Born in Williamsburg, Virginia, Bowden attended a private school.

He served as collector of customs for the port of Norfolk from September 1879 until May 1885.

He served as clerk of the United States Court for the Eastern District of Virginia from March 10, 1899, until his death in Norfolk, Virginia, January 22, 1908.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

This article about a member of the United States House of Representatives from Virginia is a stub.