Biographical sketch extracted from:
Biographical and historical record of
Adams and
Wells counties,
Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887. pp. 804-805.
JOHN
BOWMAN, merchant and post-master at Tocsin, was born near Massillon
Stark County,
Ohio, and came with his parents, Richard S. and Mary (
Shaffer)
BOWMAN, to
Wells County in October, 1857. The family then consisted of the parents, our subject and his brother Byron. The family located on a farm near Bluffton, where the parents still reside. One daughter, Jennie, was born in this county, now the wife of Ross
Cherry, and resides at the homestead. Byron married Maggie
Ulmer, and is a merchant at Bluffton. Our subject was reared upon a farm, where he acquired a practical education which was completed at the Bluffton High
Schools. He engaged in the mercantile trade in that city in January, 1886, and November 5 of that year he became a resident of the new village of Tocsin, purchasing the stock of goods formerly owned by Samuel
Kunkle. His goods in Bluffton were sold prior to his removal, to Albert
Shepherd, and Mr. Bowman now devotes his time and attention to the mercantile trade in Tocsin. His is the only store in the village, and he carries a large stock and does an extensive business. He was married December 27, 1876, to Elizabeth E. Williams, daughter of James S. Williams, a resident of this county, who has lived within her boundaries forty-two years. Four children have been born to this union— Harry O., Louis E., Albert and Jesse W. The latter is deceased. Mrs. Bowman died December 18, 1885, and March 17, 1887, Mr. Bowman married Eliza J. Archibold, who was born near Tocsin,
Wells County. Mr. Bowman was appointed postmaster of Tocsin January 31, 1886, vice Samuel
Kunkle, resigned in 1886.