deed Book A-1, page 5. The book, A Frontier Village, -- about the early history of Easton, PA -- mentions the transaction, which followed attempts by John Weidman to build a grist mill on Lefevre Creek. "Weidman did not have sufficient funds with which to complete the mill, so he borrowed about 46 pounds from John Lefevre and Dill Bower. To secure the payment of this obligation Weidman, on December 5th, 1752, gave a mortgage on his property, including the mill, to Lefevre and Bower. In this mortgage, it is stated that John Weidman was a millwright, Dill Bower a smith, and John Lefevre an innholder, and that all three were residents of the 'Forks of the Delaware', the name by which Forks Township was then known."(7)

The fact that Diel had enough spare money to make a loan indicates he was relatively prosperous for that time and place. In 1753, the baptism of his son John is recorded at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Upper Saucon Township, in what is now Lehigh County. However, the family may not have lived near there because they were never listed as communicants at that church. On September 3, 1757, an advertisement in a German newspaper reported that Diel Bower had taken possession of land left by Georg Ewy in Bethel Township, Northampton County.(8)

Sometime before 1761, Diel settled in Plainfield Township. He probably lived there until his death.(9) Diel is listed as a farmer in Plainfield in 1772.(10) However, Diel seems to have retired from farming in 1772, when he sold his farm to his son Dietrich.(11) In payment, Diel received 250 pounds, some living space on the farm, a small garden and annual allotments of produce, meat and "when the orchard Hits well a Barrell of syder." Dietrich - listed as "Richard Bauer," a mistake that was cleared up in a later deed - received 127 acres of land as well as "four cows, four heifers, five sheep, five lambs, two horses of three years, a saddle, all our Utensills of Husbandry to wit a Harrow & Plough with their irons, also two sows & a Barrow Hog." Dietrich also received a farm hand to help, as the deed states: "I give to my son Richard Bauer two years Servitude more or less of his Brother John Bauer, which is to be compleated & Ended when my said son John arrives to the full age of Twentyone years old and not Before."

During the Revolution, Diel's sons served in the Northampton County militia. His DAR file says he swore an oath of allegiance to the Colonies; however, his name could easily be mistaken for that of a Dielman Bauer, whom I will discuss later.(12)

Diel died sometime before August 15, 1796, when portions of his land were sold by his heirs.

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Names come from Northampton County Deed Book A-4, page35. Birth date for Dietrich comes from Burial Record of the Old Cemetery of St. Peter's Church of Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA page 10. Eve and Elizabeth's are on page 6. Sophia's comes from Church Records of the Falkner Swamp Reformed Church, page 3. John's birth date is listed in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, page 10. There is no documentary evidence that indicates Dielman - or Tillman as he was later known - was actually a son of Diel. However, the similarity of the very rare names, the links in later baptismal records and the places of residence point toward the link. Family tradition also makes the link, but many of the recorded traditions are downright wrong.
(2) The information on the name 'Diel' comes from Deutsches Namen Lexicon, by Hans Bahlow. The DAR information comes from Diel's file and that of his son John at the national headquarters in Washington. D.C. The DAR's link to Hesse comes from a Miss Julia R. Mitchell, who lived at 83 Ellis Ave., Chicago in 1936. It is difficult to say how reliable this information is without any further details.
(3) Northampton County Will File 135.
(4) PA Archives, Series 2, Vol. II, page 402.
(5) Newspaper listing - originally from Christopher Sower's Pennsylvanische Geschicht-Schreiber of Germantown - appears in Genealogical Data Relating to the German Settlers of PA and Adjacent Territory, page 21. The baptismal information comes from Church Records of the Falkner Swamp Reformed Church, page 3.
(6) Note on Germans from Some of the First Settlers of The Forks of the Delaware and Their Descendants, page 5.
(7) A Frontier Village, page 64.
(8) Genealogical Data Relating to the German Settlers, page 64.
(9) Northampton County Tax List for the Year 1761, page 73A. Northampton County Deed Book A-4, page 35.
(10) PA Archives, Series 3, Vol. XIX, pages 62.
(11) Northampton County Deed Book C-2, page 223.
(12) DAR file.

SECOND GENERATION IN AMERICA
DIETRICH and CATHARINE BAUER

Dietrich Bauer was born April 4, 1749, to Diel and Elizabeth Bauer. His place of birth is uncertain.(1) Dietrich married Catharine Elisabeth __?__, who was born December 21, 1744.(2) It is possible that Catharine's last name was Hann because the Bauers' are buried beside many Hanns and Frederick Hann was as sponsor at Frederick Bauer's baptism, usually an indication of relationship.

Children:(3)

Presumably the earlier Abraham died before 1783, and George died before 1818 because he isn't listed in Dietrich's will, which was drawn up in that year.

In 1772, Dietrich appeared on tax lists among the single men in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA.(4) Also in 1772, Dietrich acquired his father's farm in return for 250 pounds, annual payments in produce and a place for his parents to live.(5) The Bauers worshipped at the German Reformed Church in Plainfield, where their children were baptized. Dietrich served as a deacon there in 1793 and as an elder in 1783 and 1794. In 1805, he contributed 3 pounds, 7 shillings and 6 pence to the construction of the congregation's second building. Only six people contributed more.(6)

During the Revolutionary War, Dietrich served as a lieutenant in the Northampton County Militia. He served under Captain Lewis Stacher in the 4th Company of the 2nd Battalion of the Northampton County Militia, which mustered on May 16, 1780, April 10, 1781, July 1781 and April 18, 1782. He also served as lieutenant under Captain Jacob Heller in the 3rd Company of the 2nd Battalion of Northampton County, which was "in the service of the United States on the frontiers of said county" from May 28 to June 20, 1782. Dietrich is also listed as a private on the rolls of those receiving depreciation pay following the war.(7)

Aside from several attacks by Indians who supported the British, no major battles were fought in Northampton County. However, Easton was a strategic crossroads and Continental troops often passed through the area en route to campaigns in New Jersey and other areas. Following several battles in other areas, the wounded soldiers were treated in Easton.(8)

Following the war, Dietrich served as a private in the 7th Company of the 6th Battalion of the county militia, which mustered on May 10, 1784.(9)

Tax records for 1779 indicate Dietrich owned 160 acres in Plainfield Township. In 1785 tax records for Plainfield Township, Dietrich is recorded as owning 100 acres of land, two horses and three cows, which was about average for that township.(10)

