BIO: Nathaniel BOWERSOX, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/1picts/commbios/comm-bios.htm _____________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _____________________________________________________________________ NATHANIEL BOWERSOX. The history of this gentleman, now a prosperous agriculturist of Miles township, Centre county, shows what may be accomplished by a man of intelligence, pluck and perseverance, especially when he has the assistance of an equally clever and industrious wife. Mr. Bowersox was born August 25, 1835, in Centre township, Snyder Co., Penn., a son of Frederick and Hannah (Long) Bowersox, both of whom lived and died at their farm in that locality. As the eldest of a family of eleven children - seven sons and four daughters - Mr. Bowersox was plentifully supplied with work during his boyhood, his educational opportunities being sadly interfered with by his home duties. He attended the first free school opened in his native township, and by making the most of his time managed to lay the foundation for a fair practical 368 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. education, which, under the circumstances, reflects great credit upon him. He remained at home until 1850, when he went to Centre county to work as a farm hand, his wages being sent home during his minority. Though the amount thus obtained was small, it was a great help to his parents, and Mr. Bowersox cheerfully saved his earnings in order to send it. He worked at this employment ten years, five in Harris township, Centre county, near Boalsburg, and during this time had but two employers. On December 20, 1860, Mr. Bowersox was married, in Centre county, to Miss Catherine J. Peck, a native of Upper Sweet Arrow township, Dauphin Co., Penn., born September 6, 1843. Her parents, Simon and Mary (Singer) Peck, came to Centre county in 1845, locating near Wolfs store, where her father followed farming and also worked as a carpenter and mechanic. Mrs. Bowersox was the fifth child and third daughter in a family of six boys and five girls, and her education was that afforded by the local schools. When but fifteen years old she went to work as a domestic, receiving fifty cents per week at one place where there were nine cows to milk. At the time she met her future husband both were employed near Boalsburg, at the home of Joseph Mayer. In the eyes of many persons the outlook would have been discouraging, but they were strong in their mutual affection and the consciousness of health. Mr. Bowersox had saved about $200, but it was out on interest, and for two years he worked for his father at fifty cents per day, in the meantime learning the cooper's trade. On his return to Centre county he entered the employ of J. K. Hosterman, of Miles township, and later learned the carpenter's trade with his father-in-law. During the winter season he usually worked at hewing timber, and by dint of close economy he managed to purchase, in the fall of 1864, a tract of land containing fifty-two acres, at a cost of $975, from John F. Beck. It was in a most unpromising condition, "all stones and brush," but he and his wife both went to work with a will to clear it up. The first year he raised only nine bushels of wheat, and his stock consisted of one cow, a few chickens and a "three- legged horse." During the day, Mr. Bowersox would work for neighboring farmers, and on returning home he would continue his labors there far into the night, and in time, by the unremitting efforts of his wife and himself, the farm was cleared and the debt incurred at its purchase was paid off. It was five years before they had a carpet in their house, but they now have a fine competence, and have improved the place with modern buildings and surrounded themselves with the comforts which were denied them in their early wedded life. At different times, Mr. Bowersox has added to the original purchase until he now owns 130 acres, including some timber land. In addition to his other work he has operated a tread-power machine, and one horse, "Barney," has "tramped it" since 1868. Mr. Bowersox realizes the helpfulness of his estimable wife, and takes manly pride in acknowledging its value. She is a woman of intellect, fond of reading, and is no less noted for her kindly heart. Their home is a hospitable one, and their family is one of which any parent might be proud. They have had children as follows: Mary A., now Mrs. Harvey Bierly, of Reserve, Kans., who has one son - Clyde E.; Emma E., who married Charles Bressler, of Brush Valley, and has five children; Cora V. and Katie N. (twins), who died in infancy; Ida V., now Mrs. W. E. Bair, of Rebersburg; Floyd E., a blacksmith at Spring Mills; Allen E. and William S., farmers at Reserve, Kans.; Clement M., of Nittany Junction; and Tammie E., an intelligent young lady, now at home. Mr. and Mrs. Bowersox are members of the Evangelical Association at Wolfs Store, and he has held various offices, serving as trustee, steward, class-leader and treasurer. The latter office he has held continuously since the church was built. He is a Democrat, but takes a broad and liberal view of public questions, and in local affairs votes for the "best man." Official position has no charm for him, but his keen interest in educational progress has been shown by his service as school director in District No. 3.