Jabez Bowen

Jabez Bowen, Sr. (June 2, 1739May 7, 1815) was an American shipper, slave trader and politician. He was a militia colonel during the American Revolutionary War, and served as Deputy Governor of Rhode Island and chief justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Early life Bowen was born in Providence, Rhode Island, the son of Ephraim Bowen and Mary (Fenner) Bowen. His father was a prominent doctor in Providence in 1739, and his great-uncle Jabez Bowen was also a prominent Providence physician. In 1757, Bowen graduated from Yale College. He married Sarah Brown on December 19, 1762, a cousin of Moses Brown and John Brown of the prominent Brown family (see Brown University) of Providence. Bowen was deeply involved with the Browns in the shipping business, involving slaves, molasses, rum, and the China trade. Political career He was a member of the Providence town council from 1773 to 1775, and was a representative in the General Assembly in 1777. During the American Revolution, Bowen served in the Rhode Island Militia from 1774 to 1777, serving as the colonel of the First Regiment of Providence County from 1776 to 1777. He served under Brigadier General William West who would later, like Bowen, serve as Deputy Governor of the state.