He should be one of the Prominents! For many years a feud existed between two parties in the Parish of Rapides, on Red River. Updates? [2] Historian Raymond Thorp gave his birth date as April 10, but Thorp did not provide any documentation for that date. [115], Despite his continual claims of wealth, Bowie's estate was found to be very small. [16][4][17], In 1829, Jim joined the Masonic Order in Opelousas, Louisiana. Edward Burleson was chosen as temporary commander of the troops in San Antonio. [54], After obtaining permission from the Mexican government to mount an expedition into Indian territory to search for the legendary silver mine, Bowie, his brother Rezin, and nine others set out for San Saba on November 2, 1831. The soldier maintained that Bowie castigated a Mexican officer in fluent Spanish, and the officer ordered Bowie's tongue cut out and his still-breathing body thrown onto the funeral pyre. Bowie was shot in the hip, and, after regaining his feet, he drew a knife, described as a butcher knife, and charged his attacker. [72] The council refused Bowie's request, likely because of lingering animosity over his land dealings. Bowie was forced to flee Monclova and return to the Anglo areas of Texas. 500 Words2 Pages. [64], The following year the Mexican government passed new laws allowing land sale in Texas, and Bowie returned to land speculation. Without the capital required to buy large tracts,[18] they entered into a partnership with a pirate, Jean Lafitte, in 1818 to raise money. In the ensuing fighting, the Texians suffered only a few casualties, while the Mexican army lost many troops to death and desertion. He was one of thousands of U.S. settlers and adventurers who swelled the non-Mexican population in Texas, and restrictive Mexican legislation to curb the newcomers soon interested him in the Texas revolutionary movement. Six miles (10km) from their goal, the group stopped to negotiate with a large raiding partyreportedly more than 120 Tawakoni and Waco, plus another 40 Caddo. After two ineffectual exchanges of shots, Wells and Maddox shook hands, but Cuney stepped forward and said to Colonel Crain. [66], On the foggy morning of October 28, Mexican General Domingo Ugartechea led a force of 300 infantry and cavalry soldiers and 2 small cannons against the Texian forces. Early Life. 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. Family Search. On February 20, Bowie took an oath of allegiance to Mexico and then proceeded to San Antonio de Bexar. After the war the brothers traded illegally in slaves and also dabbled in land speculation. Between now and Wednesday is a good time to take a look at the sources and biography to see if there are updates and improvements that need made, especially those that will bring it up to WikiTree Style Guide standards. [5] In his 1948 book, Bowie Knife, historian Raymond Thorp gives Bowie's birth date as April 10 but does not support it with any documentation. [121] The show, which starred Scott Forbes as Jim Bowie, was based on the 1946 novel Tempered Blade. The extent of Bowie's participation is unclear, but he returned to Louisiana before the invasion was repelled by Spanish troops.[23][24]. Bowies daring and courage have become legendary through Western song and ballad. Cs had sent 100 soldiers to cut grass for the horses. [29], Bowie never talked about his exploits, despite his increasing fame. [114], Bowie also is the namesake of rock star David Bowie, who was born David Robert Hayward-Jones. 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). [16][17], Shortly before their father died in 1818 or 1819, he gave ten slaves, and horses and cattle to both Jim and his brother Rezin. Bowie led an expedition to find the lost San Saba mine, during which his small party repelled an attack by a large Native American raiding party. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. William Travis arrived with thirty men on February 3 in order to take command of the forces quartered at the Alamo mission near Bexar. [107], Despite his continual pronouncements of wealth, Bowie's estate was found to be very small. After moving to Texas in 1830, Bowie became a Mexican citizen and married the daughter of the vice governor of the province. It is not surprising that James Bowie, sensitive and proud, brave to recklessness, and when aroused, as fierce as the hunted tiger, should in such a community be frequently involved in desperate personal affrays. [75][76] Although the Mexican army was able to get within 200yards (183m), the Texian defensive position protected them from fire. [88], Because of Bowie's fluency in Spanish and his connections through his marriage, the predominantly Mexican population of San Antonio often furnished him with information about the movements of the Mexican army. [95] [56], To the surprise of the town, the surviving members of the group returned to San Antonio on December 6. By then, the United States had outlawed the importation of slaves, and most southern states allowed anyone who informed on a slave trader to receive half of what the imported slaves would earn at auction as a reward. Other accounts have him born in April. [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. His father's name was Rezin and his mother's name was Elve. Charles Bowie 1843 - Unknown. This enhanced his reputation, although they didn't find the mine. Maria Ursula Veramendi Bowie (1811 - 1833)* This, and other stories of Bowie's prowess with a knife, led to the widespread popularity of the Bowie knife. "[109] Jim Bowie posthumously was inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame at the 1988 Blade Show in Atlanta, Georgia in recognition for the impact that his eponymous design made upon generations of knife makers and cutlery companies. It was still less than what James promised in the marriage contract. [51], On April 25, 1831 Bowie married 19-year-old Maria Ursula de Veramendi, the daughter of his business partner, who had become the vice-governor of the province. The cholera epidemic instead struck Monclova, and between September 6 and September 14, Ursula, their children, her brother, and her parents all died of the disease. . Stephen Bowie (1797 - 1833)* Search for yourself and we'll build your family tree together Top record matches for James Bowie James Bowie found in Scotland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950 James Bowie found in Scotland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950 James Bowie found in Scotland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950 James Bowie found in 1861 Scotland Census *Calculated relationship IMPORTANT LINKS. [22][45], On January 1, 1830, Bowie left Louisiana for permanent residency in Texas. Bowie and his brother entered the slave trade as well, and from about 1817 to 1821, worked with the pirate Jean Lafitte who was then headquartered on Galveston Island. [23][24] When the disgruntled purchasers considered suing the Bowies, they discovered that the documents in the case had been removed from the court; left without evidence, they declined to pursue a case. The man hit Bowie over the head with his empty pistol, breaking the pistol and knocking Bowie to the ground. "[69], An hour after the battle ended, Austin arrived with the rest of the Texian army to begin a siege of San Antonio de Bxar, where General Martn Perfecto de Cs, the overall commander of Mexican forces in Texas, and his troops were garrisoned. [36][37] Other members of the groups, who had various reasons for disliking each other, began fighting. 6970. According to his older brother, John, James Bowie was born in Logan County, Kentucky, on March 10, 1796 (Historical marker: 36 46' 25"N 86 42' 10"W). [117] In many cases, "these stories were pure melodrama, with Bowie rescuing some nave planter's son or damsel in distress. The family moved yet again in 1809, this time to Bayou Teche, Louisiana before finally settling in Opelousas, Louisiana in 1812 where they ran their farm and plantation. By February 1830, Bowie was in Texas and took the oath of allegiance to Mexico. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Crain killed Cuney and shot Bowie through the hip. This straight-backed knife sports a checked ebony handle and a tiny cross guard and was given as a gift by Bowie's older brother Rezin in the late 1830s, and so bears the stamp of Bowie family . But the terrible reputation it had gained while in the hands of James Bowie gave it the name which is now applied to all weapons similarly fashioned. [6][5] At the end of the fight, the Texians had two wounded men but had captured many horses and mules. Disgraced Ottawa lawyer James Bowie is being sued for $325,000, plus damages, in a sexual harassment and defamation lawsuit filed by a former client. [28] The mine had been operated by local Indians before being seized by the Spanish. After Mexico won independence from Spain, government interest in mining waned. Bowie County, Texas is also named in his honor.