Christopher C. Bowen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christopher Columbus Bowen
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 2nd district |
|
| In office July 20, 1868 - March 3, 1871 |
|
| Preceded by | William P. Miles (1860) |
| Succeeded by | Robert C. De Large |
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from Charleston County | |
| In office December 2, 1871 – March 13, 1872 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 5, 1832 Providence, Rhode Island |
| Died | June 23, 1880 (aged 48) New York, New York |
| Resting place | Charleston, South Carolina |
| Political party | Republican |
| Profession | farmer, politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service | Confederate States Army Coast Guard |
| Years of service | 1862-1865 |
Christopher Columbus Bowen (born January 5, 1832 – died June 23, 1880) was an important politician from South Carolina. He served as a U.S. Representative, which means he was elected to speak for his state in the United States Congress. He also worked as a lawyer and a farmer during his life.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Christopher Columbus Bowen was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1832. When he was about 18 years old, in 1850, he moved to Georgia. He moved there because there was good land available for farming.
After working in agriculture, he decided to study law. He became a lawyer in 1862. This means he was "admitted to the bar" and could practice law. He started his law career in Charleston, South Carolina.
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Christopher Bowen joined the Confederate States Army. This was a major conflict in American history. He served as a captain in the Coast Guard throughout the war. After the war ended, he went back to working as a lawyer in Charleston.
Political Journey
Christopher Bowen became very involved in politics after the Civil War. He was a member of the Republican Party. In May 1867, he attended the Republican State convention in Charleston. This was a big meeting for the party.
He then became the very first chairman of the South Carolina Republican State central committee. This group helped lead the Republican Party in the state. In November 1867, he was also a delegate to the State constitutional convention. This meeting helped create new rules for South Carolina's government.
Serving in Congress
South Carolina was allowed to rejoin the United States in 1868. After this, Christopher Bowen was elected to the U.S. Congress. He served as a U.S. Representative from July 20, 1868, to March 3, 1871. He was part of the Fortieth and Forty-first Congresses.
In 1870, he tried to be re-elected to Congress but did not win. Another Republican, Robert C. De Large, won that election. Bowen challenged the results, meaning he thought there were problems with the election. A special Election Committee looked into the case.
Other Political Roles
Even though he wasn't re-elected to Congress right away, Bowen continued his political work. He served as a member of The South Carolina House of Representatives from 1871 to 1872. This is a legislative body that makes laws for the state.
In November 1872, he was elected as the sheriff of Charleston. This job involves enforcing laws and keeping peace in the county. The Election Committee later decided that there were many problems with the 1870 congressional election. Because of these "irregularities," they said no clear winner could be declared. The congressional seat was made vacant in 1873.
Christopher Columbus Bowen passed away in New York City on June 23, 1880. He was buried in St. Laurence Cemetery in Charleston, South Carolina.
Images for kids
-
A portrait of Christopher Columbus Bowen.
