Elbert County GaArchives A Graphic Story of Bowman, Ga.
The Elberton Star, Sept. 11, 1902

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A Graphic Story of Bowman, Ga.
By John S. Christian, M. D. 
The Elberton Star, Sept. 11, 1902

Bowman is situated in the extreme North-Western portion of Elbert
County, being twelve miles from Elberton, on the Elberton Air Line 
Railroad, which is a branch of the Southern, and thirty-eight miles 
from Toccoa.
	
The town is in the very midst of as fine farming section as can be 
found in northeast Georgia.  To give a better idea of its location to 
those not familiar with this section of the country, perhaps it would 
be better to say that Bowman is fifteen miles from Hartwell, twenty 
from Carnesville and fifteen from Danielsville.

The above three places mentioned are the county towns of the three 
counties adjoining Elbert on the North, West and South.

Prior to the building of the Elberton Air Line Railroad, there had 
scarcely been a thought of a town ever being built in upper Elbert, or 
Goshen, as all that portion of the county north and west of Elberton 
was commonly called, but the building of the road opened up, as it 
were, this hitherto undeveloped section, and instilled new life into 
its citizens, and by the time the first train of cars rolled up to what 
was then only a cross roads, which was in October 1878, one store house 
had already been built, town lots had been surveyed, and clearing out 
of the original forest had begun preparatory to building.

The town owes its origin largely to the building of the railroad, and 
while the town has never at any time been on a boom, it has all the 
while been slowly, but surely building up on something more solid and 
durable than a boom.  There have been times, it is true, that Bowman 
seemed to be on a stand-still, and some perhaps may have thought that 
it would never amount to much more than a little railway station; but 
without much ado, things have gone on quietly, wild cat methods and 
schemes being avoided, until it is now being recognized that Bowman has 
a bright future, and that some day, and that not far off, Bowman will 
be the pride of all this section, and the peer of any town in northeast 
Georgia.

Bowman has a population of about 500, nearly all of whom are white, and 
of as high-toned, conservative, law-abiding and honorable citizens as 
can be found anywhere.  Bowman has been for several years a dry town, 
and this is largely due to a strong public sentiment in support of the 
prohibition law, together with efficient and determined efforts of the 
municipal authorities to suppress the sale of any intoxication drinks.  
The inevitable result which always will follow this kind of sentiment 
sooner or later, now prevails, and it is due the good people of Bowman 
to say that we believe there is no place that can boast of a larger 
percent of sober men that this.  In fact, it is indeed a rare thing to 
ever see a man here under the influence of strong drink, or even the 
odor of whiskey about him, and generally when such is seen, the party 
has come from some other place, and was in that condition before he 
reached the town.

It is not what Bowman has, or has not been or accomplished that we wish 
to speak, but the conditions that now exist, together with the many 
natural advantages which this town and section enjoy.

Municipal Government

The conservators of peace and good order of the town of Bowman, are men 
of acknowledged integrity, and it is the consensus of feeling of the 
entire citizenship that they are faithful in the discharge of duty.

Mr. J. S. Colvard is now serving his second term as mayor, his first 
term being before he graduated in the law department of State 
University.  He is well qualified to fill the office and has won the 
confidence and esteem of the people.  The council is composed of the 
following gentlemen: B. R. Cordell, E. H. Ward, W. A. David, J. A. Ginn 
and W. M. Denny.  Marshall J. N. Burden is recognized as one of the 
best marshals that the town has had in several years, and his 
promptness and faithfulness in the discharge of his duties ought to be 
a restraint to evil doers.

Bowman Business Men

Those engaged in mercantile and other business, are plucky and wide-
awake in the management of their respective businesses, and from all 
indications are reaping a just reward of their skill and diligence.  
They are J. A. Gloer, who is assisted in serving his many customers by 
H. G. Mewbourn; Ginn & Hendrick, the firm being composed of J. A. Ginn 
and L. W. Hendrick; E. H. Ward, assisted by Charley Cann; Grover David; 
Cordell & Cann, furniture dealers, the firm being composed of B. R. 
Cordell and Rev. F. M. Cann, B. P. Teasley & Son, the junior member 
being W. Alfred Teasley, who with his brother Oscar Teasley, always 
strive to serve their customers in the most satisfactory manner; I. H. 
Cordell, whose business is always safe in the hands of his efficient 
salesman, W. N. Brown; E. B. Wickliffe; S. M. Mewbourn, N. M. Jordan, 
J. D. Conwell and C. D. Vaughan, all of whom are polite and 
accommodating, and seem to be reaping a fair harvest in their 
respective lines of business.

