Benjamin Bowman
Benjamin Bowman, farmer; P. O., Dayton. His father, John Bowman, was one of the pioneers of Ohio, immigrating from Bedford Co., Pa., at an early date. He was the father of seven children, two of whom survive, viz.: John and Benjamin. The subject of this biography was born in Madison Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1812. His advantages for obtaining an education were limited to two months in the year, which were spent in the rude log schoolhouse of that day, his father requiring his services on the farm; whom he assisted until he arrived at the age of 24 years. In 1836 he was united in marriage with Balinda Higher, born in Montgomery County, Oct. 22, 1816. As a result of this union had ten children, of whom six are living, viz.: John, Sarah, Joseph, Abraham, Anna Benjamin. After his marriage he rented his father's farm, which he cultivated on shared until the death of his parents and then became its owner. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have been earnest laborers in the German Baptist Church since 1843, and have won the respect and esteem of all with whom they have been brought in contact.
From History of Montgomery County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1882