George F. Bowles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George F. Bowles
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| Member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from the Adams County district |
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| In office 1881–1894 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1844 Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | December 26, 1899 (aged 54–55) |
| Spouse |
Laura E. Davis
(died 1899) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
George F. Bowles (1844 - December 26, 1899) was an important person in Mississippi history. He was a lawyer, a leader in the local army (called a militia colonel), a chief of police, and a state lawmaker.
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Early Life and Education
George F. Bowles was born in 1844 in Charleston, South Carolina. He was born into slavery, but he became a free person before the American Civil War began. He received his education in South Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
In 1863, he joined the Union Army and fought in the American Civil War. After the war ended, he decided to study law. He worked hard and was allowed to practice law in Tennessee.
Life and Work in Mississippi
In 1871, George F. Bowles moved to Natchez, Mississippi. The very next year, he was chosen to be the city's lawyer and the city weigher. A city weigher was someone who made sure goods were weighed correctly. In 1875, he was allowed to practice law in Mississippi too.
Bowles became a colonel in the local militia in 1878. The militia was like a local defense force. In 1879, he was elected as the chief of police for Natchez. This meant he was in charge of keeping the city safe.
Serving in the State Legislature
From 1881 to 1894, George F. Bowles was elected to represent Adams County in the Mississippi House of Representatives. This is where state laws are made. He was a member of the Republican Party.
While serving as a lawmaker, he suggested some important changes. In 1888, he proposed getting rid of the "Justice of the Peace" job. He thought the city already had enough people to handle those tasks. He also suggested ending the "Railroad Commission bill" to save taxpayer money. He believed this commission was not needed.
He also wrote a bill to create a special hospital for African Americans with mental health needs. This showed his care for his community. In 1891, another person tried to challenge his election for Adams County representative. However, that person later gave up, and Bowles remained the representative.
Leadership and Community Involvement
In 1891, George F. Bowles was chosen to be the president of the Mississippi Colored State Bar Association. This was a very important group for African American lawyers. It was the first group of its kind in America.
In January 1892, he received a special honor. He was appointed to the Judiciary Committee. This committee helps decide how laws are applied. No other African American had been given this position since the Democratic Party took control of the state government.
In 1895, people wanted him to run for the legislature again. But he decided not to, because he wanted to focus on his own businesses.
Besides his political work, Bowles was also involved in his community in many ways. He served on the School Board, helping to guide education. He was also a city marshal, another role in law enforcement. He owned a large grocery store too.
He helped organize a group called the Universal Brotherhood. He was also a very important member of other groups like the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Honor. He even became a grand chancellor for the Mississippi Knights of Pythias, which is a high leadership role.
Death
George F. Bowles passed away on December 26, 1899, at his home in Natchez. A historic marker notes that he lived at 13 St. Catherine in Natchez. His wife, Laura E. Bowles, had passed away a few months before him, in August 1899.
Since he didn't have any close family members when he died, his will stated that his belongings and money should go to his friends and local organizations.
See also
