Thomas S. Bowker, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
Thomas S. Bowker
OBITUARY.
Thomas S. Bowker.
Thomas S. Bowker was born January 12, 1820; died April 7, 1880. Aged, 60 years, 2 months, and 25 days.
At two years of age, he moved with his parents from Monmouth county, New Jersey, to Warren county, Ohio; whence he emigrated to St. Joseph county, Indiana, in 1836. Here he remained until the year 1845 when he made his final move and became a citizen of Porter county, Indiana.
On December 26, 1847, he was married to his now bereaved companion -- then Miss Mary Smith -- with whom he lived a long and happy life. But one child was born to them -- Mrs. Sarah L. Sawyer, who, with her mother, survives to deeply mourn his loss.
The deceased was long a sufferer, being afflicted with a cancer for something like twenty years. The pains of his affliction can never be told in human words, and yet in a most remarkable degree patience characterized him in it all. The writer of this sketch first saw him but a few months ago, and while it appeared that his sufferings must be almost unbearable, yet he found Mr. Bowker cheerful and even happy. For his patience in what was apparent to every one must be the greatest sufferings, he had the deepest sympathy of the whole community. He died peacefully and calmly.
The funeral services were conducted at his residence in the presence of a very large assemblage of neighbors and friends, by Elder L. Shortridge, a minister with whom he had been acquainted for twenty-five years. In his remarks, he spoke very feelingly of the relation that had subsisted between him and the departed, of his love for his virtues as a man, and his qualities as a friend; and his words seemed to find a hearty response in the heart of every one present.
The present writer can hear no actually testimony to his virtues as a citizen, but if the universal testimony of his neighbors and acquaintances, as expressed to him by them, is a safe criterion upon which to base a judgment, then we can safely say, "Porter county, in the death of Mr. Bowker, has lost on of its worthy and respected citizens."
While Mr. Bowker never formally connected himself with any church, yet the Christian church had his deepest sympathies and his ever ready substantial aid. He firmly believed in the fatherhood of God, and the brotherhood of man; and in his relations with men, he lived the purest principles of religion, as found in the gospel of Christ. Before he died, he remared to his family that he was ready to die.
Newspaper: Porter County Vidette
Date of Publication: April 15, 1880
Volume Number: 24
Issue Number: 16
Page: 2
Column(s): 7
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook