Bowen, Robert (1823-1896)
Early years
Robert was born on 4 February 1823 at Medlicott, Shropshire. He was the fourth son of farmers who were among the first to hear, receive and provide a home for Primitive Methodist preachers.
Robert was brought up attending PM services, though it was not until September 1844 that he was converted in a prayer meeting at Asterton chapel led by Rev Richard Owen (1812-1852). Robert then joined the society and went on the plan in September 1845. It was at a camp meeting in 1851 that he felt a call to the itinerant ministry.
Ministry
In 40 years as an itinerant minister Robert;
- visited 67,488 families
- walked 62,171 miles
- rode 38,382 miles (last 20 years)
- preached 9,993 times
- saw 1,089 souls profess to be converted
- had an increase of 1,008 on the stations he travelled.
Family
Robert married Elizabeth Stephens (1824-1864) in 1857 at Chorlton, Lancashire. Census returns identify two children.
- Elizabeth (b1861)
- Maria (b1863)
Robert married Ann Davies (b abt 1829) in the spring of 1867 at Presteigne, Radnorshire. Census returns identify one child.
- Ann (b1869)
Robert died on 12 Jun 1896 at Bishops Castle, Shropshire.
Circuits
- 1852 Bishops Castle
- 1853 Tunstall
- 1855 Leominster & Weobly
- 1857 Burland
- 1859 Brierley Hill
- 1861 Stafford
- 1865 Cwm
- 1868 Prees Green
- 1871 Brierley Hill
- 1875 Ludlow
- 1879 Leintwardine
- 1883 Brierley Hill
- 1885 Talke
- 1891 Bishops Castle (S)
- 1894 Dudley
References
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1866/371 (Elizabeth); 1879 (portrait); 1897/942
PM Minutes 1897/10
W Leary , Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits , 1990
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
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