Biographical entry: Bowen, Sir George Ferguson (1821 - 1899)
- Born
- 1821
- Died
- 1899
Summary
Records 1841-1893. Born in Ireland and educated at Oxford where he took first class honours in classics, George Ferguson Bowen later read law, saw brief naval service and then joined the colonial service. He travelled widely, wrote several political pamphlets and books and in 1856 married Diamantina, daughter of Count Candiano di Roma, president of the Senate of the Ionian Islands. In 1859 Bowen was appointed to the first governorship of Queensland, and until the end of his term in 1867 figured prominently in the history of the new colony. He succeeded Sir George Grey as Governor of New Zealand in 1868, and later held governorships in Victoria and Hong Kong. Correspondence, including letters of appointment to various honours, newspaper extracts, publications etc. Includes two letters, G.F. Bowen to Sir Hercules Robinson, in the first Bowen describes in detail conditions in Queensland and his work as governor of the colony, in the second he describes his position as governor of New Zealand, photocopies, in one folder. Originals held by the Queensland Women's Historical Association, Mygunya Folk Museum, Brisbane. Oxley: O.M. 72-26.
Papers 1850-1883.
Journal, 2 September 1850-5 November 1850, kept by Sir George Ferguson Bowen in Greece.
Letters to Sir George Ferguson Bowen, including three from Albert W. Woods and one from Lord Derby, five items.
Commissions of office, two items.
Photocopies, one volume and one envelope.
Originals held Queensland Women's Historical Association, as above. Oxley: O.M.73-66.