The son of John Bowen of Bristol, watchmaker (A).
| 1734 | 13 Apr. He was apprenticed to John and Hester Weaver. Friends to find apparel (A, Ao, Ar). |
| 1736 | 8 Jan. His apprenticeship was transferred to Charles and Mary Christopher (A). |
| 1738 | 27 Apr. A John Bowen married Mary Berrow (RPR). It has been suggested that this was John Bowen, the potter (Ray 1968, 66) but no occupation is given in the marriage register. |
| 1739 | 19 April. His apprenticeship was transferred to Josiah and Elizabeth Bundy (A). |