Book Description

Bowles, Rev. Charles, was born in Boston, Mass., in 1761. His father was an African; and his mother, daughter of Col. Morgan, of the American army. He was himself in the army during the Revolution, and then settled in New Hampshire, where he became a Christian and united with the Free Baptists. He felt called to the ministry, but after three years he devoted himself to the Lord's work. He commenced his labors in July, 1816, in Huntington, Vt., where 150 were converted and a church of ninety members was organized. Ordained the same year, he became a noted evangelist. He met with some opposition on account of his color, but trusted in God and triumphed. He was instrumental in gathering many churches and Q. M's. About 1837, he went to New York, gathered the Lawrence and other churches, founded the Lawrence Q. M., and assisted at the organization of the St. Lawrence Y. M. in 1842. Though nearly blind, he had continued to preach, and his joy was great when the Y. M. was formed. He was honored as a father, and highly respected by all. He died at Malone, N. Y., Mar. 16, 1843, in the 82nd year of his age.