Dietrich is sometimes referred to as Dieter and one property record refers to him as "Richard Bauer," the English equivalent of the name. Catharine died July 7, 1818. Dietrich died April 1, 1826. They are buried across the road from St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Plainfield, south of Wind Gap.(11)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Date of birth comes from Burial Record of the Old Cemetery of St. Peter's Church of Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA page 10. Father's name comes from Northampton County Deed Book A-4, page 35, and Deed Book C-2, page 223.
(2) Date of birth comes from St. Peter's burial record, page 10. She is also named in Dietrich's will, Northampton County Will Book 4, page 120.
(3) Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA Vol. I. Catharine and the husbands of the daughters are named in Dietrich's will.
(4) PA Archives, Series 3, Vol. XIX, page 64.
(5) Residence comes from Northampton County Deed Book C-2, page 223, 1790 census and Dietrich's will.
(6) Church information comes from the Plainfield church record book, First Settlers of the Forks, pages 401 and 402, and History of the Plainfield Reformed Church, page 9.
(7) PA Archives, Series 5, Vol. VIII, pages 122, 138, 147, 173 and 183 and Vol. IV, page 313 - respectively according to references in text.
(8) History of the Lehigh Valley, page 110.
(9) PA Archives, Series 6, Vol. III, page 816.
(10) 1779 tax lists are in Tax Lists in the Northampton County Court House 1774-1806, page 144. 1785 lists are in PA Archives, Series 3, Vol. XIX, page 152. Records for 1786, page 265, show the same except he had two cows and those for 1788, page 380, show the same except he had four cows.
(11) St. Peter's burial record, page 10.

Johannes Bauer was born April 6, 1753 in Northampton County, PA to Diel and Elizabeth Bauer.(1) He married Catharine Heller on October 4, 1779. Catharina was born March 4, 1759 in Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County.(2)

Children:(3)

In 1772, Diel Bauer sold his land to his son, Dietrich. Dietrich also got a farm hand to help, as the deed states: "I give to my son Richard Bauer two years Servitude more or less of his Brother John Bauer, which is to be compleated & Ended when my said son John arrives to the full age of Twenty one years old and not Before."(4)

During the Revolutionary War, John served as a private in Captain Jacob Heller's company of militia "on the Frontiers of Northampton County" in 1781.(5) Following the war, John's family lived in Plainfield Township in Northampton County. Tax lists for 1785, list John as owning two horses, but no land. This probably indicates that he rented a farm. The 1790 census lists John as living in Plainfield and having five children. In 1786, he is listed as having a horse and a cow.(6) The Bauer family worshiped at Plainfield Reformed Church, where their children were baptized.

John died February 23, 1791. He is buried in the cemetery across the road from St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Plainfield Township.(7)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, page 10. Parents also named in Northampton County Deed Book A-B, page 35.
(2) Marriage date figured from tombstone inscription. Other information comes from Diel Bauer's file with the Daughters of the American Revolution; however, this file is unreliable or incorrect in some instances.
(3) Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA Vol. I. Maria's husband Named in Diel's DAR file.
(4) Northampton County Deed Book C-B, page 223.
(5) PA Archives, Series 5, Vol. VIII,page 601.
(6) Tax lists appear in PA Archives Series 3, Vol.XIX, pages 152 and 265, respectively.
(7) Burial Record of the Old Cemetery of St. Peter's Church of Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA, page 6. The administration of John's estate is recorded in Northampton County, file 1397.

Dielman Bauer was born in 1744 in Germany.(1) He married Maria Eva Jung, who was born in 1741 or 1743.(2)

Children:(3)

Dielman's name is often spelled Tillman Bower in many records, especially after he moved to NY State.

The Bauer family immigrated to America in the late 1740s and settled in Northampton County, PA. In 1772, Deal Bower is listed in tax records as a farmer in Chestnuthill Township. Land records from the 1790s show him making many deals in real estate in that township and Hamilton Township.(4)

During the Revolutionary War, Dielman served as a private in Captain Lewis Stacher in the 4th Company of the 2nd Battalion of the Northampton County Militia. Dielman's unit mustered 16 May 1780, 10 April 1781, and 18 April 1782. His DAR file mentions he "fought at Valley Forge," which seems unlikely, especially since there wasn't any fighting there. After the war, Dielman served as a private in the 7th Company of the 6th Battalion, which was also commanded by Captain Stacher.(5)

About 1799, Dielman moved to Tompkins County, NY. An extensive Bower family in NY State is descended from him. Dielman died August 29, 1810, in Ludlowville, NY. Maria Eva died December 22, 1815.

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Date comes from tombstone at the German Cemetery near Lansingville, Tompkins County, NY. Also, Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage Book, Vol. 74, page 142. Dielman (or Tillman) Bauer's original DAR file refers to a Grace Rice Genealogy at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, which in turn refers to research by a C.O. Rhodes of Groton, NY.
(2) Maria Eva's maiden name comes from the International Genealogical Index of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
(3) John and Dietrich's possible birth dates come from DAR records and LDS International Genealogical Index. Simon's birth is in Colonial Baptisms, Lehigh County, PA. The births of George, Adam and Catharine are in The Hamilton Township Union Church Record. The births of the youngest three daughters are recorded in Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA Vol. I. Some of the sources list conflicting birth dates.
(4) Tax records in PA Archives, Series 3, Vol. XIX, page 75. Land records in Northampton County Deed Books: G1, page 534; A2, page 120; G1, page 431; G1, page 536; C2, page 60; E2, page 201; E3, page 41.
(5) Dielman's Revolutionary service records appear in PA Archives, Series 5, Vol. VIII, pages 123, 139, 174, 219, 601 and 609. Postwar militia service is recorded in Series 6, Vol. III, page 817.

THIRD GENERATION IN AMERICA
JACOB and ANNA BAUER

John Jacob Bauer was born January 11, 1777 in Northampton County, PA to Dietrich and Catharine Elisabeth Bauer.(1) He married Anna Hess. (See below.)

Children: (2)

Anna Hess was born December 6, 1783 in Northampton County to Jeremiah and Elisabeth Hess.(3) According to a manuscript at the Wyoming Valley Historical Society, Anna and Jacob were married November 2, 1801. Records from the church where the Hesses worshipped say an Anna Hess married someone with the first name of Jacob on November 21, 1801. This may be the record of the Bauers' wedding. The man's last name was omitted in the transcript, probably because it was unreadable in the original document.(4)

The family lived in Forks Township in Northampton County.(5) The Bauers worshiped at the German Reformed church in Plainfield, where Jacob and Anna had most of their children baptized and where Jacob is listed among contributors to a renovation of the church in 1805.(6)

They begin appearing in Lutheran records in Easton and Forks Township in the 1810s, and probably worshiped in Lutheran churches after that. Jacob died January 7, 1825.(7)

After Jacob's death, his brother Abraham Bauer of Plainfield Township was appointed guardian of Margaret, Tobias, Elizabeth and Sarah, who were listed as younger than 14 years old.(8)

Nancy is listed as living with her son Jacob in Forks Township in the1850 census. She died March 21, 1857. The Bauers are buried at Arndt's Lutheran Church in Forks Township, just north of Easton.(9)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA Vol. I, page 12. Dietrich's will, Northampton County Will Book 4, page 120. Two Jacobs appear in Northampton County records at this time: the Jacob in whom we are interested and a Jacob in Moore Township, who was married to a woman name Gertraud. Information on this family can be found in Bauer Family History, compiled by Andrew and Marguerite Swagler Bauer, a copy of which is in the Easton Public Library.
(2) Most are in Plainfield Reformed Church. Elisabeth's birth is recorded in Church Record of Salem Union Church in Forks Township, Northampton County. The births of Margaret and John Dietrich are recorded a St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Easton. Margaret's birth, but no baptism, is also recorded in the Plainfield record; also, the dates of birth conflict. The others are listed in Northampton County Orphan's Court Record 10, page 270. The married names of the daughters appear in Nancy's estate papers, which also list a "Solma. Metzger," who may be Sarah. Tobias' birth and death dates are listed on a tombstone cited in Burials at Arndt's Church Near Easton, PA, page 16. He is not listed among Nancy's heirs in 1857, so it must be assumed he was dead at the time.
(3) Anna's birth is recorded in Some of the First Settlers of The Forks of the Delaware and Their Descendants, page 115. Her birth date is also listed on her tombstone. (The year is incorrectly copied in Burials at Arndt's Church Near Easton, PA.) A real estate transaction in Luzerne County mentions "Nancy Bauer (late Nancy Hess)" as an heir of Jeremiah Hess. This is Luzerne County Deed Book 22, page 611. Luzerne County Deed Book 35, page 716, describes her as "Nancy Bower (widow and relique of Jacob Bower deceased) of Forks Township, Northampton County."
(4) The manuscript is the rough draft for an item in A History of the Wapwallopen Region, by Lillie Cameron. It is in the "Hess" file at the historical society in Wilkes-Barre. The church record is in Home of the First Settlers, page 349.(5) 1820 census, Northampton County, PA and estate papers in Northampton County, File No. 3681. (6) Plainfield Reformed Church, page 250.
(7) Jacob and Anna's death dates listed in Burials at Arndt's Church Near Easton, PA, page 15.
(8) Northampton County Orphan's Court Record 10, page 270.
(9) Burials at Arndt's Church says Anna died in 1854, but her tombstone says 1857. The administration papers for her estate were filed in 1857. Estate papers in File No. 6584 in Northampton County.

ABRAHAM and CATHARINE BAUER

Children:(3)

The Bauers lived in Plainfield Township, where Abraham bought his father's farm in 1818.(4) Abraham was very active in the Plainfield Reformed Church, where most of the children were baptized. On Nov. 27, 1835, he was elected treasurer and paymaster for construction of the church's third building. He contributed $54 toward construction of the building. Only three people contributed more. (5)

Apparently, Abraham was well respected in the community and may have acted as an attorney. His obituary lists him as "Abraham Bauer, Esq."(6) Abraham died Nov. 8, 1835. Upon Abraham's death Peter Frutchy - his brother-in-law - was named guardian of Abraham, Adam and Sabina. (7)

On July 9, 1837, Catharine married John Shick of Easton.(8)

FOOTNOTES:

(1) Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, Pa., Vol. I, page 19.
(2) Maiden name comes from the Plainfield church record, page 99.
(3) Most births listed in Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church. Levi listed in Burials at Arndt's Church Near Easton, Pennsylvania, page 10. Daughters' married names and youngest children listed in Abraham's will. Levi's death recorded in Burial Records of the Old Cemetery of St. Peter's Church of Plainfield Township, page 10.
(4) Northampton County Deed Book E5, page 66.
(5) History of the Plainfield Reformed Church, page 10.
(6)Marriages and Deaths, Northampton County, 1799-1851, Newspaper Extracts, Vol. II, page 447.
(7) Burials at Arndt's Church, page 3. Abraham's will is in Northampton County Will Book E2, page 233.
(8)Marriages and Deaths, page 453.

FREDERICK and SUSANNAH BAUER

Children: (3)

The Bauers are listed as living in Plainfield Township in the 1820 census. The family probably attended Plainfield Reformed Church, where their hildren were baptized.

FOOTNOTES:

(1) Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, Pa., Vol. I, page 23.
(2) Some of the First Settlers of The Forks of the Delaware and Their Descendants, page 358.
(3) Births listed in Plainfield church records.

John Bauer was born Jan. 30, 1784 in Northampton County, PA, to John and Catharine Bauer.(1) He married Veronica Hahn who was born Oct. 10, 1785.(2)

Children: (3)

John is listed as having no occupation in the 1850 Census for Plainfield Township, Northampton County. John, Thomas, William and Catharine are listed as still living with their parents.

The 1860 Census for Plainfield Township, Northampton County, lists John as a farmer. His sons Thomas and William are still listed as living at his residence, but William has a wife and children. The Bauers probably attended Plainfield Reformed Church, where their children were baptized.

John is listed in death records as being a gentleman, which usually indicates the person is a retired, well-respected respected farmer.(4)

Veronica died Oct. 2, 1868. John died May 11, 1870 of "dropsy." Both are buried in the cemetery across the road from St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Plainfield Township.(5)

FOOTNOTES:

(1) Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, Pa., Vol. I, page 21.
(2) Wedding date comes from Some of the First Settlers of The Forks of the Delaware and Their Descendants, page 354. Birth date comes from Burial Records of the Old Cemetery of St. Peter's Church of Plainfield Township, page 33.
(3) Children's births listed in Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church. Peter's death is recorded in St. Peter's cemetery records, page 56; Elizabeth's death is on page 25.
(4) Pennsylvania 1870 Mortality Schedule, page 41.
(5) Dates from St. Peter's cemetery records. Cause of death from 1870 mortality schedule.

Daniel Bauer was born Aug. 8, 1791, in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA, to John and Catharine Bauer.(1) He married Catharine Michael on Aug. 19, 1810.(2)

Children:(3)

FOOTNOTES:

(1) Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, Pa., Vol. I, page 33.
(2) Some of the First Settlers of The Forks of the Delaware and Their Descendants, page 360.
(3) Plainfield church records, vol. I. Peter Augustus' death is in First Settlers of The Forks, page 328. Reuben's death is in Burial Record of the Old Cemetery of St. Peter's Church of Plainfield Township, Northampton County, Pa., page 25.
(4) First Settlers of The Forks, page 334.

