Commemoration

The fifth Prime minister of Canada, Bowell was born in Suffolk, England and came to Belleville with his parents in 1833.  Apprenticed as a printer at the Intelligencer, he advanced quickly, becoming the newspaper’s editor and proprietor by 1856.  Bowell also gained prominence in the Orange Order, a formidable political force in 19th century Canada, and was elected to the first Dominion Parliament in 1867 as Conservative member for North Hastings.  During a long and distinguished public career in which he represented this area for 25 years Bowell heels various ministerial posts.  Following the sudden death of Sir John Thompson, he served as Prime Minster (1894-96).  Knighted in 1895, Bowell devoted his final years to journalistic and business activities in Belleville.