George Washington Grovnor Bowen

Biography

George Washington Grovnor Bowen came to Cattaraugus County with his father in 1830, at age 7. G.W.G. learned the carpenter trade and settled on a farm near what is now known as Orlando, Cattaraugus County, New York.

In later years, he exchanged his farm for a sawmill and cheese box factory in Eddyville, New York. He and his eldest son, Hamilton, formed a partnership and were among the first to manufacture cheese boxes in the town of Mansfield. This sawmill and box factory burned in 1884. After this, the partnership was dissolved and Hamilton moved to Little Valley, New York. George Washington Grovnor Bowen served as Justice of the Peace over thirty years. He helped build the Universalist Church and organize it under the leadership of Rev. Gowdy. This building is now used as the Town Hall of Mansfield. He was a resident in Eddyville, Mansfield Township, Cattaraugus County, New York for over 60 years.

G.W.G. was also the Postmaster of Eddyville. He was appointed Postmaster on the 5th day of June 1896 by William L. Wilson, Postmaster General of the United States, and on the 9th day of June 1896 executed a Bond and took the Oath of Office as required by law. Signed on the 18th of June 1896 by Wm L. Wilson.