Anthony Bowen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anthony Bowen
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Portrait of Anthony Bowen taken in the 1860s
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| Born | October 8, 1809 |
| Died | 1871 (aged 61–62) Washington, DC
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| Occupation | United States government employee |
Anthony Bowen (1809-1871) was an important leader for the African-American community in Washington, D.C. He was the first African-American person to work for the United States Patent Office. Two places in Washington, D.C., are named after him: the Anthony Bowen YMCA and the Anthony Bowen Elementary School. He was also a reverend.
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Anthony Bowen's Early Life
Anthony Bowen was born on October 8, 1809, in Prince George's County, Maryland. He was born into slavery on a large farm. He had three brothers and sisters. In 1826, when he was about 17 years old, he was able to buy his freedom. After becoming free, he moved to the Southwest part of Washington, D.C.
His Important Work
Even though Anthony Bowen did not go to school for very long, he became a clerk at the United States Patent Office. He started as a laborer, doing physical work. Then he became a messenger, delivering messages. Finally, he became a clerk, which meant he did office work.
Helping His Community
Anthony Bowen was a very important leader in his community. His home in Washington, D.C., was a secret stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a network of safe houses that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. He even built a special hidden attic in his house to keep runaway slaves safe.
In 1839, he helped create a meeting place for free African-Americans. In 1840, he won a contract to make and fill seed packets. This allowed him to hire many freed African-Americans and give them good jobs.
Starting Schools and Organizations
In 1841, Anthony Bowen helped start one of the first schools for free African-Americans. It was called the "Sunday Evening School." People could learn important skills there, like reading, writing, math, and spelling. For a while, the school even met in his home. He worked as the secretary and superintendent of the school.
In 1853, he started the first Young Men's Christian Association for African-Americans in the United States. He became its first president.
In 1856, he helped create the St. Paul A.M.E. Church. This church also served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. It was a school for escaped slaves and a place for people to worship.
Supporting Education and Rights
During the American Civil War, Anthony Bowen encouraged President Abraham Lincoln to allow African-American soldiers to join the army. He also strongly pushed for local and federal governments to pay for public schools for black children. Because of his efforts, in 1868, the first free public school for black children in Southwest Washington was funded. It was called the E Street School.
Just before he passed away, Anthony Bowen was elected to the Common Council of Washington. This meant he helped make decisions for the city. He was also an active member of his church and eventually became a reverend.
His Legacy
Anthony Bowen passed away in July 1871. Many people attended his funeral.
The YMCA chapter he started for African-Americans later built the Twelfth Street YMCA Building in 1908. This building was later renamed the Anthony Bowen YMCA. It is now a very important historical landmark.
After his death, the E Street School was renamed the Anthony Bowen School. Today, his name lives on in the Amidon-Bowen Elementary School, which combines his name with another school.
