From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

James Lyman Bowen, born in Liberty, KY, was a chef for Buffalo Bill after having fought against Sitting Bull. His reputation for helping settle the West was well known: he was received by royalty during his tour of Europe.

He settled in Danville, IL, where he celebrated his 90th birthday in 1932. His name has also been written as James Lyman Brown. The name on his death certificate is Lyman Brown, born March 9, 1840 and died March 16, 1940 in Danville, IL [source: Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths Index]. He had been a cook at the U.S. National Home. His birth location  given as "Carlton" Kentucky.

For more see Africa's Gift to America, by J. A. Rogers; and Henry Brown, "He rode with Buffalo Bill," The Chicago Defender, 10/30/1948, p. A2.