Biographical sketch extracted from:

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887. pp. 789-790.

WILLIAM BUMGARNER, of Harrison Township, was born in Mason County, West Virginia, July 12, 1837. His father, Samuel BUMGARNER, was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, son of David BUMGARNER, who was probably born in Germany, and when a boy his parents emigrated to Mason County, where he was reared on a farm, and married Rebecca Oliver, a daughter of Thomas Oliver, who came from Greenbrier County, Virginia, to Mason County, when quiet [sic] young. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his father served in the Revolutionary war and also in the war of 1812. After his marriage he settled upon a farm in Mason County, and followed farming during the remainder of his days. His eleven children all lived to be grown and married. He died in 1850, aged fifty-six years, and his wife died in 1884, aged eighty-nine years. Our subject was reared on a farm in Mason County and lived with his mother until the breaking out of the civil war. He was one of the first to go forth in defense of union and liberty. He and one brother were the only ones in their precinct who had the courage to vote for Abraham Lincoln, this being his first presidential vote. He enlisted June 5, 1861, in Company A, Fourth Virginia Infantry, but did not need to get far from home to find war, as he was in the midst of continual skirmishing. He participated in the battle of Charleston and siege of Vicksburg. When a call was made for a storming party, he was the only one of his company who volunteered. He carried a board in front of him, which was pierced with fifteen bullets. He was one of a few that returned to his command. His regiment was one that crossed the river on pontoon boats to capture the pickets, and met with a very narrow escape. He was the third man who reached the summit of Mission Ridge. During this winter his health was very poor and he obtained a furlough. He served three years and one month, and was honorably discharged July 4, 1864, having never been under arrest, or in the guard-house except when on duty. He contracted diseases from exposure and hardships, from which he never recovered. After the war he returned to his home in West Virginia, where he followed the carpenter's trade until June, 1872. He was married August 31, 1862, to A. L. Armitage, daughter of George and Maria Armitage. In June, 1872, he came West with his wife and fomir children, coming with a two-horse team. His father-in-law accompanied them to Southern Kansas, remaining in Emporia for a time, then returned and settled near Bluffton, this county, where he has since followed the carpenter's trade in connection with farming. Mr. and Mrs. Bumgarner have had nine children, seven of whom are living-- Frances A., wife of Charles Cole; Marion W., John C., Reazin H., Hattie E., Clara E. and Ira E. Mary and Maudie (twins) died in infancy. Mrs. Bumgarner is a member of the Christian church, and in politics Mr. Bumgarner is an uncompromising Republican.