Driver in Suffolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

James Bowser, Revolutionary Soldier

Photographed By James Thomson

1. James Bowser, Revolutionary Soldier Marker

Inscription. James Bowser, a free African American born in Nansemond County about 1763, was one of many black Virginians who served in the army or navy of the United States during the Revolutionary War. He enlisted in the 1st Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line under Col. William Davies on 1 Jan. 1782 in Shenandoah County for the duration of the war. After the war ended in 1783, he returned to Nansemond County where he lived nearby, married, and raised a family of freeborn citizens. For his service to his country, Bowsers heirs were granted a bounty land warrant in 1834.

Erected 1998 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number K-310.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Patriots & Patriotism • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 1, 1782.

Location. 36° 49.181′ N, 76° 30.16′ W. Marker is in Suffolk, Virginia. It is in Driver. Marker is at the intersection of Nansemond Parkway (Virginia Route 337) and Outlaw Lane on Nansemond Parkway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Suffolk VA 23435, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

marker, measured as the crow flies. Sleepy Hole Ferry (approx. 0.3 miles away); Yeates School (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bennett's Home (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hargrove's Tavern (approx. half a mile away); Glebe Church (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Glebe Church (approx. half a mile away); Florence Graded School (approx. 0.7 miles away); James Bowser Plantation (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Suffolk.

Photographed By James Thomson

2. James Bowser, Revolutionary Soldier Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2011, by James Thomson of Chesapeake, United States. This page has been viewed 1,642 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 23, 2011, by James Thomson of Chesapeake, United States. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.