Lemuel J. Bowden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lemuel Jackson Bowden
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| United States Senator from Virginia |
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| In office March 4, 1863 – January 2, 1864 |
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| Preceded by | Waitman T. Willey |
| Succeeded by | John F. Lewis |
| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates for James City, York, and Williamsburg | |
| In office December 6, 1841 – April 1846 |
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| Preceded by | John M. Gregory |
| Succeeded by | William Howard |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 16, 1815 Williamsburg, Virginia |
| Died | January 2, 1864 (aged 48) Washington, D.C. |
| Political party | Unionist |
| Alma mater | College of William and Mary |
| Profession | Lawyer, politician |
Lemuel Jackson Bowden (January 16, 1815 – January 2, 1864) was an American lawyer and politician. He was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, and later served as a United States Senator for Virginia.
Early Life and Education
Lemuel Jackson Bowden was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1815. He attended the College of William and Mary. He completed his studies there around 1831 or 1832.
A Career in Law and Politics
After finishing college, Bowden became a lawyer. He chose to live and work in Williamsburg. He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates three times. This was a group of elected officials who made laws for Virginia. He served in this role from 1841 to 1846.
In 1850, Bowden was chosen to be part of the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1850. This was a special meeting to write new rules for Virginia's government. He was one of two people elected from his area. In 1860, he also helped choose the next president as a presidential elector.
During the American Civil War, Williamsburg was taken over by Federal (Union) troops. Bowden served as the mayor of Williamsburg from 1862 to 1863. In 1863, a new government was formed in Virginia by people who supported the Union. This group was called the Restored Government of Virginia. They chose Bowden to represent Virginia in the United States Senate. He was a member of the Unionist Party. He served as a Senator until he passed away.
Passing Away and Family
Lemuel Jackson Bowden died on January 2, 1864. He was in office as a Senator at the time. He passed away from smallpox in Washington, D.C. He is buried in the Congressional Cemetery there.
Bowden's family also had a history in public service. His son, Thomas Russell Bowden, became the Attorney General of Virginia. This is the state's top lawyer. He served in this role both during the Restored Government and after the war during the Reconstruction era. His nephew, George E. Bowden, also served in the United States House of Representatives. He represented Virginia from 1887 to 1891.
See also
- List of United States Congress members who died in office (1790–1899)
