Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Monday 27 November 1893, page 6


THE LATE LADY BOWEN.

The recent death of Lady Bowen probably called to mind many incidents connected with the early years of the colony. Time has marched with such rapid strides since Queensland was formed into a separate colony that people may forget that only thirty-four years have elapsed. Many well-known citizens were young when responsible government became a fact here. One of those who remember with feelings of pleasure the early social and political life of Queens-land is the Hon. R. B. Sheridan. Perhaps few of the surviving "oldest inhabi-tants" have a more appreciative recollection of the part taken in it by the late Lady Bowen. We are indebted to him for a few circumstances connected with that estimable lady's life in Brisbane. She was the wife of the first Governor of Queensland. Between 23 and 24 years of age, she was, according to Mr. Sheri-dan's remembrance, a lady of singular charms of person and mind. She was born in the Island of Corfu. She was in her own right Countess di Roma, and the name of her family was inscribed in the Libre d'Or, the record kept of ancient Venetian families. When she arrived here, which was about the 10th of September, 1859, society as it now exists was unformed. The country was prosperous, and there were many people well to do, but there was comparatively little social refinement. Lady Bowen, herself a highly-educated and most accomplished lady, soon made her influence felt, and not only did she raise the tone of society but she identified herself pro-minently with all social movements, especially those connected with charity. The Diamantina Orphanages were named after her, and, with the Lady Bowen Hospital, remain as a witness to the deep interest she took in the poor and the distressed. Her family name has been perpetuated in the naming of the town of Roma and Roma-street in Brisbane. She was popular with all classes of society. Her husband was also a great favourite, and in deference to the public wish his term of office was extended for two years. Sir George Bowen and his gifted wife remained in Queensland nearly seven years. The town of Bowen was named after Sir George. Lady Bowen was 57 years of age when she died. She left three children, one of whom was married to the Hon. Harold Campbell In Melbourne.