Three Forks of the Kentucky River Historical Association

Biography

Edward E. Bowman

Submitted with love...
Don Crawford
Great Great Grandson

EDWARD E. BOWMAN was born at Booneville, Owsley County, Kentucky on 2 February 1818, son to Jacob A. Bowman, Sr. and grandson to Cornelius Bowman, Sr. Likely he spent most of his early years in or near Booneville. Like his father, Jacob A. Bowman a Methodist minister, Edward also became a minister, but was a follower of the Baptist faith. It is said that he became a minister at age 17. Edward’s Mother was Eleanor “Nelley” Evans (b. 1788 & d. Abt. 1850 in Owsley County, Kentucky).

In 1837 Edward married Nancy Skinner (b. 1816), daughter of Cortlan Skinner & Hannah Reed. They lived near Booneville, Kentucky, and began raising their family of nine children. Census records indicate they lived in Clay County, Kentucky, in 1850.

In 1851 Edward decided to take his family and move to Texas. He chartered a small boat, but large enough for his family, livestock and gear. They came down the Mississippi River out into the Gulf of Mexico. It is not known how long their trip took, but apparently it took months. Edward and Nancy lost two of their children before leaving Kentucky. They were Henry (b. 1843) and Melinda, (b. 1848). Before they reached the Gulf of Mexico, Nancy became ill with a fever and she died after they reached the Gulf. Nancy died in 1852. Edward had to bury her at sea. Finally the family landed at Port Arthur, Texas, where they loaded their wagons and began a long journey up into Northeast Texas. It is believed the first place Edward settled was in Mt. Pleasant, Titus County, TX.

Late in 1852-3 Edward met a widow named Elizabeth Ann Jones Buchannan. She had three small children by a previous marriage. They likely struck it off well and were married. Elizabeth Bowman was a school teacher and taught school for many years after she and Edward were married. It is said that she taught Edward to read and write. Apparently he had not had any schooling in his early years. Edward and Elizabeth had five children, all born in Titus County.

During the time of the Civil War, Edward served as a Chaplin, caring for sick and dying men. He was very opposed to slavery. When the war was over he returned a ragged and worn man. One of his sons, William, died of wounds received during the war, however, he walked all the way home before he died.

Edward continued his preaching and was a circuit rider. He helped establish churches in areas where there were none and held meetings in various communities in North and Central Texas. He and Elizabeth moved to Hill County in the late 1870's. Here Elizabeth died in 1873.

About 1874-75 Edward met another widow named Mary Matilda Carlton. They were married and had one son. Mary Matilda Carlton owned extensive tracts of rangeland in Hill County, TX. The area where they lived was known as Bowman's Grove. Now, it is called Bowmandale. Their home was a large two-story house that held up to 17 beds.

Edward's custom was to drive a two-horse buggy. He was always a hospitable man. After holding his protracted meetings, he would call out, "All going home with us - just follow my buggy." They would go home and, if all 17 beds became filled with folks who had followed them, pallets were made to bed down any additional persons until everyone had a place to sleep. The next day, the overnight "guest" would go their way.

In 1876, Edward and Mary gave two acres of land to their community for a Baptist church. The church still in use [1982], is named Bowman Baptist Church. Edward E. Bowman (1818-1891) preached all over eastern TX. He was a 32nd-degree Mason; much beloved and widely known.

Edward Bowman was affiliated with the Mount Calm Lodge No. 204, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons. He became a member in 1872. He was also a member of the Comanche Baptist Association in 1884. Records indicate that he was a pastor of Bagget Creek Baptist Church at Dublin, Erath County, Texas, and also a messenger of the Live Oak Grove Church. The Bowman community near the town of Navarro, Navarro County Texas, is believed to have derived its name from Edward Bowman. The Bowman Baptist Church of this small rural community no longer holds services.

About Edward's preaching, it was said he knew how to preach a plain, practical, sensible sermon. He was a stern man, not joking or telling stories in fun. He hoped to die in harness, which he did... preaching on Sunday and dying on Wednesday.

Edward Bowman died May 31, 1891, in Hill County, Texas. The exact location is not known, but was believed to be somewhere near the city of Hubbard.

Edward was the father of 15 children and 4 stepchildren. Of his children he said, "I have none to spare."