John BOWMAN
Born 5 May 1874 in Portmoak, Kinross-shire, Scotland [28]
Son of David BOWMAN and Violet NASMYTH [28]
Grew up with his parents, brother Alex and sister Jane on Manorleys Farm in Portmoak, Kinross-shire, Scotland [P1]
His father began working as a coal miner at the age of eight years, however improved his position after gold-mining in Australia [P1]
His father and uncle John BOWMAN, after whom he was named, spent time mining in Victoria, Australia and in New Zealand [P1]
On returning to Scotland his father had established the Crosshill, Kirkness and Kininmonth collieries in Fife, Scotland [P1]
He began his own mining career working at Fordell Colliery in Aberdour, Fife, Scotland [P1]
Later held positions of charge at Donibristle Colliery in Aberdour and with Buckhaven Collieries in Wemyss, Fife, Scotland [P1]
Under-Manager of the Bowhill Colliery in Cardenden, Fife, Scotland from 1902 until 1908 [P1]
Married "Maggie" Margaret Swan DOW on 28 September 1899 in Edinburgh, Scotland [28]
Their wedding was a double one, being shared with his brother Alexander N. BOWMAN and Margaret T. GRAHAM [28]
The two witnesses to their marriage were David ROBB and Helen DOW [28]
Managed the Bowhill and Cluny Collieries in Fife, Scotland for the Bowhill Coal Company until resigning in January 1908 [P1]
Resigned to take up the appointment of General Manager of the Labuan Coal Company on Labuan Island near North Borneo [P1]
Managed the coal mines on Labuan Island off the coast of North Borneo in the West Indies from 1908 until about 1911 [P1] [P300]
His wife refused to go to Labuan Island in fear of their children becoming ill and being away from doctors and good medicines [P1]
His wife and children remained living in Scotland while he was on Labuan Island, and he spent his holidays in Scotland [P1]
After leaving Labuan Island and returning to Scotland he managed a group of mines near Glasgow in Lanark, Scotland [P1]
He is believed to have managed Bredisholm, Clydeside, Calderbank, Ellismuir and Kirkwood collieries near Glasgow [P1]
During this time resided with his family at Rosefield on Gardenside Avenue, Uddingston in Bothwell, Lanark, Scotland [P1]
While living in Uddingston his fourth daughter "Bunty" Jane Craig was born, and died at the age of 18 months on 5 July 1913 [P1]
Saw one of the Midland Railway Company's newspaper articles advertising "Ready-Made Farms" in Western Australia [P31]
Made arrangements in London to purchase one of the farms in Carnamah and resigned from his colliery managerial positions [P1]
He wished to leave the coldness of Scotland as he had contracted malaria when on Labuan Island and it kept recurring [P1]
Along with his wife and their three surviving daughters departed London, England on the steamship Osterley on 9 April 1915 [203]
The family's domestic employee of many years, "Belle" Isabella M. EASTON, accompanied the family at her own request [P1]
Also on board the Osterley were the ROBERTSON and FORRESTER families who had also made plans to settle in Carnamah [P1]
He was very well acquainted with the FORRESTER family, having worked with them in Scotland and on Labuan Island [P1]
Before leaving London he had provisionally purchased the 434 acre farm contained within Lot M950 of Victoria Location 1934 [34]
After just over a month they arrived on the Osterley in Fremantle, Western Australia on Tuesday 11 May 1915 [P1]
Travelled to Carnamah by train with Robert C. FORRESTER and Richard ROBERTSON on 13 May 1915 to inspect farms [34]
Farmer of The Home Farm in Carnamah 1915-1952 [P9]
Went into partnership with Robert C. FORRESTER and James K. FORRESTER, trading as "Bowman & Forrester" [P300]
In partnership they purchased for £2,061 the 434 acre farm in Carnamah he had provisionally agreed to purchase before arrival [34]
The 434 acre farm, which contained a house, was Lot M950 of Victoria Location 1934 near the Carnamah-Perenjori Road [P1]
In addition to containing a four roomed weatherboard house the block also came partially cleared and partially fenced [34]
Also purchased 500 acres of adjoining virgin land in Lot M1064 of Victoria Location 1934, which cost £375/7/6 (15/- an acre) [27]
Their two blocks of land were situated about four miles north of Carnamah on the east side of the Carnamah-Perenjori Road [62]
To supplement their income they did extensive contract work in Carnamah for the Midland Railway Company [34]
They did various contract ploughing, cultivating, seeding, harvesting, scrub-cutting and clearing in Carnamah for the Company [34]
Around September 1915 he purchased a 35-horsepower (or 45-horsepower as it was later referred to) tractor and two wagons [34]
With his partners purchased another 1,207 acres of land from the Midland Railway Company on 28 October 1915 [27]
The 1,207 acres consisted of three adjacent Lots M926, M927 and M928 of Victoria Locations 1934 and 2022 and cost £5,944 [27]
On purchase the 1,207 acres was partially developed, included wheat crops and as part of the deal further land was to be cleared [27]
The 1,207 acres was further north of their other land and was to the west side of the Carnamah-Perenjori Road [62]
In December 1916 the Bowman & Forrester partnership ended with him buying out Robert C. and James K. FORRESTER [34]
He continued farming the 2,141 acres in Carnamah, and also continued doing contract work for the Midland Railway Company [34]
Member of the Midland Railway Ready Made Farm Settlers' Association in 1916 [34]
Purchased eight horses for £229, which arrived in Carnamah by train on 22 December 1916 [34]
Some of his crops in 1916 averaged 25 bushels down to another which averaged five bushels [152]
In May 1917 had 79 horses at work, 3 ploughs, 6 cultivators, 6 drills and employed 20 men at an overall cost of about £27 per day [34]
He was one of the first in Carnamah to grow wheat on a large scale, and in 1917 grew 1,800 acres of wheat [10: 19-Jun-1917] [39: 28-Jul-1952]
Member of Carnamah's branch of the Farmers & Settlers' Association in 1917 [34]
Signed the petition and financial guarantee in 1917 for the Midland Railway Company to provide a resident doctor at Three Springs [34]
Purchased some of his general supplies from general store "The Supply Stores" in Yarra Street, Carnamah from 1917 to 1920 [92]
Vice President of the Three Springs Saint Patrick's Day Committee's Sports Meetings in Three Springs in 1917 and 1919 [124]
Gave evidence in favour of the Midland Railway Company to a Royal Commission on Agricultural Industries in Carnamah in 1917 [34]
In 1918 occupied the house on his Lot M950 and leased from the Midland Railway Company the houses on Lots M935 and M953 [34]
In a letter in 1918 Frederick C. WOODS, the Midland Railway Company's Ranger in Carnamah said about John BOWMAN: [34]
"he is without doubt, the most progressive and hard-working man of the settlement" [34]
In 1918 his crops were heavily affected by rust and dry blight, so he cut some of his crops for hay using his two binders [34]
Member of the Three Springs Race Club - was one of their Stewards in 1919 [10: 31-Jan-1919]
The 2,141 acres standing in the name of Bowman & Forrester was officially transferred solely into his name in 1920 [27]
It turned out that the Midland Railway Company's Ready Made Farms weren't viable due to being enormously overpriced [34]
