Russell V. Bowers papers

Russell Vernon Bowers was born 20 April, 1915 in Canton, Georgia. His father, a railroad worker, was transferred between several towns in Virginia during Bowers' early years. He received his BS from Lynchburg College in 1937 and a MS in biochemistry from the Medical College of Virginia in 1939. He then became a research assistant at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Virginia in 1940.

During World War II, Bowers was commissioned a Captain and served in the Army at the Edgewood Arsenal, now part of the Aberdeen Proving Grounds. This Arsenal specialized in chemical warfare. After the war, Bowers returned to the Medical College of Virginia, earning his MD in 1950. He settled in the Mechanicsville area where he served as a general practice doctor for over 37 years.

Bowers had the honor of being given a unique medical artifact. While visiting his son in England, Bowers was introduced to Dr. N.G. Heatley, a leader in the development of penicillin. Bowers was given one of the original penicillin culture vessels "as a gesture of scientific friendship." This vessel is now in the Smithsonian Institution.

Bowers had a love for history, especially concerning the Civil War and Medicine. He wrote several articles including histories on Sir William Osler, William Halsted, and the development of penicillin. Bowers was also active in the community and in politics. He served as a delegate to the 1960 Democratic National Convention and was a member of the Electoral College in 1964. Bowers was also instrumental in creating a student loan fund for Hanover County students who attend Virginia Commonwealth University.

Bowers died 06 Oct, 1990 at age 75. He is buried in Richmond, Virginia.