p. 214

            Byron Stowe, resident on section 2, Union Grove Township, has been a farmer of Whiteside County since 1855, when he came with a company and bought a tract of land containing 456 acres lying in the townships of Union Grove and Mt. Pleasant.

            He was born March 20, 1831, in Weybridge, Addison Co., Vt., and is the son of Clarke and Abigail (Marsh) Stowe.  They were born in Vermont, and the former died there April 18, 1847.  The mother came after that event to Whiteside County, and died in Albany, Nov. 26, 1875.  Their children- six in number- lived to mature age.  They were named Caroline, Mary A., Byron, Milo, Beulah nadn Edgar.

            Mr. Stowe remained in his native State until he came to Whiteside County,  and was engaged in farming, after reaching suitable age.  In 1855 he came to Whiteside County, as stated.  He settled on the same section on which he is now resident and where he owns 112 ½ acres of land, and has placed most of his acreage under cultivation.  He is a Republican in political affiliation, and has held several local official positions.

            He was married Aug. 31, 1862, to Mrs. Elvira Ellison, daughter of Samuel and Amelia (Keith) Bannister, and widow of Gilbert Ellison.  The latter died in January, 1860, in Cincinnati, Ohio.  By her earlier marriage she became the mother of one child- Willard S.  Mrs. Stowe was born in Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., Jan. 8, 1834.  Her parents removed to Whiteside County about 1850, and were residents of Union Grove Township about 18 years, removing thence to Clinton, Iowa.  Her father died Dec. 20, 1881.  Her mother’s demise occurred Feb. 12, 1884.  They had five children- Ellen, Elvira, Mary, Prentice and Martin.

            Mr. and Mrs. Stowe have one child- Merritt M.  They are members of the Presbyterian Church.