Death Notice
Benjamin Bowles
DEAD.-Benjamin Bowles, of Fluvanna county, Va., died on the 30th inst., at an advanced age of 93 years. He had voted for every President from Washington to Buchanan. [Source: Keowee Courier, Pickens Court House, South Carolina, July 18 1857, submitted by M.K.K.]
Benjamin Bowles, Sr. seems to have been well loved in his community and the subject of effluent praise after his death. Biographical notes are followed by obits.
5 Oct 1765 born, baptized 16 Dec 1765, Benjamin Bowles, son of John Bowles & Elizabeth Curd. Per the Douglas Register, p. 72?
1765 to 1782 born and resided in Hanover County Virginia.
1782 moved to Fluvanna County.
1788 became a member of the Lyles Baptist Church.
14 Dec 1790 Benjamin Bowles married Frances Alloway Strange at St James Northam Parish, Goochland County, Virginia per Douglas Register. She was the daughter of John Alloway Strange 1727-1811 and Anne Mildred Mitchell b. 1728.
1795 & 1797 Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was Deacon of the Lyles Baptist Church, Wilmington, Fluvanna County, Virginia.
1796 to 1837 Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was Clerk of the Lyles Baptist Church, Wilmington, Fluvanna County, Virginia.
19 Mar 1819 resided in Columbia, Fluvanna Co
1820-1839 resided in Wilmington, Fluvanna Co
1830 Census, Fluvanna VA
1830 Benjamin Bowles built a mill on the Byrd Creek, near Wilmington.
1832 Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was a Trustee of the Lyles Baptist Church, Wilmington, Fluvanna County, Virginia.
1840 Benjamin sold the mill on Byrd Creek, but continued to operate and maintain it for the new owners.
1840 Census, Fluvanna VA - next door to Benjamin Seay.
1842 Benjamin and wife Frances move in to home of his daughter Sarah Bowles Seay and Austin Seay.
1845 resided in Winnville
1849 resided in Fork Union, Fluvanna Co
1850 Census, Fluvanna County, Virginia, p 62:
1850 Census, Fluvanna Co, Virginia
Austin Seay, 54
Sarah Seay, 47, plus 7 kids and the in-laws, her parents
Benjamin Bowles, age 84, b Virginia
Francis Bowles, age 82, b Virginia
1851 wife Frances Alloway Strange Bowles died.
30 Jan 1857 or 31 Jun 1857 Benjamin died.
buried: Bowles Family Cemetery, Kent's Store, Fluvanna County, Virginia, NE side of Rt 610, Community House Road, 0.7 miles SE of its intersection
[from a typescript of an obituary]:
"Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was born 5 Oct 1765 in Hanover County, Virginia, where he resided until 1782, when he removed to Fluvanna County, Virginia. Possessing an ardent temperament, he rendered hearty service in pursuit of the sinful pleasures of youth. In 1788, during a visit from the Master of Assemblies to the churches of Virginia, he was brought by divine grace to realize his condition as a sinner, and converted to the superior joys of carrying the cross as a living sacrifice to the father of Israel. He joined the Baptist Church at Lyles, and was a member for nearly 69 years, deacon, and clerk. In 1790, Benjamin Bowles married Miss Francis Strange, then a member of the Lyles church. They were together 60 years. She bore him eight children. In 1842, he moved to the home of his daughter, Sarah Bowles, and her husband, Austin Seay, in Fluvanna. After his wife's death in 1851 his body and mental faculties failed rapidly. At age 92, the evening of 31 June 1857 he quietly fell asleep in Jesus."
[From The Bulletin of the Fluvanna County Historical Society. Number 10 & 11 p. 14. (1970)" "In 1830 Benjamin Bowles asked permission to build a mill lower down the Byrd to grind corn and wheat and card wool. The mill was known by his son's name: "The Jesse Bowles Mill." One diary records that the Yankees under Dahlgren burned his mill near the end of the war. Jesse Bowles was a millwright and still operated the mill after he sold it in 1840 to Alexander and Duncan McRae of Columbia."