[26]. When Bowie was young, he helped with his family's timber-cutting business. Spouse: JAMES BOWIE OBITUARY James was called "Pop" by his kids, grandkids and great grandchildren and was known as "Uncle Tootsie" by his relatives. Jim Bowie (1796 - 1836) Im a big fan of Jim Bowie but it has to be said that In the late 1820s Jim and his brother John were involved in forging Mexican land grants in Arkansas and Louisiana. As Known As: Jim Bowie Born: 1796 in Kentucky Parents: Reason and Elve Ap-Catesby Jones Bowie Died: March 6, 1836 in San Antonio, Mexican Texas Spouse: Maria Ursula de Veramendi (m. 1831-1833) Children: Marie Elve, James Veramendi Early Life James Bowie was born in Kentucky in 1796 and was raised in present-day Missouri and Louisiana. [75], Shortly after Bowie left San Antonio, Ben Milam led an assault on the city. [43] Bowie was baptized into the Roman Catholic faith in San Antonio on April 28, 1828, sponsored by the alcalde (chief administrator) of the town, Juan Martin de Veramendi and the wife of the administrator, Josefa Navarro. [12][20][29] The plantation became known as a model operation, but on February 12, 1831, they sold it and 65slaves for $90,000. Bowie met the attack, and, seizing his assailant, plunged his "Bowie knife" into his body, killing him instantly. In January 1836, Jim was in charge of the group of volunteers at the garrison of the Alamo. When the raiding party finally retreated, Bowie reportedly had lost only one man, while more than 40Indians had been killed and 30 were wounded. "[81], On February 3, William Travis arrived with an additional 30 troops, and several days later Davy Crockett appeared with twelve Tennesseans. James Bowie became proficient with pistol, rifle, and knife,[16] and had a reputation for fearlessness. [54], Shortly after his marriage Bowie became fascinated with the story of the "lost" Los Almagres Mine, said to be west of San Antonio near the ruin of Santa Cruz de San Sab Mission. Thus, Bowie had allied himself to one of the most powerful families in Texas and with the Tejano community. James Bowie family tree. [68] Before the group reached the building housing the town officials, they were attacked by a force of 100Mexican cavalry. Rezin Bowie, claimed to have invented the knife, and many Bowie family members and authorities agree with that claim. On February 20, Bowie swore an oath of allegiance to Mexico and proceeded to San Antonio de Bexar. There was conflict between the two leaders and their troops in the tiny Alamo. [82] The Mexican troops quickened their pace in hopes of reaching the safety of the city, but Bowie and his cavalry chased them. Although not possessing the sprakling talents of his brother Rezin, he was however endowed with much native eloquence. "[77], An hour after the battle ended, Austin arrived with the rest of the Texian army to begin a siege of San Antonio de Bxar, where General Martn Perfecto de Cs, the overall commander of Mexican forces in Texas, and his troops were garrisoned. TOGETHER THEY HAD SEVEN CHILDREN: STEPHEN, JAMES, HEMAN, RUFUS (MY GGG-GRANDFATHER), ALBERT, [29] Bowie later served as a delegate to the Convention of 1833, which formally requested that Texas become its own state within the Mexican federation. Without government troops to keep hostile natives at bay, mining and mineral exploration were impossible. Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, William Barret Travis, and a bunch of their friends come to Texas to start new lives, suddenly realize they are being oppressed by the Mexican dictator Santa Anna, and. 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. In 1827, Bowie was embroiled in the so called Sandbar Fight which marked his first notable use of the heavy bladed knife that would be named for him; he gained a reputation as a formidable knife fighter. These fights were seldom if ever prearranged, but took place upon the accidental meeting of the belligerents. James Bowie rose to mainstream prominence on Twitter by chronicling the court appearances of 'Freedom Convoy 'organizers.' But for years before that, he was allegedly already known in some. Funeral services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 6th, at Bowie High School, with Pastors Chad Word, Caleb Mendoza and Michael Walker