Col. Herbert Joseph "Bert" Bowman, C. E.

1865 - 1916  (51 years)

• Name	Herbert Joseph "Bert" Bowman
  Prefix	Col.
  Suffix	C. E.
  Born	18 Jun 1865	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
  Christened	2 Sep 1866	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [5]
  Gender	Male
  Occupation	1881	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [4]
  	Student
  Residence	1881	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [4]
  	Church of England
  Residence	1897	18 Weber St. W. Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  		Residence of H. J. Bowman 1897 Kitchener, Ontario From: Busy Berlin Jubilee Souvenir 1897, published by Berlin News-Record
  Occupation	1901	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [3]
  	Civil Engineer
  Elected Office	1906	, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [8]
  	Waterloo County Council
  		Waterloo County Council in 1906 Image from: 100 Years of Progress in Waterloo County Canada Semi-Centennial Souvenir 1856-1906
  FindAGrave	https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/168773226
  Interesting	public service, military
  Name	H. J. Bowman
  Name	Joseph Bowman
  Occupation	1906	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [9]
  	civil engineer & county clerk
  Occupation	1911	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [6]
  	Engineer (Civil)
  Residence	18 Weber St. W. Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  Residence	1911	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [6]
  	Christian Science
  Eby ID Number	00002-564
  Died	19 Jun 1916	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [7]
  Buried	Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [7]
  Person ID	I8661	Generations
  Last Modified	28 Jan 2025

  
  

  Father	Warden Israel David Bowman,   b. 28 Mar 1830, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 4 Sep 1896, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 66 years)
  Mother	Angelina Louisa Tyson,   b. 30 Nov 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 24 Jun 1912, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 73 years)
  Married	30 Aug 1864	Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [10, 11]
  Family ID	F2535	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Edith Hermione May Walker,   b. 20 Feb 1868, Hamilton, Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada ,   d. 29 Mar 1948, Barton Twp., Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada  (Age 80 years)
  Children	1. Hope Bowman,   b. 27 May 1894, , Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown   2. Ruth Bowman,   b. 17 Mar 1896, , Ontario, Canada ,   d. 1953  (Age 56 years)   3. Victor Edmund Walker Bowman,   b. 19 Sep 1901, , Ontario, Canada ,   d. 1932  (Age 30 years)   4. Ernest Bowman,   b. Oct 1903, , Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown
  Last Modified	29 Jan 2025
  Family ID	F2536	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Photos		Herbert Bowman Waterloo Historical Society
  		Herbert with his mother Angeline Louisa Tyson Original at Waterloo Region Museum

  
  

