Bowman brothers
| Company type | Partnership |
|---|---|
| Industry | Pastoralism |
| Founded | 19th century |
| Founder | John Bowman (senior) and sons Edmund, John Jr., William Charles, Thomas Richard Bowman |
| Headquarters | South Australia and Tasmania , Australia |
Area served | Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales |
| Products | Sheep, cattle, horses, merino stud breeding |
The Bowman brothers were among the earliest pastoral settlers in Tasmania (formerly known as "Van Diemen's Land") and South Australia. They were the sons of John Bowman (1785 – 1 June 1857), originally from Askham, Westmorland: Edmund Bowman, John Bowman, William Charles Bowman, and Thomas Richard Bowman.
Edmund Bowman
Born in Askham, Westmorland in 1818, Edmund Bowman emigrated with his family to Hobart, Tasmania. In 1838, he journeyed to Adelaide aboard the Parsee to assess investment opportunities in South Australia, returning the following year on the Porter. Edmund played a key role alongside his father in developing farms at Dry Creek, Enfield, and Crystal Brook. His life ended tragically after an accident involving a fall from a log bridge near Port Wakefield.
John Bowman, Jr.
John Bowman Jr., born in Cumberland in 1828, relocated with his family to Hobart. As a young man, he and his brother William Charles accompanied their father's flock to South Australia.
He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1868 and concentrated primarily on pastoral activities. John acquired Poltalloch station close to Tailem Bend and partnered with William Charles as Bowman Brothers to purchase Cheshunt House on the Meander River near Deloraine, Tasmania. At 52 years old, he married Jane, the widow of William Charles, and bought "Carolside" in New Town, Tasmania. Their son Keith Dudley later became a prominent businessman in Adelaide.
In 1886, John secured land at Bethanga Flat in Wodonga, Victoria, which was eventually managed by his stepson Albert Edward (circa 1865–1938). Three years later, he acquired the Toogong estate near Orange, New South Wales, which was later overseen by another stepson William Charles Jr. (circa 1868–1947). His final years were split between "Poltalloch", his adopted son's Gippsland property, and "Carolside", where he passed away.
William Charles Bowman
William Charles Bowman (circa 1830 – 23 February 1879) was born at Cheshunt Park in Tasmania. He owned Crystal Brook station, which included land between the Broughton River and the coastline, covering Napperby, Nelshaby, and Broughton runs. After the government reclaimed the squatting lease, he returned to Tasmania.
Thomas Richard Bowman
Thomas Richard Bowman was born on 17 March 1835 in Tasmania and moved with his family to South Australia in June 1840. From 1857 until 1874 he worked at Crystal Brook before inheriting "Campbell House" (later renamed "Campbell Park") near Lake Albert. There he raised sheep and cattle. He also owned a three-masted schooner named Ada and Clara, after his daughters.
In his later life, Thomas contributed generously to various charitable organizations. He amassed a significant collection of early settler photographs from Henry Jones and donated this archive to the State Library of South Australia. He died at his home "Waverley" on South Terrace in Adelaide following a fall.
History
John Bowman senior (1785–1857), originally from Askham in Westmorland, England, emigrated to Australia in 1828 with his wife Mary and their six children aboard the Fame. Although their initial destination was Western Australia, adverse conditions led them to disembark in Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) in 1831. There, John developed sheep grazing and wheat cultivation near Hobart, securing several properties including Mount Vernon.
In 1838, John dispatched his eldest son Edmund to South Australia to investigate new prospects. Despite losing belongings in a shipwreck, Edmund returned equipped with livestock and began acquiring land close to Adelaide, notably sections at Islington (present-day Kilburn) and Pine Forest (now Enfield). By 1840, the family had moved to South Australia, establishing a foundation for their pastoral ventures.
The Bowman siblings broadened their pastoral interests by obtaining estates such as Martindale near Mintaro, which Edmund managed. They specialized in horse breeding, supplying mounts to the British Army in India, and gained recognition as prominent racehorse owners. Prior to 1864, Edmund purchased the Werocata estate near Balaklava; it was later inherited by his son Charles William and eventually sold to distinguished breeders.
In 1878, Edmund acquired Wandillah near Kooringa; this property was subsequently overseen by his son along with Holm Hill. Due to declining health, Edmund transitioned from frontier work to managing an office in Adelaide and constructed the mansion "Barton Vale" at Enfield in 1852. Tragically, he died at 43 following an accident on his land.
From 1856, Thomas, John, and William Bowman jointly operated the Crystal Brook run encompassing 500 square miles, maintaining extensive flocks of sheep, cattle, and horses. Despite facing severe droughts and challenges such as dog attacks and scab infestations, they expanded their holdings through perseverance and infrastructure enhancements including dams and wells. Eventually, the government resumed northern pastoral lands including their Napperby property.
