Bowdish, Charles Giles

Bowdish, Charles Giles a Methodist Episcopal minister, son of Rev. William S. Bowdish, was one of five brethren, all of whom consecrated themselves to the ministry in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was born at Potsdam, N. Y., May 12, 1834; was converted in 1853; studied for the ministry at Cazenovia Seminary, and in 1858 entered the Minnesota Conference. In 1864 he was appointed chaplain of the Eleventh Minnesota Regiment of Volunteers, and in 1870 was transferred to the New York East Conference, wherein he was faithful until his death, at Astoria, July 5, 1873. Mr. Bowdish was richly gifted in mental endowments; was cultured in music and painting, was remarkably benevolent in hospitality, an earnest and successful preacher. He rendered valuable aid in the formation of the Holston Conference, was twice elected chaplain of.the Minnesota House of Representatives, was appointed by president Johnson, in 1867, to superintend the annual payment of the Chippewa Indians, and in 1872 was placed on the staff of official reporters at the General Conference. See Minutes of Annual Conferences, 1874, p. 55; Simpson, Cyclop. of Methodism, s.v.