Lawrence Lowe, a farmer, was born December 1, 1823, and is a son of Elijah and Kate (Voris) Lowe. The father was born about 1798, and died about 1828. The mother was about the same age of the father. Our subject came to this state with his parents, from Kentucky, at the age of five years, and settled on Young’s Creek, Pleasant Township, Johnson County, where they remained about thirteen years, going thence to Kentucky, where they resided about four months, thence to Ohio, remaining there about six months, and returned to Johnson County, and settled in Franklin Township, remained about three years, thence to Clark Township, and settled on the farm on which he now lives. He received a very limited education, but through the advantage of home reading, has become acquainted with subjects of general interest. He served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith’s trade, at which he continued to work until his failing eyesight compelled him to abandon his trade. He began life for himself at the age of eighteen years, as a farmer, which he has followed through life. He was a soldier in the Mexican War, and enlisted in Company C, Third Regiment, under Capt. David Allen, and on the 15th day of June, 1846, his company was taken to New Albany by railroad, went into camp, remained three weeks, thence to New Orleans, remained a short time, thence to Brazes Island, remained in camp several weeks, thence to Rhinoso for a short time, thence to Buena Vista, where he engaged in active service. He was in the battle of Buena Vista and several smaller battles. He remained in this war one year, and returned home. In 1859, he went as a teamster with a government train to Utah, after which he went on a prospecting tour through several states and territories, traveling about eight months. In 1861, he entered the service of the Union Army, in Company F, Seventh Indiana Regiment, under Capt. Samuel Lambert, and served nine months, and discharged his duties in a manner becoming a loyal soldier, when he was discharged for disabilities. In 1862 re-enlisted, and remained in active service for about two years, when he was sent to the hospital at Indianapolis. He was a member of the invalid corps, and afterward was nurse in the hospital at Indianapolis about six months. He then returned to the invalid corps, Company F, under Capt. Craig. He was discharged at Indianapolis, in 1864. August 19, 1847, he was united in marriage with Lavina Townsan, daughter of Major and Phebe (Biggs) Townsan, the former born in 1796, the latter in 1805. This union was blessed with the following children: James H., born May 27, 1848; Phebe J., born January 19, 1850; Lloyd, deceased, September 18, 1852; Mary A., born March 18, 1855; Martha H., born September 2, 1857; Eliot P., born October 15, 1859. The mother of these children was born April 26, 1829, and died April 19, 1865. In 1865, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah McIntire, a daughter of John Kerlin. To this union the following children were born: Corrinda, deceased, December 13, 1866, Edward and Elmore, twins, born March 31, 1868; David A., deceased, March 30, 1870. The mother of these children departed this life June 15, 1870. In 1871, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Sarah Towson. To this union one child was born, Norah O. Since 1885 they have lived apart. In 1885, he was united in marriage with Elvira Smith, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Heck) Smith, the former of English descent, and was born in 1797. The latter was of German descent, and was born in 1800. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Presbyterian. In politics, he is a republican. He now owns 200 acres of fine farming land.

Transcribed by Cheryl Zufall Parker

Banta, D. D. History of Johnson County, Indiana. Chicago, IL: Brant & Fuller, 1888, page 489.