My Genealogy Hound

JOHN MOWERS, a master blacksmith now living retired at his home in Shippensburg, Cumberland county, was born on the old Mowers homestead in Southampton township, Sept. 27, 1829, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Cope) Mowers.

Henry Mowers was born on the same farm as his son, Oct. 1, 1803, son of George Mowers. In time he inherited the homestead, and having been trained in his youth to farm work, made it his life occupation, becoming very well-to-do. He was one of the most intelligent men in the township, and kept himself thoroughly posted on public matters. A kind and helpful friend and neighbor, as well as an upright citizen, he was highly respected, and widely known. He died in 1896, in his ninety-fourth year, his mind remaining clear and bright almost to the end. His religious connection was with the United Brethren Church. He married Elizabeth Cope, who was born near Leesburg, Cumberland county, in 1808, daughter of Peter A. (an old resident of Cumberland county, and one of the charter members of the Reformed Church) and Mary Ann Cope. She died in 1884, the mother of twelve children, eight of whom lived to maturity: Mary A., deceased; John; Peter A., an ex-soldier of the Civil war; Isaiah, deceased; Samuel, deceased; William; George; Miss Elizabeth; Daniel, who died in his twelfth year; Joseph, a druggist in Shippensburg; and two that died in infancy.

John Mowers passed his boyhood and youth upon the home farm. Until he was sixteen he attended school, during the winter months, at the old Croft schoolhouse in Cleversburg. He was then apprenticed to learn the trade of blacksmith with Mr. Leidich, of Shippensburg, with whom he renained two years; and later he finished his trade under John Guthrie. Determining to start in business on his own account, he formed a partnership with Henry Wolf, and under the firm name of Mowers & Wolf, they at once entered upon a prosperous career as general blacksmiths and repairers. For twenty-two years this partnership was continued to the great satisfaction and success of both members of the firm, and then in 1902, it was dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. Mowers then retiring to look after his general business interests. The shop was rented, and new faces greeted the customers, who had so long been accustomed to find the genial partners at the forge and anvil.

Mr. Mowers is a believer in the principles of the Republican party, and has been active in public affairs. For eight years he was a member of the city council. He has always been honest in all his dealings, and although he began life with small means, his energy, economy and good management have won him a competence to make comfortable his declining years.

On Feb. 5, 1852, Mr. Mowers was married to Martha M. Jacoby, born in Cumberland county, Feb. 19, 1832, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Burkholder) Jacoby. She died in Shippensburg April 10, 1902. Eleven children blessed this union, four of whom grew to maturity; Elizabeth Jane, deceased; Laura Belle, who married David Mann, of Carlisle, and has three children, Flora B., C. Kimmel and John; Minnie F., deceased; and Martha M., wife of H. J. Zentmeyer, a skilled mechanic and prominent citizen, now deceased.