james bowie family james bowie family

James signed a dowry contract for 15,000 pesos, presenting himself as age 30. . [81] Instead, Bowie enlisted in the army as a private under Fannin. He was the grandson of the late Wallace and Mary Lou Bowie of Ware Shoals, SC and the late Claude and Sallie Watt of Hartsville, SC. James Bowie - Builds. Corrections? A newspaper article claimed that a Mexican soldier saw Bowie carried from his room on his cot, alive, after the conclusion of the battle. [70] Anglo colonists in Texas supported Santa Anna and General Jos Antonio Mexa, who led soldiers into Texas to oust commanders loyal to Bustamante. [16], The Mexican Army arrived February 23, 1836, led by General Santa Anna and began the attack on the Alamo, which lasted from February until March 6, 1836. . Shortly before the senior Bowie died, circa 1820, he gave ten slaves and horses and cattle to both James and Rezin. Family Search. When he was a boy, one of his Native American friends taught him to rope alligators. Record added: Jan 01, 2001 Santa Anna responded to the rumblings by ordering large numbers of Mexican troops to Texas. "[39] His fame, and that of his knife, spread to England, and by the early 1830s many British manufacturers were producing Bowie knives for shipment to the United States. Rezin Pleasant Bowie (1762 - 1819) [106] Alcalde Ruiz said that Bowie was found "dead in his bed. San Antonio Edward Burleson was chosen as temporary commander of the troops in San Antonio. [16] [5] This Land Speculation irritated Stephen F Austin, but finally allowed James to settle there and accepted the tracts of land as part of the colony. [113] Various other stories circulated. In January 1836, Jim was in charge of the group of volunteers at the garrison of the Alamo. Bowie captured a six-pounder cannon and thirty muskets and lost one man. [4][5][6], The Bowie family moved again in 1809, settling on Bayou Teche in Louisiana before finding a permanent home in Opelousas in 1812. The citizens of San Antonio believed the members of the Bowie expedition must have perished, and Ursula Bowie began wearing widow's weeds. In January 1836, he arrived at the Alamo, where he commanded the volunteer forces until an illness left him bedridden. [46] Bowie was elected a commander, with the rank of colonel, of the Texas Rangers later that year. It serves as the frontier picquet guard, and if it were in the possession of Santa Anna, there is no stronghold from which to repel him in his march toward the Sabine. James Bowie was born near Terrapin Creek (now Spring Creek) where it crosses Bowie's Mill Road (Turnertown Road), nine miles northwest of Franklin, Logan County (now Simpson County), Kentucky, probably on April 10, 1796. His appointment ended in May 1835, when President Antonio Lpez de Santa Anna abolished the Coahuila y Tejas government and ordered the arrest of all Texans (including Bowie) doing business in Monclova. By February 1830, Bowie was in Texas and took the oath of allegiance to Mexico. The attempts at parley failed, and Bowie and his group fought for their lives for the next 13hours. [6][5], By February 20, 1830 James was in San Antonio de Bexar to present more letters of introduction to a wealthy settler, Juan Martn de Veramendi. [101] On February 25, Travis sent Juan Seguin, on Bowie's horse, to recruit reinforcements, and 32 additional men arrived. [82] Bowie was older than Travis with a better reputation and considered himself a colonel, thus outranking Travis, a major. James Bowie, MD Specialties: Family Medicine and Hospitalist Mt. After the cavalry retreated, they laid siege to the garrison. Neill went on furlough on February 11 to visit his sick family, leaving Travis, a member of the regular army, in command. [25] [121] The show, which starred Scott Forbes as Jim Bowie, was based on the 1946 novel Tempered Blade. Colonel Bowie did not again marry, and "Left no descendants to inherit his indomitable will and fearless spirit. "[107], Bowie perished with the rest of the Alamo defenders when the Mexicans attacked on March 6. He was born in Greenwood, SC on August 8, 1953, son of Sara Watt Bowie and the late William Maurice Bowie.Jim grew up in Ware Shoals, SC. Although they still had conflicts between themselves. He chose the surname Bowie because he admired James Bowie and the Bowie knife.[115]. Edmondson (2000), p.107. In 1802, they moved south to Spanish Louisiana, where they settled on Bushley Bayou in what soon became Rapides Parish. This account has been disputed by numerous other witnesses, and it is thought to have been invented by the reporter. [74] The Mexican troops quickened their pace in the hopes of reaching the safety of the city, but Bowie and his cavalry chased them. Margaret was born on July 27 1892, in Paris, Texas, Lamar County. Relying on his old skills, Bowie speculated in Texas lands. James Bowie, FMC lived with Rhesa Bowie and John J. Bowie for a significant amount of time on their land. [114], Bowie also is the namesake of rock star David Bowie, who was born David Robert Hayward-Jones. It was believed that after the Mexican citizens left the area, the Lipan Apaches took over the mines. Some of the