Robert Bowen - Revision history

Janet Kerschner at 05:48, 6 January 2026

2026-01-06T05:48:30Z

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	[[Category:Military\|Bowen, Robert]]		[[Category:Military\|Bowen, Robert]]
	[[Category:Farmers\|Bowen, Robert]]		[[Category:Farmers\|Bowen, Robert]]
			[[Category:Golden Dawn\|Bowen, Robert]]
	[[Category:People\|Bowen, Robert]]		[[Category:People\|Bowen, Robert]]

Janet Kerschner: /* See also */

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Janet Kerschner: /* See also */

2025-05-22T19:37:31Z

Pablo Sender: /* Involvement in the Theosophical Society */

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Involvement in the Theosophical Society

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	== Involvement in the Theosophical Society ==		== Involvement in the Theosophical Society ==

	Mr. Bowen became interested in [[Theosophical Society ]] in the early 1880s after meeting [[Anna Kingsford\|Dr. Anna Kingsford]].<ref>Yvonne Burgess, 3.</ref><ref>Membership records for Bowen have not been located.</ref> Around 1889, he claimed to have become a personal pupil of [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky]] and "questioned her persistently about what attitude a student ought to take towards [[The Secret Doctrine (book)\|''The Secret Doctrine'']]. He made careful notes of the answers she gave him and subsequently read them over to her to make sure that he had not mistaken her meaning." These notes were published in the January-March, 1932, issue of ''Theosophy in Ireland'' after Bowen's son, [[P. G. Bowen\|Captain P. G~~. B~~. Bowen]], brought them to light.<ref>Robert Bowen, [http://www.theosophical.org/component/content/article/23-online-books/1699 "Madame Blavatsky on How to Study Theosophy"]. It is available online at Theosophical Publishing House.</ref> See '''[[Robert Bowen Notes (article)\|Robert Bowen Notes]]'''. '''		Mr. Bowen became interested in [[Theosophical Society ]] in the early 1880s after meeting [[Anna Kingsford\|Dr. Anna Kingsford]].<ref>Yvonne Burgess, 3.</ref><ref>Membership records for Bowen have not been located.</ref> Around 1889, he claimed to have become a personal pupil of [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky]] and "questioned her persistently about what attitude a student ought to take towards [[The Secret Doctrine (book)\|''The Secret Doctrine'']]. He made careful notes of the answers she gave him and subsequently read them over to her to make sure that he had not mistaken her meaning." These notes were published in the January-March, 1932, issue of ''Theosophy in Ireland'' after Bowen's son, [[P. G. Bowen\|Captain P. G. Bowen]], brought them to light.<ref>Robert Bowen, [http://www.theosophical.org/component/content/article/23-online-books/1699 "Madame Blavatsky on How to Study Theosophy"]. It is available online at Theosophical Publishing House.</ref> See '''[[Robert Bowen Notes (article)\|Robert Bowen Notes]]'''. '''
	'''Note that no record has been found of Robert Bowen as a member of the Theosophical Society or participating in HPB's private Wednesday night classes, although he may have attended public lectures on Thursdays, and may have visited HPB.'''		'''Note that no record has been found of Robert Bowen as a member of the Theosophical Society or participating in HPB's private Wednesday night classes, although he may have attended public lectures on Thursdays, and may have visited HPB.'''

SysopJ: /* Involvement in other occult organizations */

2023-01-04T16:21:35Z

Involvement in other occult organizations

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	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

	Robert Bowen was also involved with this group many years earlier. According to P. G. Bowen, Robert was "connected with the Golden Dawn in the early 90’s" and all this information comes "directly from manuscripts left by my father."<ref>However, it seems that those manuscripts are no longer extant.</ref>		Robert Bowen was also involved with this group many years earlier. According to P. G. Bowen, Robert was "connected with the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]] in the early 90’s" and all this information comes "directly from manuscripts left by my father."<ref>However, it seems that those manuscripts are no longer extant.</ref>

	== Writings ==		== Writings ==

SysopJ: /* Involvement in other occult organizations */

2023-01-03T03:10:48Z

Involvement in other occult organizations

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	== Involvement in other occult organizations ==		== Involvement in other occult organizations ==