• Notes

  Herbert J. Bowman, "was born June 18th, 1865. He is a civil engineer, provincial land surveyor, draftsman, etc. He is married to Edith H. M. Walker and resides on Ahrens Street, Berlin." Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.]. __________ The City and County Lose an Efficient Servant in The Death of Col. H. J. Bowman The Demise of the County Clerk and Treasurer Occurred at the Hospital Yesterday Afternoon After a Prolonged Illness. Deceased Was a Valuable Member on Waterworks Commission. Waterloo County has lost one of its native sons in the death of Col. H. J. Bowman, County Clerk, who passed away at the Berlin and Waterloo hospital yesterday afternoon after a protracted illness. The intelligence that "Bert," Bowman as the late official, was known among his friends was a painful one, many expressions of regret being heard as the alert was flashed throughout the city for it meant the loss of a of a warm-hearted friend a citizen of sterling character, and an official of high worth and merit. The late Colonel's illness dates back to last autumn. The symptoms of the first affliction did not disappear but the deceased was able to resume his duties at the County buildings. A few months ago further complications set in but the official as was his custom remained at his post performing his obligations faithfully until two weeks ago when he took a rest. However, he found it necessary to go to the hospital. His condition became serious and a few days ago it became apparent that the end was near. Herbert J. Bowman was born in Berlin on June 18th., 1865 and was the son of the late Israel D. and Mrs. Bowman. He was educated in the Public and High Schools of the city where he spent practically all his life. After matriculating he entered Toronto University as a student in civil engineering. While a student at Toronto he was one of those who answered the call of his country at the time of the Northwest Rebellion. It was in the years 1885 and 1886 that the young man showed that spirit of courage and faithfulness which characterized his life. 'Bert' only out of his teens joined the Queen's Own Regiment in Toronto and went to the help of the country in restoring order in the turbulent districts of the Northwest. The experience gained and service rendered made him worthy of the promotion to the rank of Colonel of the 108th. Regiment of this city. The rebellion quashed, the militia were disbanded and the young student returned to Toronto to finish his course. After graduating he was awarded the degree of C. E. and later of O. L. S. and D. L. S. Returning to the city the graduate continued to show that brilliancy in practical engineering which had marked his studies at college. His services as an engineer and surveyor were soon sought. In Berlin a few years later he was enabled to employ his ability and skill which have proved valuable to employer and to the City, County and other municipalities. He specialized in waterworks construction, engineering plants and bridges. His worth was recognized by the former waterworks plant of the city, namely, Moffatt, Hodgins and Clarke. The Engineer gave valuable advice, on construction and Installation from time to time. Later he became the secretary-treasurer and superintendent of the firm and required an experience which counted for much during recent years when he was a member of the municipal waterworks commission, After several years service with the old company he resumed private practice and assisted his father, the late Israel D. Bowman, who was County Clerk and Town Clerk. It was in 1898 that the City took over the waterworks, plant. Good men were needed for the commission if the undertaking was to be made a success to …… electors selected four commissioners and their choice was not amiss. Engineer Bowman, who in the meantime had become County, Clerk was elected. With him on the first Commission were Chairman J. C. Breithaupt of the present board, the late J. S. Anthes, Mr. P. S. Lautenschlager, and the late ex-Mayor George Rumpel. Since 1899 the deceased had been on the Commission every year except one. In the development of the waterworks to a large extent are embodied ideas of Commissioner Bowman. He acted as the Consulting Engineer of the plant up to a few years ago. He was more than that. He was a valuable adviser as several monuments to his credit testify. The new electric pumps, the cement reservoir of 1,000,000 gallons capacity, and the sinking of wells at Bridgeport for securing a future water-supply for the city are improvements which were his suggestions. Being a capable engineer who made a specialty of waterworks he was a useful man on the Commission. His good judgement, his general knowledge and his alertness were outstanding characteristics during his long tenure of office. His accuracy and reliable opinions accounted for that confidence which the fellow Commissioners had placed in him. The late Commissioner was always on the alert for improving the plant. He was well versed in the latest appliances on the market. The Swiss pumping machinery and the English specimen at the plant are examples. This interest in the plant was manifest not only whenever the Board met and valuable information was imparted to the Commission, but also whenever he was abroad. For example when he was in England several years ago his attention was directed to the English pump. He saw the apparatus, reported favorably and advised the installation of the same. Several years ago he made a special investigation of the watershed in the district of Bridgeport and he strongly advocated the sinking of wells in the village. His advise was acted on and his suggestions have proven practical. Of interest it is to note that when the first Commission took charge the number of water consumers was 800 and that today it is approximately 3,800. The value of the old plant was $102,000 and that of the present $424,000. Parallel with the Commissioners' advice and assistance to the Berlin commission is his work as a private Engineer. The waterworks plants at Hespeler, Listowel, Elmira, Fergus, Chesley, Norwich and Parkhill were engineered by him. In Other Fields. The service of Col. Bowman on the Waterworks Commission however was not his only meritorious work. The County Clerkship was well filled by him. In 1896 his father, the late Israel D. Bowman, who had filled the post of County Clerk for 25 years, passed away. In the son the County Council recognized the right successor. He was appointed to the position and the appointment proved what was expected of it. County Clerk H. J. Bowman has frequently been termed the brains of the County Council, not casting any reflection on the latter body. The official's knowledge of legal procedure and his interest in the public good were valuable traits. The Clerk was a student of municipal needs and many ideas were promulgated by him and were accepted by the Council. The organization of the Suburban Good Roads Commission which is about to begin its work was one of the matters for which a measure of credit is due the official. The County Clerk also was the Inspector of County Roads and the Inspector of the House of Refuge. As his father was also Town Clerk at the time of his demise, the Town enjoyed Col. Bowman's services as Acting Clerk from July 1896 to November 1896 when the late Henry Aleiter was appointed Town clerk In The Empire's Cause. The official, however did no limit his service to municipal circles. Shortly after the war broke out in 1914 the need of a home guard became apparent. Col. Bowman set so work and organized the 10th Regiment of which he was the head up to the time of his demise. His efforts met with success, success beyond his expectations for from the ranks of the 11th, over 200 men have come to enter the active service of the Empire's forces. The majority of the officers and many privates of the 18th battalion owe their first training to the late Colonel. Others have joined various units in Western Ontario. He was also connected with the 29th Regiment for some years. The Colonel had also served the City in the capacity of Town Engineer for some time. He was a member of the Engineering firm of Bowman and Conner, Toronto. He was an ex-president of the Waterloo County Canadian Club. The deceased is survived by his wife, who before her marriage was Edith H. M. Walker, the youngest sister of Sir Edmund Walker. There also survive two sons and two daughters who are, Ralph, Ernest, Hope and Ruth. One sister, Mrs. A. J. Thibedeau of Niagara Falls, N. Y., and one brother, David of the Civil Service of the Alberta government in Edmonton also survive. The deceased was a member of the First Church of Christian Science. The funeral which will be private will be held at the residence, 54 Margaret Avenue, at 2.30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. Interment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery. The Berlin News Record Tue, Jun 20, 1916 Page 2

