|
Perhaps no name within the
limits of Vernon county is entitled to more honorable mention in this
volume than that of William M. Lowe, a man whose life has been one of
wide and varied experience, and whose connection with the affairs of
this community has been of lasting benefit. Like other residents of the
county, he came originally from Kentucky, having been born near Crab
Orchard, Lincoln county, August 20, 1821. His paternal grandfather,
Jesse Lowe, was one of the famous nine who with Boone so successfully
resisted the Indians in their attack on the fort at Crab Orchard in
pioneer times. He (Jesse) was a Virginian by birth, and when young
married Miss Susan Sablett, of the same State, soon thereafter moving to
Kentucky, where they reared 10 sons and four daughters to mature years.
Thomas Lowe, William’s father, was the fifth son, his birth also
occurring in the Blue Grass State. He was possessed of many
accomplishments and in early life taught school, and during the War of
1812 he took part in the battle of New Orleans under Gen. Jackson,
receiving a severe wound in that struggle, after which he returned home
on foot. He was a man of strong physical character and warm Southern
hospitality and kindness of heart; he died in 1825, and in 1833 his
widow (whose maiden name was Margaret Dudgeon), with her family, came to
Vernon county, where she died in 1871. Of her four sons William M. is
the only one now living. He passed his early youth and manhood upon a
farm, and when about nineteen years old spent some time on a cotton
plantation in Texas, later on becoming a Texas Ranger under Capt. Jack
Hayes, with whom he remained until the close of the Mexican War; during
that struggle he served under Gens. Taylor and John E. Wool, and
participated in the battles of Brownsville, Camaryo, Monterey, Buena
Vista, and many others. After the war closed he was in the Indian
service a short time, and in 1849, with a number of others, he went from
Texas to California, remaining in that State for nine years; three and a
half years were spent in teaming, and during the remainder of the period
he served as sheriff of Trinity county, capturing during his official
career the notorious robber and highwayman, Walker. His experience
while in that Western country was such as falls to the lot of but few
persons in this day, and many incidents of thrilling interest might be
narrated if space but permitted. In the fall of 1857 Mr. Lowe returned
to Vernon county, Mo., and in 1861 entered the Confederate army under
Gen. Price, serving in the Trans-Mississippi department until the close
of the war, when he surrendered at Shreveport, having held a captain’s
commission throughout the entire period; and he was the only man allowed
to return home with his command in possession of their arms and horses.
Capt. Lowe now turned his attention to stock raising in connection with
agricultural pursuits, and up to the present has adhered closely to
these occupations. His well improved place contains 320 acres, and is
well adapted for the purposes of a general stock farm, a specialty of
his being the raising, feeding and shipping of stock. For nine years
after the war he owned and conducted a saw and grist mill on Clear
creek. January 13, 1859, the Captain was married to Miss Barbara C.
Williams, who was born near Fulton, Mo., March 6, 1837. They have had
nine children: George M., Inez, Emily J., Fannie, Kizzie, Kate H.,
Nora, Thomas H. and Nellie. Capt. Lowe is a Democrat in his political
views. He belongs to the Masonic order and is a member of O’Sullivan
Commandery No. 16, of Nevada, and while in California he was an officer
in both the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter. In every way he is accounted
one of the most esteemed and worthy citizens of the county, and his
force of character and sincere hospitable and social relations are as
extensive as his acquaintance. |