FOURTH GENERATION IN AMERICA
THOMAS and NANCY BOWER

Thomas Bower was born August 19, 1806 in Northampton County, PA to Jacob and Anna (Hess) Bauer.(1) He was probably married twice. (See below.)

Children:(2)

Thomas appears to have been married twice. The death certificate of Thomas' son Jacob lists Annie Earnst as his mother. Church records in Northampton County say Thomas married Anna Ernst February 2, 1834, about a month after Jacob's birth. But in 1834, Thomas already had a 4-year-old daughter, Mary Ann, who was undoubtably born to a previous wife. The book Pioneers Families of Berwick, PA, says that Mary Ann was the daughter of Thomas and a woman whose first name was unknown but whose last name was Switzer.(3)

Thomas' second wife, Anna, was born November 9, 1809, according to her tombstone. Her parents are unknown.(4)

The family probably lived in Forks Township, Northampton County, at the time of Jacob's birth in 1834. Before 1840, they moved to Luzerne County, where the family of Thomas' mother owned land. Before the move, their last name was usually spelled Bauer; afterward, it was usually Bower. This probably happened because there were fewer Germans in Luzerne County and those who kept records were unfamiliar with German spellings.

Thomas was a farmer. The 1880 census lists Thomas' occupation as "gentleman," which either means he was a retired, well-respected farmer, or he wanted to be thought of as one.

Census records reveal the family lived in Salem Township, Luzerne County in 1840; Center Township, Columbia County in 1850; Hollenback Township, Luzerne County in 1860 and 1870; and in Nescopeck Township, Luzerne County in 1880. The atlas of Luzerne County, PA 1873 shows T. Baur's farm in the southwest corner of Hollenback Township, near the border of Nescopeck Township. Luzerne County deed books record that he bought land in Nescopeck Township in 1873. He probably lived there until he moved to Ridgely, MD in 1884 or 1885. The Bower farms generally covered about 150 acres, according to the deed books.(5)

Thomas and his family are listed as taking communion at the Salem Church in Luzerne County from May 1841 to March 1854. Salem was a union church serving both Lutheran and Reformed congregations. German was the language used in services and early records.(6) The Bowers are also listed as Lutheran communicants at a similar union church in Nescopeck Township from November 23, 1862 to November 1884.(7)

In 1882, there seems to have been some family turmoil. Thomas Jr. seems to have defaulted on a loan either from his father or guaranteed by his father. As a result, the father sued the son to recover the money.

In April 1876, Thomas Jr. bought about 4 acres of land in Nescopeck Township for $1,700. Six years later, Luzerne County records show the land being forfeited in a sheriff's sale. On March 15, 1882 the court of common pleas commanded "that the goods and chattels, lands and tenements of T.J. Bower" be sold to recover "a certain debt of seventeen hundred dollars which Thomas Bower lately in the said court recovered against him as four & 25-100 dollars which to the said Thomas Bower were adjudged for his damages which he sustained by occasion of the detention of that debt ..." The land was sold for only $40, covering little of the $1,700.(8)

That November, Thomas drew up his will, which mentions the court decision and the debt. It reads: "As to my son Thomas J. Bower, I hold a judgment in the Common Pleas of Luzerne County of the amount of about seventeen hundred dollars, which judgment is unsatisfied. I consider the same to be his portion and an advancement out of my estate and that no proceeding may be had toward the collection of the same."

In the mid-1880s, Thomas moved to Ridgely, MD where his son Jacob had lived since the late 1860s. The listing of those who took communion in the Nescopeck church book notes that he moved there between November 2, 1884 and May 17, 1885.

Thomas filed his will in Luzerne County. The document reveals several interesting facts about the family.(9) The will provides for the care of Thomas' son John, who is listed as "idiotic" in the 1880 census. The will reads: "It is my desire that my executor look after the interest of my son John and after the decease of his mother, if he should survive her, act as a trustee for him and if they think necessary apply to the court for the appointment of a committee or trustee for him." Thomas' son Jacob, and son-in-law George Thomas, were named executors.

The nature of John's condition and when he contracted it are unknown. In the 1870 census, John is listed as a "farmhand" living with his parents and no mention is made of any special condition. The 1880 census records that John was "idiotic" and lived with his brother Thomas in Nescopeck.

The 1900 census records that John lived with Jacob in Ridgely. Finally, one passage in the will indicates what kind of possessions 19th-century Americans valued: "I further bequeath to my son Jacob D. Bower my sausage grinder and stuffer and a lot of grain sacks and also a lot of meat I brought to him."

Nancy died February 9, 1887.(10)

Thomas Bower died December 6, 1890 in Ridgely. His obituary appeared in the Denton Journal under news from Ridgely: "Mr. Thomas Bowers died at the residence of his son, Mr. Jacob D. Bowers, on Saturday last, aged 84 years. Interment took place on Monday at the cemetery of the Reformed Church."(11)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Date of birth comes from Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA Vol. I, page 58, and Beneath These Stones - Cemeteries of Caroline County, Vol. I, page 157. Parents listed in church record and in papers of administration for mother's estate, Northampton County File No. 6584.
(2) Children are listed in the census records cited in the text and in Thomas' will. John and Elsa's births are recorded in the Church Book of the Salem Church in Luzerne County. Mary Ann's birth is listed in
Pioneer Families of Berwick, PA and the year is confirmed in 1850 census of Centre Township, Columbia County, PA Jacob's birth date is listed in his death certificate in the MD State Archives.
(3) Jacob Bower's death certificate is in the MD State Archives. The marriage to Anna Ernst is recorded in the church book of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Easton, PA (4) Beneath These Stones: Cemeteries of Caroline County, Vol. I, page157.
(5) Luzerne County Deed Books 71, page 50; 167, page 370; 168, page 545; and 300, page 479.
(6) Church Book of the Salem Church.
(7) Church Book of the Nescopeck Congregation, which later became Mount Zion.
(8) Original purchase is recorded in Luzerne County Deed Book 200, page
147. An account of the court decision and sheriff's sale appears in Deed Book 234, page 330.
(9) Will is recorded in Will Book L, page 639. Thomas' name is spelled Bower in his will, although it's indexed under Bowen in Luzerne County records.
(10) Beneath These Stones - Cemeteries of Caroline County, Vol. I, page 157.
(11) Denton Journal, Saturday, 13 December 1890.