1,641 acres of his farmland (Lots M926, M927, M928 and M950) were Ready Made Farms and had repayments of £8,005 [27] [34]
In 1920 the Company reduced the cost of previously sold Ready Made Farms by 40%, and the cost of his dropped to £4,803 [27]
Extended his farm with four purchases of virgin land on the Carnamah-Perenjori Road from the Midland Railway Company: [27]
On 11 August 1921 purchased 2,792 acres in Lots M958 and M997 of Victoria Locations 1934 and 2022 for £1,268/10/- [27]
On 27 June 1923 purchased 868 acres in Lot M1017 of Victoria Locations 1934 and 2022 for £499/2/- (11/6 per acre) [27]
Lot M1017, to the west side of the Carnamah-Perenjori Road, included Prowaka Spring and the very old Prauaka Spring [P1]
On 30 August 1924 purchased the 845 acre Lot M959 of Victoria Location 2022 for £380/5/- (9/- per acre) [27]
On 5 March 1926 purchased the 1,321 acre Lot M998 of Victoria Location 2022 for £766/11/- (11/- per acre) [27]
With his last purchase he had 7,967 acres (Lots M926, M927, M928, M950, M958, M959, M997, M998, M1017, M1064) [27]
Lots M950 and M1064 were on the east side of the Carnamah-Perenjori Road, and the rest were further north on the west side [62]
In addition to his own land also leased 3,034 acres from 1920 to 1924 (Pastoral Lease 579 of Victoria Locations 1934 and 2022) [44]
He leased the land from the Midland Railway Company and still had it in 1925, however by then it had shrunk to 1,321 acres [34]
In early 1920, when he lost 400 bags of wheat, he was the heaviest loser in Carnamah of bush fires that raged in the district [10] [34]
He was, however, fortunate in saving seven hay stacks from the fire which were situated in the next paddock [10: 20-Feb-1920]
Purchased an International Titan tractor around October of 1920, presumably from Richard Purser & Co of West Guildford [39: 9-Jul-1921]
It was remarked that he "put his shoulder to the wheel for everything in the district" and "would always do good" [5: 17-Dec-1937]
He and his family were said to have been largely responsible for having the Carnamah Hall built in 1921 [5: 17-Dec-1937]
Don MACPHERSON issued him a challenge to field a team of married men to play the single men at the Hall opening [9: 4-Feb-1921]
Skipper of the winning cricket team of married men at the opening of the Carnamah Hall on 17 February 1921 [10: 4-Mar-1921]
Represented the Carnamah district as a Member on the Mingenew Road Board 1921-1923 [7: page 110]
Attended his first meeting as a Member of the Mingenew Road Board on Tuesday 19 April 1921 [9: 22-Apr-1921]
In the early 1920s moved local carrier Robert PALFREYMAN's small house or humpy further up Macpherson Street [P399]
The house was being moved on a couple of salmon gum poles when it got stuck in a creek halfway to its new location [P399]
With more horses, about ten in total, they finally got it out of the creek and to its new location at Lot 3 of Lot M1123 [3] [P399]
Founding Member and Inaugural Chairman of the Carnamah District Road Board in 1923 [7: pages 110, 111]
It was due to his efforts that the Carnamah District Road Board was formed in 1923 [5: 17-Dec-1937]
Served as Chairman of the Carnamah District Road Board from 1923 to 1925 [7: pages 110, 111] [9: 6-Mar-1925]
The board's appreciation of the services he rendered as the first chairman were noted in the minutes in April 1925 [9: 1-May-1925]
Chaired the meeting in Carnamah on Easter Sunday 27 March 1921 to discuss the district's need of a doctor and hospital [10: 8-Apr-1921]
His horses Glenalbyn, Canary and Manorley's Last ran in the Carnamah Races on Easter Monday 28 March 1921 [10: 1-Apr-1921]
Glenalbyn came 3rd in the Maiden Plate while Canary and Manorley's Last came 2nd and 3rd in the Hack Race [9: 8-Apr-1921]
The name of his horse was presumably named after Manorleys Farm in Scotland, which was where he was born and grew up on [P1]
Three of his horses ran at the Picnic Race Meeting & Agricultural Show in Carnamah on Thursday 22 September 1921 [9: 30-Sep-1921]
Glenalbyn and Canary came 1st and 2nd in the Maiden Hack Race, and Manorley's Last came 3rd in the Losers Hack Race [9]
In 1922 had 3,500 acres of his farm cleared with approximately 2,000 acres in crop [7: page 28]
For a number of years dipped his sheep at the sheep dip on nearby James K. FORRESTER's Dunester Farm in Carnamah [P300]
The Moora District Railway League wrote to him in May 1922 encouraging him to form a railway league for Carnamah [10: 12-May-1922]
In July 1922 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for the Victoria Magisterial District of Western Australia [39: 29-Jul-1922]
As a J.P. he served as Magistrate on criminal and traffic cases that went before the Carnamah Police Court [12: 20-Nov-1930] [22]
The Carnamah Police Court dealt with cases involving Carnamah, Winchester, Waddy Forest, Coorow, Marchagee and Gunyidi [22]
Between the years 1935 and 1949 he presided as Magistrate on 45 cases that went before the Carnamah Police Court [22]
On behalf of those present thanked the bachelors for their efforts at the Bachelors Ball in Carnamah on 18 October 1922 [9: 27-Oct-1922]
Said to have been the second person in the Carnamah district to own a car [7: page 151]
He was the owner of a Vauxhall car, which in 1922-23 was registered with the Mingenew Road Board with licence plate MI-27 [325]
Following the creation of the Carnamah District Road Board in 1923 his Vauxhall car contained licence plate CA-1 [325]
He purchased a new Chevrolet car from the Skipper Bailey Motor Company in Perth on 19 November 1925 [81: 29-Nov-1925, 29-Dec-1925]
The Chevrolet appears to have been a replacement for his Vauxhall, as it also contained his licence plate CA-1 [325]
By 1926-27 he also owned a Chevrolet truck which was registered with licence plate CA-112 [325]
He purchased a 30 cwt. heavy duty International truck during December 1926 [81: 12-Dec-1926]
Signed the petition in February 1923 for the Irwin Licensing Court to grant a hotel license for Carnamah [10: 9-Mar-1923]
Won 1st prize for Chaff exhibited at the Annual Show & Sports Carnival held in Carnamah on 20 September 1923 [86: 4-Oct-1923]
Foundation Member of the Carnamah District Agricultural Society [5: 1-Sep-1939]
He was one of five people who loaned the Carnamah District Agricultural Society a debenture [13]
Chairman in 1928 and Vice President 1929-1932 of the Carnamah District Agricultural Society [4: 13-Oct-1928, 2-Nov-1929, 17-Sep-1932]
Donated £1/8/6 cash to the Carnamah District Agricultural Society in 1932, and £1 in 1937 and 1938 [13]
Patron of the Carnamah District Agricultural Society from 1935 to 1952 [5: 26-Apr-1935] [58]
Trophy donor for a crop and fallow competition for 1936 with the crop to be grown on fallow judged the year before [5: 22-Nov-1935]
In 1937 he donated his loaned debenture and its accumulated interest to the Society [5: 25-Jun-1937]
Donated the trophy for the Agricultural section of the Carnamah District Agricultural Society's Shows in 1938 and 1939 [13]
He was made a Life Member of the Carnamah District Agricultural Society on 27 July 1940 [58: page 40]
Had the telephone connected to his farmhouse in 1924 - was telephone number Carnamah-5I and later number Carnamah-5D [60]
He appears to have been the fifth person in Carnamah to have the telephone connected and the first person out of town [60]