Professional Men

Some people might think that a small town like Bowman would not be a 
desirable location for lawyers, but there are two here and both seem to 
be doing a lucrative business.  Mr. T. L. Adams, was a merchant for 
several years, but finally abandoned that business and entered the 
legal profession, and has won the distinction of being an exceptionally 
fine collector.

Mr. J. S. Colvard, who is also mayor of the town, is a self-made man in 
the highest sense of the word.  He taught school for several years, and 
for two years was a member of the faculty of the John Gibson Institute, 
which place he left to attend the law school of the State University, 
graduating in June, 1901.  Since his return from the University, he 
entered upon the practice of his profession under the most gratifying 
conditions, and has already distinguished himself as one of the 
brightest of the legal fraternity, and is being rewarded with a 
lucrative practice.

Bowman has two physicians, J. S. Christian and B. W. Hall, both of whom 
were reared in this immediate section.  The former graduated from the 
medical department of the State University in 1885, and has practiced 
his profession continuously in this county since.  He moved to Bowman 
five years ago, when there were already three other physicians in the 
town, all of whom have since moved away, and has built up a practice 
which extends into surrounding country of which he no doubt feels 
proud.  Dr. Hall also graduated from the medical college at Augusta , 
Ga. some years later, and moved to Bowman about two years ago, and 
enjoys the confidence of his friends, and is getting his share of work 
in his line.

Religious

Bowman has two churches, Baptist and Methodist, each of which has 
preaching service once a month, with mid-week prayer meetings and 
Sunday School every Sunday.  The memberships, as a rule, are faithful 
Christian workers, and their influence in a large measure has 
contributed in making the town what it is religiously, morally and 
socially.  There are a number of boys and girls who seem to be 
consecrated Christians, and their influence added to that of the older 
people is seen and felt even by those who visit the town for only a few 
days

There are three preachers living in the town.  Two Baptist, Revs. E. R. 
Goss and F. M. Cann, and one Methodist, Rev. J. W. Gober, all of whom 
have full work serving the country churches in the section immediately 
surrounding the town.  We also have a young Baptist preacher recently 
from Furman University, Rev. Earle Elgin, who has won the confidence 
and appreciation of all who have been so fortunate as to form his 
acquaintance.

Mechanical


There are two blacksmith, wood and repair shops.  One is owned and 
operated by Mr. T. A. Hall, recently from South Carolina, and the other 
is run by  Mr. M. V. Bagwell, who has followed his trade here for 
several years.  Both shops are conducted in such manner as fill all 
requirements of their numerous patrons.

There are two barber shops and one shoe and harness shop, conducted by 
Mr. Willis Vaughn and Mr. Ray, who are always at their post ready to 
serve those in need of their skill to the best of their ability.  In 
this connection, perhaps ought to be mentioned that there is one livery 
stable owned by Messrs. B. R. Cordell and E. H. Ward, and conducted in 
a way that proves satisfactory in meeting all demands.

Manufacturing

There is a large ginnery here, owned by a stock company, all of whom 
live in or near town.  It has all the modern  improvements for handling 
cotton, and turns out the staple in marketable condition.  The original 
cost to build was about $5,000.

There is also in daily operation a roller patent flour mill, of forty 
barrels capacity, which cost about $5,000.  It is also owned by Bowman 
citizens.

About one and a half miles from town there is another roller patent 
flour mill, located on the waters of Beaverdam creek, of twenty barrels 
capacity, owned by citizens of this place and vicinity.  Both mills 
share a liberal custom, and turn out first-class products.
		
Educational

To speak of Bowman and not say something of the magnificent school 
building, would merit, and be sure to receive, the displeasure of 
almost every man, woman and child in the town.  The building was 
constructed in 1892, and named in honor of the lamented Baptist divine, 
John G. Gibson.  It is known as the John Gibson Institute, and is owned 
jointly by the Hebron and Sarepta Associations.

The School has been vitally connected with the upbuilding of the town 
and surrounding country, and has been a powerful factor in the 
development of a people who, otherwise, could never, perhaps , have 
enjoyed the benefits of an education.  Young men from this school have 
already entered the professions of law, medicine and the ministry, and 
the business callings, well fitted for their life work, who, in no 
small measure, owe their success to this institute and the sacrifices 
of its founders.

