Jarvis W. Bower

As printed in 1913

JAEVIS W. BOWER.

One of the most respected and esteemed of Marseilles township's native sons is Jarvis W. Bower, who was born upon his father's farm March 9, 1840, his parents being Michael and Ann E. (Studebaker) Bower. The father was born in New York state on the 19th of January, 1818, and was one of the pioneers, in Ohio, coming to Marseilles township in 1835 and settling with his parents upon three hundred and seventy-six acres of land. He grew to manhood in this section and became well known and prosperous. His first wife passed away on the 9th of August, 1847, and afterward Michael Bower married her sister. Miss Martha J. Studebaker. By his first marriage he was the father of Jarvis W., Orison, Mary A., Martha and Wilhelmina. To his second tion were born four children, Ann E., Leander S., Georgiana and John M.

In the acquirement of an education Jarvis W. Bower attended district school in Marseilles township, completing his studies when he was twenty-one years of age. During his childhood, however, he had spent a great deal of his time assisting with the work of the homestead and when he laid aside his books was a practical and skilful farmer. He turned his attention naturally to the occupation to which he had been reared but after following farming for a short time became a cattle buyer and after two years a traveling salesman. He worked in this latter capacity for a period of fourteen years and in this way gained a great deal of practical experience in modern methods of merchandising, which he utilized when he came to the village of Marseilles and opened a general store. This he conducted successfully for five years, but at the end of that time his building and stock were entirely destroyed by fire, Mr. Bower at that time suffering a large financial loss. He erected afterward a smaller store but this also he eventually disposed of and he has since been engaged in various occupations, meeting with the success which always follows earnest and persistent labor.

On the loth of September, 1883, at Bellefontaine, Ohio, Mr. Bower was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Parrish, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Parrish, of Logan county, Ohio, the former a successful farmer and stock buyer. Mr. and Mrs. Bower became the parents of four children. Orison M. lives at home. Marie T. became the wife of Christopher Ankney, proprietor of a lumber mill at Shelby, in Richland county, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Sarah E. The other children in this family are Sarah Belle and Mary F. Mr. Bower is a member of the Methodist church and politically gives his allegiance to the republican party, having served as councilman of the village of Marseilles for one year. He is honored as a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after two years and ten months' able service received his honorable discharge at Camp Chase. A resident of Marseilles township since his birth, he is widely known within its borders and the substantial qualities which he has displayed in his citizenship and his business relations have gained him a high place in the regard and good-will of his fellow townsmen.

As printed in Past and present of Wyandot County, Ohio; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement; (1913). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.