Obituaries Australia

Edmund Bowman, c1905

State Library of South Australia, B 68463

Mr. Edmund Bowman, whose death occurred at his residence, East Parade, Kensington, early on Tuesday morning, after a prolonged illness, was the eldest son of the late Mr. Edmund Bowman. Mr. John Bowman, his grandfather, came to South Australia in 1839 from Tasmania where he had commenced sheep farming in 1835. He had four sons, of whom Mr. Edmund Bowman sen. was the eldest. Mr. John Bowman bought land at Enfield and Dry Creek, and afterwards acquired the Martindale and Werecota estates. Mr. Edmund Bowman jun had his first experience at Martindale on 4,000 of sheep country. After the death of Mr. Edmund Bowman, sen., the estate was managed by Mr. William Bowman for the Trustees, special attention paid to improving the breed of sheep. The Martindale Estate was bought by Mr. W. T. Mortlock, who also purchased a large proportion of the stud sheep. In 1877 Mr. Bowman took a share in a large area north-east of Port Augusta. As a result of a series of droughts and the low prices obtained for wool the venture ended in loss, and four properties—Werecota, Martindale, Wandillah, and Mount Bryan—were disposed of. After two years at Holm Hill Mr. Bowman became manager for Messrs. Ayers Brothers of Wandillah, and his eldest son, Mr. E. D. Bowman, succeeded him at Holm Hill. When the Government resumed for closer settlement 4,000 acres of Wandillah Mr. Bowman bought the homestead and some land, and then Wandillah and Holm Hill were worked together. Mr. Bowman took a great interest in Burra affairs, and for some years was a member of the district council and hospital board. He was an enthusiast in all kinds in all kinds of sport, and was one of those who originally introduced polo into South Australia, which he represented in interstate matches. After leaving St. Peters College, he entered Clare College, Cambridge, where he rowed in his college eight. He married Miss Cowle, a daughter of the late Mr. C. T. Cowle, at one time manager of the Adelaide branch of the E.S. and A. Bank. A widow, four daughters and two sons survive him. One son is a farmer at Jamestown. Mr. Bowman was a man of the finest character, and his loss will felt by all who have enjoyed his friendship. His splendid qualities were always appreciated by his fellow pastoralists, by whom he was highly respected. He was a thorough sportsman in every sense of the word.