Presided over the meeting of ratepayers of the Carnamah District Road Board at the Carnamah Hall on 24 March 1925 [10: 9-Apr-1925]
Presided over a meeting held in Carnamah about the road over the sandplain between Carnamah and Watheroo on 12 April 1925 [9]
Inaugural Member of a Committee formed to collect donations for the improvement of the road over the sandplain [9: 17-Apr-1925]
Attended and made a presentation at the reception welcoming Mrs Gladys E. MORTIMER to Carnamah on 15 May 1925 [9: 15-May-1925]
Member of the Carnamah Hunt Club, who at an unknown date presented him with a small leather pouch [P1]
Deputy Master of the annual Carnamah Kangaroo Hunt of September 1925, with Donald MACPHERSON as Master [9: 18-Sep-1925]
The hunting party met at Donald's Carnamah House and then proceeded to the Yarrie Sandplain where the hunt took place [9]
Among the party were visitors and locals, including his three eldest daughters; he rode a horse named La Nelle [9]
The hunt successfully caught 25 kangaroos and stopped for a picnic lunch and again for afternoon tea [9]
Foundation Member of the Carnamah Rifle Club in 1925 [9: 10-Jul-1925, 19-Aug-1927, 8-Jul-1927]
He was Inaugural Treasurer in 1925 and President 1926-1936 [4: 1-Jun-1929] [5: 30-Jun-1933, 24-Aug-1934, 12-Jul-1935, 17-Jul-1936]
Officially opened the Rifle Club's new rifle range adjacent to the town on 7 June 1931 and fired the first shot [4: 13-Jun-1931]
Member of the Carnamah Progress Association - was President in 1925 and 1926 [9: 9-Oct-1925] [81: 24-Oct-1926]
Requested in early 1925 that the Carnamah Road Board declare a new road between Prowaka Siding and The Gangway [9: 6-Mar-1925]
Explained the needs of the district to two Government ministers who attended the Carnamah Show on 2 October 1925 [9: 9-Oct-1925]
During the 1925-26 harvest lost 30 acres of crop from a fire that started after lightning hit Richard ROBERTSON's stables [9: 22-Jan-1926]
Three of his employees were struck by a lightning during a storm in 1928, with one being knocked to the ground [39: 10-Dec-1928]
Member of the Carnamah Race Club - was President 1925-1934 [9: 17-Apr-1925] [5: 24-Nov-1933]
He "gave universal satisfaction" as Official Judge of the Club's Annual Race Meeting held on Thursday 10 April 1924 [10: 10-Apr-1924]
President, Committee Member and Club Steward of the Carnamah Race Club in 1927 [9: 8-Apr-1927]
In 1930 he was Carnamah's Committee Member on the Central Midlands Racing Association [12: 25-Sep-1930]
Went on a 2,000 mile holiday with his family through the south west of WA in two Chev cars and a truck in early 1926 [9: 5-Feb-1926]
Presented the racing Carnamah Cup to its winner at the Confetti Carnival held at the Carnamah Hall on 3 April 1926 [9: 9-Apr-1926]
On behalf of the Inering Progress Association he joined a deputation to James HICKEY, M.L.C. on 28 August 1926 [276]
The deputation was to request teacher's quarters be built for the recently approved Inering State School in Carnamah [276]
Exhibited wheat in the Carnamah District Agricultural Society's Annual Show held on Thursday 30 September 1926 [9: 15-Oct-1926]
Won 1st prizes for Sheaf of Wheat (late grain) and Sheaf of Wheat (for hay), and 2nd prize for Sheaf of Wheat (early grain) [9]
In 1926 seeded 2,000 acres of crop, from which he produced 14,000 bags of grain [9: 28-May-1926, 23-Sep-1927]
His seeding of 2,000 acres was the largest amount of crop sown by any one Carnamah farmer during the 1926 season [9]
President of the Carnamah Football Club 1926-1935 [9: 2-Apr-1926] [4: 21-Apr-1928, 15-Mar-1930, 18-Apr-1931, 20-Apr-1934, 19-Apr-1935]
Made a donation to the Carnamah Football Club to aid them in raising funds to send a team to Geraldton in 1928 [4: 22-Sep-1928]
Patron of the Carnamah Football Club 1936-1947 [5: 17-Apr-1936] [0: images 04007 & 04466]
Made the presentation at the send-off for local postmaster Harold E. G. BLENCOWE in Carnamah on 2 September 1927 [4: 10-Sep-1927]
He cropped over 2,000 acres in 1927, 2,000 acres in 1928 and 3,000 acres of wheat in 1929 [9: 29-Jul-1927] [120: 20-Dec-1928, 9-Jan-1930]
Member of the Carnamah Tennis Club - was President in 1927-28, 1928-29 and 1929-30 [4: 15-Sep-1928, 26-Oct-1929] [39: 25-Oct-1927]
Member of a committee formed to obtain a hospital at Carnamah in 1928 [4: 17-Mar-1928] [9: 23-Mar-1928]
In 1928 the hill passing his farm on the Inering Road (now the Carnamah-Perenjori Road) was known as Bowman's Hill [4: 26-May-1928]
Chairman of the Carnamah Presbyterian Church Committee in 1928 and 1929 [4: 31-Mar-1928, 6-Jul-1929]
Among those who helped raise funds for the construction of the Presbyterian Church in Carnamah [7: page 239]
In August 1927 spent a few days in Perth in connection with Carnamah's new Presbyterian Church [9: 19-Aug-1927]
In March 1928 had as a guest at his home in Carnamah Rev A. CROW, Moderator General Elect of the Presbyterian Church [4]
Member of the Carnamah Presbyterian Church's Board of Management in 1929 [4: 26-Oct-1929]
In 1929 collected the necessary signatures for the ordination of local Presbyterian Missionary Charles W. T. HEADEN [4: 26-Oct-1929]
Presided over the dinner of the Perth Presbytery and the Carnamah Presbyterian Church on 16 November 1936 [5: 20-Nov-1936]
Thanked the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in WA for the address he gave in Carnamah on 4 August 1937 [5: 6-Aug-1937]
Foundation President of the Carnamah Parents & Citizens Association in 1928 [4: 6-Oct-1928]
Won 2nd prizes for Chaff and Sheaf of Wheat for Hay at the Carnamah Show & Sports Carnival on 4 October 1928 [4: 13-Oct-1928]
In October 1928 purchased a new McCormick disc cultivator from local agent Charles ROBERTSON [4: 20-Oct-1928]
Foundation Chairman of the Carnamah Ratepayers & Citizens Association in 1928 and 1932 [5: 11-Nov-1932] [4: 6-Oct-1928, 16-Jul-1932]
Convened a meeting of the Association on 6 June 1936 to elect office bearers and for business of "utmost importance" [5: 5-Jun-1936]
At the meeting he was elected President of the Carnamah Ratepayers & Citizens Association for the ensuing year [5: 12-Jun-1936]
The important matter was the settling of an account that had been owing to local builder Charles J. DALLIMORE since 1930 [5]
He was President of the Carnamah Ratepapers and Citizens Association in 1936 [81: 26-Jul-1936]
In 1929 he was one of the largest farmers in Carnamah with 3,000 sheep and growing 3,000 acres of wheat [120: 9-Jan-1930]
Presided over a meeting at the Carnamah Hall on 19 April 1929 to discuss the establishment of flour mills in Carnamah [86: 20-Apr-1929]
Attended the Plain and Fancy Dress Ball held at the Carnamah Hall on Thursday 8 August 1929 [4: 17-Aug-1929]
Inaugural Committee Member on the Board of the North Midlands District Hospital in Three Springs in 1929 [120: 26-Dec-1929]
Awarded 2nd prize for Sheaf of Wheat for Hay and for Sheaf of Oats for Hay at the Carnamah Agricultural Show in 1929 [4]
Attended the Grand Ball following the Carnamah Show and opening of Centenary Park on 19 September 1929 [4: 28-Sep-1929]
At the Ball a special presentation was made to him in recognition for all the work he had done in improving Centenary Park [4]
A few months earlier he'd had a tractor and two ploughs at work on Centenary Park after it had been cleared [39: 22-Jul-1929]
Sold 24 bales of wool through Elder Smith & Co on 18 October 1929 - 8 at 12d., 5 at 11½d., and 11 at 11¼d. per pound [4: 19-Oct-1929]
