Person Record
Metadata
Name |
Bowler, Charles Wesley |
Othernames |
"CWB" Often known as "Wes" Bowler |
Born |
1856 |
Birthplace |
Artemesia Township, Canada West |
Places of residence |
Cheeseville area Artemesia Township, Grey County, Ontario (area now in Municpality of Grey Highlands), lived about two miles east of Markdale Markdale, Grey County (21 years) |
Father |
William Bowler |
Mother |
Ann (Anne) Bowler (nee __________), b. Q |
Nationality |
Canadian |
Notes |
The Bowler brickyard was located at Cheeseville, Grey County. Cheeseville is located near Markdale, Ontario (about one mile north east of the village). The Bowler Brick Yards reportedly had their first run of bricks in 1868. A Mr. Thomas Mathews (1837-1935) had arrived in Cornabuss (Markdale) in 1864 to set up a harness-making shop. In 1868, the first brick house in Markdale was constructed, using Bowler bricks. Ironically, the Markdale library building, situated next to this brick house, would also be made of Bowler bricks, but from the last run of the company, in 1914. In 1988, both of these brick buildings were still standing. The early brick Markdale residence later belonged to Mrs. Ross Aken? (mentioned in Davidson's 1972 book). Charles Wesley Bowler was a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Bowler, who were pioneer residents of Artemesia Township, Grey County. He was raised on the Bowler homestead on the East Back Line. For a number of years he conducted a brick yard, and later retired to the village of Markdale approximately 25 years before he died from an accident (his death record states 21 years). He was at Markdale when a truck loaded with logs accidentally crushed his legs, and he died soon after. The book SPLIT RAIL COUNTRY also mentions William Bowler having a brick kiln on his farm on the east back line of Artemesia. The kiln was erected in 1868 and continued until 1915. |
Occupation |
Brickyard / Brickmaker / Bricks |
Publications |
Sources: MARKDALE: CROSSROADS OF GREY, PP. 11, 62, 110, 231. There is an image of workmen at the Bower brickyard in MARKDALE & FLESHERTON: A WRITTEN HERITAGE, p. 27. SPLIT RAIL COUNTRY: A HISTORY OF ARTEMESIA TOWNSHIP, 1986, p. 281. Davidson, T. Arthur, A NEW HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF GREY, 1972, p. 65 |
Role |
Business person |
Spouse |
1. Mary Ann Hopps, m. Jan. 11, 1881, 2. Edith Boyd, m. Apr. 29, 1891 |
Children |
Annie Bowler, b. Feb. 24, 1882 Gordon Bowler b. Oct. 11, 1886 Harold Bowler b. Apr. 2, 1888 Ruby Bowler b. March 13, 1892 Mary Bowler b. Nov. 8, 1895 Amelia Bowler b. Dec. 9, 1897 Myrtle Bowler b. July 18, 1900 |
