Jim Bowser was an African American boy enslaved by Abraham Tyson. When Tyson died, Bowser's ownership transferred to Tyson's son Joel, who was still a minor. Joel Tyson's uncle Allen Sugg hired Bowser's labor out to Jehu Tyson. Bowser tried to run away from Jehu Tyson's home in early January 1778. However, Jehu Tyson found him and made him run home alongside Tyson's horse while carrying a saddle, getting dragged through mud and water along the way. Upon their return to the Tyson residence, Jehu proceeded to beat Bowser as a punishment for attempting to run away. Jim Bowser died of his injuries the following morning. Bowser's death was investigated and Jehu Tyson was charged with Bowser's murder.