[from death notice - The Religious Herald, 15 Oct 1857]
"The subject of the following notice, Benjamin Bowles, Sr., was born the 5th of October, 1765, in the county of Hanover, where he resided until the year 1782, when he removed to Fluvanna. Possessing an ardent temperament and strong social feelings, the sinful pleasures of youth presented strong attractions, and in them he indulged until brought by divine grace to realize the danger of his course and his condition as a sinner. The year 1788, ever memorable as the commencement of the gracious visitations of the Master of Assemblies, to the churches of Virginia, when such numbers were introduced into his fold, was the date of Mr. Bowles conversion. Prior to that time he had rendered hearty service to the enemy of souls -- but now, mark the change! The sinful pleasures in which he had taken such delight were eschewed. The companions of his youthful sports he sought out, to tell what Jesus had done for him, and of the superior joys of the Christian; and the former willing servant of sin now yielded himself a living sacrifice to God. He then united with the Baptist church at Lyles, and, for nearly 69 years, was a faithful and honored member, filling with much acceptance, during many years, the offices of deacon and clerk; and winning the appellation of model church member.
In 1790 Mr. Bowles married Miss Frances Strange, then a member of the church, who was for sixty years the faithful companion of his pilgrimage, and the mother of eight children, whom they endeavored to train in the nurture of the Lord; and as their reward had the unspeakable happiness of seeing most of them walking in paths of holiness. As a citizen and neighbor, Mr. Bowles was universally beloved and respected; and as a Christian, his light shone with unusual brilliancy. -- His bold and manly independence of character, active benevolence and ready sympathy, united to devoted piety, peculiarly fitted him for the office of deacon. His pastor found in him his bosom friend. He was his counselor and assistant as well in temporal affairs as in those pertaining to the interest of Zion, thereby unloosing many a band that otherwise might have fettered his soul, and hindered him in the important work of his ministry. His seat in the sanctuary was never vacant unless he was providentially detained; and in the regular sittings of the church for business his counsel was received with veneration. Thus was the life of this man of God filled with deeds of wisdom and goodness until he was called to enter upon his reward. In 1842 he and his companion, warned by infirmities of age, relinquished, as far as possible, the cares and duties of life, and went to reside in the family of his son in law, Mr. Austin Seay, of Fluvanna, where they enjoyed all the comforts which their age and station demanded. From that time it was his chief business as well as the joy of his heart, to travel from place to place, to wait upon the ministry of the word; and many an ambassador of peace gained fresh inspiration from him, as with his countenance beaming with love, hope and joy, the tears oft trickling down his furrowed cheeks, he eagerly drank in the treasures of the preached Word. And as he thus travelled, every house in the large circle of his acquaintance was opened for his reception, and especially did the members of his own church, welcome his presence in their homes, and greet him as a father in Israel.
In 1851 his wife died. This bereavement he bore with ever cheerful submission, frequently remarking that the separation would be a short one, and that his time would soon come. And this was true. But a short time elapsed before it was noticed that he was failing, both in mind and body, though he continued to take his usual circuits of visiting among his brethren, and to fill his seat in God's house until a few months before his death. From the time he was confined to his room his mental faculties failed rapidly; but as long as any remained his chief theme was religion. The last time his pastor visited him, he endeavored for some time, to make him aware of his presence; but no sign of recognition could be obtained. He then mentioned the name of his daughter and other members of her household, but was equally unsuccessful. He then said, Brother Bowles, do you remember a man who lived on earth many years ago named Jesus Christ. At that name every slumbering faculty seemed aroused; and brightening up he said, Ah! Ah! My only hope! My only hope! My only hope! Thus was the Master, whom he had served, not unmindful of him in the hours of sickness and death; but was his staff and comfort. On the evening of the 31st of June, he sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, without a struggle or a moan, in the 92nd year of his age, beloved and lamented by all who knew him. Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. [Signed only J.]
[from "Obituary Notices of Eminent Persons Who Have Died in the United States for 1857", Hon. Nathan Crosby]
"Bowles, Benjamin, Fluvanna Co., Va. - - ae 93. He had voted for every president from Washington to Buchanan."
