Harry M. Bowman of the New England Coal Agency, wholesale dealers in bituminous and anthracite coal, was born December 13, 1880, in New Haven and was the fifth of the six children of Peter E. and Mary (Crampton) Bowman, both of whom are now deceased. They were natives of Kingston. New York, and of Madison, Connecticut, respectively. The father came to New Haven in early life and was with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad as freight agent and superintendent both in New Haven and at Harlem River for a period of forty years. He long held membership with Trinity Methodist church, taking a most active part in its various branches of work, including that of the Sunday school, of which he was superintendent. He was also most helpfully interested in charitable work throughout his entire life. In polities he was a republican, but never aspired to office. He passed away in New Haven. May 4. 1913, at the age of sixty-nine years, having long survived his wife, whose death occurred in 1892, when she was forty-two years of age.
     Leaving high school at the age of sixteen years, Harry M. Bowman then started out to earn his own living and was first employed in the local freight office of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. He continued in railroad service until 1903, at which time he hud worked his way upward to chief clerk of the fuel department. His advancement had come in recognition of his worth and fidelity, for he had begun in a very minor position. At length he resigned and went to Boston, where he secured a position with Curran & Burton, wholesale coal dealers, with whom he continued for three years. He then returned to New Haven and established his present business, forming a partnership with W. H. Elliot, formerly fuel agent of the New York. New Haven & Hartford Railroad, and with W. H. Lewis. The business was conducted under the firm name of the New England Coal Agency Company. On the 1st of March, 1916, Mr. Elliot passed away and his interests have since been taken over by the other members of the company. They are among the leading wholesale dealers in their line in New Haven and their business extends over a wide territory in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
     On the 27th of October, 1903, Mr. Bowman was married to Miss Grace A. Leonard, a native of Westville, Connecticut, and a daughter of John N. and Martha F. Leonard, the former now deceased, while the latter is a resident of New Haven. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have two children, Eunice P. and Ruth E., both born in New Haven, the former October 15, 1904, and the latter February 4, 1909.
     In politics Mr. Bowman is a republican but has never been an office seeker. He served in the New Haven Grays and is now a member of its veteran organization. Socially he has connection with the Automobile Club and the Edgewood Club and is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He is widely and favorably known through his social and business connections, having a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.