From: Evans, Nelson W, and Emmons B. Stivers. A History of Adams County, Ohio: From Its Earliest Settlement to
the Present Time, Including Character Sketches of the Prominent Persons Identified with the First Century of
the Country's Growth. West Union, O: E B. Stivers, 1900.
W. H. R. Rowley
of Blue Creek, better known as "Buck" Rowley, the "Bard of Blue Creek Valley," is a native Buckeye, having
been born at Syracuse, Meigs County, Ohio, May 1, 1858. He spent his boyhood days in Middleport, and
when in his teens removed to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he took up the occupation of steamboatman on the
Ohio, and later made round trips from Pittsburg to New Orleans. Here he developed that free and easy manner
so characteristic of "Buck" Rowley. Here he learned to take care of himself when men became turbulent,
and here he learned to love nature, and to appreciate her grandeur, when all was silent, save the plashing of
the wheels, as the boat cut the surface of the mighty Father of Waters. In December, 1877, he came to the
beautiful Blue Creek Valley in Adams County to visit a brother residing there, and he was so impressed with
the region that he determined to make it his future home. A year later he married Miss O'Ella Waters, who
shared his joys and sorrows till her decease in March, 1899. She bore him four children, two boys and two
girls.
While not learned in books, nor skilled in art, the stronger natural ability of "Buck" Rowley asserts itself in
many ways. He has accumulated a competence, is a power in local politics, and has earned some prominence
in a literary way..
He is recognized in the volume titled "National Poets of America," by giving space to some of his compositions,
and terming him in a biographical sketch, "The Soldier Poet."