Benjamin Bowles
DEAD.-Benjamin Bowles, of Fluvanna county, Va., died on the 30th inst., at an advanced age of 93 years. He had voted for every President from Washington to Buchanan. [Source: Keowee Courier, Pickens Court House, South Carolina, July 18 1857, submitted by M.K.K.]
Benjamin Bowles, Sr. seems to have been well loved in his community and the subject of effluent praise after his death. Biographical notes are followed by obits.
5 Oct 1765 born, baptized 16 Dec 1765, Benjamin Bowles, son of John Bowles & Elizabeth Curd. Per the Douglas Register, p. 72?
1765 to 1782 born and resided in Hanover County Virginia.
1782 moved to Fluvanna County.
1788 became a member of the Lyles Baptist Church.
14 Dec 1790 Benjamin Bowles married Frances Alloway Strange at St James Northam Parish, Goochland County, Virginia per Douglas Register. She was the daughter of John Alloway Strange 1727-1811 and Anne Mildred Mitchell b. 1728.
1795 & 1797 Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was Deacon of the Lyles Baptist Church, Wilmington, Fluvanna County, Virginia.
1796 to 1837 Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was Clerk of the Lyles Baptist Church, Wilmington, Fluvanna County, Virginia.
19 Mar 1819 resided in Columbia, Fluvanna Co
1820-1839 resided in Wilmington, Fluvanna Co
1830 Census, Fluvanna VA
1830 Benjamin Bowles built a mill on the Byrd Creek, near Wilmington.
1832 Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was a Trustee of the Lyles Baptist Church, Wilmington, Fluvanna County, Virginia.
1840 Benjamin sold the mill on Byrd Creek, but continued to operate and maintain it for the new owners.
1840 Census, Fluvanna VA - next door to Benjamin Seay.
1842 Benjamin and wife Frances move in to home of his daughter Sarah Bowles Seay and Austin Seay.
1845 resided in Winnville
1849 resided in Fork Union, Fluvanna Co
1850 Census, Fluvanna County, Virginia, p 62:
1850 Census, Fluvanna Co, Virginia
Austin Seay, 54
Sarah Seay, 47, plus 7 kids and the in-laws, her parents
Benjamin Bowles, age 84, b Virginia
Francis Bowles, age 82, b Virginia
1851 wife Frances Alloway Strange Bowles died.
30 Jan 1857 or 31 Jun 1857 Benjamin died.
buried: Bowles Family Cemetery, Kent's Store, Fluvanna County, Virginia, NE side of Rt 610, Community House Road, 0.7 miles SE of its intersection
[from a typescript of an obituary]:
"Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was born 5 Oct 1765 in Hanover County, Virginia, where he resided until 1782, when he removed to Fluvanna County, Virginia. Possessing an ardent temperament, he rendered hearty service in pursuit of the sinful pleasures of youth. In 1788, during a visit from the Master of Assemblies to the churches of Virginia, he was brought by divine grace to realize his condition as a sinner, and converted to the superior joys of carrying the cross as a living sacrifice to the father of Israel. He joined the Baptist Church at Lyles, and was a member for nearly 69 years, deacon, and clerk. In 1790, Benjamin Bowles married Miss Francis Strange, then a member of the Lyles church. They were together 60 years. She bore him eight children. In 1842, he moved to the home of his daughter, Sarah Bowles, and her husband, Austin Seay, in Fluvanna. After his wife's death in 1851 his body and mental faculties failed rapidly. At age 92, the evening of 31 June 1857 he quietly fell asleep in Jesus."
[From The Bulletin of the Fluvanna County Historical Society. Number 10 & 11 p. 14. (1970)" "In 1830 Benjamin Bowles asked permission to build a mill lower down the Byrd to grind corn and wheat and card wool. The mill was known by his son's name: "The Jesse Bowles Mill." One diary records that the Yankees under Dahlgren burned his mill near the end of the war. Jesse Bowles was a millwright and still operated the mill after he sold it in 1840 to Alexander and Duncan McRae of Columbia."
