Abraham Bowman (Sr.)
Abraham was the eldest son of Johannes who was the 'patriarch' of the American Bowmans. He appears to have been rather connected to his father and remained in the Pennsylvania area throughout his life. His unfortunate death very close after the time his father died put the Bowman's into the first of 2 major 'orphan' phases.
Early Years
Abraham was estimated to be born in 1745. Knowing that he grew up with his parents during the French and Indian Wars (1754-1763), it is quite possible his early childhood was somewhat eventful in establishing roots and keeping alive. There is a story that two of his younger brothers (Jacob and Henry), were captured by Indians and tied to a tree with plans to come and get them on their return. Fortunately, another settler found and released them, allowing them to return to their family a bit wiser. References are available in an un-sourced genealogy book (page 11) and also in an out of print book named "The Bowman Book", by John Collins Payne on Page 8. A historical side note is that during the capture/release occurred, the French and Indian War was occurring and French were promoting Indian incursion into English settlements. The next year, in 1758, the English gained control of the "Ohio valley" after taking possession of Fort Duquesne (Pittsburg) for the remainder of the war.
On his own
While this is after he was married, some claim that Abraham is a participant in the American revolution. This is questioned by others, including Mel Bowman, but because 2 persons have registered him with the Daughters of the American Revolution, it is mentioned as one of his possible participations. If this is in fact our Abraham, he is listed in Private Grubb's company in the "History of Lancaster County."
Family
Abraham appears to have had 10 children (5 girls and 5 boys) with his wife Christina before his death. Although not much has yet been found about his 'passing', it appears he died 'inter-state' less than 2 years after his father's passing, leaving at least half of his children as wards of the state. It appears like 3 children were put under the care of a Henry Bowman ( including Abraham Jr. ) while eldest son John, being above age 14, chose to go under the care of John Forney. In 1794, when eldest son John became of age, he filed to take custody of the lands. Not sure if the brothers and sisters came along with the land or not. (Click to see orphan court records)
Origin
It appears Abraham, the first born, came into being soon after his father's marriage. His father appeared to have come over on the Robert & Alice alone, therefore he must have been married after his arrival. As to the estimated date of his father's marriage (1740) and his estimated birth date (1745), no official primary sources of confirmation have yet to be found.
Demographics:
There is little first-hand documentation yet to be found on Abraham just as with his father Johannes except for records of his death through orphan court records. His wife's full name is not known either as there is no marriage records yet to be found.