	Robert's son, Capt. [[P. G. Bowen]], claims that his father was "a member of the 'Club' mentioned by K.H."<ref>Letter to Mr. MacKinnon (July 22, 1937) preserved at Kenneth R. Small Archive of the Universal Brotherhood and Theosophical Society at Lomaland, 1874-1960 held in Special Collections University Archives, San Diego State University.</ref> in [[Mahatma_Letter_No._11#Page_6\|Mahatma Letter No. 11]], which had been formed "for the practical teaching of magick" around the 1860s. P. G. Bowen continues to say that his father "was a very intimate friend of [[Anna Kingsford]]" and adds:		Robert's son, Capt. [[P. G. Bowen]], claims that his father was "a member of the 'Club' mentioned by K.H."<ref>Letter to Mr. MacKinnon (July 22, 1937) preserved at Kenneth R. Small Archive of the Universal Brotherhood and Theosophical Society at Lomaland, 1874-1960 held in Special Collections University Archives, San Diego State University.</ref> in [[Mahatma_Letter_No._11#Page_6\|Mahatma Letter No. 11]], which had been formed "for the practical teaching of magick" around the 1860s. Members included "some of the most advanced scholars in [[mesmerism]] and "ceremonial [[magic]]k," such as [[Eliphas Levi]], [[Antonio Regazzoni\|Regazzoni]], and the Kopt Zergvan-Bey."<ref>[[Mahatma_Letter_No._11#Page_6\|Page 6 of Mahatma Letter No. 11]].</ref>

			P. G. Bowen continues to say that his father "was a very intimate friend of [[Anna Kingsford]]" and adds:

	<blockquote>He states definitely that Anna Kingsford, in 1885 (I think) formed an Inner Group in her [[Hermetic Society]], and in it were [[William Wynn Westcott\|Wynn Westcott]] and [[MacGregor Mathers]]. There was another member whom my father often mentions as ‘X’, or ‘A-A’ and sometimes as ‘Druid friend X’ or simply ‘The Druid’, and this person it was who brought the ‘Club’ material to A[nna]. K[ingsford]. Westcott and Mathers were given access to it, and later made it the basis of the [[Golden Dawn]] rituals.<ref>Letter to Mr. MacKinnon (July 22, 1937) preserved at Kenneth R. Small Archive of the Universal Brotherhood and Theosophical Society at Lomaland, 1874-1960 held in Special Collections University Archives, San Diego State University.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>He states definitely that Anna Kingsford, in 1885 (I think) formed an Inner Group in her [[Hermetic Society]], and in it were [[William Wynn Westcott\|Wynn Westcott]] and [[MacGregor Mathers]]. There was another member whom my father often mentions as ‘X’, or ‘A-A’ and sometimes as ‘Druid friend X’ or simply ‘The Druid’, and this person it was who brought the ‘Club’ material to A[nna]. K[ingsford]. Westcott and Mathers were given access to it, and later made it the basis of the [[Golden Dawn]] rituals.<ref>Letter to Mr. MacKinnon (July 22, 1937) preserved at Kenneth R. Small Archive of the Universal Brotherhood and Theosophical Society at Lomaland, 1874-1960 held in Special Collections University Archives, San Diego State University.</ref></blockquote>

SysopJ: /* Personal life */

2023-01-03T03:05:55Z

Personal life

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	In 1866 he married Elizabeth Ann Gillman Beamish, who was actually his first cousin. The couple had six children, including [[P. G. Bowen\|Gillman Beamish Bowen]], who was later known as Patrick or P. G. Bowen.<ref>Ireland, Select Marriages, 1619-1898 and Ireland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1620-1911.</ref> During those years, he engaged in a great deal of reading and writing, as a scholar of the Greek language.<ref>Yvonne Burgess, 3.</ref>		In 1866 he married Elizabeth Ann Gillman Beamish, who was actually his first cousin through the Gillman lineage. The couple had six children, including [[P. G. Bowen\|Gillman Beamish Bowen]], who was later known as Patrick or P. G. Bowen.<ref>Ireland, Select Marriages, 1619-1898 and Ireland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1620-1911.</ref> During those years, he engaged in a great deal of reading and writing, as a scholar of the Greek language.<ref>Yvonne Burgess, 3.</ref>

	He died at home on [[March 1]], 1908, and was buried two days later in Kenmare.<ref>Ireland, Civil Registration Deaths Index, 1864-1958 and Ireland, Burial Index, 1600-1927.</ref>		He died at home on [[March 1]], 1908, and was buried two days later in Kenmare.<ref>Ireland, Civil Registration Deaths Index, 1864-1958 and Ireland, Burial Index, 1600-1927.</ref>

SysopJ: /* Personal life */

2023-01-03T03:03:17Z

Personal life

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	== Personal life ==		== Personal life ==

