Springfield-Greene
County LibraryWILLIAM E. BOWDEN (deceased). All people of true sensibility and a just regard for the memory of those who have departed this life cherish the details of the history of those whose careers have been marked by uprightness and truth and whose lives have been filled up with acts of usefulness. Such a man was William E. Bowden, a rising and promising young attorney of Springfield. He was born in Henry County, Tenn., September 22, 1857, and when a mere lad was taken by his parents to Weakley County, of the same State, where he was reared to a knowledge of farming. At the age of twenty-one years he entered McKenzie College, Tenn., and after graduating from that institution he became a teacher in the same, a position be held two years. At the end of this time he began the study of law and was very shortly afterward admitted to the bar and at once opened an office, and his own ability and knowledge of his profession soon placed him among the leading attorneys of the State. He was an active Democrat and by that party was nominated to represent his county in the House of Representatives in 1882, but the following year came to Springfield and at once started on a successful legal career which he continued alone until 1884, at which time be formed a partnership with Mr. Wolf, with whom he remained associated until his health began to fail him, and he died December 7, 1889, at Thomasville, Ga., whither be had gone to recuperate, at the untimely age of thirty-two years. Although young he had already risen to eminence in his profession, and his death was doubly sad from the fact that his future was so bright with promise and gave every evidence of being one of distinguished honor. He was highly respected throughout Greene County, not only for his ability as an attorney, but also for his qualities of useful citizenship, which he manifested at all times. He at one time made the race for Prosecuting Attorney of the county against John A. Patterson, but with his entire ticket was defeated. He was of a very social and genial disposition, kind of heart, noble in sentiment, and a true and faithful friend. He was a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. He was first married in Tennessee in 1879 to Miss Mollie McCain, who died November 18, 1885, in Springfield, after having become the mother of one daughter--Georgia. His second marriage took place October 11, 1887, Miss Susie Cravens, a daughter of Col. J. C. Cravens, of Springfield, becoming his wife. To this union a son, Jeremiah C., was born, who, with his widow, survives him. Mrs. Bowden makes her home in Springfield where she has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
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