Source: History of Whiteside County, Illinois, Edited by Charles Bent, Morrison, IL  1877
Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin, Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Page 353

JAMES ROWE was born in Steuben county, New York, in 1803, and settled in Portland in 1836, making a claim one and one half miles west of Spring Hill, where he opened a fine farm upon which he resided until his death in 1871. He was a good citizen, a man of clear judgment, and his death was universally regretted. He was twice married, his first wife being Mary Ann HUFF, and his second wife Hannah AVERY. Children: Algina, who married Mason BLAISDELL, and lives in Portland; John S., who married Miss Nancy BRIGGS, and resides in Kansas; Elizabeth, who married Clover LAIRD, and also resides in Kansas. Van Rensselaer, who married Miss Jane BROOKS, and lives in Portland; William Almont, and Lewis Edward are unmarried, and also live in Portland.