Member of the Carnamah Cricket Club - was President from 1928-29 to 1933-34 [4: 27-Apr-1929, 4-Oct-1930, 28-Mar-1931] [5: 1-Dec-1933]
For many years annually fielded a cricket team to play the Carnamah Cricket Club to mark the opening of the cricket season [P9]
It was also his custom to provide refreshments for the players of both teams after the season's opening match [5: 9-Oct-1936]
Captain of his XI who competed against and defeated the Carnamah Cricket Club at the opening of the 1933-34 season [4: 9-Dec-1933]
Patron of the Carnamah Cricket Club in 1935-36 and 1936-37 [5: 4-Oct-1935, 2-Oct-1936]
Captained his team at the opening of the 1935-36 season and was doing well until bowled out by his son [5: 4 & 25-Oct-1935]
Presented the "Shield" to the Carnamah Blues at the Carnamah Cricket Club's Wind-up Dance on 4 April 1936 [5: 3 & 10-Apr-1936]
In the late 1920s travelled to Northampton with his family for a holiday, during which he met Lachlan MACPHERSON [P9]
Had an account with Carnamah blacksmith, wheelwright and motor mechanics Henry Parkin & Son from the 1920s to the 1940s [53]
Judging on the quantity of business and repairs he was undoubtedly one of Henry Parkin & Son's largest and best customers [53]
Saw in the new year of 1930 with the singing of Auld Lang Syne at the Church of England's Dance at the Carnamah Hall [86: 4-Jan-1930]
Returned to Scotland in 1930, during which time he left his farm under the management of his son-in-law Ivan JOHNSON [P28]
On 23 January 1930 he was tendered an au revoir reception at the Presbyterian Church Hall before leaving for Scotland [4: 8-Feb-1930]
Departed Fremantle, Western Australia on the steamship Ormonde and arrived in London, England on 27 February 1930 [204]
After two months departed Southampton, England on the steamship Largs Bay and arrived back in Fremantle on 1 May 1930 [63]
Founding Member of the Carnamah Masonic Lodge No.150 WAC in 1930 [96]
To reduce expenses he stopped using his tractors in 1930 and carried out the 1930-31 harvest with the use of horse teams [230]
Member of the Carnamah branch of the Wheatgrowers' Union - was President in 1931 [4: 29-Mar-1931]
He and John S. ROOKE travelled to Perth in February 1932 to represent Carnamah at the union's general conference [12: 11-Feb-1932]
In 1932 had licensed with the Carnamah District Road Board a Hillman car, a Chevrolet Runabout car and a Ford truck [4: 12-Nov-1932]
His three licensed vehicles in 1932 respectively had licence/number plates CA-1, CA-116 and CA-220 [4: 12-Nov-1932]
Proposed one of the toasts at the dinner following the official opening of the new Carnamah Post Office on 30 June 1932 [5: 8-Jul-1932]
Organised a representative meeting of farmers from throughout the North Midlands which was held in Carnamah on 14 July 1932 [5]
At the meeting the farmers listened to two men from the W.A. Wheat Pool on the matter of Bulk Wheat Handling [5]
The merits of Co-operative Bulk Handling were spoken about at the meeting, which was very largely attended [5: 22-Jul-1932]
Following the death of Richard ROBERTSON he was elected his successor on the Carnamah District Road Board on 6 August 1932 [4]
Upon his election to the Road Board he retired as Chairman of the Ratepayers & Citizens Association [4: 13-Aug-1932] [5: 11-Nov-1932]
Represented the North Ward on the Carnamah District Road Board 1932-1934 [7: pages 113-114]
In 1932 a local resident remarked "Mr Bowman has ever been a champion in the cause of Carnamah in every aspect" [5: 23-Sep-1932]
Senator Patrick J. LYNCH remarked that he believed John BOWMAN would have made an excellent Federal Treasurer [4: 2-Jul-1932]
Attended the R.S.L. Smoke Social and Friends Night held in Carnamah on Saturday 27 August 1932 [5: 2-Sep-1932]
Member of the Carnamah branch of the Primary Producers' Association - was President in 1932 [120: 13-Oct-1932]
Attended a large meeting in Three Springs to form a North Midlands Chamber of Commerce on 18 November 1932 [4: 26-Nov-1932]
Attended the meeting of wheatgrowers on the Wheat Hold-up issue at the Carnamah Hall on Sunday 4 December 1932 [5: 9-Dec-1932]
With a plot of Felix wheat came 4th in the Carnamah District Agricultural Society's 50 acre crop competition in 1932 [5: 20-Jan-1933]
Served on the Disputes & Protests Board of the North Midlands Football Association 1932-1937 [4: 6-Aug-1932] [5: 3-May-1935, 30-Apr-1937]
Served on the Growers Council of the Wheat Pool of Western Australia in 1933 [529: 16-Dec-1932]
On 9 February 1933 attended the meeting in Carnamah at which Federal Member A. E. GREEN, M.H.R. was entertained [5: 17-Feb-1933]
Started a local petition opposing the transfer of Norman SOMERS of the Shell Oil Company depot in Carnamah in 1933 [5: 30-Jun-1933]
Took delivery of a new truck during the last week of November 1933 [5: 1-Dec-1933]
Patron of the Carnamah Golf Club from 1933 until 1951 [0: images 04329 & 04616] [5: 5-May-1933, 8-Mar-1935, 1-May-1936, 5-Mar-1937]
Officially Opened the new Carnamah Golf Course at Centenary Park at 4 p.m. on Sunday 23 July 1933 [5: 21-Jul-1933, 28-Jul-1933]
As the Club's Patron it was a custom for him to drive the first ball from number one tee at the opening of each season [5: 7-May-1937]
Presided over the Farewell Social to John and Louisa ROOKE at the Carnamah Hall on Saturday 27 January 1934 [5: 2-Feb-1934]
Gave evidence at Morawa on 14 March 1934 for the Federal Government's Royal Commission into the Wheat Industry [5: 2-Mar-1934]
He had been invited to give evidence and had previously done so at the Farmers' Departments Commission a few years earlier [5]
Vice President of the North Midlands Football Association in 1934 [5: 13-Apr-1934]
Attended the funeral of his third cousin Mrs Christina B. D. FORRESTER at the Winchester Cemetery on 31 August 1934 [4: 8-Sep-1934]
Won 1st prize for Medium Wool Merino Fleece and Three Fat Merino Wethers at the 1934 Carnamah Agricultural Show [5: 14-Sep-1934]
Presided over a meeting held in Carnamah with officials of the Primary Producers' Association on 11 December 1934 [5: 14-Dec-1934]
He and Maggie WELLS danced the Scotch Reel at the Burns Night Celebrations in Carnamah on 25 January 1935 [5: 1-Feb-1935]
Presided over the Farewell Social tendered to local chemist Douglas WALDBY on 17 January 1935 at the Carnamah Hall [5: 8-Feb-1935]
The main speaker at the Farewell Social to Alf and Hannah HOLLINGSWORTH held in Carnamah on 11 March 1935 [5: 15-Mar-1935]
Convened a meeting at the Church Hall in Carnamah on Monday evening 8 April 1935 to discuss the bulk handling of wheat [5]
Those present at the meeting voted unanimously in favour of bulk handing for Carnamah and other sidings on the Midland line [5]
The meeting also passed a motion to send a deputation before J. J. POYNTON, manager of the Midland Railway Company [5]
At the time of the meeting he had plans to convene similar meetings other centres along the Midland Railway line [5: 12-Apr-1935]
Convened another meeting about bulk wheat handling at the Arrino Hall in Arrino on Saturday 4 May 1935 [5: 10-May-1935]
He was the speaker at the meeting and secured a unanimous vote in favour of bulk handling, and all present signed his petition [5]
Raised the issue of bulk wheat handling with William PATRICK, M.L.A. on his visit to Carnamah on 24 June 1935 [5: 28-Jun-1935]
