John C Dow's biography, Sunfield, Eaton County, Michigan

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SUBJECT: John C. DOW
SUBMITTER: Jan Lubitz Sedore
EMAIL: am0773@a1access.net
DATE: May 30, 1999
SURNAMES: DOW, BISHOP, GARDNER, FAY, DOYLE, WRIGHT
PAST AND PRESENT OF EATON COUNTY
Page 284
JOHN C. DOW

John C. Dow, who died at his home, in Sunfield Township, July 11, 1904,
was a man who ably upheld the honors of the name which he bore-a name long
and prominently l inked with the annals of Eaton County, as indicated in
the foregoing memorial tribute to his father. Mr. Dow was born in Seneca
County, New York, April 30, 1837, and was but six months old at the time
when his parents came to Michigan and took up their abode in the forests
of Eaton County, where he was reared under the conditions and environments
of the early pioneer epoch, assisting in the reclaiming of the homestead
farm and duly taking advantage of the limited educational opportunities
afforded in the district schools, which he attended principally through
the winter terms. He was one of the argonauts who crossed the plains to
California after the memorable discovery of gold, in 1849, and he remained
in that state seven years, meeting with fair success and then returning
to his home in Eaton County. In 1854 he came into possession of one hundred
and fifty-four acres of land, in section 24, Sunfield Township, the same
having been conveyed to him by dead from his father. On this place, which
he developed into one of the model farms of the township and which was
divided between his widow and sons after his death, he continued to reside
from the time of his marriage until he was summoned to the life eternal.
He was an intense sufferer for many years prior to his demise, but bore
his afflictions with utmost fortitude and resignation, ever showing the
most gentle appreciation of the care bestowed upon him by his devoted wife
and children and ever being indulgent and unselfish in the relations of
the home life. He was a man of unbending integrity and commanded the unqualified
regard of all who knew him. He was affiliated with the independent order
of Odd Fellows and his political allegiance was given to the Republican
party, though he never sought or held office. His widow still resides in
the homestead residence, and is surrounded by a circle of real and loyal
friends. July 3, 1870, Mr. Dow was united in marriage to Miss Harriet M.
Bishop, who was born in Huron County, Ohio, December 7, 1845, being a daughter
of Reuben and Sarah Ann (Gardner) Bishop, concerning whom more specific
mention is made in the sketch of the life of their son Deloss, on another
page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs Dow became the parents of three children:
Lessie, who was born May 14, 1873, became the wife of Albert Fay, of Sunfield
township, where she died April 7, 1901, leaving no children; Clarence W.,
who was born September 4, 1885, and who owns and resides upon a portion
of the old homestead farm, married Miss Nellie Doyle, and they have two
children, Clarence K. and Florence N.; J. Arthur, who was born April 5,
1881, and who likewise is a successful farmer of Sunfield township, married
Miss Mabel G. Wright, a daughter of Burdett Wright, of whom mention is
made elsewhere in this work.