Jacob Bauer was born April 20, 1804 in Northampton County to Jacob and Anna (Hess) Bauer. He married Susannah Hay on May 22, 1825. Susannah was born December 25, 1800. Jacob died February 4, 1854. Susanna died April 20, 1881.

Children:

Charles Bauer was born September 24, 1808, in Northampton County, PA to Abraham and Catharine (Keller) Bauer. He married Elizabeth Weber on October 12, 1828. She lived in Lower Mount Bethel Township at the time of the marriage.

In the 1850 census, Charles is listed as a carpenter in Plainfield Township, Northampton County.

Children:

John Jacob Bauer was born February 1, 1812, in Northampton County, PA to Abraham and Catharine (Keller) Bauer. He married Florentina Bender on September 9, 1832. She was born about 1813. Florentina probably died before the 1870 census was taken.

Jacob married a second time to Sabina, who was born February 4, 1814. Sabina died January 12, 1891, and is buried at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Plainfield Township.

Jacob died December 5, 1895, in South Easton.(8)

Children:

Samuel Bauer was born June 10, 1814, in Northampton County, PA to Abraham and Catharine (Keller) Bauer. He married Maria Russell on December 10, 1839. She was the daughter of George Russell. Samuel died April 20, 1844.

Children:

Abraham Bower was born June 25, 1818, in Northampton County, PA to Abraham and Catharine (Keller) Bauer. He married Sarah Keller on September 26, 1840. She was born about 1819.

Children:

John Bower was born August 24, 1810, in Northampton County, PA to John and Veronica (Hahn) Bauer. John is listed as living with his parents in the 1850 censuses of Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA. The 1870 census lists him as living with his brother Thomas and sister Catharine. John died February 15, 1879.

Thomas Bower was born January 18, 1815, in Northampton County, PA to John and Veronica (Hahn) Bauer. Thomas is listed as living with his parents in the 1850 and 1860 censuses of Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA. The 1870 census lists him as living with his brother John and sister Catharine. He was still living with his sister at the time of the 1880 census. Thomas died October 10, 1884.

William Henry Bower was born March 29, 1828, in Northampton County, PA to John and Veronica (Hahn) Bauer. He married Mary Elisabeth, who was born August 30, 1834. William died October 30, 1900. Mary died February 9, 1903.

Children:

Daniel Bower was born August 18, 1815, in Northampton County, PA to Daniel and Catharine Bauer. He married Sabina, who was born June 2, 1819. Daniel died December 8, 1891, and Sabina died November 4, 1884.

Children:

FIFTH GENERATION IN AMERICA
JACOB and LUCY BOWERS

Jacob D. Bowers was born January 12, 1834 in Northampton County, PA to Thomas and Anna (Ernst) Bower.(1) He married Lucy Ann Hawk about 1857. Lucy was born October 12, 1838 in Luzerne County, PA to John and Fanny Hawk.(2)

Children:(3)

Jacob's parents moved the family to Luzerne County, PA within a few years of his birth. In that county, his name and those of his parents and siblings appear in records of Lutheran churches in Salem and Nescopeck townships.(4)

Jacob was a farmer. He owned 3 acres beside his father's farm in Hollenback Township from 1866 to 1868, according to Luzerne County land records. In the late 1860s, the family moved to Caroline County, MD, where Jacob farmed.(5)

Early records usually list the family as Bower, and occasionally Bauer. However, the name is almost always spelled Bowers after the move to MD. This is probably because other Caroline County families spelled the name with the "s" and the newcomers were forced to adopt the spelling over the years. The 1900 census lists Jacob as a miller in Ridgely, MD. The 1910 census lists Jacob and Lucy as living in Ridgely with their son John and his wife, Rosie. John was a carpenter and Jacob is listed as having "own income." (7)

Jacob died 21 October 1910 in Ridgely. His death certificate states he had suffered from "general disability" for about a year. Lucy died 20 April 1920 in Ridgely. Her death certificate states she had suffered from "senility - chronic nephritis," the latter - a kidney disease - for five years. Both are buried in Ridgely.

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Information comes from Jacob's death record at the MD State Archives.
(2) Lucy's death records in the MD State Archives. Mother identified in 1850 census of Newport Township in Luzerne County, PA.
(3) Children listed in census records for 1860 Hollenback Township, Luzerne County, PA and Ridgely, Caroline County, MD 1880. Genealogy of Conrad and Elizabeth (Borger) Hawk, page 271, says the Bowers' were married in August 1856 and John was born 11 November 1856. However, this is contradicted by census information.
(4) Church Book of the Salem Church and Church Book of the Nescopeck Congregation.
(5) Luzerne County Deed Books 110, page 401, and 127, page 378.
(6) 1870 census of Caroline County, MD.
(7) According to the 1910 census, John and his wife had no children.

John Bower was born November 11, 1842, in Luzerne County, PA to Thomas and Anna (Ernst) Bower.(1) He suffered from some sort of disability, at least it was so later in life. The nature of John's condition and when he contracted it are unknown. In the 1870 census, John is listed as a "farm hand" living with his parents and no mention is made of any special condition. The 1880 census records that John was "idiotic" and lived with his brother Thomas in Nescopeck. The 1900 census records that John lived with his brother Jacob in Ridgely, MD.

Thomas' will makes provision's for John's care. It reads: "It is my desire that my executor look after the interest of my son John and after the decease of his mother, if he should survive her, act as a trustee for him and if they think necessary apply to the court for the appointment of a committee or trustee for him." Thomas' son Jacob, and son-in-law George Thomas were named executors.(2)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Church Book of the Salem Church in Luzerne County.
(2) Will is recorded in Will Book L, page 639.

Thomas J. Bower was born in June 1849 in northeastern PA to Thomas and Anna (Ernst) Bower.(1) He married Mary Jane in about 1870. She was born in PA in May 1846. (2)

Children:(3)

The 1900 census says Mary gave birth to six children, four of whom were still alive at the time.

Thomas grew up in Luzerne County, PA where his name and those of his parents and siblings appear in records of Lutheran churches in Salem and Nescopeck townships. In 1882, there seems to have been some family turmoil. Thomas Jr. seems to have defaulted on a loan either from his father or guaranteed by his father. As a result, the father sued the son to recover the money.

In April 1876, Thomas Jr. bought about 4 acres of land in Nescopeck Township for $1,700. Six years later, Luzerne County records show the land being forfeited in a sheriff's sale. On March 15, 1882 the court of common pleas commanded "that the goods and chattels, lands and tenements of T.J. Bower" be sold to recover "a certain debt of seventeen hundred dollars which Thomas Bower lately in the said court recovered against him as four & 25-100 dollars which to the said Thomas Bower were adjudged for his damages which he sustained by occasion of the detention of that debt ..." The land was sold for only $40, covering little of the $1,700.(4)

That November, Thomas drew up his will, which mentions the court decision and the debt. It reads: "As to my son Thomas J. Bower, I hold a judgment in the Common Pleas of Luzerne County of the amount of about seventeen hundred dollars, which judgment is unsatisfied. I consider the same to be his portion and an advancement out of my estate and that no proceeding may be had toward the collection of the same."

