In my family files, I had indicated a connection with the Shealy family; yet, I knew that I was not related to the Shealys! It probably would have been to my advantage since the Shealys are related to almost everybody and almost everybody has done some serious research on this family. So, how in the world did I get into this family? Well, it was my cousin Tom Wheeler's fault since he showed that Alexander Andrew Bowers who died by1805 married Barbara Hermannin (nee Shealy). Of course, he had proof. The Council Journal indicated that the Caledonia arrived in SC, October, 1752, and listed Barbara, age 14, as one of John Shealy's six children. And in most of the early studies on the Shealy family, that is the way Barbara was listed. As it turned out, Maria (Mary) Margaret Haussler, daughter of John Wendelin Hausser, married Matthias Hermann in 1737, and he died the same year. In 1738 the widow, Maria (Mary) Margaret Haussler Hermannin married John Shealy.I don't know enough about the German language, but "in" added to a surname almost always denotes a widow; sometimes "en" is used. Don't know why the daughter had the "in" added to her name. Margaret Haussler Hermanin Shealy died in 1805 in the 95th year of her age.
To get on with the story - Tom Wheeler had found the original plat or grant of Anna Barbara Hermannin in his family's papers, but he had no idea why it was there. A situation that makes research for some German families a little more difficult is that the Christian names are often reversed in various records while the surname is spelled numerous ways. It should be noted, too, that some of the children of John Shealy, the immigrant to SC, petitioned for bounty land on 25 May 1774. By that time, they were grown and married. The reason they petitioned in their maiden names is that the record of their arrival as immigrants was listed as the children of John Shealy.. [See Saxe Gotha Neigbors, by Theresa M. Hicks.]
Some years ago, I made notes from a Newberry Equity case No. 13 in 1835. It was after studying these notes again that we solved the relationship of Tom Wheeler to the Shealys.
Children of Maria (Mary) Margaret Haussler,
widow of Matthias Hermann, who married 2nd John Shealy
I. Anna Barbara Herrmann born 27 April 1738 married Alexander Andrew Bowers who arrived in 1752 on the Upton. Alexander Andrew Bowers and Anna Barbara Herrmann have possession of all of Alexander Andrew Bowers' land later. Both Barbara and Alexander were dead by 1805.
5 Bowers children:
A. Catherine Bowers born about 1760 – 1833; married George Long, Sr. born 1758 died 1815. Lived in Edgefield County, SC
B. Stephen Bowers born about 1768 died 13 November 1860; married Nancy Caroline Bates born 26 September 1775 died 23 October 1848. He resided in 1805 on the Barbara Hermannin grant of 25 September 1766, in Newberry County, SC.
C. George Bowers married Catherine Bates. Lived in Edgefield County. His heirs were his brothers and sisters. He was dead by 1847.
D. John Jacob Bowers born 6 March 1774 died 26 April 1859, age 85 years, 1 month, 20 days married Mary Elizabeth Bates died 15 May 1811, age 32; married 2) 26 May 1812, Catherine Mayer born 15/16 November 1787 died 14 March 1859, age 71 years, 3 months, 28 days. Lived in Lexington County.
E. Margaret Bowers married Mathias Yonce. Lived in Lexington County.
II. Johannes Shealy born 1739 died 1739
III. Elizabeth Catherine/Christiana Shealy born 21 December 1740 died by 1794 married Johann George Eichelberger, Sr. who came on the Upton in 1752 born 15 February 1730 died 1805, Newberry County, SC.
IV. Maria Ursula Shealy born 25 January 1743 died after 1804 married 16 August 1760, John Henry (Heinrich) Koon(e) born 6 July 1738, Germany died 1783/5, SC. She married 2) George Eichelberger, Sr. (1730-1805) – see above entry.
V. Mary Ann Shealy born 1744 died 1826 married Christian Haubt/Houpt/Hope who died 1790. She married and then John Vanderlinder/Funderlinder.
