Samuel C. Bowman

At the age of 21, Bowman started teaching school in his township. He continued this for about 10 years.^[2] In 1852. Bowman moved to Massillon and worked as a clerk. He then went into partnership with I. N. Doxsee in a tin business on Erie Street. He continued this endeavor for four years.^[2] Bowman formed a milling business with Taylor called Taylor & Bowman. He then worked in the hardware business.^[2] In May 1864, Bowman enlisted with the 162nd Ohio National Guard as second lieutenant of Company A. He served mostly in Columbus, Ohio, and left service in September 1864.^[2] After returning to Stark County, he resumed his dealings in milling and hardware. He left the hardware business in 1880.^[2]

Bowman was a Republican.^[2] Bowman served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing Stark County from 1870 to 1874.^[3] His last two years, Bowman was chairman of the committee on geology, mines, and mining.^[2] In 1876, Bowman was elected as councilman of the Third Ward. He served in that role for four years. He was elected as president of the city council of Massillon in 1879.^[4]

In 1880, Bowman was elected to the state board of equalization. From 1884 to 1886, he served as mayor of Massillon.^[1][4] He also served as justice of the peace in 1892 and was a trustee of the township for 10 years.^[1][2][5]

Bowman was trustee of the Fairmount Children's Home in Alliance.^[4] In 1855, he joined the Masons.^[2]

Bowman married Elizabeth Sour of Franklin Township, Summit County, Ohio, on January 4, 1849. His wife predeceased him. They had one daughter, Ida.^[1][2]

Bowman died on September 20, 1898, aged 76, at his home at 64 North Mill Street in Massillon.^[4][5]