John Michael Maurer is known to us as Michael Mower. He is the father of Henry Mower Sr. He was christened John Michael Maurer on 25 Sept 1774 (birth recorded as 17 Sept 1774) in the St. Lukes Union Church (Lutheran), Nockamixon Township, Bucks County, PA, the son of Andrew and Barbara Maurer. Sponsors: Christopher Briel (Brill) and Margaret (Maurer). This is recorded on FHL #1029738.
Michael was raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania until following the Revolutionary War in which his father, Andrew, served. Michael's mother is listed as Barbara. The rest of the children in this family have the mother listed as Margaret. This either means that Andrew Mower was married twice, or that Barbara and Margaret are one in the same person. Likely they are one in the same as Barbara is a German nickname for Margaret, but records do not clarify this. The maiden name of Barbara is unknown. No marriage record for Andrew Mower has ever been located. It is likely he married about 1773, and since he christened all his children in Church, he likely married in a Church, but this record fails us.
Michael was one of eight children. The children of Andrew Mower were: Michael born 1774 (he married Catherine Geissinger), Mary born 1778 (she married Michael Amick), Sarah born 1781 (she married Samuel Diehl), John Jacob born 1783 (he married Elizabeth ______), Johann Conrad born 1786 (died as a child), Anna Catharina born in 1791 (died as a child), Phoebe born 1790-1800 (no record of marriage), Andrew born 1793-1800 (no record of marriage).
Following the Revolutionary War, the Mower and Brill families moved to Virginia and Maryland. Loudoun County, Virginia and Frederick County, Maryland are right near Bedford County, Pennsylvania and the families settled in these areas. It is here in Maryland that Michael Mower met Catherine Geissinger, daughter of Charles Geissinger and they married. Likely around 1793. These children may have been born to them in Maryland and MAY belong to Michael and Catherine:
John George son of Michael Maurer and Catherine born 27 Feb 1794 FHL #975.291 K28w Washington County, Maryland Church Records of the 18th Century, page 107
Maria, dau. of Michael Maurer and Catherine, born 18 Apr 1799, bap 13 May 1799 FHL #975.291 K28w Washington County, Maryland Church Records of the 18th Century, page 111.
Catharine of Michael Maurer and wife Catherine, born 12 Feb 1801, bap. 15 Mar 1801 Wit: Philippina Reitenauer FHL #975.291 K28w Washington County, Maryland Church Records of the 18th Century, page 112.
The 1800 Census Colerain and Providence Twps. Bedford Co., PA lists Michael MOWER 16-26, wife 16-26, 2 sons under 10. These sons were Henry and Jacob. There may have also been children born to Michael and Catherine while they lived in Maryland.
Between 1800 and 1810 Michael Mower is living in Bedford County, even though he traveled back to Washington County, Maryland to have a daughter christened (Catherine). He appears on the tax lists for these intervening years with a variety of name spellings:
1802 Tax list: Michael Moura in Colerain Twp. FHL # 1449357
1804 Tax list: Michael Moury in Colerain Twp. (same)
1805 Tax list: Michael Mowry in Colerain Twp. FHL # 1449358
1807 Tax list: Michael Mowra in Colerain Twp. (same)
1807 Occupation list: Michael Mowrer in Colerain Twp. Waggon Maker.
1808 Tax list: Michael Mowrer in Colerain Twp. FHL 1449359
1809 Tax list: Michael Mowrer in Colerain Twp. (same)
1810 Tax list: Michael Mowrey in Colerain Twp. (same)
The 1810 Census Colerain, Bedford Co., Pa lists Michael Mowrey 26-45 wife, 26-45 (Catherine), 2 sons 10-16 (Henry and Jacob), and 3 dau. under 10. These daughters would have been Catherine, Susan, (Sarah was dead in 1809) and one unnamed daughter alive in 1810 but who died before 1820. Likely born 1803-1810.
1811 Tax list: Michael Mowrey, waggon maker, in Colerain Twp. FHL #1449360. Also listed as Michael Moury.
1812 Tax list: Michael Mowry in Colerain Twp. (same)
In 1813, Andrew Mower, father of Michael Mower died in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. He left a will. (see Andrew Mower History). This will verifies that Andrew had a son named Michael and Michael was named executor of the will.
The 1814 tax lists Michael Mowery on page 115 he is listed as a wagon maker in 1814 in Colerain Township.
In 1817 The Bedford County Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. 3, page 107 lists Michael Mower in Colerain Twp. 1817 Tax List.
1820 Census shows him, wife, 1 dau. under 10, 1 dau. 10-16, 1 dau. 16-26. (Michael died 8 July 1829 and this is the last census on which he appears.)