Attended the Bridge Evening at the Carnamah Hostel to raise funds for the Carnamah Golf Club on Friday 21 June 1935 [5: 28-Jun-1935]
Between July and October 1935 sold 1,004 sheep through Westralian Farmers Ltd with nine consignments to the Midland Market [5]
The 1,004 sheep consisted of 398 suckers, 297 shorn lambs, 240 lambs, 27 ram lambs and 32 ewes, at the following prices: [5]
398 suckers: 119 at 16/1, 53 at 15/10, 55 at 14/1, 61 at 13/10, 24 at 13/4, 67 at 12/7, and 19 at 11/10 per head [5: 2 & 30-Aug-1935]
297 shorn lambs: 23 at 13/1, 81 at 12/7, 64 at 12/4, 3 at 11/-, 43 at 10/4, 24 at 10/10, 44 at 9/4, 13 at 8/7, and 2 at 7/- per head [5]
240 lambs: 30 at 21/1, 9 at 20/7, 26 at 19/7, 33 at 18/4, 6 at 16/-, 48 at 13/10, 6 at 13/1, 69 at 12/7, 12 at 7/7, 1 at 12/- [5]
37 ram lambs at 13/1; and 32 ewes at 12/1; for which he received £687/14/11 [5: 6, 13 & 27-Sep-1935; 11, 18 & 25-Oct-1935; 1 & 15-Nov-1935]
Organiser and Leader of the North Midland Districts Bulk Handling Deputation in 1935 [5: 16-Aug-1935]
The deputation consisted of himself and representatives for Winchester, Carnamah, Three Springs and Yandanooka-Mingenew [5]
They interviewed Joseph J. POYNTON on 16 August 1935 to get his permission for Bulk Handling facilities on the Midland line [5]
Proposed the toast at John and Mary LANG's Golden Wedding Celebrations in Carnamah on Sunday 18 August 1935 [5: 23-Aug-1935]
Acting Coroner at the inquest held in Carnamah on 29 August 1935 into the death of Lawrence William BRAMBLES of Redcliffe [88]
Won the hidden number prize at the Presbyterian Card Evening held at the Church Hall in Carnamah on 29 August 1935 [5: 6-Sep-1935]
Awarded 2nd prizes for Two Medium Wool Merino Fleece and Fodder Plants at the Carnamah Agricultural Show in 1935 [5: 20-Sep-1935]
He was among those from Carnamah who travelled to Perth in October 1935 to attend the Royal Show [5: 11-Oct-1935]
Guest at the Fourth Annual North Midlands R.S.L. Reunion Dinner held in Three Springs on Saturday 19 October 1935 [5: 25-Oct-1935]
The North Midland Times newspaper reported on 10 January 1936 that he had been indisposed for the past week or two [5: 10-Jan-1936]
In January 1936 purchased a new R.D.6 50-horsepower crude oil caterpillar tractor [5: 31-Jan-1936]
Attended the funeral of Carnamah agent William B. SHERIDAN at the Winchester Cemetery on 27 January 1936 [5: 31-Jan-1936]
Accompanied by nearby farmer Andrew S. CUMMING motored from Carnamah to Perth on Thursday 5 March 1936 [5: 6-Mar-1936]
Sold 503 sheep through Westralian Farmers Ltd with six consignments to the Midland Market between April and October 1936 [5]
The sheep consisted of 50 suckers at 13/4, 175 ewes (29 shorn at 16/1, 70 at 15/3, 50 shorn at 9/7, 24 at 7/10, 2 old at 9/7), [5]
261 lambs (31 at 19/10, 39 at 19/4, 15 at 15/10, 70 at 15/7, 2 at 15/-, 36 at 14/4, 18 at 12/4, 41 at 12/-, 8 at 10/10, 1 at 9/-) [5]
15 hoggets at 24/7, and 2 rams at 27/4 per head [5: 17-Apr-1936, 14-Aug-1936, 11, 18 & 25-Sep-1936, 2 & 9-Oct-1936]
Adopted as a member of the Carnamah Sub-Branch of the Returned Soldiers League on 21 April 1936 [5: 1-May-1936] [52]
Attended the Farewell Social & Dance to "Chitter" George F. and Florence M. BROWN at the Carnamah Hall on 23 April 1936 [5]
Spoke on behalf of the citizens of Carnamah and on their behalf presented the guests of honour with an inscribed clock [5: 1-May-1936]
Attended the R.S.L. Social to farewell "Chitter" George F. BROWN at the Carnamah Hostel on Friday evening 24 April 1936 [5]
He and William DAVISON attended as the two recently adopted members of the Carnamah Sub-Branch of the R.S.L. [5]
After a very fine speech he made a presentation of a gold mounted fountain to Chitter on behalf of the Sub-Branch [5: 1-May-1936]
Presided over the combined meeting of the Wheatgrowers Union and Primary Producers Association in Carnamah on 15 May 1936 [5]
The meeting of the two local branches was held to discuss the possible amalgamation of the two organisations [5: 22-May-1936]
A motion was passed at the end of the meeting that he convene another meeting of all wheatgrowers of the Carnamah district [5]
Motored to Perth with William A. T. SARGENT on 29 May 1936, and they returned to Carnamah on 31 May 1936 [5: 5-Jun-1936]
While in Perth they met with Millars Trading & Agency Company on behalf of the Carnamah Ratepayers & Citizens Association [5]
They negotiated a £60 settlement for an outstanding account payable by Carnamah builder Charles J. DALLIMORE [5]
The account was for materials for the Carnamah Private Hospital, for which DALLIMORE was never paid for [5: 12-Jun-1936]
Sent his apologies for not being able to be present at the Farewell to the BREWER family in Carnamah on 5 June 1936 [5: 12-Jun-1936]
In 1936 he was described as being "among of the best established farmers" in Carnamah [81: 26-Jul-1936]
Vice President of the Carnamah Athletic Club in 1936 and 1937 [5: 19-Jun-1936, 19-Mar-1937]
With his son-in-law Ivan JOHNSON and employee Thomas J. BUCKINGHAM caught the train to Perth on 30 June 1936 [5: 3-Jul-1936]
Convened a combined meeting of the Carnamah branches of the Wheatgrowers Union and Primary Producers Association [5: 3-Jul-1936]
Called the meeting for 8:30 p.m. on Saturday 4 July 1936 at the Carnamah Hall and advertised it in The North Midland Times [5]
After a trip to Perth he arrived back in Carnamah on Thursday evening 30 July 1936 [5: 31-Jul-1936, 7-Aug-1936]
While in Perth he made representations to the Midland Railway Company about the installation of Bulk Wheat Handling [5]
As a result the Midland Railway Company's General Manager, Joseph J. POYNTON, travelled to Carnamah on 31 July 1936 [5]
In Carnamah Joseph J. POYNTON met with 200 farmers from Moora through to Mingenew on the bulk handling matter [5]
Joseph J. POYNTON explained that his Company could only provide bulk handling if they charged 1/6 more per ton for freight [5]
Following the departure of Mr POYNTON the matter was thoroughly discussed and a slightly more favourable solution chosen [5]
Those present decided on 1/6 per ton above existing freight charges reducible by ½d. per 1,000 tons after 30,000 tons per siding [5]
He, Kenneth E. JONES and William J. PETHICK were delegated to interview Mr POYNTON, who accepted the terms [5]
As a result Bulk Wheat Handing facilities were to be made available at eight railway sidings between Marchagee and Mingenew [5]
At the conclusion of the meeting he was accorded a vote of thanks as it was due to his efforts that Mr POYNTON had attended [5]
Presented the trophies at the Carnamah Football Club's Presentation Ball at the Carnamah Hall on 26 September 1936 [5: 2-Oct-1936]
Sold 12 bales of wool through Westralian Farmers Ltd in 1936 - 5 bales at 15¾d., 6 at 14d. and 1 at 13d. per pound [5: 16-Oct-1936]
Entered the Church with Doris BOLTON at her wedding to James K. FORRESTER in Carnamah on 10 October 1936 [5: 16-Oct-1936]
Speaker at the Farewell Social for departing postmaster R. Arthur LINDSAY at the Carnamah Hotel on 23 October 1936 [5: 30-Oct-1936]
In tipping the first bag of wheat into the elevator bin he officially opened Carnamah's first wheat bin on Monday 9 November 1936 [5]
James K. FORRESTER said farmers were indebted to him for getting bulk handling silos installed on the Midland Railway line [5]
