Jabez Bowen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jabez Bowen
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John Singleton Copley, Portrait of Jabez Bowen, undated. Oil on canvas, 30 x 25 in., unlocated
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| Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court | |
| In office 1781–1782 |
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| 47th Deputy Governor of Rhode Island | |
| In office 1781–1786 |
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| Preceded by | William West |
| Succeeded by | Daniel Owen |
| 45th Deputy Governor of Rhode Island | |
| In office 1778–1780 |
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| Preceded by | William Bradford |
| Succeeded by | William West |
| Rhode Island Superior Court Judge | |
| In office 1776–1777 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | June 2, 1739 Providence, RI, United States |
| Died | May 7, 1815 (aged 75) Providence, Rhode Island, United States |
| Resting place | Swan Point Cemetery Providence, Rhode Island |
| Political party | Federalist |
| Spouses | Sarah Brown Peddy Leonard |
| Relations | Moses Brown John Brown |
| Children | Henry Bowen |
| Parents | Ephraim Bowen Mary (Fenner) Bowen |
| Residence | Providence, Rhode Island |
| Alma mater | Yale College |
| Occupation | Shipper Politician |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | Continental Army |
| Years of service | 1774–1777 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | Rhode Island Militia |
Jabez Bowen, Sr. (born June 2, 1739 – died May 7, 1815) was an important American politician and businessman. He played a role in the American Revolutionary War as a military leader. He also served as the Deputy Governor of Rhode Island and was a top judge on the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Jabez Bowen was born in Providence, Rhode Island. His father, Ephraim Bowen, was a well-known doctor in the city. Jabez followed in his family's footsteps of being important members of the community.
In 1757, Jabez Bowen graduated from Yale College. This was a major achievement for young people at that time.
He married Sarah Brown on December 19, 1762. Sarah was related to the influential Brown family of Providence. This family is famous for helping to start Brown University. Jabez Bowen worked closely with the Brown family in their shipping business.
Public Service and Military Role
Jabez Bowen was active in local government from a young age.
- He was a member of the Providence town council from 1773 to 1775.
- In 1777, he became a representative in the General Assembly.
Serving in the American Revolution
During the American Revolutionary War, Bowen served in the Rhode Island Militia. He was a colonel, leading the First Regiment of Providence County from 1776 to 1777. He served under Brigadier General William West. William West also later became Deputy Governor of Rhode Island, just like Bowen.
Political Leadership in Rhode Island
Bowen held the position of Deputy Governor of Rhode Island for seven years in total.
- He served from May 1778 to May 1780.
- He served again from May 1781 to May 1786.
He also played a part in shaping the new United States government.
- In 1786, he was a delegate to the Annapolis Convention.
- In 1790, he attended the Constitutional Convention.
Judicial Career
Jabez Bowen also had a career as a judge.
- He was a Superior Court judge from August 1776 to May 1778.
- In February 1781, he became the chief justice of the court. He held this important role until May 1781.
Supporting the New Nation
Bowen was a strong supporter of the new United States Constitution. He was part of the Federalist group. He helped to peacefully resolve a protest led by William West in 1788.
Jabez Bowen was also the Chancellor of Brown University from 1785 until he passed away.
Later Life and Legacy
Jabez Bowen died on May 7, 1815, in Providence, Rhode Island. He is buried in Swan Point Cemetery in Providence.
Family Life
Jabez Bowen and his first wife, Sarah Brown, had 11 children together. After Sarah passed away, he married Peddy Leonard in 1801. They did not have any children. His son, Henry Bowen, later became the Secretary of State of Rhode Island.
Community Involvement
Bowen was also a member of the Freemasons. He was a leader in his local lodge in Providence for many years. In 1814, he was chosen to be a member of the American Antiquarian Society. This group works to collect and preserve important American history.
A special mahogany tea table that belonged to Jabez Bowen is now at the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library in Delaware. This table was made in 1763 by a famous furniture maker in Newport, Rhode Island.