[from death notice - The Religious Herald, 15 Oct 1857]
"The subject of the following notice, Benjamin Bowles, Sr., was born the 5th of October, 1765, in the county of Hanover, where he resided until the year 1782, when he removed to Fluvanna. Possessing an ardent temperament and strong social feelings, the sinful pleasures of youth presented strong attractions, and in them he indulged until brought by divine grace to realize the danger of his course and his condition as a sinner. The year 1788, ever memorable as the commencement of the gracious visitations of the Master of Assemblies, to the churches of Virginia, when such numbers were introduced into his fold, was the date of Mr. Bowles conversion. Prior to that time he had rendered hearty service to the enemy of souls -- but now, mark the change! The sinful pleasures in which he had taken such delight were eschewed. The companions of his youthful sports he sought out, to tell what Jesus had done for him, and of the superior joys of the Christian; and the former willing servant of sin now yielded himself a living sacrifice to God. He then united with the Baptist church at Lyles, and, for nearly 69 years, was a faithful and honored member, filling with much acceptance, during many years, the offices of deacon and clerk; and winning the appellation of model church member.
In 1790 Mr. Bowles married Miss Frances Strange, then a member of the church, who was for sixty years the faithful companion of his pilgrimage, and the mother of eight children, whom they endeavored to train in the nurture of the Lord; and as their reward had the unspeakable happiness of seeing most of them walking in paths of holiness. As a citizen and neighbor, Mr. Bowles was universally beloved and respected; and as a Christian, his light shone with unusual brilliancy. -- His bold and manly independence of character, active benevolence and ready sympathy, united to devoted piety, peculiarly fitted him for the office of deacon. His pastor found in him his bosom friend. He was his counselor and assistant as well in temporal affairs as in those pertaining to the interest of Zion, thereby unloosing many a band that otherwise might have fettered his soul, and hindered him in the important work of his ministry. His seat in the sanctuary was never vacant unless he was providentially detained; and in the regular sittings of the church for business his counsel was received with veneration. Thus was the life of this man of God filled with deeds of wisdom and goodness until he was called to enter upon his reward. In 1842 he and his companion, warned by infirmities of age, relinquished, as far as possible, the cares and duties of life, and went to reside in the family of his son in law, Mr. Austin Seay, of Fluvanna, where they enjoyed all the comforts which their age and station demanded. From that time it was his chief business as well as the joy of his heart, to travel from place to place, to wait upon the ministry of the word; and many an ambassador of peace gained fresh inspiration from him, as with his countenance beaming with love, hope and joy, the tears oft trickling down his furrowed cheeks, he eagerly drank in the treasures of the preached Word. And as he thus travelled, every house in the large circle of his acquaintance was opened for his reception, and especially did the members of his own church, welcome his presence in their homes, and greet him as a father in Israel.
In 1851 his wife died. This bereavement he bore with ever cheerful submission, frequently remarking that the separation would be a short one, and that his time would soon come. And this was true. But a short time elapsed before it was noticed that he was failing, both in mind and body, though he continued to take his usual circuits of visiting among his brethren, and to fill his seat in God's house until a few months before his death. From the time he was confined to his room his mental faculties failed rapidly; but as long as any remained his chief theme was religion. The last time his pastor visited him, he endeavored for some time, to make him aware of his presence; but no sign of recognition could be obtained. He then mentioned the name of his daughter and other members of her household, but was equally unsuccessful. He then said, Brother Bowles, do you remember a man who lived on earth many years ago named Jesus Christ. At that name every slumbering faculty seemed aroused; and brightening up he said, Ah! Ah! My only hope! My only hope! My only hope! Thus was the Master, whom he had served, not unmindful of him in the hours of sickness and death; but was his staff and comfort. On the evening of the 31st of June, he sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, without a struggle or a moan, in the 92nd year of his age, beloved and lamented by all who knew him. Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. [Signed only J.]
[from "Obituary Notices of Eminent Persons Who Have Died in the United States for 1857", Hon. Nathan Crosby]
"Bowles, Benjamin, Fluvanna Co., Va. - - ae 93. He had voted for every president from Washington to Buchanan."