Thomas worked in a powder mill in 1880, according to that year's census. He later became the pastor of St. Peter's Reformed Church in Frackville. The History of Frackville, Schuylkill County, PA records the early history of the church.(5)

"The first services were held here by the Rev. T.J. Bower, then located at St. Clair, in the spring of 1890. On the 29th day of July, 1890, Rev. Mr. Bower and a number of Reformed people assembled in the home of Franklin Brown, and after services organized themselves into a congregation. This organization was effected by the election of the Rev. T.J. Bower as missionary in charge ..."

The congregation grew quickly and about two years after its founding built a church. Thomas became its first official pastor. "The Rev. T.J. Bower, of St. Clair, having organized the mission, and served them faithfully up to this time was extended the call to become of the pastor. Having accepted the call, the Rev. Mr. Bower moved to Frackville on the 21st day of October, 1892." He was still pastor in Frackville at the time the 1910 census was taken.

Thomas died on August 20, 1914.(6)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Parents are named in Thomas Sr.'s will in Luzerne County Will Book L, page 639. Birth date is listed in 1900 census of Frackville, Schuylkill County, PA.
(2) 1900 census of Frackville.
(3) Children's births are recorded in Church Book of the Nescopeck Congregation.
(4) Original purchase is recorded in Luzerne County Deed Book 200, page 147. An account of the court decision and sheriff's sale appears in Deed Book 234, page 330.
(5) History of Frackville, Schuylkill County, PA, page 46. (6) Church Book of the Nescopeck Congregation.

William Bower was born in about 1826 in Northampton County, PA to Jacob and Susanna Bauer.(1) The 1850 census for Forks Township, Northampton County, lists William as a farmer and living with his parents.

FOOTNOTE:
(1) Administration papers for the estate of Anna Bauer, Jacob's grandmother, in File No. 6584 in Northampton County. Date comes from 1850 census of Forks Township, Northampton County, PA.

Jacob M. Bower was born October 20, 1823, in Northampton County to Jacob and Susannah Bauer.(1)

Jacob fought in the Union Army during the Civil War. On May 29, 1864, Jacob joined Company A of the 47th PA Infantry as a private. His brothers Tobias and Thomas also joined this unit and both died as the result of combat.(2) The 47th Infantry primarily operated in the South and was engaged in the Battle of Cedar Creek in which it sustained heavy casualties. Thomas was killed in this battle in VA on October 19, 1864. Jacob was mustered out with the company on December 25, 1865.

Several Jacobs are listed in Northampton County civil and church records so it is difficult to distinguish between them. Further research will clear up some of this.

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Administration papers for the estate of Anna Bauer, Jacob's grandmother, in File No. 6584 in Northampton County. Date comes from Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints International Genealogical Index.
(2) History of PA Volunteers, Vol. I, page 1159.

Tobias Bower was born in about 1838 in Northampton County to Jacob and Susannah Bauer.(1)

Tobias fought in the Union Army during the Civil War. On May 27, 1864, Tobias joined Company A of the 47th PA Infantry as a private. His brothers Jacob and Thomas also joined this same unit.(2) Tobias was wounded in an unspecified engagement and died January 25,1865, in Philadelphia. His brother Thomas was killed at the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864, and it is possible Tobias was wounded then.

Tobias is buried at Arndt's Lutheran Church in Forks Township.(3)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Parents named in administration papers for the estate of Anna Bauer, Tobias' grandmother, in File No. 6584 in Northampton County. Approximate year of birth comes from the 1850 census of Forks Township, Northampton County.
(2) Burials at Arndt's Church Near Easton, PA, page 8. History of PA Volunteers, Vol. I, page 1159.
(3) Burials at Arndt's Church Near Easton, PA, page 8.

Thomas Jefferson Bower was born in about 1843 in Northampton County to Jacob and Susannah Bauer.(1)

Thomas fought in the Union Army during the Civil War. On May 27, 1864, Thomas joined Company A of the 47th PA Infantry as a private. His brothers Jacob and Tobias also joined this unit.(2) The 47th Infantry primarily operated in the South and was engaged in the Battle of Cedar Creek in which it sustained heavy casualties. Thomas was killed in this battle in VA on October 19, 1864. He is buried in Lot 9 in the National Cemetery in Winchester, VA.

FOOTNOTES:
(1) St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, Easton, PA, page 266. Parents also named in administration papers for the estate of Anna Bauer, Thomas' grandmother, in File No. 6584 in Northampton County.
(2) History of PA Volunteers, Vol. I, page 1159.

Joel Bowers was born September 6, 1841, in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA to John Jacob and Florentina (Bender) Bauer.(1) He married Edna, who was born about 1843.(2)

Children:(3)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA Vol. II, page 185a.
(2) 1870 census of Plainfield Township, Northampton County.
(3) 1870 census.

Conrad Bower was born May 2, 1835, in Northampton County, PA to Jacob and Florentina (Bender) Bauer.(1) Sometime before 1895, Conrad moved to Lisbon, Iowa.(2)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA Vol. I, page 144.
(2) Marriages and Deaths, Northampton County, 1885-1902, Vol. II, 89.

Ephriam Bower was born July 27, 1839, in Northampton County, PA to Jacob and Florentina (Bender) Bauer.(1) He married Susan, who was born about 1847. (2)

Children:(3)

Although the 1880 census lists the family as living in Forks Township, Ephriam is listed in the Easton directory in 1870, 1877, 1885 and 1890.

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA Vol. II, page 180a.
(2) 1880 census of Forks Township, Northampton County. Wilson's birth listed in Tombstone Inscriptions and Interment Records from Forks Church.
(3) 1880 census.

Amos Bowers was born February 15, 1844, in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA to Jacob and Florentina (Bender) Bauer.(1) He married Martha M. McIlhaney on April 13, 1882.(2) Sometime before 1882, Amos moved to Easton, where he worked as a painter.(3)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA Vol. I, page 157. Birth place listed in Record of Births, Baptisms and Marriages of First Methodist Episcopal Church, Second Street, Easton, PA, page 137.
(2) Methodist church record.
(3) Residence and occupation are listed in Methodist church record and residence is in father's obituary in Marriages and Deaths, Northampton County, 1885-1902, Vol. II, 89.