writers alleging that more than a dozen men lost their lives in the affray. [29] Most of the noncombatants in the fort, including Bowie's relatives, survived. After Mexico won independence from Spain, government interest in the mines waned. His father had been injured while fighting in the American Revolution, and, in 1782, married the young woman who had nursed him back to health. James is 17 degrees from Jennifer Aniston, 20 degrees from Drew Barrymore, 20 degrees from Candice Bergen, 23 degrees from Alexandre Dumas, 16 degrees from Carrie Fisher, 30 degrees from Whitney Houston, 19 degrees from Hayley Mills, 18 degrees from Liza Minnelli, 15 degrees from Lisa Presley, 21 degrees from Kiefer Sutherland, 18 degrees from Bill Veeck and 22 degrees from Brian Nash on our single family tree. In May 1824, Congress authorized the superior courts of each territory to hear suits from people who claimed they had been overlooked. Elvira Jones Bowie (1766 - 1837) His rise to fame began in 1827 on reports of the Sandbar Fight near present-day Vidalia, Louisiana. [36][37] Other members of the groups, who had various reasons for disliking each other, began fighting. Bowie met the attack, and, seizing his assailant, plunged his "Bowie knife" into his body, killing him instantly. The Mexican army raised a red flag to warn the defenders that no quarter would be given. With their profits, Bowie and Rezin bought a plantation in Arkansas. James married Veramendi's daughter, Maria Ursula de Veramendi, age 19, April 25, 1831 in San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio de Bexar, Texas Colony. [72] The council refused Bowie's request, likely because of lingering animosity over his land dealings. e, John Jones Bowie, Sarah Davis Bowie, John James Bowie, Martha "patsy" Bowie, David Bowie, Mary Bowie, Rezin Pleasant Bowie, Franklin, Simpson County, Kentucky, United States, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, United States, San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, United States, Bexar County, Texas, United States of America, Texas and Counties, Cities, and Towns Project, Jim, (James), Colonel, American Frontiersman, (Bowie Knife) Bowie, http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/BB/fbo45.html. Santa Anna responded to the rumblings by ordering large numbers of Mexican troops to Texas. Bowie's father ran a large plantation on the Vermilion River where he grew cotton and sugarcane, raised livestock, and bought and sold slaves. [95] March20, 1832) and James Veramendi Bowie (b. July18, 1833). Colonel Carin, himself wounded, brought water for his adversary, Colonel Bowie. The family moved again in 1809, settling on Bayou Teche in Louisiana before finding a permanent home in Opelousas in 1812.Hopewell (1994), p. 4. . Find A Grave Memorial# 2310. His oration at a dinner given in New Orleans to General Jackson, and a speech before the Council of State at San Antonio in l835., are mentioned as most able and eloquent. [115], Despite his continual claims of wealth, Bowie's estate was found to be very small. Bowie and the Alamo commander, James C. Neill, decided they did not have enough oxen to move the artillery, and they did not want to destroy the fortress. Both men were also the executors. Most of his time was spent in Texas, whose independence he was constantly scheming to accomplish, and was therefore hated and dreaded by the Mexicans. "[89], On February 3, Davy Crockett appeared with thirtyTennesseans. [97] After its publication, several other eyewitnesses confirmed the account,[98][99] but as Rose was deceased the story can only be authenticated by the word of the reporter, who admitted to embellishing other articles, "and thus many historians refuse to believe it. [17], In late 1814, in response to General Andrew Jackson's plea for volunteers to fight the British in the War of 1812, James and Rezin enlisted in the Louisiana militia. A statement of claim filed in Ontario Superior . On March 6, 1976, masons of Texas gathered at the Scottish Rite Temple, in San Antonio, Texas and marched in a cold rain to the Alamo to lay a bronze plaque to honor the masons who died at the Alamo,[3] including James Bonham, James Bowie, David Crockett, Almaron Dickinson, William Barrett Travis, and other unidentified masons who gave their lives in the Battle of the Alamo. Bowie had been stricken down with typhoid fever, and a Mexican woman known as an experienced nurse was brought into the building to attend him before it had been surrounded Santa Ana demanded Travers to surrender, but he defiantly refused and was supported by the other leaders, including Bowie and the noted Davy Crockett. [30][31] When the disgruntled purchasers considered suing the Bowies, they discovered that the documents in the case had been removed from the court. What began as a duel between two other men deteriorated into a melee in which Bowie, having been shot and stabbed, killed the sheriff of Rapides Parish with a large knife. He had been shot several times. The cholera epidemic struck Monclova, and between September 6 and September 14, Ursula, their children, her brother, and her parents all died of the disease. Parents. Cs