Death Notice
Benjamin Bowles
DEAD.-Benjamin Bowles, of Fluvanna county, Va., died on the 30th inst., at an advanced age of 93 years. He had voted for every President from Washington to Buchanan. [Source: Keowee Courier, Pickens Court House, South Carolina, July 18 1857, submitted by M.K.K.]
Benjamin Bowles, Sr. seems to have been well loved in his community and the subject of effluent praise after his death. Biographical notes are followed by obits.
5 Oct 1765 born, baptized 16 Dec 1765, Benjamin Bowles, son of John Bowles & Elizabeth Curd. Per the Douglas Register, p. 72?
1765 to 1782 born and resided in Hanover County Virginia.
1782 moved to Fluvanna County.
1788 became a member of the Lyles Baptist Church.
14 Dec 1790 Benjamin Bowles married Frances Alloway Strange at St James Northam Parish, Goochland County, Virginia per Douglas Register. She was the daughter of John Alloway Strange 1727-1811 and Anne Mildred Mitchell b. 1728.
1795 & 1797 Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was Deacon of the Lyles Baptist Church, Wilmington, Fluvanna County, Virginia.
1796 to 1837 Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was Clerk of the Lyles Baptist Church, Wilmington, Fluvanna County, Virginia.
19 Mar 1819 resided in Columbia, Fluvanna Co
1820-1839 resided in Wilmington, Fluvanna Co
1830 Census, Fluvanna VA
1830 Benjamin Bowles built a mill on the Byrd Creek, near Wilmington.
1832 Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was a Trustee of the Lyles Baptist Church, Wilmington, Fluvanna County, Virginia.
1840 Benjamin sold the mill on Byrd Creek, but continued to operate and maintain it for the new owners.
1840 Census, Fluvanna VA - next door to Benjamin Seay.
1842 Benjamin and wife Frances move in to home of his daughter Sarah Bowles Seay and Austin Seay.
1845 resided in Winnville
1849 resided in Fork Union, Fluvanna Co
1850 Census, Fluvanna County, Virginia, p 62:
1850 Census, Fluvanna Co, Virginia
Austin Seay, 54
Sarah Seay, 47, plus 7 kids and the in-laws, her parents
Benjamin Bowles, age 84, b Virginia
Francis Bowles, age 82, b Virginia
1851 wife Frances Alloway Strange Bowles died.
30 Jan 1857 or 31 Jun 1857 Benjamin died.
buried: Bowles Family Cemetery, Kent's Store, Fluvanna County, Virginia, NE side of Rt 610, Community House Road, 0.7 miles SE of its intersection
[from a typescript of an obituary]:
"Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was born 5 Oct 1765 in Hanover County, Virginia, where he resided until 1782, when he removed to Fluvanna County, Virginia. Possessing an ardent temperament, he rendered hearty service in pursuit of the sinful pleasures of youth. In 1788, during a visit from the Master of Assemblies to the churches of Virginia, he was brought by divine grace to realize his condition as a sinner, and converted to the superior joys of carrying the cross as a living sacrifice to the father of Israel. He joined the Baptist Church at Lyles, and was a member for nearly 69 years, deacon, and clerk. In 1790, Benjamin Bowles married Miss Francis Strange, then a member of the Lyles church. They were together 60 years. She bore him eight children. In 1842, he moved to the home of his daughter, Sarah Bowles, and her husband, Austin Seay, in Fluvanna. After his wife's death in 1851 his body and mental faculties failed rapidly. At age 92, the evening of 31 June 1857 he quietly fell asleep in Jesus."
[From The Bulletin of the Fluvanna County Historical Society. Number 10 & 11 p. 14. (1970)" "In 1830 Benjamin Bowles asked permission to build a mill lower down the Byrd to grind corn and wheat and card wool. The mill was known by his son's name: "The Jesse Bowles Mill." One diary records that the Yankees under Dahlgren burned his mill near the end of the war. Jesse Bowles was a millwright and still operated the mill after he sold it in 1840 to Alexander and Duncan McRae of Columbia."
