Three Forks of the Kentucky River Historical Association

Biography

Elihu Bowman

by Winfred Tipton
G-G-Grandson

ELIHU BOWMAN, son of Henry B. Bowman and Rachel Plummer, was born February 21, 1842 at Proctor Estill Co. Ky., later Lee Co. Ky. Very little is known of Elihu until he enlisted in Company A 7th Ky. Vol. Inf. on August 19, 1861 at Booneville Ky for the period of three years. He was mustered into service on September 22, 1861 at Camp Dick Robinson Ky. He stated at enlistment that he was born February 21, 1842, height five foot and nine inches, complexion dark, eyes brown, hair black, occupation farmer.

Elihu reported for duty on September 22, 1861 at Booneville Ky., on October 21, 1861 he saw action at Camp Wildcat Ky., on December 27 thru 30, 1862 he saw action at Chickasaw Bluffs Ms., on January 10 thru 11, 1863 he saw action at Arkansas Post Ms., and again on July 9 thru 18, 1863 at Jackson Ms. On September 5, 1863 he was reported on sick leave. On March 25, 1864 he reenlisted for a period of three years. On May 27, 1864 he suffered a sunstroke while on a march at Red River La. and was confined to the hospital boat on the Mississippi River. In July of 1864 he was transferred to Company C. 7th Ky. Inf., on August 17, 1864 he was on furlough. In December 1864 he was transferred from Co. C. to Co. D. 7th Ky. Inf., then on May 1 1865 he was promoted to Corporal in Co. D., and remained in this assignment until May 11, 1866 at which time he was honorably discharged at Baton Rouge La.

On September 12, 1864 he married Mary Jane Woodward the daughter of Martin Woodwood and Louisa Marcum at the home of the bride in Owsley Co. Ky. He subsequently fathered six children, ie: Louellen Bowman March 25, 1867, Martha Ann Bowman (twin) September 20, 1869, Mary Ann Bowman (twin) September 20, 1869, Florence Bowman February 24, 1872, and twins Stephen & Dugaled April 7, 1879 who died shortly after birth.

Elihu died on January 16, 1926, and Mary Jane died two years later on January 18, 1928.

Of the four daughters who survived, Louellen married William (Billy) Hogan, Martha Ann married (1) William Kilburn, (2) James Breckenridge Combs, Mary Ann married Charles Wesley Combs, and Florence (No data).