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Roger L. Bowers has a vast knowledge of his family’s history, especially that of Leonard Bowers, his third great-grandfather. Bowers and his late wife, Marie Claire (Boucher) Bowers, began researching the family roots of Leonard Bowers in the 1970s. Since Claire’s death in 2016, Roger said he had a renewed drive and energy to finish the research, which he has published in a 500-plus page book. The book can be purchased at the Gift Shop at Sycamore Shoals State Park as well as online at Amazon.com and Kindle Books.

Bowers said his research of Leonard Bowers began with his family’s encouragement to write down some of his stories and memories of family. “Family history and genealogy research were always a large part of my life,” he shared. His research became the foundation of his writings about the Bowers ancestors, retelling his years growing up, his 54 years of marriage and raising seven children, his retirement years, and the passing of his wife, Claire. He has since remarried his current companion, AJ.

Bowers began his research and writings with his third great-grandfather, Leonard Bowers, who was born in 1860 and who fought for three years in the Revolutionary War. He migrated in 1782 to the Watauga Settlement, now Carter County. In 1785 he married Rebecca Nave, a daughter of his friend and neighbor, Teter Nave. His family consisted of six boys and six girls.

Leonard Bowers was a preacher, served as a local commissioner, served on juries in the courts, and managed a large farm in the Siam Community. 

Many Carter County residents are descended from this founding family.

Roger Bowers, too, has a rich legacy, having served in the U.S. Army. He grew up in the Blue Springs Community, which he still calls home. “There are a lot of Bowers in Carter County and most can trace their lineage to Leonard Bowers,” Roger said.

He claims to be a “full-blooded Bowers” since his parents were second cousins and were both Bowers. “This made my line extremely interesting, but also very complicated,” Roger wrote. Also, his genealogy  contains several Leonards, John Leonards, Teters, and John Leonard Teters, but I’ve tried to make it clear for those who read the book,” he explained.

The book includes births, deaths, marriages, wills, court records, etc. Roger has also included stories about his ancestors’ lives, photos found, their travels and their involvement in wars, as well as copies of numerous newspaper articles of interest collected through the years.

Bowers noted he has written throughout his whole life, beginning at an early age writing short stories and poetry, which he has continued writing on into adulthood in his personal writings but also during his entire career. He has self-published three volumes of poetry and has written and directed three one-act comedy plays, performing in them as well, during his retirement years.

In addition to his seven children, Roger has 21 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Roger’s book documents more than 200 years of Bowers family history in Carter County, and is documented in detail, beginning with John Leonard Bowers.

The book is rich in Bowers family history and would make a great addition to any family’s library.