[from death notice - The Religious Herald, 15 Oct 1857]
"The subject of the following notice, Benjamin Bowles, Sr., was born the 5th of October, 1765, in the county of Hanover, where he resided until the year 1782, when he removed to Fluvanna. Possessing an ardent temperament and strong social feelings, the sinful pleasures of youth presented strong attractions, and in them he indulged until brought by divine grace to realize the danger of his course and his condition as a sinner. The year 1788, ever memorable as the commencement of the gracious visitations of the Master of Assemblies, to the churches of Virginia, when such numbers were introduced into his fold, was the date of Mr. Bowles conversion. Prior to that time he had rendered hearty service to the enemy of souls -- but now, mark the change! The sinful pleasures in which he had taken such delight were eschewed. The companions of his youthful sports he sought out, to tell what Jesus had done for him, and of the superior joys of the Christian; and the former willing servant of sin now yielded himself a living sacrifice to God. He then united with the Baptist church at Lyles, and, for nearly 69 years, was a faithful and honored member, filling with much acceptance, during many years, the offices of deacon and clerk; and winning the appellation of model church member.
In 1790 Mr. Bowles married Miss Frances Strange, then a member of the church, who was for sixty years the faithful companion of his pilgrimage, and the mother of eight children, whom they endeavored to train in the nurture of the Lord; and as their reward had the unspeakable happiness of seeing most of them walking in paths of holiness. As a citizen and neighbor, Mr. Bowles was universally beloved and respected; and as a Christian, his light shone with unusual brilliancy. -- His bold and manly independence of character, active benevolence and ready sympathy, united to devoted piety, peculiarly fitted him for the office of deacon. His pastor found in him his bosom friend. He was his counselor and assistant as well in temporal affairs as in those pertaining to the interest of Zion, thereby unloosing many a band that otherwise might have fettered his soul, and hindered him in the important work of his ministry. His seat in the sanctuary was never vacant unless he was providentially detained; and in the regular sittings of the church for business his counsel was received with veneration. Thus was the life of this man of God filled with deeds of wisdom and goodness until he was called to enter upon his reward. In 1842 he and his companion, warned by infirmities of age, relinquished, as far as possible, the cares and duties of life, and went to reside in the family of his son in law, Mr. Austin Seay, of Fluvanna, where they enjoyed all the comforts which their age and station demanded. From that time it was his chief business as well as the joy of his heart, to travel from place to place, to wait upon the ministry of the word; and many an ambassador of peace gained fresh inspiration from him, as with his countenance beaming with love, hope and joy, the tears oft trickling down his furrowed cheeks, he eagerly drank in the treasures of the preached Word. And as he thus travelled, every house in the large circle of his acquaintance was opened for his reception, and especially did the members of his own church, welcome his presence in their homes, and greet him as a father in Israel.
In 1851 his wife died. This bereavement he bore with ever cheerful submission, frequently remarking that the separation would be a short one, and that his time would soon come. And this was true. But a short time elapsed before it was noticed that he was failing, both in mind and body, though he continued to take his usual circuits of visiting among his brethren, and to fill his seat in God's house until a few months before his death. From the time he was confined to his room his mental faculties failed rapidly; but as long as any remained his chief theme was religion. The last time his pastor visited him, he endeavored for some time, to make him aware of his presence; but no sign of recognition could be obtained. He then mentioned the name of his daughter and other members of her household, but was equally unsuccessful. He then said, Brother Bowles, do you remember a man who lived on earth many years ago named Jesus Christ. At that name every slumbering faculty seemed aroused; and brightening up he said, Ah! Ah! My only hope! My only hope! My only hope! Thus was the Master, whom he had served, not unmindful of him in the hours of sickness and death; but was his staff and comfort. On the evening of the 31st of June, he sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, without a struggle or a moan, in the 92nd year of his age, beloved and lamented by all who knew him. Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. [Signed only J.]
[from "Obituary Notices of Eminent Persons Who Have Died in the United States for 1857", Hon. Nathan Crosby]
"Bowles, Benjamin, Fluvanna Co., Va. - - ae 93. He had voted for every president from Washington to Buchanan."
