George Vowles was born at Westbury, Somersetshire, England, November 10, 1818. His parents, Henry and Honora Vowles, left England for America in June, 1829, landing in New York in August of the same year. From that city they proceeded to Onondaga county, where they continued their residence until 1835. In that year Mr. Vowles moved west, and came by team through the Canadas, arriving at Detroit September 15, 1835. He pursued his journey, via Pontiac to Independence, Oakland County, this State, where he remained until 1840. He settled in Lyon township in June of that year, where he has since resided.

On the 17th of December, 1840, he married Sarah, daughter of Jonas Bowers, Esq., one of the pioneers of Lyon township, by whom he had three children, namely: Henry C, born December 1, 1841. Mary A., born February 27, 1844. James, born July, 1847. Sarah (Bowers) Vowles was born in Seneca, Ontario county. New York, April 7, 1823 ; died in Lyon township, August 4, 1847. Mr. Vowles married a second time, to Julia A. Bowers, a sister of his first wife, November 21, 1847. She was born in Seneca, Ontario county, New York, November 22, 1830. This union has been blessed with five children, as follows : William C, born May 22, 1849. Frank J., born July 9, 1853. Emma, born September 1, 1857. Julia, born June 3, 1860. Jennie M., born June 10, 1870.

Mr. Vowles is a Republican in politics,and has frequently been chosen by his party to represent it in various offices. He was elected supervisor of his township three terms, and justice of the peace one term. In 1868 he, was a member of the State legislature, and was re-elected for the term of 1869. As such he was a faithful representative of the people, giving general satisfaction to every one regardless of political preferences, and always endeavored to promote the best interests of his constituents by a sensible and honest use of his vote and influence. In religion he is a member of the Universalist church of Lyon, at New Hudson, being one of the originators of that body.

On the 4th of April, 1850, he left New Hudson for California, in company with his brother Levi, Walter Bowers, his brother-in-law, and Lewis Clark. They arrived at Placerville on the 4th of August, four months after starting. They worked in the mines at that place, at Bidwell's bar, and other localities, remaining in the State until the 12th of August, 1852. While there his brother was killed by a stab from a desperado, surviving only twelve hours after the assault. His murderer was hung the next day, having been tried by a jury of twelve men, who brought him in guilty, and his honor Judge Lynch passed the deathsentence.

On his way home, Mr. Vowles was taken with the cholera, on board the boat, between New York and Philadelphia, and his life was saved through the careful nursing and close attention of a colored girl, who administered the proper remedies, and, at the peril of her own life, brought him through safely. During his trip he accumulated about four thousand dollars, which was on the whole the hardest earned money he ever received.

Mr. Vowles is now quite well-to-do, having a fine farm, and good, comfortable buildings.