Tanning Magnate. Born in Clarendon, Vermont, he began work as a tanner at age 15 and later owned a tannery in Cuttingsville. In 1851 Bowman served in the Vermont House of Representatives and in 1852 he moved to Stony Creek, New York, where he became wealthy through ownership of another tannery. His daughter Ella died in 1879 and his wife Jennie died a year later. Determined to use his wealth to build them a memorial, Bowman purchased land adjacent to Cuttingsville's cemetery, where well over 100 skilled stonecutters and other workmen spent more than a year building a Greek style marble edifice. In 1881 the caskets of Jennie, Ella, and Addie (another daughter who had died young), were placed inside. Bowman then oversaw construction of Laurel Hall, a mansion across the road from the mausoleum grounds. Bowman died in Cuttingsville and was interred with his wife and daughters. The unique mausoleum, which features a life sized statue of Bowman with hat in hand and carrying a mourning wreath, is a well known tourist attraction. Laurel Hall and Laurel Glen Cemetery are both controlled by the Laurel Glen Cemetery Association, and Laurel Hall is the subject of ongoing historic preservation efforts.
Tanning Magnate. Born in Clarendon, Vermont, he began work as a tanner at age 15 and later owned a tannery in Cuttingsville. In 1851 Bowman served in the Vermont House of Representatives and in 1852 he moved to Stony Creek, New York, where he became wealthy through ownership of another tannery. His daughter Ella died in 1879 and his wife Jennie died a year later. Determined to use his wealth to build them a memorial, Bowman purchased land adjacent to Cuttingsville's cemetery, where well over 100 skilled stonecutters and other workmen spent more than a year building a Greek style marble edifice. In 1881 the caskets of Jennie, Ella, and Addie (another daughter who had died young), were placed inside. Bowman then oversaw construction of Laurel Hall, a mansion across the road from the mausoleum grounds. Bowman died in Cuttingsville and was interred with his wife and daughters. The unique mausoleum, which features a life sized statue of Bowman with hat in hand and carrying a mourning wreath, is a well known tourist attraction. Laurel Hall and Laurel Glen Cemetery are both controlled by the Laurel Glen Cemetery Association, and Laurel Hall is the subject of ongoing historic preservation efforts.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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