Michael Bowerman

     Michael was born on Tuesday, 27 November 1804 in East Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. On 20 March 1805, he was christened in Armstrong Valley, Dauplin County, Pennsylvania.¹ Michael donated the land for the cemetery at Bowerman's St. Paul's Lutheran & Reformed Church. Michael married Maria C. Sheetz on 12 December 1826 in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.² Michael and Mary had children: Samuel [9/05/1827-8/04/1838], Andrew [2/10/1829-12/26/1897][m. Sophia Braught], Josiah [8/25/1830-1/20/1862][m. Dinna Catharine] & Peter [5/14/1832-8/20/1854]. The 1830 U.S. Federal Census enumerates at Jackson Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, the family of Michael Bowerman [0001:00001].³ The 1840 U.S. Federal Census enumerates at Jackson Township the family of Michael Bowerman.⁴ 4 October 1850, Michael and his wife, Maria, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Jefferson Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Enumerated in this household were Michael Bowerman [45 Pennsylvania], his wife: Mary [46 Pennsylvania], children: Andrew [21 Pennsylvania], Josiah [19 Pennsylvania], Peter [17 Pennsylvania][store clerk], and George Long [28 Pennsylvania][merchant].⁵ 2 July 1860, Michael and his wife, Maria, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Jefferson Township. Enumerated in this household were Michael Bowerman [55 Pennsylvania], Mary [56 Pennsylvania] & Harriet Sheets [15 Pennsylvania]. Michael was a farmer with real property valued at $9,800 and personal property valued at $1,000. Harriet was a maid.⁶ Michael made his will on 7 March 1865. Michael Bowerman of Jefferson Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. He leaves to his wife the use of his homestead both real and personal property. This property is then willed to his son Andrew with the exceptions of what is designated for his wife. He mentions the 4 sons of his son Josiah, their inheritance then to be equally divided by Josiah's grandchildren or to the survivor or survivors. Andrew is designated as the sole executor.⁷ Michael departed this life on Monday, 20 March 1865 in Enterline, Powells Valley at age 60 years, 3 months and 21 days. He was buried there in Enterline, Powells Valley in Bowerman's St. Paul's Lutheran & Reformed Church Cemetery. His tombstone reads: born: Nov. 27, 1804 - Died Mar. 20 865.¹