COL. JACOB BOWSER, retired farmer, P. O., Tiffin, is one of the pioneers of Seneca County, born in Washington County, Md., January 7, 1806, His parents, John and Magdalena Bowser, were natives of Maryland, where they married and remained until 1829, at which time they moved to Ohio and settled in Clinton Township, and there resided until their death. They were the parents of nine children, only two of whom are now living: our subject and Mrs. Allen. Col. Bowser came to this county in 1827, remaining only a few weeks, and then returned to Maryland. In 1829 he again visited Ohio and bought the farm where he now lives, and in 1830 he returned to Maryland for his wife. They were married March 25, and came direct to the farm he had purchased in Clinton Township. Mrs. Bowser's maiden name was Anna Startzman; she was born in Maryland in 1809, and was a daughter of David and Margaret Startzman, who remained in Maryland until .their deaths. Col. and Mrs. Bowser were the parents of nine children, five now living: Martin L., Thomas B., Ezra J., James M. and Isabella, wife of Frank Chase. The deceased are David H., Margaret, John H. and an infant. Col. Bowser, who has been engaged in farming nearly all his life, owns 320 acres of land where he resides. He has filled the offices of justice of the peace, trustee and land appraiser. Many years ago he was captain (commissioned September 20, 1833) of a company of State militia; eight years afterward he was promoted to the rank of major, a position he declined, accepting the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Col. Bowser is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Bowser departed this life in January, 1876, leaving her husband and children, besides a large circle of friends to mourn her loss. She was a member of the Lutheran Church.


Trancribed by Bonnie Walsh.
WARNER, BEERS & CO., 1886
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, Part IV, p.758-759
CLINTON TOWNSHIP