He said it gave him great pleasure to perform the opening ceremony, which was largely attended by local residents [5: 13-Nov-1936]
In 1936 he sold a parcel of Carrabin premium wheat to Westralian Farmers Ltd for the good price of 5/8¾d. per bushel [5: 4-Dec-1936]
With his son-in-law Ivan JOHNSON and Charles ROBERTSON he motored to Perth on Tuesday 12 January 1937 [5: 15-Jan-1937]
He and William A. T. SARGENT voluntarily carted 20,000 gallons of water for the Carnamah Tennis Club in 1936-37 [5]
The water was to consolidate the ground prior to the laying of colas for four new tennis courts on Centenary Park in Carnamah [5]
They were especially thanked at the Official Opening of the courts on Sunday afternoon 31 January 1937 [5: 5-Feb-1937]
Speaker at the Valedictory Social to the pioneering PARKER family at the Carnamah Hall on Thursday 28 January 1937 [5: 5-Feb-1937]
Sent his apologies for the Farewell Social & Dance for Andrew G. FITZGERALD at the Carnamah Hall on 6 March 1937 [5: 5-Mar-1937]
Inaugural Vice President of the Carnamah Cycle Club in 1937 [5: 21-May-1937]
Received 70 lambs from a flock of 50 Merino ewes in 1937 - an impressive lambing rate of 140% [5: 11-Jun-1937]
Spoke for the Cricket Club at the R.S.L. Valedictory for Charles A. METTAM at the Carnamah Hotel on 28 July 1937 [5: 30-Jul-1937]
Sold 163 sheep through Westralian Farmers Ltd with two consignments to the Midland Market in 1937 [5: 20-Aug-1937, 17-Aug-1937]
The sheep were 123 hoggets (43 at 21/7, 30 at 20/1, 50 at 18/10), 20 suckers at 18/10, and 20 lambs at 14/1 per head [5]
Helped transport the 55 children to the Sunday School picnic at the Yarra Yarra Lakes in Carnamah on 4 September 1937 [5: 10-Sep-1937]
In 1937 headed the campaign in Carnamah and surrounds to combat a severe grasshopper plague [5: 17-Dec-1937]
Member of the Carnamah Ratepayers & Citizens Association's grasshopper eradication committee in 1937 [0: image 02876]
His youngest daughter recalls him organising locals and staying up all night preparing and mixing grasshopper baits [P9]
He and his wife were honoured for their public services at the Carnamah Hall on Wednesday 15 December 1937 [5: 17-Dec-1937]
He was publicly thanked by the people of Carnamah and those of surrounding districts for his efforts with the grasshoppers [5]
Both he and his wife were thanked for the many previous efforts they'd made for Carnamah and surrounding districts [5]
As a token of esteem they were presented with an Electrolux refrigerator and a brass fire screen from the residents of Carnamah [5]
Acting Coroner at the inquest held in Carnamah on 6 January 1938 into the death of Eileen Elizabeth WITHNELL of Winchester [88]
Around 1938 had the telephone connected to The Camp which was telephone number Carnamah-5S and later Carnamah-5U [60]
The Camp was workmen's humpies, a cookhouse (cook's kitchen), a dam and yards on his land west of Prowaka Spring [P1]
The Camp was on Lot M926 bounding the North Boundary Road and with direct access to the wheat bin at Prowaka Siding [P1]
In 1930 he had eight workmen who lived at The Camp, who had their meals cooked for them except on Sundays [230]
He only employed single men as he didn't have the accommodation for families [P1]
From 1938-39 to 1943-44 he leased and farmed Grianaig Farm in Carnamah from the Estate of the Late John LANG [3]
Grianaig Farm was 1,593 acres in size and consisted of adjoining Lots M945 and M1266 of Victoria Location 1934 [3]
The property was five miles north of Carnamah on The Midlands Road and adjoined the Prowaka Railway Siding [5: 9-Oct-1936]
From 1938-39 until 1941-42 he also leased and farmed the 778 acre Lot 13 of the Inering Estate in Carnamah [3] [P73]
Lot 13 of the Inering Estate on the east side of the Carnamah-Perenjori Road was adjacent to some of his other farmland [62]
Leased Lot 13 from John E. ILES and then the Agricultural Bank until it was taken up by "Ted" Theodore O. WITTWER [P73]
Patron of the Marathon Bowling Club in Winchester in 1939 [5: 9-Dec-1938]
The tradition of him fielding a cricket team to play the local team at the opening of the season continued into the 1940s [0: image 03962]
Inaugural Patron in 1941 and Vice Patron 1950-1952 of the Carnamah Miniature Rifle Club [85] [0: images 04532 & 04654]
Donated a sheep for the Live Weight Competition at the Carnamah District Agricultural Society's Annual Shows in 1941 and 1945 [13]
Enlisted in the Australian Army's local Volunteer Defence Corps in Carnamah on 24 April 1942 [16]
Incorrectly stated his age as 64 years, when he was in fact 68, probably to make himself eligible for enlistment [16]
Private W71799 in Carnamah's Volunteer Defence Corps during the Second World War [16]
He was the Attesting & Witnessing Officer for other local men enlisting in the Volunteer Defence Corps [30: item 5892726]
In the absence of a clergyman read the prayers at the 1943 Anzac Day commemoration at the Carnamah Hall [0: image 04217]
In 1943, due to the war, he found it necessary to go as far as Perth to find shearers to shear his sheep [0: image 04235]
At the conclusion of the Second World War his son took over the running of the farm [P1]
Patron of the Carnamah Cricket Club in 1946-47, and on 13 October 1946 he fielded a team against the Club's team [0: image 04408]
"the traditional match between Bowman's Team and The Rest which annually heralds the opening of the cricket season" [5]
During the 1940s also leased and farmed Andrew S. CUMMING's 1,433 acre farm (Lots 14 and 15 of the Inering Estate) [P73]
Member of the Carnamah Bush Fire Brigade - was Captain in 1951 [4: 8-Sep-1951]
Had P.O. Box 9 at the Carnamah Post Office [P75]
Throughout his life retained a very strong Scottish accent which was in part attributed to there being so many Scots in Carnamah [P9]
Resided at The Homestead on Lot M950 of The Home Farm in Carnamah until his death in 1952 [P1]
Father of Nell, Vi, Daisy, Bunty, John, Ruth and Les [P1]
Died 26 July 1952 in Carnamah; buried Winchester Cemetery, Carnamah (Row F, Plot 12) [1]
Officiating minister at his funeral was Rev. PATRICK and the undertaker H. KNIGHT, both of Three Springs [1]
His estate was valued at £41,392/7/6 with the beneficiaries of his will being his wife, children and Isabella M. EASTON [39: 4-Mar-1953]
Some of the contract work John BOWMAN did for the Midland Railway Company in Carnamah and Coorow:
In later 1915 cut hay and harvested crops on Lots M929-938, M942, M943, M946, M952 and M954-957 in Carnamah [34]
Carted all of the wheat from the Midland Railway Company's farms in Carnamah to the railway siding in 1915 for 2d a bushel [34]
He had to purchase eight more horses to cart the wheat to the railway siding as his tractor proved unsuccessful at the task [34]
During February 1916 he ploughed firebreaks around the paddocks of the Company's unsold farms in Carnamah [34]
Did the firebreaks with a tractor pulling 30 farrows - which would normally have been the work of four horses [34]
In 1916 ploughed, cultivated and seeded 1,704 acres on Lots M929-938, M942 and M946 in Carnamah for 17/6 per acre [34]
It was reported: "The work up to date has been splendidly done and Mr Bowman is working with the greatest enthusiasm" [34]
In 1917 ploughed, cultivated and seeded Lots M929-938, M942, M946 and M953 in Carnamah [34]
During April 1917 the Company agreed to give him a £350 advance for the ploughing, cultivation and seeding [34]