FHL 331336 Orphan Court Records 27 Nov 1824 cited into court with his brother-in-law Michael Emich by brother, Jacob Mower, to settle the estate of Andrew Mower. 1 Feb 1828 both Michaels appear in court and the estate is settled. On November 27th 1824: On motion of James M. Russell Esq. at the instance of Jacob Mower Citation awarded against Michael Mower and Michael Emich Executors of the last Will and Testament of Andrew Mower dec. To appear before the Register at the Registers office in Bedford at least thirty days before the 4th Monday of January next and settle an account of their administration on said Estate. (30 Nov 1824 Citation issued. Sheriff retuns served on both persons.)
On 1 Feb 1828 Came into court Michael Amick and Michael Mower, Executors of the last Will and Testament of Andrew Mower late of the Borough of Bedford, deceased, and produced the amount of their administration on said Estate. by which it appears there is a balance of forty dollars and sixty cents due said Executors and on proof being made by the Register, that notice was regularly published and the same was confirmed. By the Court. Fees were paid. It appears that Margaret, must have died in 1824 and Jacob wanted the estate settled. This led to court action to get the inheritance.
Michael Mower died in July of 1829. Administrator of his estate was Samuel Bussard, the son-in-law. In the film FHL 331336 Orphan Court Records dated 25 Aug 1831 is recorded the petition of Samuel Bussard, administrator of Michael Mower's estate to settle the estate.
On 25 Aug 1831: Samuel Bussard, administrator of the good and chattels of Michael Mower late of Colerain Township, deceased, appointed to settle and adjust the rates and proportions of the remaining aspects due and payable to the respective creditiors of the said Michael Mower, deceased.
Michael MOWER (1774-1829)
Probate Packet Bedford Co., Pa
Know all Men by these Presents, that We, Samuel Bussard, John Bussard and David Exline all of Bedford County, Pennsylvania are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the sum of three hundred dollars lawful money of the United States, to be paid to the said Commonwealth, or their certain attorney. To the which payment, well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves jointly and severally for and in the whole, our heirs, executors and administrators, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals dated the twenty second day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine.
The Condition of this Obligation is such, That if the above bounden Samuel
Bussard, administrator of all the singular the goods, chattels and credits
of Michael Mower, late of Colerain township deceased, do make, or cause to
be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods,
chattels and credits of the said deceased, which have or shall come into
the hands, possession or knowledge of him, the said Samuel Mower [Bussard?]
or unto the hands and possession of any other person or persons for him;
and the same so made, do exhibit, or cause to be exhibited, into the
Register's-office, in the county of Bedford, at or before the twenty
second, day of September next ensuing; and the same goods, chattels and
credits and all other the goods chattels and credits of the said deceased,
at the time of his death which at any time after shall come to the hands
and possession of the said Samuel Bussard or unto the hands and possession
of any other person or persons for him do well and truly administer
according to law. And further do make, or cause to be made, a true and
just account of his said administration, at or before the twenty second day
of August in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty
and all the rest and residue of the said goods, chattels and credits, which
shall be found remaining upon the said administrators account, (the same
being first examined and allowed of by the Orphans Court of the county of
Bedford) shall deliver and pay unto such person or persons respectively, as
the Orphans Court by their decree or sentence, pusuant to the true intent
and meaning of the several laws now in force in this commonwealth, shall
limit and appoint. And if it shall hereafter appear that any last will and
testament was made by the deceased, and the executor or executors therein
named, so exhibit the same into the said Register's-office, making request
to have it allowed and approved accordingly. And if then the above bounden
Samuel Bussard being thereunto required do render and deliver the said
letters of administration, approbation of such testament being first had
and made in the said Register's-office, then this obligation to be void and
of none effect, or else to remain in full force and virtue. Sealed and
delivered in the presence of Job Mann and Solomon Mason.
Signed:
Samuel Bussard
John Bussard
David Exline
Aug 22, 1829
We charge Samuel Buzzard adm. of Michael Mower dec. with the account of goods, debts, etc. which came to his hand $119.49
We credit the adm. with the following-
1. Funeral expenses $10.43
2. Letters of Adm--council fee
Bonders exp. and printing $14.93
3. Specialty debts-- via
Balance on Martin Ruley's note 29.75
ditto on Henry Exline's note 3.32
ditto on David Exline's note 29.23
ditto on John Buzzard's note 6.28
ditto on Adam Deals note 1.62
95.57
Leaving a balance of------------------23.92
to be divided amongst the following creditors, after deducting the
allowance to the adm. Register and Clerk's fees and auditor's pay. $23.92
Catharine Pencil Book acc. $2.00
Jesse Veatch ditto 5.77
Solomon Deal ditto 7.39 1/2
John Gump ditto 8.53
John Buzzard ditto 15.02
Daniel Deal ditto 5.00
Fredrick Beegle ditto .37
Beam ditto ?
