Eli Jowers article. Unknown Origin 

Eli Jowers, charter member, 1865, born Jan.  18, 1835, son of William P. Jowers and Isabel Martin Jowers. He came from Virginia when quite a young, man.  He began working in Berrien County where he met Mary Barrentine who became his wife. They settled at Big Wheel, which at that time was called Jowers, named after him. He was a large land owner, was engaged in farming and sheep raising, as did most farmers at that time. He floated timber down to Darien on rafts and did most of their shopping there.

Mrs. Eli Jowers gave her wedding dress for one lot of land.  She also gave land for the first New Hope church which was built of logs, located not far from Pleasant Jowers' home.

Children born to Eli Jowers were: John, Elder Estelee, Martha Alice, Marietta, Marcellous, Roella, Algerine, Rachel, Alafare. and Sylvania Jowers who married Joseph Parker Dec. 20, 1893, joined New Hope Church at the age of 18.  She is 72, still living, having been a member of New Hope 54 years.

There are many grand and great grandchildren of this pioneer family carrying on the work at New Hope today. 

Carl's notes:  Article undated and place of origin unknown.  Probably written for New Hope Baptist Church around 1948 as Sylvania would have been 72 in 1948. 

Many inaccuracies such as

1) children’s names misspelled

2) birthplace listed as Virginia not South Carolina

3) mother’s maiden name is Blume not Martin