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Below is a family biography included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published by W. H. Beers & Co. in 1880.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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D. W. BOWMAN, merchant, Fidelity; was born in Miami Co., Oct. 25, 1847 and is a son of Joseph and Mary Bowman; his father was born in Tennessee in 1801, and, with his parents, came to, and settled in, Clark Co., Ohio, about 1812, where they lived some years, when he died, and Joseph, with his mother, removed to Montgomery Co., Ohio, where she died. Joseph’s early life was passed on the farm, and when old enough, he engaged in selling goods, traveling from one point to another. He was a poor boy and his business career was begun on a capital of $10, borrowed money. In 1826, he opened a little store in Frederick, which was stocked with goods brought from a distance, on the back of a pony. Being of an energetic and progressive spirit, he soon overcame many of the disadvantages attached to poverty, and gradually ascended in the scale of prosperity, until he had accumulated a large property, laying the foundation of a business which exists to this day. He was very benevolent, gave largely to the poor, never turning any from his door who deserved his sympathy and help. At his death, his estate amounted to $100,000. He died in November, 1871, aged 71 years and 7 days. Mr. Bowman married in 1821, Mary Sheets, who bore him eleven children, five of whom are living— O. P., J. W., D. W., Ella and Jennie. The deceased are Ann Caroline, Jacob R., Elwood, Harriet and John. Her mother was born June 6, 1790, and died Sept. 12, 1839; her father died Aug. 12, 1851. They were married in August, 1807, and were the parents of five children, two living—Bethany and Mary. The deceased, Daniel, Perry and Nancy. Mrs. Bowman was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, March 27, 1808, is living, and resides in Frederickstown. Our subject was reared to mercantile pursuits; his long experience enabling him to successfully manage his large business. His education was largely attained in the common schools, and in the Normal School in Lebanon. From 1865 to 1871, he was a partner with his father, and at his death assumed management of the business, which is large and increasing, so much so that his cotemporaries find his trade invulnerable, and can survive but a short time. Nov. 24, 1869, he was married to Belle, an accomplished daughter of Abraham and Lydia (Yount) Turner. Her father was born in Orange Co., N. Y., March 1, 1819. In the spring of 1842, he emigrated to Indiana, where he operated a saw-mill; April 6, 1843, he came to Frederickstown, and engaged in the same business. Dec. 20, 1846, he was married to Lydia Yount, by whom he had eleven children; those living are Jennie, Belle, Sarah, John, Emma, Fremont, Lulu, Clifford and Mary; Eliza, deceased. Mrs. Turner was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, June 15, 1826, and is a daughter of John and Nancy Yount, pioneers of the above-named county. By occupation, Mr. Turner was a carpenter and millwright. In 1879, he removed to Shelby Co., Ohio, where they now reside. Belle, wife of our subject, was born in this, county June 12, 1849.

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This family biography is one of 964 biographies included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published in 1880 by W. H. Beers & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Miami County, Ohio History and Genealogy

View additional Miami County, Ohio family biographies here: Miami County, Ohio Biographies

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