He was born in August 1829 (8, 11; 3 (35 in 1865), 9 [40 in 1870], 10 [50 in 1880], 12 [80 in 1910], 13 [91 in 1920]). He was born in Pennsylvania (9, 10, 11, 12, 13).
In 1862/63, he married Sarah [unknown family name] (11). This was his second marriage, and her first (12). In 1900 and 1910, she had had 15 children, 6 of whom were alive (11, 12).
He was drafted (1, 3). He enlisted and was mustered into service on 11 March 1865 (1, 3, 4, 6, 7). He was mustered in as a private, at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania (3). He was a private in company B (1, 15).
He may have been charged for lost equipments, perhaps when the regiment mustered out (2).
He contracted piles in June 1865, while the regiment was marching from Burkeville, Virginia, to Washington, DC (7). Although the company officers and regimental surgeon wanted him to go to the hospital for treatment, he refused, because he was afraid he would catch a fever for which many men were then being treated (7).
He mustered out with his company on 10 July 1865 (1, 3, 4, 6, 7). He was a private, in company B (15).
In 1870, he was living in Quemehoning Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania (9). He was living with his wife Sarah, and children Elmer, Minnie, and Hiram, along with James Storey [?] and Mary Bowman (perhaps his mother) (9). He was a farmer, and owned real estate worth $9,000 and personal property worth $2,700 (9).
On 3 December 1872, he successfully applied for a pension (4, 5). His application was rejected on 20 May 1878, because he couldn't provide evidence from the regimental surgeon or assistant surgeon that he had been treated for piles while in service (7). He petitioned to Congress for a petition, and the Senate Committee on Pensions recommended approving his pension (7).
In June 1880, the House passed a bill granting him a pension (14).
In 1880, he was living in Upper Yoder Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania (10). He was a farmer (10). He was living with his wife Sarah, children Elmer, Minnie, Irwin, Calvin, Elizabeth, Artie [?] and Virgil (10).
In 1890, he was living in Husband, Somerset Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania (6). He reported these disabilities: heart disease, ruptured, general disability, piles (6).
In 1900, he was living in Somerset Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania (11). He had no occupation (11). He was living with his wife Sarah, and children Calvin, Lizzie, Jacob, and Olive (11).
In 1910, he was living in Somerset Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania (12). He was a salesman, of patent medicine (12). He was living with his wife Sarah and daughter Olive (12).
He died in 1920 (8). He was buried in Husband Cemetery, Somerset Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania (8).
In 1920, he was living in Somerset Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania (13). He was not working (13). He was living with his wife Sarah, his daughter Minnie Bittner and her children, and a servant (13).
On 21 April 1920, his widow, Sarah Bowman, successfully applied from Pennsylvania for a pension (4, 5).
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster) (William Bowman)
2 list of men who owed money [?] (Wm Bowman)
3 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 23 June 2004 (William Bowman)
4 pension index, by regiment (William Bowman)
5 pension index, by name (William Bowman)
6 1890 US census, veterans' schedule, Pennsylvania, Somerset County, Somerset Township, supervisor's district 11 enumeration district 25, page 5 (William Bowman)
7 [re William Bowman]. Serial Set volume 1898, session volume 6, 46th Congress, 2nd Session, Senate Report 662. 28 May 1880. (William Bowman)
8 WPA Records of Husband Cemetery, on US Gen Web (viewed April 2007) (William Bowman)
9 1870 US census, Pennsylvania , Somerset County, Quemehoning Township, microfilm series M593, film 1452, page 438 (William Bowman)
10 1880 US census, Pennsylvania, Cambria County, Upper Yoder Township, microfilm series T9, film 1110, supervisor's district 8, enumeration district 171 [?], page 228 A = 28 handwritten (William Bowman)
11 1900 US census, Pennsylvania, Somerset County, Somerset Township, supervisor's district 13, enumeration district 194, microfilm series T623, film 1487, page 164 = 5 B handwritten (William Bowman)
12 1910 US census, Pennsylvania, Somerset County, Somerset Township, supervisor's district 22, enumeration district 161, microfilm series T624, film 1420, page 261 = 19 A handwritten (William Bowman)
13 1920 US census, Pennsylvania, Somerset County, Somerset Township, supervisor's district 21, enumeration district 188, microfilm series T625, film 1654, page 106 = 9 B handwritten (William Bowman)
14 [pension bill passed the House], Philadelphia Inquirer 15 June 1880 page 3 (William Bowman)
15 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (William Bowman)
The Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 2290) granting a pension to William Bowman, have carefully examined the same, and report that they concur in the following House report, and recommend the passage of the bill, with an amendment that it take effect from and after its passage:
William Bowman, the claimant, was enrolled in Company B, Ninety-first Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, on the 11th March, 1865, and discharged on the 10th of July 1865. He applied for pension on the 3d of December, 1872, alleging that he contracted piles in June, 1865, while on a march from Burkeville, Va., to Washington, D.C.
