BOWEN, Nathaniel, P. E. bishop, born in Boston, Massachusetts, 29 June 1779; died in Charleston, South Carolina, 25 August 1839. His father removed to South Carolina in 1787, and died there very soon afterward. The boy's education was chiefly cared for by Rev. Dr. R. Smith (afterward bishop of South Carolina). He was graduated at Charleston in 1794, and served some time as a tutor in the College, and then went north for preparation for the ministry. He studied under Rev. Dr. Parker, in Boston (afterward bishop of the eastern diocese), and was ordained deacon in June 1800, priest by Bishop Bass in October 1802, and became assistant minister in St. Michael's Church, Charleston.

In December 1804, he accepted the rectorship of St. Michael's. His labors during the five following years were very arduous, but proved to be of the highest value for the interests of the Episcopal Church in South Carolina. In 1809 he became the rector of Grace Church, New York City, and discharged the duties of that office with great acceptance until 1818. Early in 1818 Dr. Bowen was elected bishop of South Carolina, and also rector of St. Michael's Church, Charleston. He was consecrated in Philadelphia, 8 October 1818, and for the last twenty years of his life gave himself to his work with untiring fidelity. Bishop Bowen published occasional sermons, addresses, etc., together with six sermons on "Christian Consolation" (1831). Two volumes of his "Sermons" were published after his death.