The school has, most of the time, enjoyed a liberal local patronage, 
besides young men and young ladies from all the adjoining counties and 
other portions of the state, and quite a number from South Carolina 
have sought and secured the advantages offered by this school. This 
might be expected, when the religious, moral and social status of the 
town is of such a high order.  Couple this with the fact that the 
trustees of this school have always endeavored to secure a faculty 
whose ability and standing would justify them in offering advantages 
second to none, and you will readily understand why the John Gibson 
Institute has, from the beginning, taken such a high stand in the 
educational world.  Besides the above mentioned conditions, there is 
another thing which plays an important part in the life and prosperity 
of all such educational institutes-that is the expenses.  Board and 
tuition in this institute for the entire scholastic year of nine months 
need not cost more that from $75 to $85.  

The building is a commodious one, and cost in the neighborhood of 
$10,000 to build and furnish.  It is a brick building of two stories, 
has six large recitation rooms and an auditorium 60 x 80 feet.  Every 
room is well ventilated and lighted, and furnished with desk to 
accommodate any requirements of little tots as well as grown up pupils.  
The institute has also been furnished with musical instruments, charts, 
maps, etc., at much expense.

The school is now under the management of Professor J. A. Hunter, and 
the next session will open on the 15th of  September.  Professor Hunter 
will take pleasure in corresponding with any who will write him.


Hostelry

Bowman has but one hotel, which is under the management of Mr. S. M. 
Mewbourn, but those wishing to secure board can secure it in the best 
families in town, besides the dormitory, which is always reserved for 
the use of the girls who attend the school.

Conveniences

Bowman has four daily trains.  Mr. W. A. David is the agent, and has 
rendered efficient service in that capacity since the road was first 
built.  There is also an express and telegraph office here.  Mail 
matter is delivered twice a day, and the rural routes are supplied from 
this office.  Mr. C. P. Hairston is the postmaster, and faithfully 
discharges his duties.

Professor J. B. Vaughn, the popular singer and music publisher, has his 
office here, and thousands of his publications are shipped to almost 
every part of the United States.  Professor Vaughn shares the esteem of 
all who know him, and it is impossible to know him and hear him sing 
without loving him.

Other Advantages

We remarked above that Bowman had a bright future, now let us see of 
what it consists.  Besides the religious and moral atmosphere, the 
prominence and high grade of the school, the healthfulness of this 
place, the cheapness of living here, we have other advantages that are 
peculiarly local.  First is the surrounding country, which is one of 
the best farming sections to be found surrounding or lying adjacent to 
any town of my knowledge, and for a distance of from six to ten miles, 
in almost every direction, can be made to contribute to the upbuilding 
of the town.  There can be no better lands found in the state for the 
growing of peaches and grapes than the lands around Bowman.  The famous 
Elberta peach grows here to unusual perfection.  Any amount of land 
here can be bought cheap, considering the high state of cultivation to 
which it has been brought.  A few hundred acres of this land planted in 
the Elberta peach would in a few years bring to owner a fortune.

One other advantage of which we wish to speak is the superb water power 
which is within a few miles of Bowman and easily accessible.  One is on 
Beaverdam creek about one mile from town, which is now being utilized 
by a ginnery and saw mill, owned by Mr. P. P. Teasley.  Another is on 
the same creek, one and a half miles from town and is being utilized by 
a roller patent mill.  These powers could be made to operate enough 
machinery to give employment to hundreds of hands.  The other, and 
larger water power, is on Broad river, about five miles from Bowman, 
and enough power can be developed there to run a 20,000 spindle cotton 
mill.  This power has been surveyed and the figures, giving number of 
horse power, with a correct measurement of flow of water can be secured 
by writing to the secretary of the Bowman Industrial Club.

It will only be a few years, in the opinion of the writer and many 
others, until all the above advantages will be recognized and utilized.  
When nothing short of some disaster, which it is now impossible to see, 
can prevent this now quiet, unassuming town, from becoming one of the 
most prosperous towns in all this part of the state.

Bowman is too small a town to have a chamber of commerce, but it has an 
organization  which bears the same relation to the town and its 
interests that the chamber of commerce bears to the large city.  It is 
known as the Bowman Industrial Club, as it is composed of the leading 
citizens of the town, who are always looking out for an opportunity to 
give encouragement to any industry or enterprise that stands to help 
the town and surrounding country.  Mr. W. M. Denny is the president and 
Dr. J. S. Christian is the secretary, either one of whom will take 
pleasure in answering any question and giving any information 
concerning the town, its people and the many advantages they enjoy.