had sent 100 soldiers to cut grass for the horses. James Bowie was not an angel. While still very young, he moved with his family, first to Missouri, then in 1802 to Louisiana, where he spent most of his youth. There are multiple accounts of the design and fabrication of the first Bowie knife. [81] In another letter, to Governor Smith, he reiterated his view that "the salvation of Texas depends in great measure on keeping Bexar out of the hands of the enemy. when he delivered them to Bowie's Island in Vermilion Bay. Family Time Line. Witness accounts agreed that Bowie did not attack first, and the others had focused their attack on Bowie because "they considered him the most dangerous man among their opposition. Single Family Detached Bowie $799,000 5 Beds; 5 Baths; 4,730 sqft; $168/sqft; Now available is this elegantly appointed five bedroom house in the exclusive Fairwood community! According to the reporter's version of Rose's account, when Travis realized that the Mexican army would likely prevail, he drew a line in the sand and asked those willing to die for the cause to cross the line. Charles Bowie 1843 - Unknown. [107], Despite his continual pronouncements of wealth, Bowie's estate was found to be very small. Crockett, with a cutlass, stood at bay with his back to the wall and cut down his assailants until shot. At the time of his marriage, James listed more assets than he may have owned; however, he at least had an interest in the Acadia Plantation in Louisiana, which sold later for $90,000. Categories: USBH Heritage Exchange | Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, Slave Owners | Louisiana, Slave Traders | Logan County, Kentucky | Texas, Notables | Texas History | The Alamo | Siege of Bexar | Namesakes US Counties | Battle of the Alamo, KIA | Example Profiles of the Week | Featured Connections Archive 2022 | Texas Project-Managed | Notables, WIKITREE HOME | ABOUT | G2G FORUM | HELP | SEARCH. James Bowie became proficient with pistol, rifle, and knife,Hopewell (1994), p. 7 . Kentucky, USA [75], Shortly after Bowie left San Antonio, Ben Milam led an assault on the city. [122], Rock star David Bowie, who was born David Robert Jones, adopted the folk legend's surname. Mary Bowie Bird (1792 - 1842)* With the latter he also bought and improved a sugar plantation in Louisiana, where he served for a time in the state legislature and spent much time in New Orleans society. [15], With sufficient money saved, he sold the plantation and slaves, with no further interest in owning either again. [14][5], James's brother John wrote: "We continued to follow this business until we made $65,000, when we quit and soon spent all our earnings." Bowie and Travis then worked out a compromise which gave Travis command of the regulars, Bowie command of the volunteers. [5]. [15] Bowie left a "frustratingly sparse paper trail" of his life, and, for many, "where history failed, the legends prevailed. When he was four years old, the family moved to . IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE & DISCLAIMER: YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO USE CAUTION WHEN DISTRIBUTING PRIVATE INFORMATION. Of the twelve men who took part in the affray, Wright and Cuney were killed Bowie, Carine, and Blanchard badly wounded: The remaining seven men escaping any serious injury. Although the Superior Court originally confirmed most of those claims, the decisions were reversed in February 1831, after further research showed that the land had never belonged to the Bowies, and that the original land grant documentation had been forged. Birth: Apr. Thus, Bowie had allied himself to one of the most powerful families in Texas and with the Tejano community. [3] Bowie was the ninth of ten children born to Elve Ap-Catesby Jones and Rezin Bowie. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/James-Bowie, Electric Scotland - Biography of James Bowie, Texas State Historical Association - James Bowie, Spartacus Educational - Biography of James Bowie, James Bowie - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), James Bowie - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Hopewell (1994), pp. [51] For the next 18 months, Bowie traveled through Louisiana and Mississippi. [3], James fought in the Battle of Concepcion, November 26, 1835 and the, October through December 14, 1835, near San Antonio, including the Grass Fight. He stopped at Nacogdoches, at Jared E. Groce's farm on the Brazos River, and in San Felipe, where he presented a letter of introduction from Thomas F. McKinney, one of the Old Three Hundred colonists, to Stephen F. Austin. Multiple accounts exist of who designed and built the first Bowie knife. [68] Before the group reached the building housing the town officials, they were attacked by a force of 100Mexican cavalry. On April 25, 1831, Bowie married nineteen-year-old Maria Ursula de Veramendi, the daughter of his business partner, who had become the vice governor of the province. "[114] Oneyear after the battle, Juan Seguin returned to the Alamo and gathered the remaining ashes from the funeral pyre. His rise to fame began in 1827 on reports of the Sandbar Fight. They had 2 children: James