G8 Dr Barneb'’s Account of Mr Robert Bowman^ 
Philosophical Journal. But should you deem it sufficiently in- 
teresting for publication, it is at your service. I am, Dear Sir, 
your obedient servant, Thomas Barnes, M. D. 
Carlisle, Sept 14. 1820. 
IMI^r Bobert Bowman of Irthington, in Cumberland, who is 
now living, and has completed his 115th year, w^as born at 
Bridgewood-Foot, a small farm-house near the river Irthing, 
about two miles from his present residence. His birth-day is 
not known, but he believes he was born about Christmas. As 
some doubts have been entertained with respect to his age, to 
put it beyond dispute, I have examined the register of his bap- 
tism, at the parish-church of Hayton. His name, and place of 
nativity, as well as the year of his baptism, which was 1705, are 
very legible; but from his name having been placed at the foot of 
the page, the month and day are worn out. The baptism imme- 
diately preceding his, was on the 23d of September, and the next 
succeeding on the 28th of October: of course, his must have been 
between these periods ; and if his ov/n account be correct, which 
the register nearly confirms, he will be 116 years of age at 
Christmas next. This interesting old man enjoys exceeding 
good health, and is content and cheerful. He is of the middle 
stature, and says, when young, he was rather stout, and very 
strong ; that he was fond of wrestling, and considered himself a 
good one. tie joined in the amusements common among young 
people, and was rather partial to cock-fighting, which he now 
strongly condemns ; but was always sober and regular in his 
conduct. His parents both died when he was young, but he says 
that he remembers them very well. He married at the age of 50, 
and had six sons, all of whom are now living ; the oldest is 59 
years of age, and the youngest ,47. He has a great number of 
grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His wife died at 
Irthington in the year 1807, at the age of 81. Flis sons pay 
him a visit regularly once a year : they appoint a convenient 
day, and his friends in the village and neighbourhood are in- 
vited to meet them. With him this is a day of great rejoicing. 
His chest is large, and his person well proportioned. Although 
the liand of Time has at length laid him prostrate, it has not yet 