Frederick Fight ditto .44
$55.65
Which we respectfully report to the Hon'l the Court aforesaid. Witnesses
our hands and seals the 14 day of November A.D. 1831
David Mann (Seal)
J.S. Morrison (Seal)
J. M. Russell (Seal)
Bedford County
At an Orphans Court held at Bedford in and for the said County of Bedford
on the 25th day of August A.D. 1831. Before the Honorable John Dickey and
_________ Esquires Associates Judges of the same Court.
On petition of Samuel Bussard administrator of the goods and chattels of Michael Mower late of Colerain township, Bedford County dec. stating that that the moneys in his hands are inadequate to the discharge of the ourstanding claims against said estate--And praying the Court to appoint suitable persons as auditors to apportion the assets among the Creditors and motion of A. K. [or N.] ung Esq.
The Court appoint David Mann, Joseph S. Morrison and James M. Russell Esquire Auditors for the purpose in the said petition mentioned and set forth who are to make out a report therein and make return thereof to our next Orphans Court to be held at Bedford in and for said County.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of
said Court at Bedford the 25th day of August A.D. 1831.
Job Mann, Clerk
In pursuance of the above appointments [illegible]___________
Auditors attended agreeably to public notice at the house of George Mullin in Bedford Borough on Monday the 24th day of October 1831 and Williams being absent adjourned to meet at the same place on Monday the 14th day of November then meet. And now 14th October 1831 the subscribed Auditors above named having met recording to adjoinment proceeded to examine the vouchers and evidence produced to us and do report as follows to wit:
Bedford County
Personally appeared before the Subscriber Registor for the probate of Wills
and granting Letters of Administration in and for said County David Exline
and John Bussard who being duly sworn according to Law despose and say that
they appraised the goods and chattels of Michael Mower late of Colerain
township dec. at the true value thereof according to the ___ set to each
article in the annexed list, according to the best of their
Judgement--Sworn and Subscribed the 12 September A.D. 1829
John Bussard
David Exline
Job Mann Register
46.24
19.69
65.93
1 Milk crock .?
1 Cow 8.00
1 Sheap .12
1 mare 8.00
1 hiefer 7.00
Shake wood 1.00
98.65 1/2
A list of the appraisement of the goods and chattles of Michael Mowry
deceased, appraised by David Exline and John Bussard.
D. Cts.
1 hole augur 1.00
1 lot of Chisels 1.00
1 lot of Drawing knives 1.00
1 hand ax 1.00
1 foot alls .75
1 lot of augers 1.25
1 froe and rale .37
1 bells and Tug .37
1 lot of iron and bentch .25
1 bedstead .12
2 spinning wheels 1.40
1 Jack reel .24
1 lot of barrels and Junes .12
1 wooden bowel .25
1 lot of crocks .06
2 saddles 2.50
2 bags .12
1 lot onions .37
1 soap trough and soap .37
1 ax one hoe 1.75
1 Churn .50
1 coffe mill .37
1 lot backets and tubs barrel .75
1 lot tin ware and forging ? .75
1 tea Cettle an skelet .50
1 lot of queens ware .50
1 buket on dried Cheries .37
2 Dutch ovens and pot 1.50
49.66
over 49.66
1 Dough trough .18
1 bed and bedsteads 6.00
1 stove 4.40
1 table and chairs bentches .50
1 bed and bedstead 7.00
1 Chist [chest?] .75
Cards and looking glass .25
1 pair shoes and testament 1.75
1 lot beets and cabbage 3.00
1 patch potatoes 3.00
1 hog 3.00
1 lot fellows and plank
1 lot of fellows and wood 5.00
1 grind stone and hangings 2.50
1 Cross Cut Saw .62
1 lot plains .37
1 lot hole bands 1.00
1 sledge .62
1 hole lay .62
1 bridle tung fork gears .56
5 head sheep 5.00
1 broad ax and augur .75
of milk Crocks .37
1 Cow 8.50
1 Bleas .12
1 mare 8.00
1 hiefer 7.00
spoke wood 1.00
98.65
There exists yet another record of Michael Mower made in 1842 by his son, Henry Mower Sr. Recorded on FHL #182378: Pre-Nauvoo Baptisms for the Dead 11 Sep 1842- 12 Aug 1843: Henry MOWER, was baptized on 22 Sep 1842 in the Mississippi River for and in behalf of: Andrew MOWER, his grandfather; Michael MOWER, his father; Jacob MOWER, his uncle; Andrew MOWER, his uncle; Charles GUYSINGER, his grandfather, Catherine GUYSINGER, his grandmother; Charles GUYSINGER, his uncle.
The last record we have of Michael made in 1897 is in the Salt Lake Temple Records no. 10345 book F, page 287. Henry Mower Jr., grandson of Michael Mower attended the Salt Lake Temple as served as proxy for temple work done for his grandfather.