F. M. BOWLING, son of Joseph and Elizabeth BOWLING, was born eight miles east of Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tenn., September 23, 1847. He resided with his parents near Bradyville, in the same county, till ten years old, then removed with them near Murfreesboro, where they are (1886) living. The first twenty years of our subject’s life were spent upon the farm, devoting his leisure time to study, and caring for his disabled father and four brothers and one sister.
In January, 1868, he entered Union University at Murfreesboro, Tenn., and remained there until June 12, 1873, receiving the degree of A.M. Previous to this he had chosen teaching as his profession, and in August, 1873, he took charge of a large school at Leeville, Tenn., and after successfully conduction it to its close he accepted a position with Prof. J. E. NOWLIN in the Masonic Institute, Hartsville, Tenn., and afterward became a partner with him in the school.
While in this school, August 26, 1874, he wedded Miss Susan E. SANDERS, daughter of Jesse B. and Mary A. Sanders, who resided near Murfreesboro. To them were born three children: Herbert Manly, born July 9, 1875; Edna Frank, born June 29, 1877, and Mary Myrtle, born May 23, 1882. Mr. BOWLING and Prof. NOWLIN dissolved partnership by mutual consent, and in January, 1876, he took charge of Unionville High School, where he is now (1886) living. He has been principal of the school ever since, with the exception of the spring term of 1881, when he was associated with Prof. B. F HOOKER, as joint-principal of Milan college, Milan, Tenn. He has devoted himself earnestly and faithful to the cause of education and has taken part in many educational enterprises in the hope of elevating his chosen profession, and has been called upon to fill prominent positions in different education institutions in the county. He follows no text-book in particular, but selects the best methods from different books. He joined the Missionary Baptist Church in the fall of 18665, and takes a deep interest in Sunday-school work, and is now superintendent of the Unionville Sunday-school, which has an average attendance of ninety-five. He is also a strong supporter of temperance.
Transcribed by Kathryn Hopkins