Unknown Author, "Portrait and Biographical album of Lenawee County, Mich. : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of Michigan and of the presidents of the United States." : Chapman Bros., Publisher (Chicago, 1888)
[Page 194]
CHARLES E. BOWERMAN is a worthy representative of the intelligence, the integrity and the moral worth of the people of Raisin Township. He is widely and favorably known throughout its borders and universally spoken of with respect and esteem. Too much credit cannot be given to the men who have been leaders in the foundation of a new settlement, and have without question figured largely in shaping its destiny. Mr. Bowerman, although exceedingly modest in his demeanor and totally guiltless of assuming any virtue which he does not possess, should derive much satisfaction in contemplation of the part which he has played in life, and which has been one of which his descendants will speak with pride in after years.
The property of our subject includes ninety-four acres of land on section 32, which has been brought to a fine state of cultivation, and upon which stands a neat and tasteful set of farm buildings. The fields are conveniently laid off and inclosed with good fences, and everything about the premises indicates the system and good order which have been one of the ruling characteristics of the proprietor. Mr. Bowerman for several years has given his attention [Page 195] mostly to the growing of fruits and vegetables, for which he finds a ready market in the city of Adrian, and which yields him annually a handsome income. His success in this department of agriculture has been largely owing to his habit of observation, and the course of reading which he has pursued for many years. He keeps himself well posted in regard to his business and upon all other matters of general interest, so that conversing either withfriends or strangers, he is at home upon the general topics of the day.
Our subject was born at the old homestead of his parents on section 33, in Raisin Township Aug. 27, 1845. His father, Samuel Bowerman, was a native of Saratoga County, N.Y., where he spent the larger part of his early life, alternately with a residence at times in Niagara County. About 1832 he migrated to Michigan, and not long afterward, becoming a resident of Lenawee County, formed the acquaintance of Miss Dorcas, daughter of Jeremiah Westgate, to whom he was married in the spring of 1833. The Westgates were also natives of the Empire State, and after coming to this county the parents spent the remainder of their days in Raisin Township. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Bowerman located upon a tract of Land in Raisin Township where they built up a good home, where their children were born, and where they spent the remainder of their days. The mother preceeded her husband to the silent land some years, her death taking place April 11, 1865, when she was but forty-nine years of age. The father survived several years, dying at the age of sixty-six in 1880. In early manhood, he had identifed himself with the old Whig party, but upon its abandonment cordially endorsed Republican principles. Both parents were members of the Society of Friends, and possessed the correct and gentle characteristics of that peculiar and conscientious people.
Charles E. Bowerman was the eighth of eleven children born to his parents, and with his brothers and sisters, pursued his early studies in the primary schools. He took kindly to his books, and when sufficiently advanced entered Valley Seminary at Raisin. Nothing pleased him, however, better than the free and independent life of a farmer, and so he chose this rather than one of the professions, which it was often suggested he was eminently fitted for. In setting about the establishment of a home and domestic ties of his own, one of the first important steps was his marriage, which occurred Oct. 13, 1864, his chosen bride being Miss Frances A. Wilson, a native of Palmyra Township, and born May 23, 1844. Mrs. Bowerman is the daughter of Thomas and Lydia B. (Hoag) Wilson, both now deceased. Thomas Wilson died Dec. 5, 1882, aged seventy-three years, and Lydia B. Wilson died Aug. 31, 1863. Thomas Wilson was of English birth and ancestry, and emigrated to America when a young man, coming directly to Michigan and locating on a tract of land in Raisin Township, where, with his excellent wife, he spent the remainder of his days. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were both members of the Society of Friends, and Mrs. Wilson was a preacher in that faith and spent much of her time in traveling in the interest of that church. The parental household included two children, and both received the advantages of a good common-school education. Mrs. Bowerman is a lady respected for amiability and intelligence, and is the faithful encourager of her husband in all his worthy ambitions. Boh are public-spirited and hospitable, and make it the rule of their lives to do good as they have the opportunity. Their family includes four interesting children, namely: Alma L., born May 3, 1870; Harvey E., Sept. 11, 1872; Harry A., Feb. 7, 1881; and Bessie L., Aug. 19, 1884.
