Biography of Raymond U. Bowser, pages 268 / 269.  History of Northeast 
Indiana; LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, and DeKalb Counties, Vol. II, under the 
editorial supervision of Ira Ford, Orville Stevens, William H. McEwen and 
William H. McIntosh.  The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 
1920.  

   Raymond U. Bowser came to Spencerville from Allen County, Indiana, less 
than twenty years ago, and he and his wife had a cash assets not more than 
six dollars.  He began farming, but his natural bent for salesmanship and 
business has been turned to advantage and he has built up an extensive 
business at Spencerville, dealing in livestock, and handles a large amount 
of goods used both in town and country, including fireproof safes, sheet 
metal for all purposes in buildings, pumps, plumbing supplies, windmills 
and gasoline engines.
   Mr. Bowser was born in Perry Township of Allen County, Indiana, 
September 17, 1878, a son of Theo and Celia A. (Gloyd) Bowser.  His father 
was also born in Perry Township, and is still living on a farm in that 
county.  The mother is deceased. Both were active members of the United 
Brethren Church, and Theo Bowser has been a republican.  There were three 
children: Raymond U.; Ivan, of Fort Wayne; and Homer, a farmer in Perry 
Township.
   Raymond U. Bowser grew up on the homestead farm, attended public 
schools and at the age of eighteen entered the Bowser factory at Fort 
Wayne, where he thoroughly learned a trade as a mechanic and machinist.  
He spent about five years there, and in 1900 came to DeKalb County and 
located on a farm west of Spencerville.  Beginning almost in poverty, he 
has made such good use of his time and opportunities that he owns today 
the most modern and best home in Spencerville and is also stockholder in 
the Farmer and Merchants Bank and is one of the busiest men in the 
community. 
   Mr. Bowser is a republican in politics and his wife is a Methodist.  
They have four children: Roy, who graduated from high school at the age of 
sixteen and is now assisting his father, Cleo, who has completed the work 
of the common schools, and Gale and Ada.

Submitted by:
Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
Agoodwin@ctlnet.com