My Genealogy Hound

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.

* * * *

J. BOWER, physician and surgeon, Troy; was born in Adams Co., Penn., in 1815; his parents, Peter and Priscilla Bower, were natives of the same State, and removed to Warren Co., Ohio, in which the latter part of their lives was passed. Our subject’s boyhood was spent in Pennsylvania, on the farm, receiving the rudiments of his education in the common schools; at the age of 18, he began reading medicine, under the guidance of Dr. McCowan, a prominent physician of Harrisburg, who was his preceptor for nearly two years, after which he entered and graduated from the Physio-Medical College, and received a certificate of membership from the Eclectic School of Medicine in Cincinnati. He afterward entered the Institute of Medicine and Surgery, from which he also graduated; he attended lectures in various places, and is thoroughly educated in his profession; he began the practice of medicine in Harrisburg, in which he practiced till 1844, at which time he came to Troy, where he has since discharged the duties of a large practice, which he still gives his attention. He has been thrice married; first, with Ellen Williamson, who bore him two children, one living. His second marriage was with Louisa Louthan, by whom he had three children, two living. His third and last marriage was celebrated with Kate Wells, who bore him two children, deceased. The Doctor has a beautiful home, in which he is enjoying the declining years of a well-spent life.

* * * *

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

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.