Gustavus Bower

Gustavus Bower

Gustavus Miller Bower, Missouri Congressman 1843-45 

Dr. Gustavus Miller Bower was born near Culpeper, Culpeper County, Virginia on December 21, 1790.  He attended public schools and studied medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  

He moved to and resided near Nicholasville, Jessamine County, Kentucky prior to 1812.  He enlisted during the War of 1812 as a surgeon-dresser and was one of the few survivors of the massacre at Frenchtown, near Detroit, on January 23, 1813. 

He was married on January 26, 1815 to Miss Martha (Patsy) Crockett, daughter of Colonel Joseph and Elizabeth M. Crockett.  His wife Martha died on April 14, 1830, probably in Scott County, Kentucky.  

In 1833, he and his family moved near Paris, Monroe County, Missouri, where he engaged in the practice of medicine and also in agricultural pursuits. 

He was elected as a Democrat to represent the third District of Missouri to the Twenty-eighth Congress (March 4, 1843-March 3, 1845).

After serving his congressional term, he resumed the practice of medicine in Monroe County.  He is found listed as a physician in the 1850 Census; also listed is his wife, Catherine, and several children: Susan, Bell, Andrew J, James, Gustavus, Laura, (Martha) L, (Rourio) and infant Emma Hollingsworth.

He died on Nov 17, 1864 and was interred in the family burying ground north of Paris.   His wife, Catherine A, is listed as a 1812 widow pensioner in Monroe County in 1883.  Catherine died on Sep 28, 1886 and is also buried in the Bower Family Cemetery.

Biography created by Lisa Perry.  Sources: Biographical Directory of the US Congress, 1850 US Census, Bower Family Cemetery listing and 1883 Pensioner List.