Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Oakland County, Michigan - 1891

Bowers, Henry J.

On section 34, Troy Township, is a milling plant owned and operated by the gentleman above named. When he bought the property, in 1865, it was known as the Blair Mill and the machinery was that adapted for sawing lumber. He carried on work of that kind and also added the fittings by which he could make flour and grind feed. The mill is now run by steam and has complete sets of first-class machinery, well adapted for the several purposes mentioned. Mr. Bowers has forty acres of land around the mill, upon which he makes his home, and eleven acres in Birmingham and forty in Manistee. It is evident that his labors in life have been successful, though he began his career at the early age of ten years and worked on a farm for his board and clothes. Mr. Bowers was born in Germany August 25, 1838. his parents being Jonathan and Catherine (Rottgang) Bowers. His father died in the Fatherland in 1842, leaving a wife and two children, a son and daughter. The widow came across the Atlantic and to this State, where she died in 1847. The son began his education in the land of his birth, but left that country during his early boyhood and so completed his studies in Michigan. When his mother died he was thrown upon the world and he found it hard to make his way until he was a man. The first money he earned was $3 per month by working in a nursery. When fifteen years old he went on the lake and for about twelve years was a sailor. He then worked for the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railroad Company two years, and in 1859 was employed by the Michigan Southern Railroad six months. For some time prior to his purchase of the mill he worked in it by the day or month, and when he assumed control he was thoroughly conversant with sawmilling. In 1866 Mr. Bowers was married to Miss Frances J. Burnett, who was born in Troy Township in 1847, and is the youngest of three sisters. The union has been blest by the birth of two children — Myrtle and Jessie J. — the former of whom died when but three weeks old. Jessie is a bright and active lassie, now eight years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Bowers have an adopted daughter whom they call Myrtle E., who is now sixteen years old and attending school in Birmingham. Mr. Bowers is a Royal Arch Mason belonging to Birmingham Lodge No. 44. He votes the Democratic ticket. He and his estimable wife are regarded with respect by their acquaintances and have many warm friends.