Bowers, C. O.

BOWERS, PAINTER, WILCOX

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 11/30/2012 at 08:17:05

Well known among the younger business men of Malcom is C. O. Bowers, cashier of the Malcom Savings Bank, with which institution he has been identified for almost two decades. He was born in Delaware county, Indiana, December 28, 1872, a son of Shem and Ruth Jane (Painter) Bowers. The parents, who were natives of Rockingham county, Virginia, were married in Indiana, and there the mother passed away when the subject of this review was about six years of age. Later the father was again married and, in 1883, came with his family to Iowa, locating on a farm six and a half miles northwest of Brooklyn. He devoted his entire active life to farming and was connected with agricultural pursuits until 1892, when he removed to Brooklyn and there lived retired until his death in March, 1893, when he was sixty-two years and seven months old. By his first marriage there were ten children, eight of whom yet survive, our subject being next to the youngest in order of birth.
C. O. Bowers, was eleven years of age when he came with his father to Poweshiek county, and his education, which had been begun in his native state, continued in the country schools here. Later he received the benefit of a commercial course at the Iowa Business College of Des Moines, and on the 2d of January, 1893, accepted a position as a bookkeeper in the private bank of Johnson, Dorrance & Leonard. He was thus engaged until August 7, 1905, when the bank was reorganized under the name of the Malcom Savings Bank, at which time he became cashier of the institution. His connection with the business extends over a period of eighteen years, his long association therewith being proof of his ability and integrity. He is popular alike with the patrons and officers of the bank, for he is prompt, accurate and faithful in the discharge of his duties, while at the same time he treats all patrons with a thoughtfulness and kindly consideration that not only wins their good will for himself, but reflects credit upon the institution. Aside from his connection with financial circles he is interested in Dakota and Canada lands, in which he has invested rather extensively.
On the 14th of June, 1899, Mr. Bowers was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Wilcox, who was born in Malcom on the 27th of July, 1876, a daughter of Dr. V. S. Wilcox, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Unto this union have been four children: Donovan Hamilton, Vinton Shem, Reberta Painter and Wilbur Oscar.
Mr. Bowers holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He gives his political support to the republican party and, although the has never sought nor desired public office for himself he has even been a public-spirited citizen, advocating every measure which has for its object the development and general welfare of the community in which he resides. Fortunate in possessing ability and character that inspired confidence, the simple weight of his character and ability has brought him into a position of trust and responsibility, and he ranks high among the well known and valued young citizens of Malcom.

History of Poweshiek County Iowa
- A Record of Settlement, Organizations, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II
written by Prof. L. F. Parker.
Published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., in 1911
Pages 67-68