Aaron Henry Bower was born February 13, 1846, in Northampton County, PA to Jacob and Florentina (Bender) Bauer.(1) He married Mary Hentzler on May 25, 1871.(2)

Children:(3)

Church records say Aaron lived in Bethlehem in 1871. Sometime before 1890, he moved to Easton. In the 1890 directory for Easton, he is listed as a department warden.(4)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA Vol. I, page 157.
(2) Church Record of the German Reformed Congregation, Easton, PA, page 207.
(3) George's birth is listed in the Easton Reformed church record, page 105, and William is listed in Census Directory of Northampton County, 1890, page 8.
(4) 1890 census directory.

Thomas Bower was born August 17, 1850, in Northampton County, PA to Jacob and Florentina (Bender) Bauer.(1) Thomas lived in Bowman's in Carbon County in 1895, according to his father's obituary. (2)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA Vol. II, page 199a.
(2) Marriages and Deaths, Northampton County, 1885-1902, Vol. II, 89.

George Peter Bower was born April 19, 1853, in Northampton County, PA to Jacob and Florentina (Bender) Bauer.(1) George lived in Wichita, Kansas, in 1895, according to his father's obituary.(2)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA Vol. II, page 203a.
(2) Marriages and Deaths, Northampton County, 1885-1902, Vol. II, 89.

Simon Peter Bower was born October 26, 1866, in Northampton County, PA, to William Henry and Mary Elizabeth Bower. He married Anna in about 1889. She was born in October 1869.(2)

Children:(3)

Simon is listed as a painter in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, in the 1900 census.

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Church Record of the Plainfield Reformed Church, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, PA Vol. II, page 226a.
(2) 1900 census of Plainfield Township, Northampton County.
(3) 1900 census.

SIXTH GENERATION IN AMERICA
GEORGE and PERMILLA BOWERS

George Washington Bowers was born in February 22, 1859 in PA - probably in Luzerne County - to Jacob D. and Lucy Ann (Hawk) Bowers.(1) He married Permilla Lesnett. (See below.)

Children:(2)

George received his name because he was born on the anniversary of the birthday of the first president.

Although most records from this generation list the family name as Bowers, there was still a tendency among family members to spell it without the "s." For example, George and Permilla's tombstone reads, "BOWER."

His parents moved the family to Caroline County, MD, in the late 1860s.

George married Permilla Lesnett on December 18, 1879 in Ridgely, MD. The Rev. Joseph Hannaberry performed the ceremony.(3) Millie was born February 14, 1859 in western PA to Dell W. and Emeline (Potter) Lesnett.(4) The couple lived with George's parents for a while after the marriage, as indicated by the 1880 census. In addition to his two sons to Permilla, George had another son with Permilla's sister, Olive, who lived with the Bowers for a while. The son, Hosea Lesnett, was born in 1899. In the 1930s, Dell Bowers and Hosea Lesnett moved to Washington state. Dell married late in life and had no children.

Around 1891, the family moved to Franklin Township, Beaver County, PA where Permilla's father owned land. George farmed there and worked as a carpenter.

Family tradition maintains George was a nice man but Permilla was difficult to get along with. Permilla always looked down on the Bowers family because her family was comparatively wealthy. The couple's marriage was always strained and Permilla threatened to leave George at one point. She decided to stay after George built a new house for her. Her grandchildren say she was "particular" and very stern. She insisted that they remain seated in chairs during visits to her home because she didn't want them to make a mess.

George died May 30, 1913 of kidney disease. Permilla refused to allow medical treatment because she was a Christian Scientist and believed in faith healing.(5)

Permilla married Ernest Weyman, sometime before March 1916.(6) She died November 7, 1934. Permilla and George are buried under the same headstone at Zelienople Cemetery.(7)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Birthdate comes from George and Permilla's tombstone at Zelienople Cemetery, Butler County, PA George's parents are identified in the 1860 census of Hollenback Township, Luzerne County, PA and 1880 census of Caroline County, MD. Most other information in this item comes from interviews with Mary Bowers, Edward Bowers and Velma Holfelder in 1989 and 1990.
(2) Dell's birth date come from 1900 census of Franklin Township, Beaver County, PA. Charlie's comes from his obituary.
(3) Caroline County Marriages, Births, Deaths - 1850 to 1880, page 54.
(4) Permilla is listed as Dell's daughter in his will in Beaver County Will Book T, page 163. The Hawk book say she was born February 14, 1859. Birth date comes from Permilla and George's tombstone.
(5) Date of death from Beaver County Register's Docket No. 11, page 115.
(6) Undated clipping from Ellwood City Ledger.
(7) Date comes from tombstone.

John Wesley Bowers was born in 1858 in PA, probably in Luzerne County. His parents were Jacob D. and Lucy Ann (Hawk) Bowers.(1) John married Rosie B. in about 1884. She was born about 1862 in PA.(2)

They probably adopted their only child, Beatrice Passwaters, born 1897.

In the 1860s, John's parents moved the family to Caroline County, MD. The 1910 census lists John as a carpenter in Ridgely, MD.

According to the 1910 census, John and his wife had no children. However, they may have adopted a girl. Beatrice Passwaters, age 12, is listed as a boarder. There is a Beatrice Bower buried in Ridgely, MD near Thomas and Nancy Bower, Jacob's parents. A Beatrice Bower also acted as a witness to the death certificate of Lucy Ann Bowers in 1920.(2) Beatrice died in 1960.(3)

The Genealogy of Conrad and Elizabeth (Borger) Hawk, page 271, says John was born November 11, 1856, and died March 23, 1949. It says he married Rosa B. Green on November 11, 1884. Rosa was born July 28, 1864, and died February 25, 1917. The Hawk book also states that they adopted Roselyn Beatrice Bower, who died single on November 20, 1960.

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Parents are identified in the 1860 census of Hollenback Township, Luzerne County, PA.
(2) 1910 census of Ridgely, MD.
(3) Lucy's death certificate in the MD State Archives. Beneath These Stones - Cemeteries of Caroline County, Vol. I, page 157.

Calvin Oswald Bower was born May 9, 1872, in Nescopeck Township, Luzerne County, PA to Thomas J. and Mary Jane Bower.(1) He married Katie E. Leinbach in about 1897. Katie was born in December 1874 to Celia A. Leinbach. Celia's husband is unknown, but she appears as living with the Bowers in 1900 and 1910. She was born in August 1851. She is listed as being widowed.

Their only child was Thomas L., born in November 1897.

