William S. Bowman (politician)

William S. Bowman (December 17, 1822 – June 17, 1901) was an American politician and engineer from Maryland. He served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Harford County from 1888 to 1890.

William S. Bowman
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
from the Harford County district
In office
1888–1890
Personal details
Born(1822-12-17)December 17, 1822
Hopewell Cross Roads, Harford County, Maryland, U.S.
DiedJune 17, 1901(1901-06-17) (aged 78)
near Level, Maryland, U.S.
Resting placeRock Run Cemetery
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
Mary Bailey
(m. 1846; died 1894)
Children7
Occupation
  • Politician
  • engineer
  • farmer
  • businessman

Early life edit

William S. Bowman was born on December 17, 1822, in Hopewell Cross Roads, Harford County, Maryland, to Priscilla (née Keen) and Henry Bowman. His father was a farmer and owned a cooper shop in Hopewell Cross Roads. His parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.[1][2] At the age of 23, Bowman left his parent's farm and moved to a new farm purchased by his father. The farm was 50 acres (20 ha).[2]

Career edit

Bowman operated a cooper and cabinet shop until 1853.[2] In 1853, Bowman started work as a civil engineer with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He remained there until 1856.[2][3] He then returned to his farm.[2]

In 1860, Bowman was elected county supervisor of Harford County. He served in that role for ten years.[2][3]

Bowman was a Democrat. He served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Harford County from 1888 to 1890.[4]

Personal life edit

Bowman married Mary Bailey on June 27, 1846. They had seven children, Mary Emma, John H., George W., James L., William S., Charles C. and Rebecca. His wife died in 1894.[2][3]

Bowman died on June 17, 1901, at his home near Level, Maryland. He was buried at Rock Run Cemetery.[3]

References edit

  1. ^ "William S. Bowman..." The Democratic Advocate. June 22, 1901. p. 2. Retrieved March 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Portrait and Biographical Record of Harford and Cecil Counties, Maryland. 1897. pp. 242–243. Retrieved October 16, 2023 – via Archive.org. 
  3. ^ a b c d "William S. Bowman". The Aegis and Intelligencer. June 21, 1901. p. 3. Retrieved March 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  4. ^ "Historical List, House of Delegates, Harford County". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. April 30, 1999. Retrieved March 11, 2023.