Robert Bruce Bowe
The front of the marker gives this information ROBERT BURCE BOWE/Born in Petersburg VA 29 Feb 1836/Raised in Hanover Co, moved to Miss. 01 Feb 1860/Died 11 Oct 1907.
On the other side of the monument is this: I have no flag or country since 1865, an alien in the land that my forefathers defended in was since 1624. Providence taking side with the strong and oppresive against weak and just has caused me to live in doubt the last forty years and fear I will die so.
The inscription on the back of the monument, however, bears testimony that Mr. Bowe never surrendered his high ideals - and that he had a refreshing frankness. It reads: My aim thru life was to do unto others as I would have them do unto me, tho sometimes had to fight old Nick with fire.
And on the South side will be found his war record: Co. A, 7th Tenn. Cavalry, C.S.A. July 1861, April 1865. We rode from Vicksburg to Nashville, from Atlanta to Corinth, to Fort Pillow and to Belmont MO. Many a day and night, nothing to eat, our bead the cold sod. The Stars and Bars and dear Mal were the idols of my heart.
The reference is to his wife, Mrs. MALVINA AUGUSTA BOWE, who is buried beside him. The inscription on her monument shows she was the daughter of R.F. and M.L. McCARGO of Virginia - Born in Limestone Co ALA., 04 Aug 1843. Moved to Miss., Dec 1855. Married 20 Oct 1863, Mother of 13. Raised 11 - 8 boys and 3 girls, Died 30 Jul 1905.
As you see she died before her husband, and altho he openly expressed some doubt as to the justness of God, deep in his heart he evidently clung to the old faith. On her monument is this: She was loyal to her church, an affectionate mother and devoted wife...Our darling one hath gone before to greet us on the other shore.
Source: Eldon Roark's Column, Memphis Press Scimiter
DeSoto County Coordinator: Tim Harrison
Copyright © 2005-2013 by Tim Harrison & MSGenWeb. All rights reserved. Copyright of submitted items belongs to those responsible for their authorship or creation unless otherwise assigned.