  
  

• Sources

  [S3] Book - Vol I A Biographical History of Waterloo Township and other townships of the county : being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin..., 174. [S229] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1871, Div 13, Page 17. [S137] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1901, Berlin (Town/Ville) A-4 Page 18. [S158] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1881, Div. 2 Pg. 34. [S24] Church Records - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - St. John the Evangelist Church of England, Pg. 12 Entry 136. Bowman, Herbert Joseph c/o Bowman, Israel D. & Bowman, Angeline L. b.18 Jun. 1865 chr. 2 Sept. 1866 sponsor(s) "Joseph W. Bowman, Lillian Millar" wit. J. Schulte D.D. Comments: The father is a gentleman and place of abode is Berlin [S340] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1911, Div. 38 Page 7. [S166] Cemetery - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Mount Hope CC#4508 Internet Link . East: Bowman/ In memory of/ Wm. H. Bowman/ 1842-96/ Alice Jane Date/ his wife/ 1844-1902/ South: In memory of/ David Bowman/ 1874-1934/ his wife Mary Maud/ Cowling/ 1875-1944/ In memory of/ I.D. Bowman/ County Clerk/ 1830-96/ Angelina L. Bowman/ his wife/ 1838-1912/ West: Mary/ Grace/ 1908-1972/ In memory of/ Ruth Bowman/ 1896-1953/ In memory of/ Herbert Joseph/ Bowman/ born June 18, 1865/ died June 19, 1916/ Edith Walker/ Bowman/ 1868-1948/ North: John I.D./ 1899-1970/ his wife Maja/ 1904-1989 Miriam L./ 1898-1986/ In memory of/ Joseph W. Baumann/[sic]/ Musician/ 1846-1905/ Victor Edmund Walker/ Bowman/ 1901-1932/ [S1629] Book - 100 Years of Progress in Waterloo County Canada Semi-Centennial Souvenir 1856-1906, 12. [S2481] Annual Report of the Board of Trade of the Town of Berlin, Twenty-First. [S5] Vit - - ON, Waterloo - 1858-1869 Marriage Register. Israel D. Bowman b. Canada res: Berlin Age: 34 born abt 1830 father: H. B. mother: Judith married Angeline L. Tyson Age:: 24 born abt 1840 b. Canada Spouse res: Berlin father: John N. mother: Elizabeth married 30 Aug 1864 county: Waterloo [S7] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Berliner Journal (1859-1917), 29 Sep 1864. Married 30 Aug 1864 In Ayr by Rev. McRuar, Isreal D. Bowman was married to Angelina Louisa Tyson, both of Berlin.

  
  

• Event Map

  Born - 18 Jun 1865 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Christened - 2 Sep 1866 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Student - 1881 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Church of England - 1881 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Civil Engineer - 1901 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Elected Office - Waterloo County Council - 1906 - , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - civil engineer & county clerk - 1906 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Engineer (Civil) - 1911 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Christian Science - 1911 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Died - 19 Jun 1916 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Buried - - Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  = Link to Google Earth