In 1873, Thomas and John acquired Poltalloch and Campbell House stations on Lake Albert from Sir John Malcolm. After selling most cattle to Sir Thomas Elder to concentrate on sheep farming, they dissolved their partnership a year later: John retained Poltalloch while Thomas took control of Campbell House. Poltalloch was later passed down to Keith D. Bowman; Campbell House was managed by Peter Peterson until his retirement.
The brothers contributed to local development by constructing a wool store and one of Port Pirie’s earliest jetties—both later transferred to government ownership—and owned several vessels including the ketch Napperby, which was lost in 1875.
Martindale Hall mansion was erected on Martindale Estate for Edmund junior in 1880 as the family residence. Following prolonged droughts and falling wool prices, Edmund listed Martindale for sale in 1890; it was sold in 1892 to William Tennant Mortlock along with much of the stud sheep flock. During this period, other properties such as Werocata, Wandillah, and Mount Bryan were also relinquished.
Family
John Bowman senior (1785–1857) wed Mary Bowman (1797–1865) in 1817. His final years were marked by hardship; after wandering away from home in 1854 appearing confused and paralyzed, he passed away three years later without public notice. Their offspring included:
- Edmund (1818–1866), who married Elizabeth Hackney (1829–1907). Their son Edmund junior (1855–1921) married Annie Lewers Cowle, daughter of Charles Tobin Cowle, manager of ES&A Bank. He acquired Holm Hill at Mintaro where he established a merino stud and built Martindale Hall.
- E. Donat Bowman (1885–1926) succeeded at Holm Hill and married Adelaide Mary Shannon.
- Vera Constance Bowman (1886–1959)
- Eunice Elizabeth Bowman (1888–1977)
- Patricia Margaret Bowman (1891–1970)
- Charles Sholto Bowman (1902–1966)
- Jocelyn Eleanor Bowman
- Charles William (known as William) (1857–1928) managed Mount Bryan Station, bred merino sheep near Hammond, and partnered with Charles and Thomas Chewings under Bowman & Chewings.
- Clarissa Eveline (1861–1948)
- Alice Elizabeth (1862–1928), who married Alexander "Alick" James Murray.
- Hubert "Bertie" Bowman (1863–1914) oversaw Hill River Station as well as his own Penwortham property; he was a noted polo player who inherited "Barton Vale," later selling it.
- Jessie (1865–1924), referenced in the will of uncle T. R. Bowman.
- Deborah (1820–1887) arrived in Adelaide in 1839; she married William Innis Forrester. Their children included Emma, Jane, John, Elizabeth "Bessie," William Gilbert Forrester, Julia Frances, Louisa Bowman Forrester, Edwin Thomas Forrester, and Mary Forrester.
- Jane (1822–1855), who arrived in 1839 and married Thomas Tapley junior—a cofounder of Tapley & Hince butchers later known as Parnell & Bowman—with children Thomas Richard, Jane, and Hannah Bowman Tapley.
- Mary Anne (1824–1844), who died young.
- Elizabeth (1826–1853), arrived in 1840; married James Wyld MacDonald who served as accountant for the South Australian Mining Association.
- John (1828–1900) married Jane Martin Bowman; their son Keith Dudley Bowman inherited Poltalloch Station and invested in the Bowman Buildings on King William Street in Adelaide. He served as director of Bennett & Fisher Ltd., while family members were active within the Girl Guide movement. Their children included Mary, Nancy Margaret (who married Sir Norman Lane Jude), and Daphne Bowman OAM—recognized for her contributions to Guides and co-ownership of Glenbarr homestead.
- William Charles (circa 1830–1879) purchased Crystal Brook station but returned to Tasmania after government resumed its lease. He married Jane Martin Brown; their fifteen children included:
- John William Bowman inherited Mount Vernon property and acquired "The Ridge" in Gippsland.
- Arthur Percy Bowman inherited Mount Vernon station before selling it for Gippsland holdings; he then partnered with uncle T. R. Bowman to acquire Poltalloch and Campbell House stations near Tailem Bend. He was a successful racehorse owner and served on the Adelaide Racing Club committee.
- Albert Edward managed Poltalloch Station prior to taking over Bethanga Park near Wodonga.
- William Charles Bowman resided at "Melyra," Orange NSW.
Other offspring engaged extensively in pastoral pursuits and social activities across Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia.
- Thomas Richard Bowman (1835–1911) wed Elizabeth Haigh Love who served as president of South Australia's National Council of Women and played a pivotal role in founding the state’s initial branches of the Country Women's Association. Their daughters included Ada May Cave and Clara Eva Bray.
- Amelia Christiana (1838–1841), died young shortly after arriving in South Australia.
This lineage illustrates deep involvement in pastoral enterprises throughout South Australia and Victoria with significant investments focused on merino sheep breeding alongside contributions toward regional growth through strategic property management. The Bowmans also held prominent positions within banking management circles and community leadership roles that highlight their enduring commercial influence.
