Stephen Oscar Bumgarner

The Bard of Pike County, Ohio Stephen Oscar Bumgarner

Stephen Oscar Bumgarner (1865-1953) longed to be a philosopher, but circumstances of economics and education forced him into the back-breaking life of a farmer; he toiled in all weather behind a plow and horse. Poetry allowed his mind to soar which prevented bitterness of spirit. His humor is evident throughout. These writings reveal his deeply held Christian beliefs, the politics and events of his time, and his love of country, Pike County, family and friends. Mr. Bumgarner labored as a farmer until his health broke, then as insurance agent and elected Justice of the Peace in Waverly, Ohio. The editor is wife of one of the poet's great-grandsons.