![]() | Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | ![]() |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 672
F. D. LOWRY....The operation of about five hundred acres of land, a portion of which belongs to his sister, Mrs. May Richardosn, of Davenport, Iowa, fully occupies the time and attention of F. D. Lowry, whose unfaltering labor has made this place one of the valuable properties of Montpelier township. One of the native's sons, he was born in Muscatine on the 7th of January, 1868, and within the borders of Muscatine county has spent his entire life. His father, William Eaker Lowry, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, May 5, 1827, was there educated and continued to make that city his home until his removal to Muscatine in early life. He remained in this city until 1849, in which year he joined a party bound for California. With a train of six mules they crossed the plains, and Mr. Lowry remained on the Western coast for about seven years, after which he returned to Muscatine. His remaining years were devoted to farming. He was a veteran of the Civil war, going loyally to the support of his country in her hour of need, and for three years served as a member of the Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He passed away September 13, 1906, at a ripe old age. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Virginia Waggoner, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 31, 1837, and in early childhood came with her parents to Scott county, Iowa. She still survives her husband and now makes her home in Davenport,Iowa. By her marriage she became the mother of eight children, as follows : Sarah, the wife of L. Davenport, of Oskaloosa, Iowa ; Catherine, who passed away in young womanhood ; May, the wife of S. P. Richardson, of Davenport ; F. D., of this review ; C. D., who is also deceased ; W. D., who is married and resides in Miles City ; Joseph, who died at the age of three and a half years ; and Samuel, whose death occurred in infancy.Soon after his birth F. D. Lowry was taken by his parents to Muscatine Island and there the family resided for five or six years, after which they took up their abode on a farm which is still the home of the son. He received his education in the country schools and in the periods of vacation assisted in the cultivation of the farm, receiving thorough training in the tasks that fall to the lot of a country lad. He continued to assist in the work of the home farm and remained with his father until the latter's death, since which time he has continued to reside on the farm, and in connection with the operation of his own property he manages the adjoining farm belonging to his sister, Mrs. Richardson, which consists of two hundred and fifty-eight acres. He engages in general farming and stock-raising. His own property consists of two hundred and thirty-five acres, originally a part of his father's estate. The farm is a beautiful place, situated upon an elevation which commands a fine view of the great Mississippi river and the surrounding country. It is located one mile west of Montpelier, four and a half miles east of Fairport and seven miles southwest of Blue Grass, bringing the conveniences and activities of city life within easy reach.
In the year 1892 Mr. Lowry was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Eis, who was born in Montpelier township on the 22d of November, 1873, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth ( Goettge ) Eis, both of whom were natives of Germany. They were married, however, in Ohio and spent their last days in Iowa, passing away in Muscatine county. The father had engaged in agricultural pursuits until his retirement from business. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Lowry has been blessed by three daughters, Helen, Ruth, and Lila. Mr. Lowry gives his support to the democratic party but in politics he takes simply a citizen's interest, the honors and emoluments of office having no attraction for him.
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