Born in James Bridge in Staffordshire, Rowlinson began working at a coal mine at the age of seven, and was illiterate until his twenties.
He then learned to read and write, also becoming active in the Primitive Methodists as a lay preacher, and joining the West Bromwich Miners' Association.
[1][2] After the 1884 strike, Rowlinson found himself blacklisted, and in order to find work, he relocated to the Forest of Dean.
There, he helped reestablish the moribund union, the Forest of Dean Miners' Association, and became its secretary in 1886.
[1] Rowlinson served on the United School Board until 1902, and then on its successor, the County Education Committee.