Elizabeth Harriet Stevens Gray Bowser facts for kids

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Harriet Stevens Gray Bowser (1831–1908) was an amazing American woman. She was a skilled craftsperson, a successful businesswoman, and someone who loved to help others. Lizzie was very active in Philadelphia in the mid-1800s, a time when many groups were forming to help people. She made beautiful decorations for these groups and also gave money to charities.

Lizzie's Business and Craft Skills

A member of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows wearing a special collar, like those Lizzie Bowser made.

Lizzie Bowser lived in Philadelphia with her husband, David Bustill Bowser. Together, they ran a very successful business. They made special items like souvenirs, fancy uniforms, and decorative objects. These items were for the many clubs and groups in their area.

Who Were Their Customers?

Their customers included African-American fraternal organizations, like the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows. They also worked for volunteer fire brigades and groups helping during the American Civil War.

What Did Lizzie Make?

Lizzie was a talented seamstress. She used her skills to create fancy ceremonial collars. Her husband, David, painted designs on hats, banners, and other items. These items often showed the group's special insignia. One collar at the National Museum of American History even has her business mark. It says "Mrs. D.B. Bowser Odd Fellows and Masonic Depot."

Helping the Community

Lizzie and David Bowser were important people in Philadelphia's African-American community. They were known for giving money to charities. Their giving had a special purpose. Many of the groups they supported worked to improve the lives of African-Americans. They also helped when Black communities were often left out of public disaster relief efforts.

Lizzie's Group Involvement

Lizzie was a member of the Household of Ruth. This was the women's part of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows. She was also active in the Ladies' Union Association of Philadelphia. This was a charitable organization started by free Black women during the Civil War.

The Ladies' Union Association raised money to help people who had been enslaved. They also supported Black soldiers returning from the war. Through her work with these groups, Lizzie became friends with diarist Emilie Frances Davis. They spent time together and went to Bible study classes.

Lizzie often helped sell her husband's artworks to raise money for these relief groups. For example, in May 1865, she helped sell $1200 worth of art. This money went to the Ladies' Union Association.

Lizzie's Family Life

Lizzie and her husband had three children: Mary, Raphael, and Ida.

• Raphael Bowser followed his father and became a painter.
• Ida Elizabeth Bowser Asbury became a violinist and music teacher. She was the first African-American woman to earn a degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Elizabeth Harriet Stevens Gray Bowser is buried in Eden Cemetery, in Collingdale, Pennsylvania.