William Bowman
William Bowman, a relative of the Bowman siblings, co-managed the Crystal Brook station with Thomas Bowman. He held ownership of Cairnbrook station near Mintaro and was in charge of Martindale from 1868 to 1870.
- William Bowman (circa 1821 – 14 November 1911) was wed to Elizabeth (deceased 28 May 1893).
- Their offspring included William Emerson (circa August 1867 – 3 June 1870), Elizabeth Ann "Annie" Bowman (passed away 31 December 1930), who married banker N. M. L. Eddington in 1890, George (1895–1917, killed in action in France), Deborah (died 10 July 1895), and Mary Jane Bowman (deceased 20 January 1940).
Thomas Bowman
Thomas Bowman, another cousin and the fifth son of Edmund Bowman from Askham, Westmorland, emigrated to Australia in 1855. His early years were spent working on goldfields in Victoria before he partnered with William Bowman to manage the Crystal Brook and Wakefield stations. Subsequently, he acquired his own estate named "View Bank" located in Maitland, South Australia. In 1859, he married Catherine Hooper, whose family settled at Mount Barker.
- Thomas Bowman (18 June 1829 – 9 June 1922) and Catherine had a total of five sons and seven daughters, among them:
- Matilda 'Tilly' Bowman, who resided in Stansbury and Balhannah
- Thirza Otena, who lived in Balhannah
- Clara Lenora, based in Stansbury
- Mildred Sabina, settled at Maitland
- Florence Amy, living at Lochiel Park, Campbelltown
- Alfred Edmund Bowman (from Stansbury)
- Foster Bowman (of Maitland)
- Harold Bowman (Ardrossan), whose son Thomas Harold Bowman (1914–1942) died at El Alamein
- Ernest Oscar Bowman (spouse Florence Foord)
- Clarence Bell Bowman (spouse Fanny Sims)
Parker Bowman
Parker Bowman (circa 1831 – 13 October 1911), nephew to John Bowman senior, was engaged as a pastoralist and farmer in South Australia. Born in Penrith, Cumberland, he migrated to South Australia in 1855. In 1856, he married Mary Ann Bowman (1837 – 1923), residing at Auburn and later Napperby station before partnering with Edward Parnell to lease Parara station near Ardrossan in 1866. Parara was subdivided in 1876; Parker selected the Parara section. Both he and Parnell heavily invested in a copper mining venture there that ultimately proved unprofitable. A William Bowman served as a director of this mining company, though his precise identity remains unclear.
Children of Parker Bowman included:
- Mary Evelyne "Eva," who married William Henry Pavy
- Emma Jane, spouse of Benjamin Saunders Pavy
- Ada Beatrice, who died young from typhoid
- Mabel Priscilla Bowman
- Mouncy Parker Bowman, married to Sarah Edwards
- Herbert W. Bowman, husband of Helen Margaret "Nellie" Wood
- Edmund Richard Bowman
Edmund Parnell
Edmund Parnell (9 March 1834 – 28 June 1887), born in Askham, Westmoreland, was connected to the Bowmans through his mother Elizabeth Bowman. He arrived in Melbourne in 1854 before settling down in Kadina, South Australia. Alongside Stephen Bowman, he established the company Parnell & Bowman and acquired the butcher business Tapley & Hince in 1862.
Parnell was married twice: initially to Rachael Matilda McAlwey (circa 1836 – 1877) and later to Annie Rennison Roe (1844 – 1913). Their children consisted of:
- Edmund, who wed Margaret Catherine Ritson
- John Bowman, married Edith S. Haddy
- Parker Roe, spouse Gertrude Clarissa Davies
- (Joseph) Douglas (circa 1882 – 1910)
- Elizabeth, who married Joseph Turner from Snowtown
- Mary "Polly," wife of Harry H. Rice
- Deborah "Deb," married Thomas Flint
- Edith Theresa, spouse Arthur Herbert Thomas
Stephen Bowman
Stephen Bowman, believed to have been born in Celleron, Barton, Westmorland, was probably related as a nephew to Mary née Bowman of Celleron and a cousin to the Bowman siblings. In 1863, he partnered with Edmund Parnell to establish a butchery business in Kadina, which later extended its operations to Wallaroo. Their enterprise, known as Parnell & Bowman, grew to become one of the most prominent on the Yorke Peninsula.
- Stephen Bowman (10 March 1839 – 3 March 1902) wed Margaret Morris (circa 1846 – 27 June 1939) on 8 November 1864.
- Thomas Henry (circa 1865 – 16 January 1932), a butcher in Wallaroo, married Louisa Emmeline Watts
- Edmund (circa 1867 – 28 September 1938), butcher based in Kadina, married Jessie Harris on 22 June 1892
- Florence Isabella (– March 1835), married Thomas Davies (– 8 February 1938) on 16 November 1892
- Lillian married John Arthur Bowman (– 17 March 1948)