Abraham Bowman facts for kids

Colonel Abraham Bowman (born October 16, 1749 – died November 9, 1837) was an important American pioneer and military officer. He lived during the 1700s and early 1800s. He was a brave frontiersman and fought in the American Revolutionary War. He even commanded a famous group of soldiers called the "German Regiment."

Abraham and his brothers were among the first people to settle in Kentucky. They were known as excellent horsemen. People called them the "Four Centaurs of Cedar Creek." Abraham's grandson, John Bryan Bowman, later founded Kentucky University. This school is now part of the University of Kentucky. Abraham's father, George Bowman, and his grandfather, Jost Hite, were also famous pioneers. They were among the first to explore and settle the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.

Early Life and Adventures

Abraham Bowman was born to George Bowman and Mary Hite. His mother was the oldest daughter of Jost Hite. He grew up on his family's land near Strasburg, Virginia. This land was along Cedar Creek.

When he was 17, in 1766, Abraham showed great bravery. An Indian raiding party attacked his neighbors. Abraham quickly grabbed his gun and rode to help. He was joined by another young man, Thomas Newell. Sadly, they arrived too late to save the Miller family. Abraham and Newell joined a group that chased the raiders. They caught up to them at South Branch Mountain. They rescued a young woman named Rachel Dellinger.

Public Service and Moving to Kentucky

Abraham Bowman became a justice of the peace in 1772. This was in Shenandoah County. He also served as a justice in Dunmore County in 1774. A justice of the peace is like a local judge. They help keep order and solve small disputes.

In the mid-1770s, Abraham and three of his brothers moved to Kentucky. They helped start and settle a place called Bowman Station. They also helped settle what is now Fayette County, Kentucky. Abraham was a good friend of the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone. He even joined Boone on an expedition to explore Dick's River.

Revolutionary War Hero

Abraham Bowman joined the Virginia militia just before the American Revolutionary War. On January 12, 1776, he became a lieutenant-colonel. He served under Colonel Peter Muhlenberg. They were part of the 8th Virginia Regiment. This group was famously known as the "German Regiment."

He fought in many important battles. These included Ticonderoga, Monmouth, and Germantown. He also spent time at Valley Forge. In March 1777, he became a full colonel. He took command of the regiment when Muhlenberg became a general.

Colonel Bowman led his regiment in the Battle of Brandywine and the Yorktown. At Yorktown, he led the final charge against the enemy's forts. After the war, the government gave land to veterans. Abraham Bowman received a very large piece of land, about 7,590 acres (30.7 km²).

Life in Kentucky

In 1779, Abraham Bowman left the army. He returned to Kentucky with about 30 families. They founded Bowman's Station in Madison County, Kentucky. Later, he settled in Fayette County. He continued to help defend Kentucky from Indian raids. His brother John, a colonel, also helped with this.

Abraham became a very important landowner in Kentucky. He owned about 8,000 acres (32 km²) southwest of Lexington. He built one of the first brick houses in the state. He often welcomed other Revolutionary War veterans to his home. One famous guest was General Marquis de Lafayette in 1824.

Abraham Bowman was also active in politics. He was elected as one of the first justices in Lincoln County, Kentucky. Later, in 1825, he represented Fayette County at the Kentucky constitutional convention.

He passed away at his home near Lexington, Kentucky, on November 9, 1837. He was 88 years old. His wife, Sarah Henry, and their children survived him.