Wilson Bowser
WILSON BOWSER is well known in his section of Armstrong county, having been a successful farmer and popular official of East Franklin township, where he has passed all his life. He was born there Jan. 1, 1840, son of William Bowser and grandson of Valentine Bowser.
Valentine Bowser was from Lancaster county, pa., and was the first of this branch of the Bowser family to come to Armstrong county. He settled in East Franklin township, obtaining wild land which he cleared. He was a stonemason by trade. He and his wife died in East Franklin township. Their children were: William, Peter, Valentine, Jacob, Abraham, Mathias, Mrs. Toy, Peggy (Mrs. Jonas Bowser) and Mrs. Noah Bowser.
William Bowser, son of Valentine, was born in East Franklin township, Armstrong county, and grew up there, receiving his education in the common schools. He was married to Mary Ann Bowser, of Armstrong county, whose children were: Noah, Samuel, George, Mary Ann, Catherine, Eliza, Sally and Margaret. After marriage William Bowser and his wife settled on a farm in East Franklin township. In his early life he was a shoemaker, later becoming a farmer, and he was well known and respected among his fellow citizens. He never aspired to office, but was a stanch Democrat in politics. In religion he united with the Lutheran Church. He and his wife died in East Franklin township. They had six sons and four daughters; Wilson; Robert, who is deceased; Frank, living in Illinois; William Curtis, farmer in East Franklin township; Calvin, a farmer in East Franklin township; Albert, a farmer in Cowanshannock township; Elizabeth, who married William Wiley (both are deceased); Jane, married to John Wooford, of Indiana county, Pa.; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of M. S. Kerr; and Emma, who married M. H. McGeary, of South Buffalo township, this county.
Wilson Bowser had only limited educational advantages at the county schools in East Franklin township. He remained at home until he reached the age of twenty-four, and has continued to farm since he began life for himself, having met with gratifying success in his undertaking, as a result of hard work and intelligent management. He also engages in stock raising. He has given considerable time to public service, having been supervisor of his township for three terms and school director fifteen years, his work in both capacities being highly satisfactory. In political connection he is a Democrat. He holds membership in the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Bowser was married to Sarah Milligan, of East Franklin township, a daughter of Andrew and Peggy Jane Milligan. Her father was a farmer in East Franklin township. Mr. and Mrs. Bowser have four children: Andrew Lee is a farmer in East Franklin township;; William Park is a farmer in East Franklin township; Ida married C. McClay, of East Franklin township; E. W., a farmer in East Franklin township, married Jennie Helm, and has three children, Florence, Hazel and Roy.
Source: Pages 804-805, Armstrong County, Pa., Her People, Past and Present, J.H. Beers & Co., 1914
Transcribed October 1998 by James R Hindman for the Armstrong County Beers Project
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