Free Settler or Felon
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207593
Surname: Bowker
First Name: Dr. Charles Stanser
Ship: -
Date: 22 March 1912
Place: Dungog
Source: Dungog Chronicle
Details: Dungog s ex-Mayor, who vacated office at the beginning of this month, is Dr Charles Stanser Bowker, a member of one of the oldest and best known families of the pioneering days of this State. Born at Newcastle in 1866, in that historic, venerable edifice that nowadays serves as the St. Joseph s Convent, he spent his youth on the Hunter and Paterson Rivers. Of his late father, the Hon. R. R. S. Bowker, M.L.C., it is known that he was the foremost surgeon of his time in N. S. Wales, and the subject of this note most certainly inherited a decided inclination towards this humanitarian profession from his progenitors. Dr C. S. Bowker, one of 6 brothers, four doctors a dentist, and veterinary surgeon, was educated at the Newcastle and Sydney Grammar Schools, and proceeding To England to study medicine, took his degree at the Middlesex Hospital in 1891. He acted as House Surgeon at Cardiff Infirmary for six months prior to returning to N. S. Wales. Returning to this State he practised at Murrumburrah and Maitland for some time, and with his father in Sydney prior to purchasing a practice in 1900 from Dr. Sinclair Finlay in Dungog Since that time his career in this district has been featured with success in every way. Taking a prominent part in public affairs he consented to contest a Municipal election in 1907, and, being elected, was chosen as mayor the following year. For one session did he vacate this position, but was unanimously selected again in 1910, and retained the post of first civic magistrate till he voluntarily retired at the beginning of this year. Always a keen supporter and worker for any movement made for the advancement of the town and district, Dr Bowker s splendid efforts were crowned by the meritorious work he had accomplished at that momentous function, the opening of the first section of the N.C. Railway to, Dungog when as Mayor, the whole of the duties of a trying reception and an important function fell upon his shoulders. The water supply also was completed during his mayoralty. Dr Bowker married Miss Trader, a daughter of Mr and Mrs Trader of West Maitland, and has a family of two children. Since his arrival in Dungog Dr Bowker has been the medical officer of the local Cottage Hospital, and has also continuously filled the position of Government Medical Officer. As a fancier and breeder of horses he is well known for the style and action of the hackneys he drives, all of which are prize winners at Sydney Maitland, Dungog, and other shows. Besides being a worker for the town, the Doctor is a thorough sports man, being devoted to shooting and fishing, but perhaps more thoroughly to motoring. He has two fine cars, a powerful Star, and a handy little Hup run-about, which form a Splendid combination for pleasure as well as business. Dr Bowker s residence is St. Cyr, Dowling-St., Dungog.