Silas Nowlin

    Silas Nowlin, farmer, Miller Township, is another of the venerable pioneers of Dearborn County. He was born in Garnett County, Kentucky in 1809. His parents were Zachariah and Mary E. (Pride) Nowlin, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively, and came over into this locality in 1818. His father died in 1824; his mother in 1847. Our subject grew from boyhood to manhood in this county. He worked by the month, and at flat-boating for some years, and in this way made his start in the business world. In 1835, he was able to purchase 140 aces, and in the following year bought eighty acres more, and thus by industry and shrewd business management he continued to add to his possessions, till he owned bout 800 acres in this county, besides a considerable tract in Illinois. He continued his river traffic for several years after purchasing his first land, making his last stop in 1849. Since that time  he has devoted his time and attention exclusively to farming and stock raising.

    Mr. Nowlin was married in June, 1835, to Eleanor C. Blasdel, born in Dearborn County, a daughter of Jonathan Blasdel, one of  Dearborn's earliest settlers. Seven children were born to them, four of whom are now living: Nancy E., Mary E., Elijah B. and Jonathan B. The mother of this group passed away in July, 1846, and in September, 1849, Mr. Nowlin was married to his present wife, whose maiden name was Martha J. Hargitt, a daughter of Thomas Hargitt, one of the early settlers of this county, and now one of the oldest men within its limits. Seven children are living as a result of  this marriage: Emma, Jeremiah T., Charles W., Silas W., Anna J., Everett and Robert S.

    Mr. Nowlin has labored long and hard to build up his property interests and provide for his latter days, but his too generous nature has been imposed upon much to his disadvantage, losing him a large portion of his former possessions. However, he is still in control of a good farm, and it is hoped , may yet be able to retain a comfortable allowance for his declining years.

Source: History of Dearborn and Ohio Counties, Indiana by F.E. Weakley & Co., 1885.