George H. Rowland
George H. Rowland, Superintendent of construction of the Ohio Penitentiary, residence Columbus was born in Chester County, Penn., July 8, 1836. He is a son of Charles Rowland, also a native of the same place and whose ancestors came to America with William Penn. Charles Rowland was a stone mason by trade, and a farmer by occupation. He resided in Chester County, Penn., till his death, February 19, 1857. He married Margaret Shriver, born in the same county. They were the parents of seven children, our subject the only one in Ohio. Mrs. Rowland departed this life January 22, 1858. George H. resided in his native place till seventeen years of age. He then went to Philadelphia and was employed as a shipping clerk in the B. & O. R. R. offices, for a period of three years. He then went to East Tennessee, and was engaged in lead mining until the commencement of the war. In August, 1861, he started for Pennsylvania, and at London, Ohio, stopped off on account of sickness. Upon recovery from his illness, he went to work, and remained there one year. After a short time spent at home, he returned to London, and there remained till 1873. He was an architect and builder, and erected many of the business blocks and residences of London. He removed to Columbus, March 1, 1877, and worked at his trade till September,1878, when he was appointed to his present position by Warden McWhorten. He was subsequently re-appointed by Warden Dyer, and twice by the present Warden, Noah Thomas, also a former resident of Madison County. Mr. Rowland has had good success in his present position, and likes its duties very much. He is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 138 (Masonic), of London and Masonic Council and Mount Vernon Commandery, No. 1, Knights Templar, of Columbus; also McCoy Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of the latter city. Mr. Rowland is an Independent Democrat, and while a resident of London, was a member of the Village Council two terms. He was married, November 26, 1866, to Almira Betts, a native of London, and daughter of John Betts. They have one son -- Neal C. Mr. Rowland and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church of London.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]