During World War I he served in the United States Corps of Engineers as a major.

His scientific researches had to do with the theory of isostasy and its applications to dynamic and structural geology.

Bowie's professional activity was directed towards three general objectives: He was elected in 1907 a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science,[2] in 1925 a Fellow of the American Physical Society,[3] and in 1927 a Member of the National Academy of Sciences.

An Episcopalian, Bowie married Elizabeth Taylor Wattles of Alexandria, Virginia, on June 28, 1899.

William died after a three-week illness and lies buried in Arlington National Cemetery.