JAMES BOWNE
THE STORY AS I KNOW IT
James Bowne was born 1636 in Salem Massachusetts. He was the second son of William and Anne Bowne. Their first son was born in England. They left England searching for freedom to worship as Baptist without persecution. The family lived in a part of Salem that is now called Manchester by the Sea, a few miles north of Salem on the coast, with its own small harbor. It was called Jeffiers Creek at first. There is some thought that the people who settled there were from Manchester England.
After 14 years they moved their family of five children to Gravesend, Long Island. Again they were searching for the freedom to worship as Baptist without persecution, this time from the Puritans. Gravesend is at the western end of Long Island, now part of Brooklyn. In 1645 it was Dutch territory.
This is from Some Bowne Footprints in the Sands of time by Donald W. Bowne MD. It was found at the Monmouth County Historical Society.
In August 1664 the Dutch at New Amsterdam surrendered to the English. Soon negotiations were on with Popomora, chief of the Nevesink Indians for the Monmouth Patent. The land was in the area below Staten Island in current day New Jersey. James was one of the 5 interpreters demonstrating that they had had considerable experience with the Indians.
A History of Monmouth and Ocean Counties by Edwin Salter was published in 1890. He used the term "Indians" so it is used here as this material comes from his book.
The official deed was signed by Popomora and acknowledged by Governor Nicholls of New York on April 7, 1665. Lib 3, page 1 in the office of Secretary of State at Albany, NY. A copy is in the Secretary of State's office, Trenton. The founders of the settlement were "honorable, conscientious men". They kept careful records of the amounts paid, to whom and who contributed money toward the purchase. "James Bowne of Long Island contributed 1 pound, 14 s, 6 d.toward the purchase." His brother John and father William all were original patent holders.
One of the stipulations was that the land be settled within three years time with homes, planted land and 100 families.
James wed Mary Stoute on Dec. 26, 1665. Bans had been given on Nov. 26, 1665. They were both of Gravesend. Marriage Records of Gravesend, Long Island. They soon moved to Monmouth County. According to The Town book of Old Middletown, "lots at Portland Point, at or near Highlands, were awarded in order as follows:" James Bowne is listed 2nd and William Bowne 8th of nine settlers. The first entry was Dec. 30, 1667 so it was probably in 1668 that they moved to Portland Point.
Gravesend Town Record shows that on April 20, 1670 he sold 7 acres to Samuel Holmes "lying at a certain neck called Cellersneck betwixt Sander Lennordser and the highway". This may well be where James and Mary had first had a home.
"Grants and Concessions noted in the Proprietors Records 1675 at Perth Amboy" made note of the warrants already allowed earlier. Each "first purchaser" was allowed 500 acres, then each man and wife 120 acres each, then there were allowances for children and servants. James Bowne claimed 240 acres for himself and wife
According to Some Bowne Footprints... James and Mary
Bowne had 4 sons. He lists them:
1. James Bowne Jr. born about 1667
2. Andrew Bowne born about
1668/9 wed Anna LNU He died 1710
3. John Bowne
4. William Bowne
The NJ Colonial civil List 1667 - July 4, 1776 by William Nelson for the National Society of Colonial Dames list men who served in positions of responsibility. James Bound (Bowne) was Judge Local County of Middletown June 30, 1685 Liber C, page 100
According to Bowne Footprints James Bowne died in
either 1692 or 1695. It is not known where he is buried. Nothing
more is known of Mary
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
If you know the answer please CONTACT US
1. What are the names of all their children?
2.. When did Mary die?
3. Where is he buried?
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Doc; gbbow030.html
Date created: 5/11/2001
Date updated 10/8/2013
Date updated 9/6/2018
Date Updated 11/16/2021