 He was a member of the Providence town council from 1773–1775, and was a representative in the General Assembly in 1777.During the American Revolution, Bowen served in the Rhode Island Militia from 1774–1777, serving as the colonel of the First Regiment of Providence County from 1776–1777.He served under Brigadier General William West who would later, like Bowen, serve as Deputy Governor of the state.