Edward Bowen (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Bowen KC
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| In office 1849–1866 |
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| Succeeded by | The Hon. Sir William Collis Meredith QC |
| 2nd Chancellor of Bishop's University | |
| In office 1856–1858 |
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| Preceded by | The Hon. William Walker |
| Succeeded by | The Hon. John Samuel McCord |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 1, 1780 Kinsale, County Cork |
| Died | April 11, 1866 (aged 85) Quebec City |
| Resting place | Mount Hermon Cemetery, Sillery |
| Spouse | Eliza Davidson |
| Children | 16 |
| Residences |
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| Alma mater | Drogheda Academy |
| Profession |
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Edward Bowen (born December 1, 1780 – died April 11, 1866) was an important lawyer, judge, and politician in Lower Canada. He was born in Ireland. He became the very first Chief Justice of the Superior Court for Quebec. He was also the second Chancellor of Bishop's University in Sherbrooke.
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Edward Bowen's Early Life
Edward Bowen was born in Kinsale, Ireland, in 1780. His father, James Bowen, was a surgeon in the British Army. Edward went to school at Drogheda Academy. In 1797, when he was about 17, he moved to Lower Canada. He came with his great-aunt and her husband, Lt.-Colonel Henry Caldwell.
Becoming a Lawyer and Politician
Edward Bowen decided to study law. He worked in the offices of Jonathan Sewell, a well-known lawyer. In 1803, he officially became a lawyer in Lower Canada. He also served in the Quebec militia, which was a local army. He was first a Lieutenant and then a Captain.
In 1808, the Governor of Lower Canada, Sir James Henry Craig, chose Bowen to be the attorney general. This is like the chief lawyer for the government. However, he had to step down because authorities in London chose someone else.
In 1809, he was named King's Counsel. This is a special title for experienced lawyers. He also worked as the acting attorney general from 1810 to 1812. In 1809, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada. This was a group of elected people who helped make laws. He supported the "English party," which represented people of English background.
Becoming a Judge and Chief Justice
In 1812, Edward Bowen became a judge in the Court of King's Bench in Quebec. This was a very important court. Later, in 1824, he was named to the Legislative Council of Lower Canada. This was another group that helped make laws, but its members were appointed, not elected.
His biggest role came in 1849. He was named the first Chief Justice of the new Superior Court. This meant he was the head judge for the entire province of Quebec. Edward Bowen also helped the government by translating French documents. He was the French secretary for the province.
He passed away in Quebec City in 1866. He was buried at Mount Hermon Cemetery. This cemetery was on land that Edward Bowen himself owned in 1830. For many years, a painting of Edward Bowen was displayed in the Senate chamber in Ottawa.
Edward Bowen's Family Life
In 1807, Edward Bowen married Eliza Davidson. Her father was a surgeon. Edward and Eliza had a very large family with 16 children! They had eight sons and eight daughters.
Their Home in Quebec City
In 1819, Edward Bowen built a large, comfortable house in Quebec City. It was made of local stone and had many windows. The house was located on Mount Carmel Street. The design of the house showed influences from both French and English building styles.
- Alicia Catherine Aubigvey Bowen
- Ann Emily Bowen
- Charlotte Louise Caldwell Bowen
- Eliza Cecilia Bowen, who married Edward Hale
- Isabella Cassan Bowen
- Louisa Aylmer Bowen
- Lucy Irwin Bowen
- Mary Sophia Bowen
- Charles Marshall Bowen
- Charles William Bowen
- Edward Henry Bowen
- Francis Nathaniel Burton Bowen
- George Frederick Bowen
- George Mountain Bowen
- James Bowen
- Noel Hill Fox Maule Bowen
- William Hamilton Bowen
