Part of the American History & Genealogy Project

Elizabeth Crocker Bowers 1830 ~ 1895

Elizabeth Crocker Bowers

Mrs. Bowers, whose maiden name was Crocker, was born in Stamford, Connecticut, March 12, 1830. She was the daughter of William A. Crocker an eminent Episcopal clergyman who died when Mrs. Bowers was six years of age.

Her first appearance took place at the Park Theatre in July, 1846 as Amanthis, and while playing this engagement she married David P. Bowers. March 4, 1847. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Bowers went to Baltimore, where they remained for nearly four years. March 11, 1847, Mrs. Bowers appeared in Philadelphia as Donna Victoria in "A Bold Stroke for a Husband," at the Walnut Street Theatre. In 1848 she made her first appearance as Pauline in "The Lady of Lyons," in the Arch Street Theatre, remaining here for many years, a great popular favorite.

In 1857 her husband died. Mrs. Bowers retired from the stage for some time but appeared again in Philadelphia, December 19, 1857, at the old Walnut Street Theatre. March 4, 1859, she leased the Academy of Music, in Philadelphia, and played a short season. Soon after this she married Dr. Brown, of Baltimore, who died in 1867. Mrs. Bowers made her debut in England, September, 1861, as Julia in "The Hunchback," in Sadler's Wells Theatre, and made a wonderful impression. She soon succeeded Mrs. Charles Young at the Lyceum and was pronounced a decided acquisition to the London stage. She returned to this country August 17, 1863, and played at the Winter Garden, New York

Women of America

Source: The Part Taken by Women in American History, By Mrs. John A. Logan, Published by The Perry-Nalle Publishing Company, Wilmington, Delaware, 1912.