189Elias Lowther (the fifth and youngest son of Col. William) came upon the stage during the din of the American Revolution. He was born in the old cabin, shown in the picture, on September 16, 1776, and married Miss Rebecca Coburn, sister of his brother Thomas' wife, and remained in his native county until 1820, when he came to this county and erected the first cabin of the Zimri Flannagan farm, above Berea. He was at one time a member of the Richmond Legislature from Harrison county, and was major in the militia. During the latter part of his life he lost his mind, and his last years were spent in the insane hospital at Staunton, Virginia, where he was laid to rest near the year 1845.

His wife, who was born in Harrison county, on December 11, 1779, died a few years later at the home of her son, J.C. Lowther, at the mouth of Otterslide, and on the Flannagan homestead she lies in her last sleep.

Their children were as follows:

Peggy died in youth; Decatur was drowned in the millpond at Berea.

Jesse M. married Miss Lucinda Hall, daughter of William Hall, and spent his last hours near Berea.
(See Hall family)

William went to Ohio. Sarah was Mrs. George Starkey, of Harrison county. Elizabeth married Robert Hammond and went to Ohio. Mary was the wife of Thomas Pritchard, of Slap creek. (See later chapter). Dorinda was Mrs. Zibba Davis of Otterslide; and Jonathan C. Lowther of Berea, the only survivor of the family is the youngest son.

He is now (1910) ninety-one years of age,and is active as a boy, being able to jump up and crack his heels together. He enjoys the distinction of being the only surviving grandson of Col. Lowther. (See Otterslide for his family.)