Benjamin Bowles
DEAD.-Benjamin Bowles, of Fluvanna county, Va., died on the 30th inst., at an advanced age of 93 years. He had voted for every President from Washington to Buchanan. [Source: Keowee Courier, Pickens Court House, South Carolina, July 18 1857, submitted by M.K.K.]
Benjamin Bowles, Sr. seems to have been well loved in his community and the subject of effluent praise after his death. Biographical notes are followed by obits.
5 Oct 1765 born, baptized 16 Dec 1765, Benjamin Bowles, son of John Bowles & Elizabeth Curd. Per the Douglas Register, p. 72?
1765 to 1782 born and resided in Hanover County Virginia.
1782 moved to Fluvanna County.
1788 became a member of the Lyles Baptist Church.
14 Dec 1790 Benjamin Bowles married Frances Alloway Strange at St James Northam Parish, Goochland County, Virginia per Douglas Register. She was the daughter of John Alloway Strange 1727-1811 and Anne Mildred Mitchell b. 1728.
1795 & 1797 Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was Deacon of the Lyles Baptist Church, Wilmington, Fluvanna County, Virginia.
1796 to 1837 Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was Clerk of the Lyles Baptist Church, Wilmington, Fluvanna County, Virginia.
19 Mar 1819 resided in Columbia, Fluvanna Co
1820-1839 resided in Wilmington, Fluvanna Co
1830 Census, Fluvanna VA
1830 Benjamin Bowles built a mill on the Byrd Creek, near Wilmington.
1832 Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was a Trustee of the Lyles Baptist Church, Wilmington, Fluvanna County, Virginia.
1840 Benjamin sold the mill on Byrd Creek, but continued to operate and maintain it for the new owners.
1840 Census, Fluvanna VA - next door to Benjamin Seay.
1842 Benjamin and wife Frances move in to home of his daughter Sarah Bowles Seay and Austin Seay.
1845 resided in Winnville
1849 resided in Fork Union, Fluvanna Co
1850 Census, Fluvanna County, Virginia, p 62:
1850 Census, Fluvanna Co, Virginia
Austin Seay, 54
Sarah Seay, 47, plus 7 kids and the in-laws, her parents
Benjamin Bowles, age 84, b Virginia
Francis Bowles, age 82, b Virginia
1851 wife Frances Alloway Strange Bowles died.
30 Jan 1857 or 31 Jun 1857 Benjamin died.
buried: Bowles Family Cemetery, Kent's Store, Fluvanna County, Virginia, NE side of Rt 610, Community House Road, 0.7 miles SE of its intersection
[from a typescript of an obituary]:
"Benjamin Bowles, Sr. was born 5 Oct 1765 in Hanover County, Virginia, where he resided until 1782, when he removed to Fluvanna County, Virginia. Possessing an ardent temperament, he rendered hearty service in pursuit of the sinful pleasures of youth. In 1788, during a visit from the Master of Assemblies to the churches of Virginia, he was brought by divine grace to realize his condition as a sinner, and converted to the superior joys of carrying the cross as a living sacrifice to the father of Israel. He joined the Baptist Church at Lyles, and was a member for nearly 69 years, deacon, and clerk. In 1790, Benjamin Bowles married Miss Francis Strange, then a member of the Lyles church. They were together 60 years. She bore him eight children. In 1842, he moved to the home of his daughter, Sarah Bowles, and her husband, Austin Seay, in Fluvanna. After his wife's death in 1851 his body and mental faculties failed rapidly. At age 92, the evening of 31 June 1857 he quietly fell asleep in Jesus."
[From The Bulletin of the Fluvanna County Historical Society. Number 10 & 11 p. 14. (1970)" "In 1830 Benjamin Bowles asked permission to build a mill lower down the Byrd to grind corn and wheat and card wool. The mill was known by his son's name: "The Jesse Bowles Mill." One diary records that the Yankees under Dahlgren burned his mill near the end of the war. Jesse Bowles was a millwright and still operated the mill after he sold it in 1840 to Alexander and Duncan McRae of Columbia."
