Mary Elizabeth Pannebaker Swails Bowersox

People have supposed that Mary was married to James Dobbs, Sr. In records she has indicated that she was married once upon her marriage to William Sylvester Swails. It seems to have been important to her to name her son after his father. Rumors have been heard regarding this but until and if we can find the person who knows about it we will remain silent.

William Sylvester and Mary were married on 6 April 1893. You can view their marriage license by clicking here: marriage license

William Sylvester and Mary had three children

Carrie Ruth born 21, March 1895 Reeds Gap, Juniata
  County, Pa. Died 7, August 1979, interred Montoursville
  Cemetery, Montoursville, Lycoming County, Pa.
Charles (Lloyd) born 2, March 1897 Perry County, Pa. Died
  11, November 1963, Loganton Clinton County, Pa.
Edna I., born 1900-1901 died 1983 interred Montoursville
  Cemetery Montoursville, Lycoming County, Pa.

In 1900, Mary Elizabeth and her three young children are living in Madison, Perry County, Pa. She is listed as widowed but we know now that her husband was still living.

In 1910 Mary is living in Turbett, Juniata Pa. with all four of her children. Mary's oldest son James had previously lived with her parents in Spruce hill.

In 1920 Mary is listed as Mary E. Bowersox living with Conrad Bowersox, her now married daughter Edna and Edna's son Jay L. Snook. She is also caring for her son Lloyd's child James (Victor Swails). Lloyd is overseas in the army and Victor's mother Ruth Margaret Confer has died in child-birth.

We do not know whether Mary knew that her first husband William, who had deserted her, was alive. I cannot find a marriage record for Conrad and Mary. It was most likely a common law marriage.