His claim for pension was rejected on the 20th of May, 1878, because the claimant was unable to furnish the testimony of the surgeon or assistant surgeon of his regiment showing treatment for said disease while in the service.
The claimant, on the 27th of November, 1872, swears that he contracted the piles in June, 1865, whilst on a march from Burkeville, Va., to Washington, D.C., on account of the roads being bad, muddy, and slippery. That he did not go into a hospital, although he was urged to go by the officers of the company and regimental surgeon, because there were so many fever patients in the hospital at the time, and he feared the contagion of the disease. He further swears that in consequence of being placed in a company of volunteers (Company B, Ninety-first Pennsylvania), the officers and surgeon of which were strangers to him, he is unable to obtain their affidavits, as he has no knowledge of their present residence, or whether they or any of them are living at this time.
Daniel Lohr, on the 28th of October, 1872, swore that "he was well acquainted with William Bowman, and was a member of the same company and regiment with him," and "that on or about the - day of June, A. D. 1865, whilst the company was marching from Burkeville, Va., to Washington, D.C., owing to the bad roads consequent upon heavy rains, and hard marching, said William Bowman contracted piles, by reason of which he suffered severely, and that he knew said Bowman intimately, messed with him, and occupied the same tent."
Joseph Coleman, another private in the same company, testifies "that he was an intimate acquaintance of William Bowman," and "that about the - day of June, 1865, whilst the company was marching from Burkeville, Va., to Washington, D.C., the roads being slippery on account of heavy rains, and bad roads, said William Bowman contracted piles by reason of which he suffered very much."
Dr. Robert H. Patterson, the family physician of the claimant for eighteen years before he went into the Army, testifies, on the 30th of November, 1877, "that he had never treated the claimant for piles before he went into the Army."
J. F. Carpenter, another witness, testified "that he knew the claimant intimately since 1841, and never heard that he was disabled in any way before he went into the Army."
Ananias Berky, another comrade, and who has known him many years intimately, testifies "that the claimant before and at the time he entered the Army was sound in body and enjoyed good health, and was exempt from piles."
Chauncy Miller, another witness, corroborates this.
Dr. J. M. Louther commenced treating the claimant for piles in July, 1865, on his [page 2] return from the Army, and treated him for about six months and pronounced his piles incurable. Dr. B. L. Yeagley afterwards treated the claimant for piles.
These witnesses are certified to be reputable and gentlemen of good character.
Examining Surgeon Dr. Henry Brubaker fixes his disability total, at $8 per month, and says from the evidence before him it is his belief that the disability did actually originate in the service. Examining Surgeon Dr. W. B. Lowman fixes the disability at one-half--$4 per month.
The committee are of the opinion that the claimant has clearly made out his case, and that his pension should be fixed at the rate of $6 per month. They recommend the passage of the bill.
| line | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| Dwelling-house number | 126 | ||||||
| Family number | 137 | ||||||
| Name | Bowman William | - Sarah | - Elmer W | - Minnie M | - Hiram | Storey [?] James | Bowman Mary |
| Age | 40 | 26 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 86 |
| Sex | M | F | M | F | M | M | F |
| Color | W | " | " | " | " | " | " |
| Occupation | Farmer | Wife | At home | " " | " " | Farm Labr | Retired housekeeper |
| Real estate value | 9,000 | ||||||
| Personal estate value | 2700 | 300 | |||||
| Birthplace | Pa | " | " | " | " | " | Pa |
| Father foreign born | |||||||
| Mother foreign born | |||||||
| Birth month if born within year | |||||||
| Marriage month if married within year | |||||||
| Attended school past year | 1 | ||||||
| Can't read | |||||||
| Can't write | |||||||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. | |||||||
| Male US citizen at least 21 years old | 1 | ||||||
| Male US citizen at least 21 years old who can't vote ... |
| line | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| street name | |||||||||
| house number | |||||||||
| dwelling visit # | 219 | ||||||||
| family visit # | 251 | ||||||||
| name | Bowman William | - Sarah | - Elmer E | - Minnie M | - Irwin J | - Calvin | - Elizebeth [sic] | - Artie [?] J | - Virgil |
| color | W | W | W | W | W | W | W | W | W |
| sex | M | F | M | F | M | M | F | F | F [sic] |
| age | 50 | 35 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| month born if born in year | |||||||||
| relationship | Wife | Son | Daughter | Son | Son | Daughter | Daughter | Son | |