In May 1917 had 79 horses at work, 3 ploughs, 6 cultivators, 6 drills and employed 20 men (which cost him about £27 per day) [34]
In 1917 ploughed, cultivated and seeded 1,704½ acres of crop for the company at 17/6 per acre (totalling £1491/8/9) [34]
In 1917 the Midland Railway Company's crops were badly affected by rust and it was resolved they would all be cut for hay [34]
Contracted in 1917 to "cut, stock, tack, chaff cut and cart" the company's crop to the Carnamah Railway Siding for 32/- per acre [34]
Was contracted to cut all of the Company's crops for hay and by November 1917 had nine binders working in their crops [34]
In 1917 was using 70 balls of binder twine a day and had to borrow and buy extra twine off a number of people [34]
During January 1918 he was using the Company's imported Steam Traction Engine tractor to cut their chaff [34]
He planned to use the tractor for their chaff cutting and then their ploughing so he could keep his squad of men employed [34]
The tractor was a Garrett 8-horsepower Compound General Purpose Traction Engine made by Richard Garrett & Sons [39: 10-Aug-1918]
In 1918 cleared, cut down, burnt, heaped stones, cultivated and seeded crops on Lots M963, M967, M968 and M969 in Coorow [34]
In 1918 also ploughed, cultivated and seeded Lots M929, M930, M931, M936, M937, M944 and M953 in Carnamah [34]
After seeding was finished fallowed Lots M932, M934, M935, M942 and M946 in Carnamah in 1918 [34]
In later 1918 harvested the Company's crops on Lots M929, M930, M931, M936, M937, M952 and M953 in Carnamah [34]
Also undertook chaff cutting for the Midland Railway Company in later 1918 and cut 5,762 bags of chaff [34]
In 1919 fallowed 639½ acres on Lots M932, M933, M934, M935, M942 and M946 in Carnamah for 18/- per acre [34]
Also fallowed Lot M953 in Carnamah for 9/- per acre and cultivated it for 3/6 per acre in 1919 [34]
See BOWMAN & FORRESTER for details of other contract work undertaken by John BOWMAN for the Midland Railway Co [--]
From the Progress Report of the Royal Commission on the
Agricultural Industries of Western Australia on the Wheat-Growing Portion of the South-West Division of the State:
Wednesday 6 June 1917 at Carnamah
"JOHN BOWMAN, Farmer, Carnamah, sworn and examined: I hold 2,200 acres. I had no previous experience in Western Australia, but I was brought up on a farm in Scotland. My land is four miles north of Carnamah and about four miles from the railway. It is Midland land. I bought it in Scotland, where I took one of the farms and 500 acres additional. After being here six months, I bought three more ready-made farms. My numbers are 950 (with 500 acres additional), 926, 927, and 928. About 1,850 acres is fully cleared. Each farm is equipped. I paid on an average £5 per acre for the land; the payments extend over 20 years, with 5½ per cent interest on the unpaid principal. I had no fallow as yet. I have 50 horses, and £3,000 worth of plant and machinery. I had a 45-horsepower tractor. In my first year I averaged 21 bushels, last year it was only 12 bushels. It was put in very late. I averaged eight bags for 450 acres put in earlier. The year before last I used 70lbs. of super. Last year I used 60lbs., and this year I am using 80lbs. Last year I used 45lbs. of seed. I am doing the same this year. The proposition is not all that the Company held it up to be, but I think the ground is good value for £5, and granted a normal year and proper methods of cultivation, the ground will turn out at least 20 bushels. I do not think the Company is right in asking the sellers to repay so much capital and charge interest for the first few years. For the first six or seven years the settler ought to be called upon to pay only a nominal sum until the land is really reproductive. My tractor is perfectly satisfactory. I do some contract work for the Midland [Railway] Company. My tractor pulled 30 furrows to a depth of four inches. It is no good for fallowing, it uses too much power. It would go far to make a contented settlement here if the Midland Company could be prevailed on to give the farmers some consideration during the first few years. The question of the size of the block depends on the man. A man can always get additional land adjoining his block. I think the price of the additional land is a little too high at 15s. an acre; 12s. would be more like a fair value. I have no sheep yet. I have no place to put them. One most have something in addition to wheat. I estimate the cost of cropping, including, seed, bags, etc., at approximately 30s. For contract ploughing, cultivating, and seeding last year I got 15s 6d., including carting the seed and pickling the wheat. For harvesting I got from 7s. 6d. to 8s. 6d., with a special price for carting at 8d. a bag all round.
My contracting this year has not paid very well owing to the high cost of labour and living for the men. I am not getting behind. I am just about holding my own at wheat growing. I have not made much by contracting."
From The Western Mail newspaper, Friday 20 December 1928:
Country Towns and Districts - Carnamah-Coorow - Rapid Development - Carnamah Farms
"One of the biggest farms in Carnamah is Mr John Bowman's, of 8,000 acres, all cleared, of which 2,500 acres are fallow and 2,000 under crop. He will have 3,000 acres under wheat next year, including 500 of newly cleared land. The soil is heavy, partly salmon and gimlet, and the balance York gum and jam, this latter alone having given good results this year. Mr Bowman uses Nabawa, Gluyas Early and Merredin wheat. He has a three year rotation - fallow, crop and pasture - and sows 45 to 50 lb. of seed and 100 to 125 lb. of superphosphate, according to the time of sowing. The yield will average probably 16 bushels. He runs a flock of Merino ewes with Border Leicester rams, and supplies to the fat lamb market. Mr Bowman arrived from Scotland about 1915, and was the first chairman of the Carnamah Road Board, having been first a member of the Mingenew board."
From The Western Mail newspaper, Thursday 9 January 1930:
Country Towns and Districts - Carnamah's Advancement
"One of the largest landowners in the district is Mr. J. Bowman. He is a Scotchman, hailing from Kinross-shire, where the streams are said to provide the best trout fishing in the world. Mr. Bowman is a mining engineer by profession and has won coal in Scotland, the East Indies, and Borneo. He once managed the largest colliery in Scotland. He acquired land in the district 15 years ago and now owns 8,000 acres of good, cleared wheat country. This season he cropped 3,000 acres of wheat, 2,600 acres of which were on fallow. "The season, with its light rainfall, was a crucial test and good fallow and cultivation are standing out," Mr. Bowman says. Harvesting not being completed, his average yield could not be ascertained but 250 acres went eight bags. For the forthcoming seeding Mr. Bowman has 2,200 acres on fallow. The property is carrying 3,000 sheep and Mr. Bowman, this year, is watching with interest the results of a 200-ton stack of silage. He is one of the most esteemed and influential men in the district. As first chairman of the road board he did sterling work, and although he has retired from the board his work as chairman of the ratepayers' and citizens' association is much appreciated."