The Bower family moved to Schuylkill County sometime after 1880. In the 1900 census they were living in Schuylkill Haven where Calvin listed as in the 1900 census and as a pipefitter at the gas and water works in the 1910 census. Katie was a dressmaker.

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Church Book of the Nescopeck Congregation. Other information in this item comes from the 1900 and 1910 censuses for Schuylkill Haven in Schuylkill County, PA.

Wilson H. Bowers was born August 4, 1874, in Northampton County, PA, to Ephriam and Susan Bower.(1) He married Cula M. Graver, who was born April 3, 1889.(2) Wilson died March 12, 1957. Cula died May 10, 1941.

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Parents named in 1880 census of Forks Township, Northampton County, PA Birth date comes from Tombstone Inscriptions and Interment Records from Forks Church.
(2) Tombstone inscriptions.

Albert Bowers was born about 1868 in Northampton County, PA to Joel and Edna Bowers.(1) In 1890, Albert is listed as a blacksmith living in Easton. A Nellie, probably his wife, is listed as living with him.(2)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) 1870 census of Plainfield Township, Northampton County.
(2) Census Directory of Northampton County, 1890, page 107.

Harry E. Bowers was born about 1870 in Northampton County to Joel and Edna Bowers.(1) Harry is listed as a carpenter living with his parents on Berwick Street in Easton, PA in 1890.

FOOTNOTE:
(1) 1870 census of Plainfield Township, Northampton County, and Census Directory of Northampton County, 1890, page 107.

SEVENTH GENERATION IN AMERICA
CHARLES and LAURA BOWERS

Charles Leverne Bowers was born March 21, 1886 in Ridgely, MD, to George W. and Permilla (Lesnett) Bowers.(1) He married Laura Estella Moyer. (See below.)

Children:(2)

Charles' parents moved from MD to Beaver County, PA about 1891. When Charlie was still young, his parents once left him and his brother Dell at home alone. The house had rats and the boys decided to do something about it. They set one on fire and it ran into the house, starting a small blaze. The boys were able to put out the fire before it caused extensive damage.

Charlie married Laura Estella Moyer on January 27, 1909 in the home of the Rev. H. Meyers, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Zelienople, PA. The newlyweds lived with Laura's parents before they bought a farm. Until then, Charles worked as a teamster.(3)

Laura was born May 8, 1889 in Beaver County, PA to Louis Edward and Mariah (Bellas) Moyer. The Moyers spoke German at home. Laura couldn't speak English very well when she began school, so the other children made fun of her. This made her determined to improve her English.

On May 16, 1923, a tornado swept through the Bowers farm. It flattened the barn, killing John Lesnett and all the animals. John was Charlie's deaf uncle. The Ellwood City Ledger reported: "The dead man was John Lessnet of Camp Run, a victim of the terrific wind who was buried beneath the ruins of the barn of his farm when it was torn from its foundation and scattered to the winds in pieces." The force of the wind also knocked down other houses and buildings in the area.(4)

The family sold this farm and Charlie's mother gave him money to help buy a new one. Charles farmed and butchered until the Depression, when he lost his farm. He had borrowed money so he could buy all the latest equipment. When times got tough, he couldn't make the payments and the bank foreclosed.

After losing the farm, Charles got a job with the state highway agency. When there was a political shakeup in 1937, many workers hired under the previous leaders - including Charles and his son Edward - were fired. Charles suffered a nervous breakdown and Edward and his new wife, Mary, moved in so they could help out by paying rent. When he recovered, Charlie borrowed money and bought a truck, which he used to haul glass to a factory. He later worked as a watchman and a janitor.

The couple was very active in the church. They first attended North Sewickley Presbyterian Church, where Laura was a Sunday school teacher and a deacon.(5) All of her children remarked on her kindness and Christian values. She frequently read the Bible. After the Revised Standard Version of the Bible was published in 1952, the church ordered all Sunday school teachers to use it. The Bowerses preferred the King James Version, believing the RSV was inspired by Communists. They quit the Presbyterian Church and joined the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Ellwood City. Laura taught Sunday school for their new congregation and Charlie became a member of the board and a trustee.

Their grandson, the Rev. Theodore E. Bowers, credited Laura with directing him toward a career in the church. A newspaper reporter once asked who had influenced him the most. Ted replied: "My grandmother - in terms of my faith and her love and support and prayers. She never had a negative word to say about anybody and I admire her strength in holding the family and farm together during the tough times of the Depression and my grandfather's poor health and as well as her faithfulness to God."(6)

Charlie was very strong-willed. His stubbornness extended to indoor-plumbing. Until the 1950s, he refused to have an indoor toilet installed because he didn't think it was proper to relieve yourself beside the kitchen. He also loved to ride horses - neighbors called him the Lone Ranger. Charlie also enjoyed dancing. Many people held dances in their barns and invited all the neighbors. The entire family would go, but Laura didn't like to dance. She would sit out while Charlie danced with the young girls.

During this generation the family name was decisively changed to Bowers. At one point, Laura Bowers added an "s" on the family mailbox, possibly in an effort to distance herself from the German language and almost certainly in an effort to upset Permilla.

Charlie died December 13, 1962. Laura died December 18, 1974, at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Home in Carlisle, PA. She had lived there since 1969.

The Bowerses are buried at North Sewickley Cemetery in North Sewickley Township, Beaver County. They didn't leave wills because they didn't believe in them.

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Most of this information comes from interviews with Edward, Mary and Theodore Bowers in 1989 and 1990 and a letter from Omar in 1992. Information also comes from obituaries and anniversary announcements in undated clippings from the Ellwood City Ledger. Information from other sources is noted. Charlie's parents are named in the 1900 census Franklin Township, Beaver County, PA Laura's are named in the 1910 census of Franklin Township.
(2) Dates from Velma Holfelder's family Bible.
(3) Living with parents and occupation is recorded in 1910 census of Franklin Township.
(4) Ellwood City Ledger, 50-years-ago item from May 16, 1973.
(5) History of Ellwood City, page 277.
(6) The Evening Sun of Hanover, PA May 30, 1987.

Dell D. Bowers was born in November 1880 in Caroline County, MD to George W. and Permilla (Lesnett) Bowers.(1) Around 1891, Dell's family moved to Franklin Township, Beaver County, PA. In the 1930s, Dell moved to Washington State with his half-brother, Hosea Lesnett. Dell married an unknown woman late in life and is said to have had no children.

FOOTNOTE:
(1) Birth date and parents names come from 1900 census of Franklin Township, Beaver County, PA. Other information comes from interviews with Mary and Edward Bowers.
 
 

Submitted by: Brian Bowers    [21Oct98]

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