Benjamin Bowen (1769 - 1851)

Born 8 Apr 1769 in Coventry, Kent County, Rhode Island

Ancestors

Died 3 Oct 1851 at age 82 in Providence, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

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Biography

Benjamin was born in 1769. He is the son of Aaron Bowen and Elnathan Gorton. He passed away 3 Oct 1851. ^[1][2]

"Providence - June 1

Shooting the Elephant The perpetrators of this wanton act we are happy to state are fully discovered. Some circumstance having fastened suspicion upon two individuals they were privately examined and finally induced so make a disclosure of the whole transaction, which was subsequently repeated on a examination before a Court of Justices, Judge Branch of this town presiding. From this investigation it appears that there were six persons engaged in the affair. Fenner Eddy, John Inman, Albert Eddy, Francis West, Angell Darling and Benjamin Bowen. Three guns were to be used. Angell Darling loaded two, one with seven and the other with two bullets, the other gun was loaded by Albert Eddy, with five bullets. Fenner Eddy and Inman stationed themselves in the Mill with the three guns, expecting to be joined by a third person, who however did not appear. West and Bowen gave them notice of the starting and the approach of the Elephant at two separate times. Bowen told them if there was no man in the way to shoot the Elephant wherever they could hit her. Just as the animal was leaving the Bridge, Fenner Eddy fired the gun with seven bullets, and as she was falling Inman discharged his gun with two bullets. Fenner then threw his gun into the floom, seized the gun which had not been discharged, being afraid the dog might attack him, and they made their escape and soon after mingled with the persons collected on the bridge where their accessories were also assembled. When the people dispersed the gun was raked out of the gloom, the three guns were deposited at a Tan-yard, and the parties each went home. After hearing these facts and confessions, the Court ordered the parties individually to recognize the sum of five hundred dollars with sureties for the same amount; the law which makes the killing of a beast an offense, punishing the same with a fine not exceeding $100 and two months imprisonment, and also subjecting the party convicted to pay to the owner treble damages to be recovered in an action of trespass. This was doubtless intended to apply to ordinary animals, horses, kine, etc. and the law could not have anticipated the shooting an elephant.

In the whole course of this arduous investigation, which occupied more than a day, no direct motive was shown that could have induced the act. It appears to have been done thoughtlessly in pure love of mischief, and just for the pleasure of killing an elephant. Unfortunately the parties are not men of much substance, though it is believed some part of the value of the noble animal they have destroyed may be obtained from them eventually.--Patriot.

American Mercury - Providence, RI (?) 6-6-1826 [1]

Benjamin Bowen 1769–1851; married Sarah Hill born 2 March 1769, daughter of Caleb Hill Hill-3135

Sources

• Find a Grave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/48045886/benjamin-bowen

1. ↑ Entered by Dee Christophel D'Errico, May 16, 2012
2. ↑ Find a Grave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/48045886/benjamin-bowen

• Dee Christophel D'Errico. Click the Changes tab for the details of edits by Dee and others.