From The North Midland Times newspaper, Friday 23 March 1934:
Mr. Bowman's Retirement - First Chairman of Carnamah Road Board - Splendid Worker for District
"The resignation of Mr. John Bowman, one of the north ward members on the Carnamah Road Board, has been received with great regret by both of the Board and the district generally. Mr. Bowman, who has been forced to resign owing to ill-health has been associated with local government in the district for many years. Joining the Mingenew Road Board as one south ward representative on a Board whose boundary stretched from Dongara nearly to Watheroo, Mr. Bowman later became the first chairman of the Carnamah Road Board, when it was formed in 1923. Mr. Bowman enjoyed a slight spell until he was elected in August 1932, taking the seat left vacant by the death of the late Mr. Robertson, who had been elected as chairman the previous April. The chairman and members of the Board at the meeting on Wednesday expressed their deep appreciation of the services of Mr. Bowman, both to the Board, and to the district as a whole."
John BOWMAN was a pallbearer at the following funerals of local residents:
John Hudson DAVIES of the Carnamah Hotel, who was buried at the Three Springs General Cemetery on 8 February 1925 [4: 20-Feb-1925]
Winchester farmer John RAFFAN, who was buried at the Winchester Cemetery on 9 October 1928 [4: 20-Oct-1928]
Winchester farmer Hans HÄUSSLER, who was buried at the Winchester Cemetery on 7 July 1931 [4: 11-Jul-1932]
Mrs Janet Allison RAFFAN of Winchester, who was buried at the Winchester Cemetery on 26 February 1932 [4: 5-Mar-1932]
Mrs Jane ROBERTSON of Carnamah, who was buried at the Winchester Cemetery on 15 May 1932 [4: 21-May-1932]
Carnamah farmer Richard ROBERTSON, who was buried at the Winchester Cemetery on 9 July 1932 [4: 16-Jul-1932]
Robert Clark FORRESTER of Carnamah, who was buried at the Winchester Cemetery on 18 September 1933 [5: 22-Sep-1933]
Miss "May" Mary Lochhead LANG of Carnamah, who was buried at the Winchester Cemetery on 26 November 1935 [5: 29-Nov-1935]
Carnamah pioneer Miss "Bessie" Elizabeth MACPHERSON, who was buried at the Winchester Cemetery on 24 July 1939 [5: 28-Jul-1939]
Mrs Doris FORRESTER of Carnamah, who was buried at the Karrakatta Cemetery in Perth on 10 October 1939 [5: 13-Oct-1939]
Thomas Gordon PERRY of Carnamah, who was buried at the Winchester Cemetery on 28 January 1941 [5: 31-Jan-1941]
Winchester farmer William John PETHICK, who was buried at the Winchester Cemetery on 21 March 1941 [5: 28-Mar-1941]
Mrs Mary LANG of Carnamah, who was buried at the Winchester Cemetery on 22 February 1942 [5: 27-Feb-1942]
Retired farmer John Maurice HAIG of Carnamah, who was buried at the Winchester Cemetery on 4 May 1946 [5: 10-May-1946]
Carnamah farmer William Henry WATSON, who was buried at the Winchester Cemetery on 13 September 1948 [5: 16-Sep-1948]
From The West Australian newspaper, Monday 28 July 1952:
A Well-Known Farmer Dies
"Carnamah, Sunday - Mr John Bowman, a well-known farmer of Carnamah, died last night at Carnamah at the age of 78. The late Mr Bowman was a Justice of the Peace and one of the earliest pioneers of the district. He and his family arrived from Scotland in 1915 and settled in Carnamah, where he was one of the first farmers to grow wheat on a large scale. He was also a foundation member of the Carnamah Road Board. He left a widow, five daughters and a son."
From The North Midland Times newspaper, Thursday 31 July 1952:
Vale John Bowman
"It is with sincere regret that this paper records the passing of one of the early pioneers of Carnamah in the late Mr. John Bowman at the age of 78 years. Mr. Bowman came to Australia from Scotland in early 1915 and settled in Carnamah and was widely known and a highly respected citizen and whose passing will be deeply regretted by all members of the community."
From The Irwin Index newspaper, Saturday 2 August 1952:
Obituary - Death of Mr. J. Bowman - Old Carnamah Identity
"The death occurred at Carnamah on Saturday night last of a well-known and highly respected resident of the district in the person of Mr. John Bowman, who had not enjoyed normal health conditions for some considerable time past. The deceased gentleman, who was seventy-eight years of age, was born in Scotland and came to Carnamah shortly after arrival in Western Australia with his wife and family in 1915, thus being one of the earliest district pioneers and also one of the first farmers to produce wheat on a large scale. He was a justice of the peace and a foundation member of the Carnamah Road Board, of which he was the first chairman, and in his earlier years he also displayed a keen interest in the public and sporting activities of the district. The late Mr. Bowman is survived by a widow, one son (Mr. David Bowman) and five daughters in Mesdames J. Dixon, I. Johnson, P. W. Thomson, D. Johnson and Miss Margaret Bowman, who have been the recipients of innumerable expressions of sympathy. The funeral took place in the Winchester Cemetery on Monday last and was attended by residents from all parts of the North Midlands, the service at the graveside being conducted by the Rev. G. Patrick, of Three Springs. The pall-bearers were Messrs. A. A. McGilp, J. K. Forrester, F. Lucas, sen., W. Davison, G. A. Raffan and H. V. Johnson, M.P., and the casket was borne from the hearse by Messrs. C. Robertson, L. W. Grierson, E. Haig and E. K. Wells. Innumerable floral tributes were laid upon the grave. The mortuary arrangements were conducted by Mr. H. H. Knight of Three Springs."
From The North Midland Times newspaper, Thursday 7 August 1952:
OBITUARY
"The Late John Bowman was an Honorary Life Member of the Carnamah Sub Branch R.S.L.; a Justice of the Peace; a foundation member of the Carnamah Road Board and its first Chairman. He leaves a widow, five daughters and one son. The funeral took place at the Winchester Cemetery on Monday, at 4 p.m. Rev. Patrick, of Three Springs conduced the last rites. Casket bearers were: Messrs C. Robertson, L. W. Grierson, E. Haig and E. K. Wells. Pall Bearers were: Messrs A. A. McGilp, J. K. Forrester, F. Lucas Sen., W. Davison, G. A. Raffan and Vic. Johnson, M.H.R."
From Scotland's The Fifeshire Advertiser newspaper, Saturday 16 August 1952:
Round The District - News From The Burghs and Villages - Auchterderran - The Late John Bowman
"Many folks in the Bowhill district will remember John Bowman who has died in Australia. He was under-manager to the old Bowhill Coal Company when Robert Muir was general manager. John took a keen interest in local affairs. In 1908 he left this country, along with Robert Forrester (now deceased) to exploit a coalfield in Borneo. This did not come up to expectations and they went to Australia and took up sheep farming. When the Donibristle mining disaster occurred nearly fifty years ago, the Bowhill rescue squad, which did splendid work, was led by John Bowman. As Bowhill Colliery developed Mr Bowman used his influence to provide various facilities in the way of sport. A keen curler, he was a pioneer in the formation of Auchterderran Curling Club. They used as a pond, a tar enclosure behind the Round House, on the site of the present Post Office. It was also used as a tennis court and further served as a bowling green. Play was impossible after dark but John Bowman was responsible for the installation of electric light. He was 77 years of age."
| Reference: Carnamah Historical Society & Museum and North Midlands Project, 'John Bowman' in Biographical Dictionary of Coorow, Carnamah and Three Springs, retrieved 21 December 2024 from www.carnamah.com.au/bio/john-bowman [reference list] |
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