Children:
A. Christian Hope died February 1810 married 1) Christina Fellers and married 2) Catherine Dominick
B. Margaret Hope married Andrew Rikard
C. Sophia Hope born about 1786 died May, 1858 married Martin Singley (minister)
D. Catherine Hope married Andrew Nates
E. Mary Magdaline Hope (alledgedly daughter of Jeremiah McDaniel) born about 1789; married David Rhinehart
F. Child which Mary Hope swore was the bastard child begotten of her by the Rev. Joseph Wallern
VI. Margaret Shealy born 1746 died by 1830 married Martin Hough/Houck/Howke/Hawk/Howke who died in 1816. They had no children. Mariah Vanderburgh of Fairfield District was a sister of Martin Hough (variant spellings)
VII. John Windel Shealy born 1745/1748 died about 1800
So, that's part of how the Bowers family was related to the Shealy family. Now, I had to see how the Wheeler family was related to the Bowers family. I knew that Tom and I shared the same Grandmother, Martha Tallulah (Lula) Swindler - Tom through the Wheeler family and me through Harry McGuinn, my father, who was an only child.
Why in the world did I even begin this article! As you will see, Tom has many roots in Newberry County, SC. I have less extensive roots there, but enough to keep me busy for a long time. It's interesting to note that Tom's family married into a family from Ireland while my mother, herself, was an immigrant to Canada from Ireland, but that, too, is another story – how my mother met this fellow from Newberry County, SC.
BOWERS (and other variant spellings)
Alexander Andrew Bowers married Barbara Herrmann, daughter of Matthias Herrmann. See Shealy file. Alexander Andrew Bowers arrived in 1752 on the Upton. Known children of Alexander Andrew Bowers and Barbara Herrmann Bowers who have possession of all of Alexander Andrew Bowers' land later. Alexander Andrew Bowers and Barbara were both dead by 1805. [See Numbers I through V.]
I..George Bowers married Catherine/Caty Bates. In 1805, George Bower sold to Jacob Rykhard...whereon he (George) now lives 150 acres (two tracts) one of 50 acres on branch of Crims Creek and originally granted to Alexander Andrew Bowers 2 January 1754 on the Bounty...the other 100 acres on Holmans & Crims Creek and originally granted to George ?????? in 1758 and by him transfered to Alexander Andrew Bower in 1770 and by Alexander Andrew Bower to me George Bower by deed of gift in 1805. Renunciation of Dower by Caty Bowers. Newberry County, SC Deed H:102. Resided later in Edgefield County, S.C. See Newberry Deed P:178. His heirs were his brothers and sisters. He died by 1847.
II. Margaret Bowers married Matthias Yonce (variant spellings). Resided in Lexington County, SC.
III. Catherine Bowers born about 1760 died 1833 married George Long, Sr. born 1758 died 1815. Resided in Edgefield County, SC.
A. George Long, Jr. born 27 March 1781 died 22 January 1860
B. Anna Barbara Long born 16 June 1784 died about 1877 married John Rish
C. Mary Ann Long born 2 February 1786 died 12 August 1863 married Aberhardt Fulmer
D. Catherine Long born 13 May 1788 died 25 March 1823 married Amos Banks
E. Jacob Long born 20 July 1790 died 19 December 1848
F. Elizabeth Long born 25 October 1798 died October 1865
G. Michael Long born 1 February 1800 died 17 April 1849
IV. Stephen Bowers born about 1768 died 13 November 1860 married Nancy Caroline Bates born 26 September 1775 died 23 October 1848. Resided in Newberry County, SC. [Mentioned in Godfrey Dreher's Records.] [See Letters A through J.]
A. Alexander Andrew Bowers born 2 December 1795 died 26 June 1825 married 28 December 1815, Mary Magdalina (var. sp.) Wheeler born 13 December 1797 died 1833/35, daughter of George Wheeler. She married then John Henry Stockman born 20 February 1805 died 14 October 1878. He married then Mrs. Nancy Kinard (nee Harmon) born 5 November 1801 died 20 December 1878, widow of Michael Kinard, Jr. born 10 April 1802 died 13 October 1833.
