Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 4.djvu/556

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VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

his courage and tenacity won him the re- spect of the people and finally their support. In 1880 he was ajipointed collector of cus- toms for the port of Norfolk and Ports- mouth by President Hayes, an office he held until succeeded by President Cleveland's ap- pointee four years later. He was a most acceptable collector, thoroughly informed and wholly devoted to his duties. He intro- duced several reforms that hastened dis- patch of business at the port and won high- est commendation from those having busi- ness to transact with the collector's office. In 1887 he was the nominee of the Repub- licans of the second Virginia district for Congress, and carried the district. Two years later he was elected for a second term, serving four years with credit to himself and with profit to his district. He did much for the development of Norfolk as a commercial port, the benefit of his labors contributing largely to that city's present importance. At the close of his second term 'Mr. Bowden retired to private life and was engaged in business at Norfolk until appointed special master of the Norfolk & Western railroad, that corporation then being in litigation. Here his fine business ability made appar- ent his conduct of afifairs, winning the high- est commendation. He continued in charge of the road until 1897, when he concluded a sale of the property to its present owners. He was an ardent supporter of President McKinley and was ofi:'ered several positions by the President, but declined them all. He did, however, use his influence in behalf of his friends, securing several appointments for the state. Besides enjoying the warm friendship of President ^IcKinley, Mr. Bowden was on terms of intimacy with President Arthur, and during his career in Congress and as a member of the Repub- lican national committee became well ac- quainted with most of the men prominent in national politics, including especially the late Senator Mark 1 lanna. In May, 1898, he was surprised to find that without solici- tation he had been appointed collector of customs for the port of Norfolk. He ac- cepted the office temporarily, resigning the following September to accept the position of clerk of the United States District Court, comprising sittings at Norfolk, Richmond and Alexandria. On resigning the collector- ship, i\Ir. liowden was accorded the unusual distinction of naming his successor. In

1897 ^^*^ ^^'-is elected a member of the national Republican committee from \"irginia and later was the unanimous choice of the Vir- ginia state Republican convention for the same position. Mr. Bowden's popularity in the numerous government departments and bureaus at Washington was a matter of fre- quent comment by his constituents who had public business at the capital, as well as the fact that he took the same interest and pride in serving a constituent whether the matter in hand concerned a Democrat or a Repub- lican. As a representative of his district he was notably alert and efficient, nor did his zeal and successful use of wide influence in behalf of his section cease with service in Congress, as he was often called upon after that time to represent local business and trade organizations.

So in honor Mr. Bowden passed the latter years of his life, happy in the regard of his fellow citizens and in the consciousness of duty well performed. He was faithful to every trust, a worthy foeman in politics and loyal to every cause he espoused or friend he supported. His friends were many and his political opponents accorded him their personal respect. When his death was an- nounced in the United States Court, Judge Waddill ordered an adjournment for the day as a mark of respect to his memory. The flag over the postoffice and United States Court building of which Mr. Bowden had been custodian since its erection was low- ered at half mast upon the announcement of his death.

Mr. Bowden married, February 22, 1875, Ellen Evangeline Jones, born September 14. 1854. Children: Eva, born May 4, 1880; Henry, of further mention ; Lemuel, of fur- ther mention.

(IV) Henry Bowden, eldest son of George Edwin and Ellen Evangeline (Jones) Bow- den, was born in Norfolk, Virginia, Febru- ary 24. 1882. He obtained his preparatory education in Norfolk schools. He then entered Hampton-Sidney College, whence he was graduated class of 1901. then matric- ulated in the law department of the Uni- versity of Virginia, graduating in class of 1903 with degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted to the bar in June, 1903, and at once began practice in Norfolk. He prac- ticed alone for two years, then formed a ])artnership with Hon. R. T. Thorp, con- tinuing as Thorp & Bowden until 1906,