My Genealogy Hound

William Lower, whose name is closely associated with the farming and stock-raising interests of Polk County, is the son of George W. and Elvira (Carter) Lower, both natives of East Tennessee, where they attained their growth and were married. They remained in their native State until 1849, when they moved to Morgan County, Ill., and there the father died in 1852, from having his foot crushed in a horse-power. He was a farmer, a blacksmith, a millwright, and a genius generally. He was a Democrat in politics, and in religion, was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, as is also the mother. She is still living. In their family were nine children, four sons and five daughters, and three of the sons served in the Union army. William Lower was born in Roane County, Tenn., July 16, 1843, was reared on a farm, and received a limited education. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Home Guards, served about three months, and then joined Company A, Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia. He served three years and a month, and was in the battles of Perryville, Oak Ridge, Ark., and was never wounded or imprisoned. He was discharged at St. Louis, after which he returned to this county, and has tilled the soil ever since. January 1, 1867, he married Miss Elvira Hilbrant, a native of this county, who bore him eleven children, ten now living: Lester G., Minnie B., Ulysses, Arthur, Frank, Marion, Effie M., Roselda, Sarah R. and Jesse. Mrs. Lower is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. After marriage, Mr. Lower settled on the farm where he now lives, and which consists of 200 acres of land—160 acres under cultivation. He is a successful farmer, having made all he has by his own industry; is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the G. A. R.