Lowe was born in Hardeman County, Tennessee and was enslaved by Samuel A. Bunting, along with his mother Harriet until he was 15. In 1863 he became a soldier as chief musician and was discharged in 1866 when he returned home to Hardeman County.[3]
He served as a minister in Holly Grove, Arkansas and was involved in emigration efforts in 1892.[4] Emigration was seen as a way to escape discrimination.[5]