Notes:
Data source is Ellen Copper, 1841 Walnut Grove Drive, State College, PA 16801-8441, e-mail fec33@comcast.net
C. Homer Bowers (he never used his first name of Charles) received his teaching certificate after a 2 year course of study at Millersville Normal School; his BS in Education degree at Franklin & Marshall College, completing his degree in 2 years and graduating first in his class. While a student at F & M, he worked full time nights at the watch factory in Lancaster, slept 3 hours, then went to class. He received his masters degree in education from Cornell University. After his education was completed, the family lived in Gap, PA, Camp Hill, PA, Portage, PA, and finally Nanty-Glo, PA. They had a hunting camp on state land near Renovo, PA. Both of his children graduated from Portage High School and went on to college. Homer and Beulah never owned a home, they always rented.
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Obituary source unknown:
School Head In Nanty Glo Is Dead at 57
Charles H. Bowers One of Cambria's Leading Educators
Charles Homer Bowers, 57, superintendent of Nanty Glo schools and one of Cambria Co's best-known educators, took his own life yesterday morning by firing a high-powered rifle bullet through his head.
Coroner Patrick McDermott said he died instantly. Relatives informed the coroner that Mr. Bowers had been extremely nervous for the last few weeks and apparently was despondent over the death of his wife more than two years ago.
Body of the well-known schoolman was found in the bedroom of his home at 10 a.m. yesterday by his brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Gates. The man had dressed in preparation to attend Easter Sunday morning church services.
Schools Remain Closed
Mr. Bowers had served as superintendent of Nanty Glo schools since Dec., 1932. The schools will not reopen tomorrow and will remain closed until after the funeral of the educator.
Relatives said that Mr. Bowers returned home Saturday night after spending several days visiting with his son, Quentin, in Baltimore, Md.
Born in Saxton, Bedford Co., Oct. 17, 1886, Mr. Bowers was a son of the late George L. and Ellen (Smeltzer) Bowers. He attended Bedford Co. schools and received his bachelor of education degree from Franklin & Marshall College. He later received his master of education degree at Cornell University.
Served in Portage Twp.
Mr. Bowers served as supervising principal of Portage Twp. schools for a number of years before locating in Nanty Glo.
The educator's wife, Mrs. Beulah Bowers, died in Oct. 1941.
Active in affairs of the Nanty Glo Methodist Church, Mr. Bowers served for a number of years as teacher of the Women's Bible Class. He was a member of Ebensburg Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons, Williamsport Consistory and of the Nanty Glo Lions Club.
Surviving in addition to his son is a daughter, Mrs. Lloyd Evans, Nanty Glo, and two grandchildren. He was a brother of Mrs. Howard Gates, Nanty Clo, and William Bowers, Jeanette.
Funeral arrangements, in charge of George Ondriezek, Nanty Glo, are incomplete, but burial will be in Yellow Creek Cemetery, Bedford Co.