	Robert Bowen was born in 1815 at Cleady House, Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland.<ref>1901 Census of Ireland; Ireland, Burial Index, 1600-1927; and Ireland, Civil Registration Deaths Index, 1864-1958.</ref> One biographer declared that his education was in Jesuit schools.<ref>Yvonne Burgess, [https://blavatskyarchives.com/burgessrobertbowenmmystery.pdf Robert Bowen mystery - "The Secret Doctrine and its study" pamphlet by Robert Bowen], at the BlavatskyArchives.com website.</ref> However, his family was not Roman Catholic, but Protestant members of the Church of Ireland, so the Jesuit education seems unlikely.<ref>Val Graham email to Janet Kerschner. October 16, 2022. Theosophical Society in America Archives. Mr. Graham is a descendant of Bowen.</ref>		Robert Bowen was born in 1815 or 1816 at Cleady House, Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland.<ref>1901 Census of Ireland; Ireland, Burial Index, 1600-1927; and Ireland, Civil Registration Deaths Index, 1864-1958.</ref> One biographer declared that his education was in Jesuit schools.<ref>Yvonne Burgess, [https://blavatskyarchives.com/burgessrobertbowenmmystery.pdf Robert Bowen mystery - "The Secret Doctrine and its study" pamphlet by Robert Bowen], at the BlavatskyArchives.com website.</ref> However, his family was not Roman Catholic, but Protestant members of the Church of Ireland, so the Jesuit education seems unlikely.<ref>Val Graham email to Janet Kerschner. October 16, 2022. Theosophical Society in America Archives. Mr. Graham is a descendant of Bowen.</ref>

	<blockquote>		<blockquote>

SysopJ: /* Personal life */

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Personal life

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	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	Bob was even asked about him when he visited Kenmare in 1975, nearly 70 years after his death. He apparently often reduced rents due to unfortunate circumstances such as a “bad harvest” or “the loss of two cows”. Bob describes him as “deeply religious” but not one who accepted all the dogma of the church. He was apparently interested in the idea that the dead might be able to communicate with the living and even made a pact with a friend, who died first, that he should attempt to communicate with Robert after death. He was also interested in horticulture and herbalism.<ref>Account from "Bowen Biographies" provided by Val Graham. Theosophical Society in America Archives.</ref>		Bob was even asked about him when he visited Kenmare in 1975, nearly 70 years after his death. He apparently often reduced rents due to unfortunate circumstances such as a “bad harvest” or “the loss of two cows”. Bob describes him as “deeply religious” but not one who accepted all the dogma of the church. He was apparently interested in the idea that the dead might be able to communicate with the living and even made a pact with a friend, who died first, that he should attempt to communicate with Robert after death. He was also interested in horticulture and herbalism.

			Given the general economic situation it seems likely that the family were becoming progressively less prosperous. The Great Famine (1845-52) made it impossible for some of the poorer tenants to pay any rent (even if they survived). Bob Maybury reports that Robert “had vivid memories of corpses lying at the roadside when they drove to church on Sundays”. There were apparently hundreds of starving people living in cabins along the road to Kenmare.

			The Bowens would still have had to pay rent to Richard J. T. Orpen, who then paid Trinity College. A number of middlemen throughout Ireland went bankrupt during and after the famine. This may explain why Robert delayed his marriage until he was 50 years old. He may also have been waiting to inherit before looking for a bride. <ref>Account from "Bowen Biographies" provided by Val Graham. Theosophical Society in America Archives.</ref>
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

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	In 1866 he married Elizabeth Ann Gillman Beamish ~~and they~~ had six children, including [[P. G. Bowen\|Gillman Beamish Bowen]], who was later known as Patrick or P. G. Bowen.<ref>Ireland, Select Marriages, 1619-1898 and Ireland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1620-1911.</ref> During those years, he engaged in a great deal of reading and writing, as a scholar of the Greek language.<ref>Yvonne Burgess, 3.</ref>		In 1866 he married Elizabeth Ann Gillman Beamish, who was actually his first cousin. The couple had six children, including [[P. G. Bowen\|Gillman Beamish Bowen]], who was later known as Patrick or P. G. Bowen.<ref>Ireland, Select Marriages, 1619-1898 and Ireland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1620-1911.</ref> During those years, he engaged in a great deal of reading and writing, as a scholar of the Greek language.<ref>Yvonne Burgess, 3.</ref>

	He died at home on [[March 1]], 1908, and was buried two days later in Kenmare.<ref>Ireland, Civil Registration Deaths Index, 1864-1958 and Ireland, Burial Index, 1600-1927.</ref>		He died at home on [[March 1]], 1908, and was buried two days later in Kenmare.<ref>Ireland, Civil Registration Deaths Index, 1864-1958 and Ireland, Burial Index, 1600-1927.</ref>

