Joseph Plowman
Joseph Plowman, London, a prominent farmer of Paint Township, residence, London, was born near London, England, September 25, 1827. He is a son of Joseph Plowman, who came to America in 1828. He was a silversmith by trade, and first worked at his trade in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He subsequently located at Springfield, Ohio, and in 1833 came to Madison County. He married Phebe Tankard, also a native of England. They were the parents of six children, three living, and our subject the only one in this county. Mr. Plowman died in September, 1849. The subject of this notice received but a limited education. He early worked on a farm (his mother having died in 1836, when he was but nine years of age), near South Solon, this county, for Joel Irvin, at $3.75 per month. He remained with him three years, and was then employed in a like capacity for Abraham Phifer, remaining with him for four years, wages averaging $10 per month. He then secured employment with Jacob Pearce, in Clark County (adjoining Stokes Township, this county). for four years at $200 per year. On December 24, 1851, he married Miss M. S. Phifer, sister of James Phifer, now of London. After marriage, he remained with his father-in-law, Abraham Phifer, for two years, and has since been engaged in farming for himself. While in the employ of Jacob Pearce. he was engaged in attending to thoroughbred cattle, and since that time. has always taken an interest in pure blooded stock. Mr. Plowman has been very successful in his farming operations, and now owns a good farm of 330 acres in Paint Township. Mr. Plowman and family reside on the farm during the summer months, and in London during the winter. Mr. Plowman has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty-four years. He is Republican in politics, and has served as Trustee of Paint Township. One child has been born to him, George, who married Lizzie Cooper, of this county. He is engaged in farming with his father. He has one child, Gertie, who resides with her grandparents. Mrs. Plowman is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Miss Gertie of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday School.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]