John Bowen (colonist)

John Bowen (14 February, 1780 - 20 October, 1827) naval officer and colonial administrator. Led the first settlement of Tasmania at Risdon Cove. He was the son of James Bowen, and was born at Ilfracombe, Devon, England.

Early career

He began his naval career in March 1794 and he graduated from the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. As a midshipman Bowen joined the "Argo", which was commanded by his father. In April 1802 when as a lieutenant he joined the "Lancaster" at the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. His next appointment was in "H.M.S. Glatton", carrying convicts to New South Wales. He arrived at Port Jackson on 11 March 1803. Governor King soon appointed him to form the new settlement at Risdon Cove, Van Diemen's Land.

Hobart settlement

The expedition left at the end of August, with Bowen commanding the "Albion". He arrived at Risdon Cove on 12 September 1803. Amongst the original 49 settlers at Risdon Cove, which became Hobart, were 21 male and 3 female convicts, members of the New South Wales Corps and free settlers and their families. In January 1804 Bowen, in the "Ferrett", left for Sydney so that he could return to the navy in the then current war against France, however Governor King told him to return to Risdon via the failing Port Phillip settlement and to resettle to either at Hobart or Port Dalrymple, and requesting Bowen to deliver administration of the Risdon settlement to David Collins.Bowen in his four years in Tasmania explored the Richmond area, discovering coal and naming area the Coal River. In May 1804 he explored the Huon River. While at Risdon, Bowen lived with Martha Hayes, who bore him twin daughters, Henrietta (d.1823) and Martha.

After Hobart

Bowen finally left Hobart in August 1804 on the "Ocean", and in January 1805 sailed for England in the "Lady Barlow". King paid him £100 to defray his expenses and recommended him for promotion. In May 1804 Bowen was promoted commander and in January 1806 he became captain. From 1806 to December 1809 he was in the "Camilla", which in 1807-08 took part in the blockade of Martinique and Guadeloupe. In February 1811 he wrote to Robert Peel, Under-secretary of state for the colonies, suggesting that he should succeed Collins as lieutenant-governor of Van Diemen's Land. This was subsequently rejected as it was believed that as a naval officer he could not command troops. In 1812-16 he served in the "Salsette" on the India Station. Returning to England on 13 May 1825, he married Elizabeth Clowes. After a long illness he died at Ilfracombe.

References

* [http://members.iinet.net.au/~rwatson1/bowen/bowen.htm Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the State of Tasmania]
* [http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A010125b.htm Australian Dictionary of Biography entry for John Bowen]