[from death notice - The Religious Herald, 15 Oct 1857]
"The subject of the following notice, Benjamin Bowles, Sr., was born the 5th of October, 1765, in the county of Hanover, where he resided until the year 1782, when he removed to Fluvanna. Possessing an ardent temperament and strong social feelings, the sinful pleasures of youth presented strong attractions, and in them he indulged until brought by divine grace to realize the danger of his course and his condition as a sinner. The year 1788, ever memorable as the commencement of the gracious visitations of the Master of Assemblies, to the churches of Virginia, when such numbers were introduced into his fold, was the date of Mr. Bowles conversion. Prior to that time he had rendered hearty service to the enemy of souls -- but now, mark the change! The sinful pleasures in which he had taken such delight were eschewed. The companions of his youthful sports he sought out, to tell what Jesus had done for him, and of the superior joys of the Christian; and the former willing servant of sin now yielded himself a living sacrifice to God. He then united with the Baptist church at Lyles, and, for nearly 69 years, was a faithful and honored member, filling with much acceptance, during many years, the offices of deacon and clerk; and winning the appellation of model church member.
In 1790 Mr. Bowles married Miss Frances Strange, then a member of the church, who was for sixty years the faithful companion of his pilgrimage, and the mother of eight children, whom they endeavored to train in the nurture of the Lord; and as their reward had the unspeakable happiness of seeing most of them walking in paths of holiness. As a citizen and neighbor, Mr. Bowles was universally beloved and respected; and as a Christian, his light shone with unusual brilliancy. -- His bold and manly independence of character, active benevolence and ready sympathy, united to devoted piety, peculiarly fitted him for the office of deacon. His pastor found in him his bosom friend. He was his counselor and assistant as well in temporal affairs as in those pertaining to the interest of Zion, thereby unloosing many a band that otherwise might have fettered his soul, and hindered him in the important work of his ministry. His seat in the sanctuary was never vacant unless he was providentially detained; and in the regular sittings of the church for business his counsel was received with veneration. Thus was the life of this man of God filled with deeds of wisdom and goodness until he was called to enter upon his reward. In 1842 he and his companion, warned by infirmities of age, relinquished, as far as possible, the cares and duties of life, and went to reside in the family of his son in law, Mr. Austin Seay, of Fluvanna, where they enjoyed all the comforts which their age and station demanded. From that time it was his chief business as well as the joy of his heart, to travel from place to place, to wait upon the ministry of the word; and many an ambassador of peace gained fresh inspiration from him, as with his countenance beaming with love, hope and joy, the tears oft trickling down his furrowed cheeks, he eagerly drank in the treasures of the preached Word. And as he thus travelled, every house in the large circle of his acquaintance was opened for his reception, and especially did the members of his own church, welcome his presence in their homes, and greet him as a father in Israel.
In 1851 his wife died. This bereavement he bore with ever cheerful submission, frequently remarking that the separation would be a short one, and that his time would soon come. And this was true. But a short time elapsed before it was noticed that he was failing, both in mind and body, though he continued to take his usual circuits of visiting among his brethren, and to fill his seat in God's house until a few months before his death. From the time he was confined to his room his mental faculties failed rapidly; but as long as any remained his chief theme was religion. The last time his pastor visited him, he endeavored for some time, to make him aware of his presence; but no sign of recognition could be obtained. He then mentioned the name of his daughter and other members of her household, but was equally unsuccessful. He then said, Brother Bowles, do you remember a man who lived on earth many years ago named Jesus Christ. At that name every slumbering faculty seemed aroused; and brightening up he said, Ah! Ah! My only hope! My only hope! My only hope! Thus was the Master, whom he had served, not unmindful of him in the hours of sickness and death; but was his staff and comfort. On the evening of the 31st of June, he sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, without a struggle or a moan, in the 92nd year of his age, beloved and lamented by all who knew him. Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. [Signed only J.]
[from "Obituary Notices of Eminent Persons Who Have Died in the United States for 1857", Hon. Nathan Crosby]
"Bowles, Benjamin, Fluvanna Co., Va. - - ae 93. He had voted for every president from Washington to Buchanan."
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