Thomas Bowles

Surnames: Cheesman, Dunham, Hadden, Stone

Regions: Jefferson Co., NY; Janesville, Rock Co., WI

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wis.,

Publ, 1889 - page 622, 623

THOMAS BOWLES, of the firm of BOWLES, HADDEN & Co., importers of fine horses, came to Janesville in 1865, brining with him the first Norman horse ever brought to Wisconsin. He is a native of New York, born at Alexander's Bay, Jefferson County, Aug. 11, 1833, and is a son of Leonard and Mary Ann (STONE) BOWLES. His mother was a daughter of Lord Leonard STONE of England, of which country his father was also a native. They were married in England, and in April, 1833, emigrated to America. Seven children had been born to them in the old world, and our subject was the first born after the arrival of the family in New York, his birth being followed by that of four other children. The family located in Jefferson County of the Empire State, where the parents resided until their death. Our subject was reared to manhood in his native county, and there learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed form 1854 until 1864. He had previously visited California, during the gold excitement in the state, returning to his home in 1853, and the following year was married. Shortly afterwards he removed to Jackson, Mich., where he carried on the boot and shoe business for some time, and then became a resident of Joliet, Ill., on the 4th day of July, 1860, making his home in that city until the spring of 1863, when he located in Princeton, Bureau Co., Ill., again engaging in the boot and shoe business. Remaining in Princeton until May, 1865, as before mentioned, he came to Janesville, bringing with him a stock of boots and shoes and the first Norman horse ever in the State. In 1873 he brought to Wisconsin the first imported horse, which he purchased of Mr. DUNHAM. He is truly the pioneer in his line in the county. Selling out his stock of boots and shoes, he invested his money in horses, and has continued the business up to the present time, 1889, with ever increasing success. In 1883 Mr. HADDEN was admitted to partnership in the business, and they at once began importing horses from the old country. The first year they imported four, in 1884 made two importations, and in 1888 imported a little less than 100 horses, principally Percherons, French coach, English shire and French draft horses. They have built up a fine trade, have done much to advance the grade of horses in the county, and have gained a wide reputation. The firm of BOWLES, HADDEN & Co. have one large brick stable, three stories in height, two stories of which open on a level with the ground, as the bar is situated on the side of a hill. The two lower stories are fitted with box-stalls, and the third is used for hay. In the rear of this building is a large wooden stable, three stories in height, also having two stories opening on the ground and fitted with box-stalls. In all there are 100 box-stalls. Water is supplied from a large vat, containing 100 barrels, placed on the third floor of the brick building. There is also a furnace for heating the water, and all modern conveniences are there supplied. The stable capacity and its perfect appointments are a surprise to the visiting stranger, and the class of horses kept are the choicest in the market. In Jefferson County, N.Y., Mr. BOWLES led to the marriage altar Miss Mary CHEESMAN, a daughter of William CHEESMAN, their union being celebrated on the 11th day of May, 1854. Mrs. BOWLES was born at Flat Rock, Jefferson Co., N.Y., and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. BOWLES is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, at Janesville.

Submitted by Carol