Children of Alexander Andrew Bowers & Mary Magdalene Wheeler Bowers.
1. George Washington Bowers b. 3 July 1816 md. May, 1840 [Godfrey Dreher Records] Mary Magdalen Mayer, daughter of Jacob and Mary Wertze Mayer:
a. William Patrick Bowers born 12 April 1855 shot 15 July 1899 married Caroline Fulmer
b. Martha Ann Louisa Bowers married _______ Shealy
2. Levi Bowers born 27 February 1818
3. Nancy Caroline Bowers born 3 December 1819 married Abram Young. Moved to GA.
4. Jacob Stephen Bowers born 21 January 1822
5. Andrew Michael Bowers born 17 November 1823
6. John A. Bowers born 16 November 1825 died 6 November 1864
Children of Michael Kinard, Jr. and Nancy Harmon Kinard]
7. Bennet Jefferson Kinard born 1830 died 1862
8. Sparta Caroline Kinard born 1833 died 1872
Children of John Henry Stockman & Mary Magdeline
9. Leander Stockman born 1831 died 1858
10. Sarah Ann Stockman born 1833 died 1923 married Levi Amick
Children of John Henry Stockman and Nancy Harmon Kinard Stockman
11. Amanda Stockman born 1836 died 1858
12. John H. Stockman born 1840 died 1865
13. Martha Stockman born 1843 died 1880
B. Samuel Bowers born about 1798 married 1) Elizabeth Cook who died prior to 1834, married 2) Margaret Moore.
1. Elizabeth Bowers born 10 December 1829 died 7 April 1864 married William Martin Werts born 27 March 1826 died 21 April 1913. He married 2) Mrs. Frances Fike Wheeler:
a. James Monroe Werts bprn 27 November 1845 died 23 June 1932, Lutheran Minister
b. Nancy L. Werts born about 1847
c. Lambert L. Werts born about 1848
d. Alice Werts born about 1850
e. Sallie Werts born about1855
f. Allen Werts born about 1859
C. David Bowers born about 1803 died 19 October 1864 married Eva R. Kinard died 5 May 1880, age about 80 years
D. Nancy Bowers born 5 July 1805 died 12 October 1876 married Robert Maffett born 30 October 1797 died 18 September 1879
E. Elizabeth Bowers born 13 November 1808 died 1 September 1865 married George Fellers born 6 January 1804 died 10 November 1882
F. Sarah (Sallie) Bowers born 3 November 1810 died 6 August 1882 married John Jacob Wheeler born 15 April 1801 died 4 September 1874: [SeeNumbers 1 through 12.]
1. Emeline Wheeler married Emanuel Werts of Edgefield County, SC.
a. Ida Elizabeth Werts born 4 July 1866 died 25 November 1950 married 1883 George Calhoun Wheeler. [See below.]
2. Levi Stephen Wheeler born 11 March 1827 died 12 December 1861 married 4 January 1849 Frances Caroline Fike born 4 May 1832 died 17 October 1918. She married 2) William Martin Werts born 27 March 1826 died 21 April 1913. William Martin Werts had married 1) Elizabeth Bowers born 10 December 1829 died 7 April 1864.
Children of Levi Stephen Wheeler & Frances Caroline Fike:
a. Jacob Isiah Wheeler born 1850 died 1932 married Louisa Loretta Rachael Feagle born 27 February 1854 died September 1935
b. Alice Wheeler
c. Thompson Luther Wheeler born 25 December 1855 died 3 May 1920 married Ida Eba Rikard born 6 April 1859 died 4 December 1936.
Had 9 children including
(1) Ellis Levi Wheeler (youngest) born 30 April 1896 died 4 November 1944 married 1925 Mary Agnes (May) Brennan born 13 March 1904, of Augusta, GA.
