- 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.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 622-623.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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