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HENRY H. BOWERS, a leading citizen of Butler Township, is regarded as one of the most intelligent and enterprising farmers of Branch County. He is a native of Michigan, born in Salem Township, Washtenaw County, Oct. 25, 1837. His parents were among the early pioneers of Southern Michigan. His father, Henry Bowers, was born in New York City, and was a descendant of an old English family. He belonged to the New York Militia when he was a young man, and his son Henry has in his possession a desk and manual of arms which he used at general training. He married Miss Jane Vangiesen, who came of an old Dutch family that settled in New York State in early Colonial times, and her paternal grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier. Mr. and Mrs. Bowers settled in Genesee County, N.Y., where he was engaged as a carpenter for several years. In 1832 they removed with their family to Michigan. This was in territorial days, and the southern part of this great commonwealth was then mostly covered with the dense growth of the primeval forests, and with wild prairies and swamps, and few and far between were the settlements of small towns. They located first in Wayne County, where he bought a large tract of 240 acres of land, and made his home until his death, in April, 1878, at the age of eighty years and six months. The mother of our subject died in March, 1886, aged eighty-six years. These venerable people were held in the highest honor and esteem by those about them, to whom they had endeared themselves by innumerable acts of neighborly kindness, and the help that they had so willingly extended to those in need or trouble. They were the parents of six children, four of whom are now living; their names are as follows: Elizabeth M., Charles E., Susan C., John S., Henry H. and Viola A.

Our subject grew up on his father's farm, and began to work and attend school at an early age. The educational facilities of his native town were very good, and as he was ambitious to gain a sound education, he aviled himself of all the opportunities to attend school that fell his way. When he was twenty-one years of age, in 1858, he came to Butler Township, and after staying here six months, he returned to the old homestead in Washtenaw County, to assist his father in the management of the extensive farming interests, remaining with him for twelve years. In 1870 Mr. Bowers again came to Branch County, and on the 15th of May was united in marriage with Miss Orissa Rosecrantz (for her parental history see sketch of Richard Rosecrantz). She presides over their happy home with the grace, true hospitality and culture of the perfect lady, and renders it very attractive to many outside of the home circle. Two pretty and intelligent children complete the household, Rena and Viola, both of whom are at home, the former attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Bowers are the owners of 120 acres of land, and he has erected a commodious house and is building a large barn, 110x30, for cattle and sheep, and has built a fine horse barn, corn house and tool house, and has made other good improvements. His farm is well kept and shows the constant care of theo owner. Mr. Bowers has been very successful in his agricultural ventures, and is now in good circumstances and can enjoy life and its pleasures. He is in every respect a manly, whole-souled, free-hearted man, and is universally esteemed. He is a thoroughly good citizen, and takes an earnest interest in promoting the welfare of Butler Township, and has done good service as School Director and Highway Commissioner. In politics he has always stood with the Republican party, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln when he was first elected to the Presidency.