3. George A. Wheeler born about 1829, never married.
4. John C.Wheeler born about 1832 died prior to 1870 married Harriet Kempson born 1833 died prior to 1870
5. Luther Burford Wheeler born about 1834 died 1861 married Anna Kempson:
a. George Calhoun Wheeler born 19 November 1859 died 26 December 1915 married 1883 Ida Elizabeth Werts born 4 July 1866 died 25 November 1950
6. Jacob Middleton Wheeler born 20 August 1837 died 16 July 1911 married Nancy Singley born 15 January 1843 died 29 January 1923
7. Daniel B.Wheeler born 1839 died 1912 married Adella Williams born 1845 died 1931
8. Andrew H.Wheeler born 1844 died 1916 married 19 April 1868 Eleanor Caroline Counts born 1849 died 1945
9. Nathan Butler Wheeler born 10 May 1846 died 2 December 1921 married Frances Pauline Feagle born 12 January 1845 died 19 March 1913:
a. Claude Eugene Wheeler born 11 September 1867 died 6 June 1939 married Anna Shealy
b. Corrie Wheeler married John Fulmer
c. Albert Clarence Wheeler born 24 December 1872 died 13 February 1928 married Loloa C. Shealy
d. Edna May Wheeler born 7 February 1875 died 1939 married Jesse W. Matthews
e. Esseina Leucretia Wheeler born 21 June 1877 died 28 Match 1943 married Kemper Shuford Stilwell
f. Ernest Alonza Wheeler born 16 June 1879 died 1967 married Mattie Risher
g. Ellen Elizabeth Wheeler born 9 November 1882 died 14 March 1952 married Quincy E. Epting
h. Bartow Wheeler born 13 April 1885 died 10 January 1900
11. James Dewitt Wheeler born 25 October 1848 died 1 November 1872 married Mary Dickert born about 1851
12. Jacob Isiah Wheeler born 1850 died 1932
G. John Bowers died 10 November 1834, in his 20th year
H. Levina Bowers born 28 October 1817 died 4 December 1834 married Abram Young, Jr.
I. Jacob Bowers
J. Levi Bowers
V. John Jacob Bowers born 6 March 1774 died 26 April 1859, age 85 yrs. 1 month 20 days married Mary Elizabeth Bates died 15 May 1811, age 32, married 26 May 1812 Catherine Mayer [data from Betty Becknell] born 16 November 1787 died 14 March 1859, age 71 years, 3 months, 28 days [All buried Bowers Cemetery.]
Sources and Notes:
*Thomas Bower in S.C. by 1688. Represented Colleton County [SC House of Representatives]
*William Bower, Edisto Island Planter, was in S.C. by 1686. Md. Margaret Hext (daughter of Hugh Hext). Served Colleton County Presbyterian. Children: William Bower, Martha Bower married Paul Hamilton.
*Will of Henry Bower, Edisto Island, 1724. Wife: Elizabeth. Children: Mary married Josephn Russell, Tabitha married _____ Edins, ______ married John Perry (had daughter Martha Perry under 18). Mentions Rev. Mr. Porter of Seawee.
*Prince Frederick Winyaw Parish Records:
Giles and Martha Bowers had children: Arthur Bowers born 15 February 1741; John Bowers born 26 May 1744.
*One Andrew Bower died 3 November 1779. See Loyalists in the Southern Campaign, Clark, Vol. I.
*American Loyalists Vol. 26 Claims:
Adam Bower. In 1762 induced by Mr. Charles Temple to leave Germany. Arrived in London the same year. Were to settle in Nova Scotia. The situation was communicated to Lord Halifax. 3 ships to Charles Town...then to Londonburgh. Fort Charlotte was built for their protection. After 20 years.... He and his 2 sons Charles and Philip joined the King's Troops. 300 acres. Grant 1765 on Bounty. 200 acres. He raised a child whose property it was - the child died at 14 years old. Native of Germany. To. S.C. 1762. Now at Shelburne. Deposition of John Dores. Deposition of George Long.
*Charles Bowers. Late of 96th District. 100 acres Bounty Grant January 1773, Grenville (sic - Granville). Native of Germany. To America in 1761. Owned 3 slaves. Deposition of Peter Fritz. Deposition of Conrad Mark.
