Samuel Mowery
Samuel Mowery is a substantial farmer who owns and cultivates 80 acres of fine land in section 36, Bath township, and is also proprietor of a farm of 60 acres in Perry township. He was born January 17,1855, in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Gensell) Mowery, both of whom were natives of the county named.
The family is of Pennsylvania-Dutch stock, although Jacob Mowery, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Virginia. From that State he migrated to Pickaway County, and later settled in Allen County, where he died at the age of 80 years. He and all his children spoke the German language, and were upright, honorable men and women, whose descendants today are among the most highly esteemed residents of this county.
Samuel Mowery, Sr., was born in Pickaway County, this State, about 1819, being one of a family of 17 children, eight of whom became residents of Allen County, viz: Jerry, Amos, Isaac, Joseph, Samuel, Kate, Esther and Lydia. In early life he learned the tailor's trade, in which he engaged until after his marriage, when he turned his attention to farming, at which he was very successful. He came to the county about 1858 and purchased a tract of land, for the payment of which he was obliged to mortgage his property for $1,500. Soon after this he contracted consumption, as the result of an attack of the measles, and died in his 40th year 18 months after coming to this county. The deceased left a widow and eight children, viz: John F., of Henry County, Ohio; Jacob, of Bath township; Henry, of Henry County; Samuel; Susan, now deceased; Leanna, wife of M. L. Whip, of West Cairo; and Caroline and Cassie, both deceased. Some years after Mr. Mowery's death, his sons paid off the mortgage on the farm and continued the cultivation of the property. Mr. Mowery was a member of the Lutheran Church and a man who enjoyed the respect of all who knew him. He was married in Pickaway County to Elizabeth Gensell, born August 15, 1820, and a remarkably well- preserved lady of 85 years, who resides with our subject. She was married a second time to a Mr. Shuler by whom he had one son, E. W. Shuler, a resident of Henry County.
Samuel Mowery, the subject of this biography, has been a resident of Allen County since his third year, and for more than a quarter of a century has resided on his present homestead, upon which he has erected a modern residence, and convenient and commodious out-buildings.
He was married February 17, 1880, to Anna Hanthorn, of Perry township, a daughter of (James) Ashby and Nancy (Daniels) Hanthorn. They have no children. Mr. Mowery is a strong Democrat. He is a member of the English Reformed church, of Jackson township, of which he has been deacon for the past two years.