A Republican from the Thirteenth District, the forty-six year old lumbering and manufacturing businessman lived in Skamakawa.
Born in Michigan, Bowen was graduated from Hillsdale College and became part owner and editor of the Coldwater Republican. He had five years experience in the Michigan State Land Office as commissioner and deputy commissioner. He had been a member of the Michigan legislature as well as having engaged in the lumber business there. In 1887 he came to Washington and entered the Columbia River Lumber and Manufacturing Company at Skamakawa.
Bowen served on the following committees: County, City and Township Organization; Revenue and Taxation; State, School and Granted Lands; State Seal.