Bowling Family Genealogy & History

Irish road bowling, also known as Ból an bhóthair, is a traditional Irish sport where competitors aim to take the fewest throws to propel a metal ball along country roads. Governed by the Irish Road Bowling Association, it is primarily played in counties Armagh and Cork. The first national championship took place in 1963, and the sport even held a World Championship during Cork 800 in 1985. Road bowling's rich history dates back to at least the 17th century, with possible origins linked to Dutch troops during the Williamite War. Its unique playing style and cultural heritage continue to attract enthusiasts and spectators, with events held internationally.

Frank Bowling, born Sir Richard Sheridan Patrick Michael Aloysius Franklin Bowling, is a celebrated British artist known for his pioneering work in abstract art. Born in British Guiana in 1934, Bowling gained recognition for his large-scale "Map" paintings, which align with abstract expressionism and colour field painting. As the first black artist elected to the Royal Academy of Arts, Bowling's career is marked by influential exhibitions, such as his retrospective at Tate Britain and a major show in Boston. His work is featured in over fifty international collections, including the Museum of Modern Art and Tate Britain, highlighting his significance in the art world.

Frank Bowling's family background includes his father, Richard Bowling, who moved the family to New Amsterdam to serve as an accountant and paymaster in the local police. His mother, Agatha, was a talented seamstress and milliner who built a thriving business, "Bowling's Variety Store," in British Guiana. Bowling emigrated to Britain at 19, living with an uncle in London before embarking on a distinguished art career.

John C. Bowling, renowned for his extensive career in higher education and religious leadership, served as the president of Olivet Nazarene University from 1991 to 2021, marking a historic 30-year tenure. Prior to this role, he was the senior pastor at the College Church of the Nazarene in Illinois and the First Church of the Nazarene in Texas. Bowling's academic achievements are notable, holding multiple degrees, including a doctorate in education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and post-doctoral studies at Harvard University. An accomplished author, he has penned several influential books, such as "Grace-full Leadership" and "Making the Climb," sharing his insights on leadership and personal growth.

Ann Trommershausen Bowling was a distinguished American geneticist renowned for her groundbreaking work in equine genetics. She was pivotal in developing blood typing and DNA testing for animal parentage, significantly impacting horse breed registries like The Jockey Club and the Arabian Horse Association. As an adjunct professor at UC Davis and executive associate director of the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, Bowling contributed to horse genome mapping and studied genetic diseases and equine coat color genetics. Her research extended to preserving the Przewalski's horse and identifying genetic markers in Mustangs. She also expanded her lab's forensic capabilities, aiding in criminal investigations involving animals.

Ann Bowling was born on June 1, 1943, in Portland, Oregon, to Claire Bowen and William Ernest Trommershausen. Her father worked for the Bonneville Power Administration. The family later moved to Boulder, Colorado, where Ann excelled academically, becoming class valedictorian at Boulder High School. She married Michael Bowling in 1981, sharing a mutual passion for genetics, and together they collaborated on Arabian horse genetics research. Their daughter Lydia pursued veterinary studies at UC Davis, following in her mother's scientific footsteps.