Royal Bowie Jr and one other child. Just one grandparent can lead you to many Every man except one it is said stepped to the side of Travers, and Colonel Bowie, who was too weak to stand, had his cot taken up by two men and carried across the line. Death: Mar. James Bowie was born April 10, 1796 in Logan County, Kentucky, the ninth of ten children born to Rezin Bowie and Elve Ap-Catesby Jones. In 1794 Reason Bowie had moved his family from . During the War of 1812, Bowie and his brother joined the Louisiana Militia, but. After Mexico won independence from Spain, government interest in mining waned. Within two years they had established the first steam mill in Louisiana to be used for grinding sugar cane. [71], In July 1832, after hearing that the Mexican army commander in Nacogdoches, Jos de las Piedras, had demanded that all residents in his area surrender their arms, Bowie cut short a visit to Natchez to return to Texas. His name is revered and honored to this day by the citizens of that great State, where a movement is now on foot to erect a monument commemorating his brave deeds and gallant death. Though he gained such a terrible reputation as a duelist, he is especially noted for his efforts to free Texas from her Mexican oppressors. [48], In 1828, after recovering from the wounds he received in the Sandbar Fight, Bowie decided to move to Coahuila y Texas, at that time a state in the Mexican federation. Jim Bowie James Bowie family tree. Jim grew up in Ware Shoals, SC. Jim Bowie was known for many things, but he was most famously known for his ability to win fights with his big knife. The doctors who had been present for the duel retrieved the bullets and patched Bowie's other wounds. James Wallace "Jim" Bowie passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2015 following a brief illness. The latter politely thanked him, but remarked that he did not think Crain had acted properly in firing upon him when he was exchanging shots with Maddox. This page has been accessed 20,865 times. John Jones Bowie (1785 - 1860)* USING CENSUS DATA, JAMES FMC WAS BORN ABOUT 1794. All contemporaries of this noted man agree that not withstanding his reputation as a duelist, he never provoked a quarrel in his life, but on the contrary, prevented man. [89] In another letter, to Governor Smith, he reiterated his view that "the salvation of Texas depends in great measure on keeping Bxar out of the hands of the enemy. Many craftsmen and manufacturers made their own versions, and major cities of the Southwest had "Bowie knife schools", which taught "the art of cut, thrust, and parry. [60] Before the group reached the building housing the town officials, they were attacked by a force of 100 Mexican cavalry. He left the active management of their lands to his brother, and took more interest in politics, especially in the trend of events in the neighboring Republic of Texas. [4][10], James floated lumber down the rivers to be marketed in Avoyelles and Rapides parishes. [49] With his citizenship assured, Bowie now had the right to buy up to 11 leagues of public land. Bowie, on business in Natchez, heard of his family's deaths in November. In 1827, he was in a brawl in Mississippi which resulted in his being wounded and several men killed. "[111] Various eyewitnesses to the battle gave conflicting accounts of Bowie's death. [96] Thirty-five years after the Alamo fell, a reporter identified Louis "Moses" Rose as the only man to have "deserted" the Texian forces at the Alamo. In his section of the country the duel was a recognized law of the social system; from that appeal there was no retreat; the man who flinched would have been publicly branded as a dastard. BORN IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. Bowie died on March 6, with the other Alamo defenders. [5][13][22] The plantation became known as a model estate, but, on February 12, 1831, they sold it and 65 slaves for $90,000. [10], In response to Andrew Jackson's plea for volunteers to fight the British in the War of 1812, Bowie and his brother Rezin enlisted in the Louisiana militia in late 1814. Bowie, still bedridden with his illness, asked to be carried across the line. [93] Travis sent Juan Seguin on Bowie's horse, to recruit reinforcements on February 25, and 32 additional men arrived. He had nine siblings. As Colonel of the militia, Bowie organized and led a party of 26 men west into the Indian . Stephen F. Austin formed an army of 500 men to march on the Mexican forces in San Antonio with the cannon that had precipitated the fight. Witness accounts agreed that Bowie did not attack first, and the other combatants had focused their attack on Bowie because "they considered him the most dangerous man among their opposition. [14][15] The group encountered little resistance and, after capturing Nacogdoches, declared Texas an independent republic. James married Margaret Belle Bowie (born Laughlin) on month day 1916, at age 34 at marriage place. On January 19, 1836, Bowie arrived in Bexar with thirty men carrying orders from Sam Houston for the demolition of the fortifications there. Edward Burleson was chosen as temporary commander of the troops in San Antonio.