Brothers and sisters:
Margaret Bower married Andrew Redmond
Adam Bower
Eve Bower married Jacob White. [Her will in Charleston 1783 names nephew: John Martin Camorin. Nieces: Margaret Yours, Eliza Yours. Her husband, Jacob White, had brothers: George, Frederick, Philip (who had daughter Eliz.)
Mary Bower md. _______ Shuterly (had daughter Catherine Shuterly)
[Note: the surname Yours as recorded in the will abstracts may really be Young or something else.]
*John Bowers had 200 acres on Cain Creek, Pendleton District.
*Newberry County, South Carolina 1850 Census, 1985
*The Bowers Family, Ralph L. Bowers
*Bible Record of Alexander Andrew Bowers
*Cemetery Records
*Aunt Kate 100 Years Dear, Elberta Sease
*Lexington County, S.C. Deed Book P:178. 1813. Heirs of Andrew Bowers. This tract was given to Andrew Bowers by Jacob Folk.
*Newberry County, SC. Deeds Book H:102; H:165 [documents heirs and plat and grant to Barbara Hermannin on branch of Eleazers Creek.]; CJ 1 October 1765.
*Newberry County Deed R:32 in 1833. Benjamin Kempson to Frederick Kempson 200 acres original grant to Andrew Bower, Sr., dec'd. Bounded at time of survey: NE by Jacob Folk. [Note that Jacob Folk gave land to Andrew Bowers which was deeded by the heirs of Andrew Bowers to Jacob Bowers of Lexinginton in 1813. Newberry Deed P:178]
*Newberry County Deed H:102. George Bowers paid by Jacob Rykhard "where on I now live" 150 acres - one of 50 acres on branch of Crim's Creek and original grant to Alexander Andrew Bowers 2 January 1754 on the Bounty - the other 100 acres on Holman's & Crim's Creek original grant to George ???? 1758 and by him transferred by L & R 1770 and by Alexander Andrew Bowers to me by gift in 1805.
*Colonial Plat 8:434. Colonial Grant 14:23. Memorial 9:135.
*Memorial 13:336. Barbara Bowers. 1775. Philip Pool married Barbara. 100 acres N side of Congaree. Became the property of Jacob Snider who by his wife Mary gave to Philip Pool & Barbara his wife by Deed of Gift 1756. Philip and Barbara entailed to the heirs of Barbara. Barbara is now the wife of George Bowers.
*A Documented History of the Long Family, Evans
*Paper on the Wheeler family prepared by Miss Ellen Wheeler, Winthrop College.
*Richland County Will of William Hay mentions Sarah Bowers. Camden Dist. Box 30, No. 1088 - will of William Hay...legacy to Sarah Bowers widow of late Henry Bowers. 7 October 1782.
*Richland County Bill #63. Lexington Dist. David Bowers d. July, 1812, int. Md. Catherine. She md. then Morris Ohearn. They had only 1 child who died July, 1814. David Bowers' brothers and sisters: Adam Bowers, John Bowers, Catherine Bowers md. John Murff. This action in 1816.
*Richland Co. Will of Charlotte Bowers mentions her late husband Adam Bowers. Dau: Hannah. Friend: Sarah Fleming wife of James Fleming. 5 February 1840/pr. 13 April 1840.
*See Marsh Cemetery, Columbia, S.C. for Bowers buried there.
*Will of David Bowers, Edgefield Co. Wife: Ann. Children: Giles, David, Benjamin, Phillip, John, Barbara, Nancy, Elizabeth. 20 February 1793. Wit: John Savage, Samuel Burgess, Wm. Shinholser.
*S.C. Equity, Richardson, Vol. 10 p. 550:
Edward Bowers died 1835. He md. Elizabeth Jemima Graham his niece. He had had children by a former marriage.
Please forward all questions, corrections, and additions
for this Bowers Bio to the Corresponding Editor:Theresa M. Hicks
in care of: PalmettoGenAssoc@aol.com
