Biography - Adam D. Bowman
ADAM D. BOWMAN, one of the well-known residents of section 1, Rose
Township, Shelby County, is a man who has a fine record as a soldier in the
Civil War, and an excellent reputation as a farmer. His father was Daniel
Bowman, who was born in Pittsburg, Pa., and his mother, Sarah Ruch, had her
nativity in Westmoreland County the same State. There they were married and
from her home emigrated to Perry County, Ohio, where they entered land and
made their home until early in the '60s when they came to Shelby County,
Ill., and settled in Rose Township. Here they spent the remainder of their
days, the father dying in the fall of 1868 and the mother surviving him two
years only.
Of a large family of five sons and five daughters, our subject was the
youngest son and eighth child, he was born in Perry County, Ohio, December
26, 1834, and there he grew to manhood and resided until he became of age.
He resided in Perry County, until February, 1861, when he came to Illinois
and made his home in the counties of Coles and Douglas.
Mr. Bowman enlisted August 19, 1862 in Company K, Seventy-ninth Illinois
Regiment. He was mustered into the United States service at Arcola and
served throughout the period of war and was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn.
He took part in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Kenesaw Mountain,
Atlanta, and in other prominent engagements. At Stone River he was so
unfortunate as to be taken prisoner of war but was held only twenty-eight
days, after which he was paroled and was soon exchanged and permitted to
rejoin his regiment. After the close of the war he returned to Illinois and
has since been a resident of Shelby County.
The marriage of our subject took place in Rose Township, July 17, 1872, his
bride being Miss Mary C. Palmer, daughter of John and Rachel (Morrison)
Palmer. The lady was born in Bucyrus, Ashland County, Ohio, May 12, 1851,
and she has become the mother of two children — Oscar O. and Frank P.; the
latter died in infancy. Mr. Bowman has always followed agricultural pursuits
except during the time which he spent in the brave defense of his country.
He owns eighty acres of excellent land, upon which he has made good
improvements. His political views have led him to affiliate with the
Republican party and his religious convictions have made him a member of the
Lutheran Church in which he is an active worker. Mrs. Bowman died in 1876.
Extracted 13 Jan 2018 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, page 434.