SysopJ: /* Personal life */

2023-01-03T02:59:33Z

Personal life

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	Robert had to work to support his two elder sisters until they married. It was the usual custom for sons of the landed gentry to enter the Diplomatic Service until they themselves inherited their properties. But a researcher at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office verified he held no position in any capacity with them. Robert's father lived a long life and so Robert did not become the gentleman farmer until later in his own life, not marrying until he was in his fifties.<ref>Yvonne Burgess, [https://blavatskyarchives.com/burgessrobertbowenmmystery.pdf Robert Bowen mystery - "The Secret Doctrine and its study" pamphlet by Robert Bowen], at the BlavatskyArchives.com website.</ref>		Robert had to work to support his two elder sisters until they married. It was the usual custom for sons of the landed gentry to enter the Diplomatic Service until they themselves inherited their properties. But a researcher at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office verified he held no position in any capacity with them. Robert's father lived a long life and so Robert did not become the gentleman farmer until later in his own life, not marrying until he was in his fifties.<ref>Yvonne Burgess, [https://blavatskyarchives.com/burgessrobertbowenmmystery.pdf Robert Bowen mystery - "The Secret Doctrine and its study" pamphlet by Robert Bowen], at the BlavatskyArchives.com website.</ref>
			</blockquote>

			The memoirs of Bob Maybury state that Bowen was "a strong home-ruler," or advocate of home rule for Ireland within the United Kingdom.

			<blockquote>
			Bob was even asked about him when he visited Kenmare in 1975, nearly 70 years after his death. He apparently often reduced rents due to unfortunate circumstances such as a “bad harvest” or “the loss of two cows”. Bob describes him as “deeply religious” but not one who accepted all the dogma of the church. He was apparently interested in the idea that the dead might be able to communicate with the living and even made a pact with a friend, who died first, that he should attempt to communicate with Robert after death. He was also interested in horticulture and herbalism.<ref>Account from "Bowen Biographies" provided by Val Graham. Theosophical Society in America Archives.</ref>
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

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	[[Category:Military\|Bowen, Robert]]		[[Category:Military\|Bowen, Robert]]
	[[Category:Farmers\|Bowen, Robert]]		[[Category:Farmers\|Bowen, Robert]]
			[[Category:Golden Dawn\|Bowen, Robert]]
	[[Category:People\|Bowen, Robert]]		[[Category:People\|Bowen, Robert]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:12, 23 May 2025
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	* '''[[Robert Bowen Notes (article)\|Robert Bowen Notes]]'''.		* '''[[Robert Bowen Notes (article)\|Robert Bowen Notes]]'''.
	* Yvonne Burgess of the Theosophical Society in London has compiled biographical information about the Bowen family, which is available as '''[http://blavatskyarchives.com/burgessrobertbowenmmystery.pdf "Robert Bowen Mystery"]''' at Blavatsky Archives.		* Yvonne Burgess of the Theosophical Society in London has compiled biographical information about the Bowen family, which is available as '''[http://blavatskyarchives.com/burgessrobertbowenmmystery.pdf "Robert Bowen Mystery"]''' at Blavatsky Archives.
	* [[Union Index of Theosophical Periodicals]] lists '''[https://theosophicalsociety.org.au/union_index/entries?q=Robert+Bowen&s=author 13 articles by Robert Bowen]''' and '''[~~http~~://~~www.austheos~~.org.au/~~cgi-bin~~/~~ui-csvsearch.pl~~?~~search~~=Robert+~~bowen~~&~~method~~=~~exact 3~~ articles about Robert Bowen]'''		* [[Union Index of Theosophical Periodicals]] lists '''[https://theosophicalsociety.org.au/union_index/entries?q=Robert+Bowen&s=author 13 articles by Robert Bowen]''' and '''[https://theosophicalsociety.org.au/union_index/entries?q=Robert+Bowen&s=title 4 articles about Robert Bowen]'''

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:37, 22 May 2025
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	* '''[[Robert Bowen Notes (article)\|Robert Bowen Notes]]'''.		* '''[[Robert Bowen Notes (article)\|Robert Bowen Notes]]'''.
	* Yvonne Burgess of the Theosophical Society in London has compiled biographical information about the Bowen family, which is available as '''[http://blavatskyarchives.com/burgessrobertbowenmmystery.pdf "Robert Bowen Mystery"]''' at Blavatsky Archives.		* Yvonne Burgess of the Theosophical Society in London has compiled biographical information about the Bowen family, which is available as '''[http://blavatskyarchives.com/burgessrobertbowenmmystery.pdf "Robert Bowen Mystery"]''' at Blavatsky Archives.
	* '''[http://www.austheos.org.au/cgi-bin/ui-csvsearch.pl?search=Robert+bowen&method=exact ~~Articles~~ about Robert Bowen]''' ~~and reprints of his notes are listed in the [[Union Index of Theosophical Periodicals]].~~		* [[Union Index of Theosophical Periodicals]] lists '''[https://theosophicalsociety.org.au/union_index/entries?q=Robert+Bowen&s=author 13 articles by Robert Bowen]''' and '''[http://www.austheos.org.au/cgi-bin/ui-csvsearch.pl?search=Robert+bowen&method=exact 3 articles about Robert Bowen]'''

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==