Frederick was born in Greenfield, Jones Co., Iowa. His father was Ambrose Bauer, born in Baden, Germany; and his mother was Margaret Martin, born in Ireland.

In 1860, US Federal Census states the family lived in Greenfield, Jones Co., Iowa and consisted of: Abram Bowers (33), Margaret Bowers (33), Edward Bowers (8), Catharine Bowers (5), Frederick Bowers (3).

In 1870, US Federal Census states they lived in Greenfield and consisted of: Abram Bowers (45), Amanda Bowers (22), Edwin Bowers (18), Catharine Bowers (16), Frederick Bowers (14), Joseph W Bowers (4), Rosa Jane Bowers (1).

In 1880, US Federal Census shows Fred (21) living with his brother E. D. Bowers (27) and Ed's wife Mary E. Bowers (25) and farming together.

In 1881, Fred married Esther A. Rankin.

1900 United States Federal Census
Birth Date: Apr 1857 in Iowa
Home in 1900: Dawson, Greene, Iowa
Marriage Year: 1881; Years Married: 19
Father's Birthplace: Germany; Mother's Birthplace: Ireland
Household Members:
Fred Bauer 43 (farmer) and Esther A Bauer 42
Edith A Bauer 18
William R Bauer 16 (farm laborer)
Edward R Bauer 14 (farm laborer)
Fredie O Bauer 13
Clarance R Bauer 11
Leonora N Bauer 8
Clara M Bauer 4
Ella Bauer 1

In 1925, Fred and Esther lived in Greene Co., Iowa. They were both 66, and their daughter, Nora (Lenora) (32) who had married Frank Gower was widowed and living with them along with her two sons Russell Gower (10) and Gerald Gower (8).

Family Trees on Ancestry.com list:
Father: Abraham Ambrose Bauer (1824-1920)
Mother: Margaret Martin (1829-1864)
Spouse: Esther A. Rankin (1858-1937) - Married 1881
Children:
Edith A. (1882-1966)
William R. (1883-1944)
Edward C. (1885-1971)
Frederick O. (1887-1972)
Clarence Raymond (1889-1955)
Nora B. (1892-1996)
Clara May (1894-2000)
Ella Florence (1898-2000)
Beulah Elmore (1901-1973)

Iowa, U.S., Births (series) 1880-1904, 1921-1944 and Delayed Births (series), 1856-1940
Name: Fraderick Jacob Bower
Gender: Male
Age: 24
Birth Date: Abt 1859
Spouse: Ester Ann Bower
Child: Unnamed Baver [William]