Robert Bowie was born in March 1750, at "Mattaponi, " near Nottingham, Prince Georges County, Maryland. He was the third son of Capt. William and Margaret (Sprigg) Bowie.
Bowie's father gave him a house in Nottingham and a farm nearby. Upon the death of his father, he inherited "Mattaponi, " which thenceforth was his summer residence.
Bowie received his education at the schools of the Rev. John Eversfield, near Croom, and the Rev. Mr. Craddock, near Baltimore.
At a meeting of "Freeholders and citizens" held in Upper Marlborough in November 1774, young Bowie was appointed a member of a committee to see that the resolutions of the American Continental Congress were carried into effect. This was the beginning of his leadership in the county and state affairs.
In September 1775, a Committee of Observation was formed, and he, with several others, was instructed to enroll a company of "Minute Men. " He was commissioned first lieutenant in a company of militia formed in Nottingham in 1776. In June of the same year, he was commissioned captain of the 2nd Battalion, Maryland Flying Artillery, and with this battalion, he joined Washington in his campaign near New York.
In the several important battles of the Revolution in which Bowie took part, he showed courage and good judgment, though he won no special distinction. After the close of the war, he returned to his native county and became keenly interested in politics. From 1785 to 1790, he was a member of the House of Delegates, having been elected for six consecutive terms. While in the legislature he strongly advocated a measure for establishing St. John's College, Annapolis.
Three years after retiring from the House of Delegates, he was appointed a major of the militia and justice of the peace in PrinceGeorges County. In 1801-02-03 he was again a member of the legislature. At this time the people of Maryland were clamoring for a more radical democrat than Gov. Mercer to fill the executive chair. Bowie was the logical man, and on Nov. 17, 1803, the General Assembly cast the majority of votes in his favor. The following day, he resigned from the House of Delegates to become governor of Maryland.
He was re-elected in 1804 and again in 1805, which made his first administration cover the full three years for which he was eligible. After leaving the executive chair in 1807, he was again appointed a justice of the peace.
In 1811, when America was about to enter on her second war with England, Bowie came forward as a champion of the Republican party, which, almost to a man, advocated a declaration of war. In November 1811, the Republicans predominated in the legislature, and Bowie was again elected governor of Maryland. In June 1812, when the war was finally declared, the delighted Governor "proceeded through the streets bare-headed to the State House, where he congratulated the leaders upon the welcome news".
Unfortunately, in August 1812 an article appeared in a Baltimore paper which maddened the Republicans against whom it was directed. An infuriated mob attacked a house where a number of Federalist leaders were being entertained, killing several and beating several more. Indignation meetings were held throughout the state and the Governor was urged to make an investigation and punish the instigators of the riot. Bowie, failing to apprehend the criminals, was accused of shielding them.
Whether he was guilty or blameless, the unfortunate event terminated his public career, though he fought hard until his death to recover the gubernatorial seat.
He died at his home in Nottingham, and was buried in the family graveyard at "Mattaponi. "
Robert Bowie became governor in 1803 and was re-elected for his eligible three-year term which ended in 1807 in which he was once again appointed Justice of the Peace. When America was to enter into war with England for the second time he was again elected as Governor of Maryland, serving from 1811 to 1812. His career ended when members of the Federalist party were attacked at a private dinner party, which resulted in some being killed. When no apprehensions for that crime were made Robert Bowie was accused of shielding the criminals. He fought hard to regain his gubernatorial seat back unsuccessfully until his death.
Bowie was an implacable enemy, but a most loyal friend and those who knew him in private life loved him well for his generosity and kindly spirit.
In 1770, Robert Bowie eloped with Priscilla, the daughter of Gen. James John Mackall, of Calvert County. Though he was barely twenty, and the bride not yet fifteen, the marriage proved a happy one.
