My Genealogy Hound

James Lowrie, one of the good, practical farmers of Springfield township, Oakland County, and a veteran of the Civil War, resides on a fine farm of 130 acres, located in sections 24, 25 and 26. Mr. Lowrie was born in Groveland township, Oakland County, May 20, 1840, and is a son of William and Katherine (Stevens) Lowrie, and a grandson of Maj. John Lowrie, who removed from Scotland to Canada in the British Army, and thereafter lived in the Dominion until his death. He left five children, namely: William, James, John, Mrs. Mary W. Powell, and Mrs. Sarah Fraser.

William Lowrie, the father of our subject, was born at Glasgow, Scotland, and when he came to Michigan, brought with him his wife and two children. He settled first in Groveland township, Oakland County, but later removed to Clarkston as he was a cabinetmaker and desired to be in a town where he could follow his trade to the best advantage. There he died in 1878, aged 68 years, after 12 years of retirement from active work. He came into the State poor, as he lost all he possessed on the way; but at the time of his death owned a farm and was in comfortable circumstances. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious faith, a Presbyterian. His wife was born in Devonshire, England, and was a daughter of John Stevens. A family of 10 children were born to them, namely: Mrs. Mary A. Ainsley, of Charlevoix, Michigan; John, who died in 1856, aged 21 years; William, of Pontiac; Katherine, of Clarkston, Oakland County; Mrs. Sarah Anderson, of Fenton, Michigan; Mrs. Elizabeth Millard, of Belden, Michigan; Salina, of Ann Arbor, Michigan; George and Andrew, deceased; and James, our subject, who was the sixth in order of birth.

James Lowrie has always been a resident of Oakland County, with the exception of three years spent in Lapeer County, and he has always been a farmer, with the exception of the time given to the service of his country in her day of need. On December 8, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, 14th Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., under Captain Powell and served one year and 13 days in the Army of the Cumberland, during which time he participated in the battles of Corinth, Farmington, Iuka and many others of lesser note, being then discharged on account of disability. Not discouraged, Mr. Lowrie re-enlisted in 1864 in Company L, 10th Reg., Michigan Vol. Cav., under Capt. James Cummings, and was engaged in the battle of Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, and for a period had skirmishes nearly every day. He received his honorable discharge November 1, 1865.

Mr. Lowrie then returned to his farm work and in 1876 settled on his present property. He is engaged in general farming and fruit growing and also raises stock. Mr. Lowrie is identified with the Republican party. For his services and on account of disability, he receives a pension which he justly deserves.

Mr. Lowrie was married to Mary J. Knox, who was born in Independence township, Oakland County, and is a daughter of Walter and Jane Knox. Their children are three in number: Mrs. Belle Utter, of Warren, Pennsylvania, who has one child, — James L., named for his grandfather; Homer D., who lives in Dakota, unmarried; and Ettie, who is her father’s capable housekeeper, the beloved mother of the family having died in 1881. Mr. Lowrie is a valued member of the local Grand Army of the Republic Post. He has an excellent war record and is justly held in esteem by those who recall with gratitude those who so willingly offered their lives to their country in the perilous times of 1861.