Pearson, G.C. The past and present of Vermilion County, Illinois
Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1903, p 920.
Noah D. Sowers was for many years a progressive farmer in Verm Co Il and recognized as a
valued citizen, his loss was deeply deplored by many friends. He was b. in Ft. Co IN Feb
5, 1843 a son of Michael and Sarah (Rachard- sic) Sowers, who were natives of Davidson Co
NC, where they were married in 1835. Four years later they removed to Fountain County
where the father engaged in farming until his death which occured Aug 15, 1845, when he
was 52. The mother afterward married a Mr. MORGAN who has since died, and she passed away
on the 21st of Nov 1881 at the age of 71. Our subject's father was a Democrat in
political views and was identified with the Lutheran Church. In his family were three
children: Louis, who resides in Fairmount, Ill; Phebe wife of Thomas Gooding a resident of
Fountain County and Noah D. In the district schools of his native state the subject of
this review pursued his education until 16 years of age. His advantages in that
direction, however, were somewhat limited because during the months of summer his services
were needed upon the home farm. He remained upon the farm, assisting his stepfather in
its cultivation until he was 21 years of age. In 1867 he arrived in Illinois, taking up
his abode in Vermilion County, where he engaged in farming with his brother for 10 years.
During that time he saved his earnings and with the capital thus acquired he purchased 80
acres of land in Vance Township. Upon this he erected a good house and substantial barns
and continued the cultivation of his fields with good success for a number of years. On
the 17th of February 1881, Mr. Sowers was united in marriage in Washington County,
Pennsylvania, to Miss Cinderella Conklin who was born in that county March 21, 1847. Her
parents, William and Catherine Ross Conklin were both natives of the Keystone state and
were married in Greene County, Pennsylvania after which they located on the farm near
Prosperity, Washington County. They lived there until the father died 1 June 1879 and the
mother still makes her home on the old farm. He was a Democrat and held a number of
township offices, including that of justice of the peace. He belonged to the Methodist
Episcopal Church and his life was in consistent harmony with his religious faith. Mrs.
Sowers was one of a family of 9 children, 6 of whom are living: William A, who resides
upon the old homestead; Cinderella, widow of our subject; Phebe Jane, wife of Cephus
Meeks, who is living near Waynesburg, Greene County, Pennsylvania, Ophelia, the wife of
Ross McLain of Greene County, Pennsylvnia; Iva G. widow of George Mann and resident o
Washington County, Pennsylvania, and Ross M, who makes his home in Portland, Oregon. At
the time of their marriage Mr. Sowers took his bride to his home farm and there they
resided continuously until 1899 when they removed to Fairmount. He was quite successful in
his agricultural work and was the owner of 120 acres of valuable land. His death occurred
June 27, 1900 and he was laid to rest in the Fairmount Cemetery. A stanch Democrat in his
political views he always refused to hold office but in other ways rendered his party what
services he could. He belonged to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and his life was a
busy, useful and upright one characterized by qualities which in every land and every
clime command esteem and good will. In 1901 Mrs. Sowers built a commodious home in
Fairmount and she also owns an acre of ground here on which are some good residences which
she rents. She is an estimable lady and is widely and favorably known in this portion of
Vermilion County.