BOWERS, Henry Thomas

Henry Thomas Bowers was born in Prestbury, Cheshire about 1825. The 1851 census shows him living at the New School House in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire. He was aged 26 years and employed as a National School Master. His children Henry T. Bowers, Frances E. Bowers and Jane Bowers are also shown.

The 1861 census shows him living at 68 Southgate Street, Gloucester, he was then aged 36 years and engaged as an artist and photographer. His wife Frances who was born in Campdon, Gloucestershire was then aged 42 years, also shown were their children:
Henry T. Bowers aged 14 born Stonehouse, Gloucestershire (following father's business)
Frances Bowers aged 13 born Stonehouse, Gloucestershire (scholar)
Jane Bowers aged 11 born Stonehouse, Gloucestershire (scholar)
Elizabeth Bowers aged 7 born Stonehouse, Gloucestershire (scholar)
Louisa M. Bowers aged 5 born Stonehouse, Gloucestershire (scholar)
Clara L. Bowers aged 3 born Gloucester

Monument to Bishop Hooper. - We have received from Mr. H. T. Bowers a very fine photograph of a monument which has just been erected at Gloucester, by public subscription, to Bishop Hooper, the Protestant martyr. It is a noble structure, placed in the churchyard of St. Mary de Load, an ancient and curious church built partly upon the foundation of the first Christian church which was built of stone in this country. The photography is very perfect indeed.- The Photographic News Vol. VII. No 257, 7 August 1863 page 384.



At the Annual Licensing meeting held on 4 May 1869, Henry Thomas Bowers was granted a liquor license for the Wharf Hotel in Ferry Road.
The Star 4 May 1869, page 3

In July 1869 H. T. Bowers was elected to the committee of the Licenced Victuallers' Association.
The Star 2 July 1869, page 2

In 1871 he made an application for a Country Hotel License for a hotel situated at Yorktown on Bealey Road about six miles from Courtenay. - The Star, issue 865, 7 March 1871, Page 3.
By December 1871, Bowers was bankrupt. - The Star, issue 1185, 5 December 1871, Page 3.
The renewal of his license at Yorktown was refused in May 1872 as there was no water on the premises, there was no suitable accommodation for horses and that the applicant had been "drinking hard" - The Star, issue 1311, 8 May 1872, Page 2.

Civil Cases. — Bowers v. Morgan, claim £1 4s 3d. This was a claim for some photographic views of defendant's house, which defendant refused to receive as they were not in accordance with his instructions. The Bench after hearing the evidence, gave judgment for plaintiff, £1 2s, and 10s costs. — Star , Issue 1657, 18 June 1873, Page 3

A Memento of the Opening of the Railway.— A very good photograph of the portion of East street, Ashburton, showing the triumphal arch erected in honour of the opening of the railway from Christchurch to Dunedin, and the visit of the Governor to Ashburton, has been taken by Mr H. J. Bowers (sic), a local artist. The size is eight inches by ten, and the picture is a very creditable specimen of the art. - The Star, Issue 3260, 18 September 1878, Page 2


The 1881-82 Christchurch South electoral roll shows Henry Thomas Bowers, photographer at Tuam Street East.

Star , Issue 5016, 23 July 1884, Page 2

His wife Frances Bowers died 20 July 1884 aged 67 years. He was described on the burial records as a photographer residing in Tuam Street.
Christchurch Library - church record transcripts

He died in New Plymouth at the house of his son-in-law, William Henry Pascoe on 17 November 1902.


Star, 20 May 1868, Page 1