John Bowery (1773-1840)
by W. Dale Carter, copyright 1999, Kingsport, TN

John Bowery was born 1773 in Virginia, son of Revolutionary Soldier Francis and Margaret Bowery.

Bowery enlisted in Knoxville, Tennessee, 13 November 1814 as a Private in Col. Samuel Bayless  (Bayles) 4th Regt., East Tennessee Militia.  He served in Capt. James Landen’s Company. This regiment, along with Col. William Johnson’s Third Regiment and Col. Edwin Booth’s Fifth Regiment, defended the lower section of the Mississippi Territory, particularly the vicinity of Mobile. They protected the region from possible Indian incursions and any British invasion. The regiments were under the command of Major General William Carroll. They manned the various forts that were located throughout the territory: Fort Claiborne, Fort Decatur  and Fort Montgomery. For example, sickness was rampart in the regiment and the desertion rate was high. The Regiment was dismissed at Mobile.

Bowery was discharged 18 May 1815, having served 6 months 5 days.  He was paid $49.00 and 33 cents. It was noted that no rations or pay therefore have been drawn in lieu of rations due in the Mississippi Territory.

John Bowery appeared in court 24 September 1816 in Sullivan County, Tennessee and stated the following:

“Know all men by these presents that I, John Bowry of the County of Sullivan and state of Tennessee have made, constituted and appointed by these presents do make, constitute and appoint Anderson and Rhea of Blountville, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to draw all the pay which I am entitled to receive from the Government of  the United States  for my services in  Company of East Tennessee Militia, Lt. William Burgess, commanding, commencing on the 6th day of November 1814 and ending on the 18th day of May 1815 as per discharge and I do hereby ratify and confirm all acts which the said Anderson and Rhea may do touching this matter in as ample and  full a manner as if I myself were personally present. In witness where of I have hereinto set my hand and seal this 24th day of September, 1816.”

John Bowry  (his mark)

John Bowery married Elizabeth Barnhart, daughter of Conrad Barnhart and Barbara Gefellers Barnhart.  Their children were:  Comrad Russell Bowery,  Francis Bowery, William C. Bowery,  Margaret Bowery, Barbara Bowery, Adam Bowery,  John Bowery, Jr., Andrew Bowery and Mary Bowery.

John Bowery  died in 1840.  He and wife Elizabeth are buried in the Bowery Cemetery, located on the Bowery land, on Isley Road off Shipley Ferry Road in Sullivan County, Tennessee.