| single | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
| married | 1 | 1 | |||||||
| widowed/divorced | |||||||||
| married during year | |||||||||
| occupation | Farmer | Keeping House | |||||||
| months unemployed | |||||||||
| currently ill? | |||||||||
| blind | |||||||||
| deaf/dumb | |||||||||
| idiotic | |||||||||
| insane | |||||||||
| disabled | |||||||||
| school this year | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||
| can't read | |||||||||
| can't write | |||||||||
| birthplace | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna |
| father's birthplace | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna |
| mother's birthplace | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna |
| line | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 |
| street | ||||||
| house number | ||||||
| dwelling number | 100 | |||||
| family number | 103 | |||||
| name | Bowman William | - Sarah | - Calvin | - Lizzie | - Jacob | - Olive |
| relationship | Head | Wife | Son | Daughter | Son | Daughter |
| color | W | W | W | W | W | W |
| sex | M | F | M | F | M | F |
| birth date | Aug 1829 | Nov 1842 | Nov 1871 | Jun 1873 | Jun 1882 | Dec 1885 |
| age | 70 | 58 | 28 | 26 | 17 | 14 |
| married? | M | M | M | S | S | S |
| # years married | 37 | 37 | 0 | |||
| mother of how many children? | 15 | |||||
| # of children living | 6 | |||||
| birthplace | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| father's birthplace | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| mother's birthplace | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| immigration year | ||||||
| # years in USA | ||||||
| naturalized citizen? | ||||||
| occupation | Teacher | Teacher | ||||
| # months not employed | 5 | 5 | ||||
| # months in school | 7 | |||||
| can read | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| can write | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| speaks English | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| owned/rented | O | |||||
| free or mortgaged | [blank] | |||||
| farm/house | H | |||||
| # of farm schedule |
| line | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| street | |||
| house nr | |||
| dwelling nr | 381 | ||
| family nr | 399 | ||
| name | Bowman William | - Sarah | - Olive |
| relationship | Head | Wife | Daughter |
| sex | M | F | F |
| color | W | W | |
| age | 80 | 67 | 24 |
| marital status | M2 | M1 | S |
| #years present marriage | 47 | 47 | |
| mother of # children | 15 | ||
| mother of # living children | 6 | ||
| birthplace | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| father's birthplace | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| mother's birthplace | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| immigrated | |||
| naturalized/alien | |||
| speaks English | English | English | English |
| occupation | Salesman | None | Teacher |
| nature of industry etc. | Patent medicine | Public Schools | |
| employer etc. | W | W | |
| out of work 15 Apr 1910? | no | no | |
| # weeks out of work 1909 | 0 | 0 | |
| can read | yes | yes | yes |
| can write | yes | yes | yes |
| school since 1 Sep 09 | |||
| owned/rented | O | ||
| owned free or mortagaged | F | ||
| farm/house | H | ||
| nr on farm schedule | |||
| civil war vet | [blank] | ||
| blind | |||
| deaf & dumb |
| line | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 |
| street | [illegible] Pike | |||||
| house number | X | |||||
| dwelling visit number | 195 | |||||
| family visit number | 205 | |||||
| name | Bowman William | - Sarah J [?] | Bittner Minnie M | - Luther | - Maria | Spangler Alice |
| relationship | Head | Wife | Daughter | Grand Son | Grand Daughter | Servant |
| own/rent | O | |||||
| free/mortgaged (if owned) | F | |||||
| sex | M | F | F | M | F | F |
| race | W | W | W | W | W | W |
| age at last birthday | 91 | 76 | 52 | 24 | 20 | 30 |
| marital status | M | M | Wd | S | S | S |
| year of immigration | ||||||
| naturalized/alien | ||||||
| year of naturalization | ||||||
| attended school since Sept 1919 | ||||||
| can read | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| can write | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| birth place | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Ohio | Pennsylvania |
| native language | ||||||
| father's birthplace | Scotland | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| father's native language | Scotch [sic] | |||||
| mother's birthplace | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| mother's native language | ||||||
| can speak English | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| occupation | None | None | None | Civil Engineer | Teacher | Servant |
| industry, business | civil [??] comp | Public school | Private family | |||
| employment status | W | W | W | |||
| number of farm schedule | ||||||
House bill granting a pension to William Bowman, Ninety first Pennsylvania Volunteers, was passed.