BOWER, Andrew
Portrait & Biographical Record Winnebago & Boone Cos., IL. Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1892, pp 942-943

Andrew BOWER, a retired farmer residing at No. 1011 Charles Street, Rockford [Winnebago County], IL, where he owns a good home, is another of the many prominent citizens of that county who is of foreign birth.  He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, 05 Dec 1835, and his parents, Frederick and Regina BOWER, were natives of the same city in which they passed their entire lives.  Their deaths occurred almost at the same time, and they were buried in the same grave, both when about 70 years of age.  They were Protestants in their religious belief.

Andrew BOWER was but 17 years of age when he left his native country, and with his brother Michael crossed the ocean to America.  They landed in NY City in Feb 1852 after a voyage of 47 days, and there Andrew remained for four years.  He then went to Cook County, IL, and in 1856 removed to Winnebago County, where by industry and economy he accumulated a handsome property.  He was still a single gentleman, and in 1861 he was married to Miss Sarah SHEER, a native of York County, PA, born 25 Mar 1837, and the daughter of Peter and Catherine (HASS) SHEER, also natives of that county and of German descent.  There both passed the closing scenes of their lives, the father dying at the age of 76 and the mother at the age of 84 years.  Mr. SHEER was a blacksmith by trade.  He was a member of the Lutheran and she of the Congregational Church.   After his marriage Mr. BOWER purchased a good farm, began making improvements, and soon became well known for his thrift and energy.  He is the owner of 420 acres of excellent farming land, and his buildings are all substantial and commodious.  He remained on this until 1891, and then removed to Rockford, leaving the farm to be managed by his son.  Mrs. BOWER was one of 12 children born to her parents, and six are still living.  She remained under the parental roof until 1855, when she came to Winnebago County, IL, and was married in Cherry Valley Township to Mr. BOWER.

The fruits of the union of Andrew and Sarah (SHEER) BOWER were three children:   Sadie, who died when 18 years of age; Lizzie, wife of C. J. RATLIFF, is now residing on a farm in New Milford, Winnebago County; and Eugene N., has the management of his father's farm in Cherry Valley.  He married Miss Jessie CLARK.  Mr. and Mrs. BOWER are classed among the wealthy and much esteemed citizens of the county, and all they have accumulated is the result of their own efforts.  Mr. BOWER has held a number of township offices and discharged the duties of the same in a very satisfactory manner.   He is a stockholder in the Forest City National Bank, also a stockholder in the Star Furniture Company, and Middle Furniture Company, and owns much valuable property in Rockford.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly.