Wendell P. Bowman

Wendell P. Bowman (October 31, 1847 – April 8, 1928) was a major general in the Pennsylvania National Guard, and served as commander of the 28th Infantry Division.

Early life Wendell Phillips Bowman was born in Byberry, Pennsylvania on October 31, 1847, the son of Henry Bowman and Grace (Bartine) Bowman. Bowman's father was a temperance advocate and opponent of slavery, and he named his son after the famous abolitionist Wendell Phillips. He lived at his family's home, "Cream Ridge," and was educated at the Benjamin Rush School and the Byberry Friends' School. Bowman was unable to walk as a result of his illness and complications caused by the harsh conditions of his service, and used crutches until he was able to begin walking unaided again in 1874. He was seriously injured when he was thrown from his horse during training at Mount Gretna on May 2, 1898, and was unable to lead the regiment when it departed Pennsylvania. As a result, command passed to his lieutenant colonel, J. Lewis Good. Having recovered from his injury, Bowman resumed command after the regiment returned to Pennsylvania.

In August 1907 Bowman became commander of Pennsylvania's 1st Brigade as a brigadier general. In March 1910 he became commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard Division, the organization later known as the 28th Infantry Division, and he was promoted to major general. He served until retiring in October 1910, and was succeeded by Charles B. Dougherty. Bowman died at his home "The Elms" in Merion Station, Pennsylvania on April 8, 1928, and was buried at Merion Friends Burial Ground.