Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BOWERS, Otis
BOWERS, Otis. (Unknown--Davenport, IA, Jan. 1908). In 1882 Otis Bowers and Bobby BEACH in the company of BEACH AND BOWERS assembled one of the most popular minstrel troupes in the United States at the end of the nineteenth century. Performing in black face, the two men were accompanied on the road with a band, drum corps, buglers together with acrobats and trained dogs.
At the peak of his career, Bowers wore diamonds and owned race horses among them being “Lady Nell” and “Bobby Beech,” the latter named after his famous partner. (1) Together with his partner, he spent lavish amounts of money on dancers, singers and entertainers for their show.
The controversial nature of the content in minstrel shows made them less popular as the twentieth century began. Bowers health failed, and he died a pauper. He was about to be buried in potter's field in Davenport, when F. C. Gregory, a fellow member of the Elks, heard of Bowers death and had the body brought to Maquoketa. Bowers was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery.
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Source:
1. Circus History Society. Online: http://www.circushistory.org/index.htm
Enderlin, Donald. Unpublished research notes. Vertical files, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Mar. 14, 2014
Rice, Edward LeRoy. Monarchs of Minstrelsy, from "Daddy" Rice to Date. Kenny Publishing Company, 1911, p. 267
