Alpheus Michael Bowman
| Alpheus Michael Bowman | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
January 11, 1847 Rockingham County, Virginia, United States |
| Died | August 3, 1913 (aged 66) |
| Residence | Salem, Virginia |
| Nationality | German-American |
| Other names | A.M. Bowman |
| Alma mater | New Market Academy |
| Occupation | Businessman, politician |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Spouse(s) | Mary E. Killian (m. 1869) |
| Children | 8 children |
| Parent(s) | George Bowman and Sarah V. Zeigler |
| Relatives | Isaac Bowman, grandfather |
Alpheus Michael Bowman (January 11, 1847 – August 3, 1913) was a 19th-century American politician and businessman. He was a prominent figure in the ranching and livestock industry, either belonging to or serving in important positions, on various business associations. His involvement in these organizations included promoting improved livestock breeding and preserving records of pedigrees. He also had a successful political career as one of the top consultants in the Democratic Party, serving on the executive and financial committees up until the turn of the 20th century.
He was a grandson of Kentucky frontiersman Isaac Bowman, as well as direct descendent of early Virginia pioneers Jost Hite and George Bowman, Sr..
Alpheus Michael Bowman was born in Rockingham County, Virginia to George Bowman and Sarah V. Zeigler. His father was a successful farmer and stock-breeder in addition to being the county magistrate. He was raised in the country and attended local schools, as well as the New Market Academy, however most of his time was spent tending to the livestock with his father.
At age 16, Bowman enlisted as a private in the Virginia Cavalry and served for two years until his capture in March 1865. He was held as a prisoner-of-war in Fort Delaware until June 1, 1865. During Reconstruction in Virginia, he became a successful farmer and stock raiser in Augusta County and later Saltville. He moved, this time to Roanoke County, where he was the personal manager of the Bowman family stockyard and president of the Diamond Orchard Company, one of the largest businesses east of the Allegheny Mountains and north of Georgia. He would serve in a number of high level positions including 11 years as a member of the executive committee of the American Shorthorn Breeders' Association, vice president of the American Berkshire Association and first president of the American Saddle Horse Association. He was also a life member of the American Jersey Cattle Club. He himself was one of the largest exporters of cattle in the region and as far away as Europe and South America.
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