From THE REPUBLICAN; August 15, 1907

Jacob Henry Gower was well known to the people of and near Oakland, being born and raised near here, and having at one time conducted a mercantile business in the town...little over 37 years of age...father of 5 children having been married to Julia Ann Etta Lower whom he leaves a widow. Mr. Gower was working in a coal mine in Century WV on Friday morning when he was covered by a slip of coal. He died next day being brought to Oakland Sunday...buried from the home of his brother Truman Gower, Oakland...laid to rest in Wonderly Cem, Loch Lynn.