officiating. I live a half mile from the Brazos River & Nacogdoches is a long, long way away & NOWHERE near the Brazos River. The name "Texian Army" is sometimes applied to this militia. Bowie, with Wright's sword still protruding from his chest, was shot again and stabbed by another member of the group. [29][91], On February 23, the bells of San Fernando sounded the alarm for the approach of the Mexicans. Travis ordered all the Texian forces into the Alamo. Groneman (1996), pp. [13] After Lafitte captured slaves from ships in his pirating activities out in the Gulf of Mexico, the Bowies bought them at times from Lafitte. [51] For the next 18 months, Bowie traveled through Louisiana and Mississippi. New patients are welcome. Lavinnia Bowie (1783 - 1783)* Hopewell (1994), p. 119. All the children learned to read and write in English, but James and his elder brother Rezin could also read, write, and speak Spanish and French fluently. He wore short side whiskers and his face is said to have been singularly handsome. He arrived with 30men on January 19. The attempts at parley failed and Bowie and his group fought for their lives for the next 13 hours. Within two years, they had established there the first steam mill in Louisiana for grinding sugar cane. A number of films have depicted the events of the Battle of the Alamo,[120] and Bowie has appeared as a character in each. In it he left property to brother Rezin Pleasant, Jr and to his brother-in-law, Alexander Sterett, married to his sister Martha. James Bowie, FMC lived with Rhesa Bowie and John J. Bowie for a significant amount of time on their land. James Bowie, byname Jim Bowie, (born 1796?, Logan County, Ky., U.S.died March 6, 1836, San Antonio, Texas), popular hero of the Texas Revolution (183536) who is mainly remembered for his part in the Battle of the Alamo (FebruaryMarch 1836). . [1], James "Jim" Bowie was born April 10, 1796 to Rezin Bowie and Elvira Catesby Jones. In disposition he is represented as cool, determined and enterprising. Wright drew his sword cane and impaled Bowie. He convinced 14 or 15 other citizens to apply for land and transfer it to him, giving him 700,000acres (280,000ha) for speculation. Former leader, Col. Neill, needed to leave for home to care for family, and requested Lt. Col. William Travis to command the Texas Alamo military. Family Time Line. 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. 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. "[46] Bowie's fame, and that of his knife, spread to Great Britain, and by the early 1830s, many British manufacturers were producing Bowie knives for shipment to the United States. [105] Various other stories circulated, with some witnesses claiming that Bowie shot himself and others saying he was killed by soldiers while too weak to lift his head. [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. James Bowie @JamesDBowie Feb 22 Yesterday the Citizen ran a story about me, for which I was not invited to comment, about a claim I have not seen, which I deny entirely. [8] Find A Grave Memorial# 2310. Born in Kentucky, Bowie spent most of his life in Louisiana, where he was raised and later worked as a land speculator. Bowie was born in Kentucky. The Mexicans suffered over thirty casualties. Anne Henderson 1772 - 1855. The NPI number of James Bowie is 1720581523 and was assigned on March 2018. Just a little information for thought. One Texian and ten Mexican troops had been killed. Wright then drew a sword-cane, and, rushing upon Bowie, exclaimed, "damn you, you have killed me." Bowie died with the other Alamo defenders on March 6. [15] Bowie left a "frustratingly sparse paper trail" of his life, and, for many, "where history failed, the legends prevailed. THEY ARE TWO DIFFERENT PEOPLE. 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. This account has been disputed by numerous other witnesses, and it is thought to have been invented by the reporter. [11] After mustering out of the militia, Bowie settled in Rapides Parish,[5][12] where he supported himself by sawing planks and lumber and floating it down the bayou for sale. Fearing for the safety of his wife's relatives in San Antonio, Bowie invited her cousins, Getrudis Navarro and Juana Navarro Alsbury, as well as Alsbury's 18-month-old son, Alijo Perez Jr., to stay inside the walls of the Alamo. Colonel Carin, himself wounded, brought water for his adversary, Colonel Bowie. Lavinnia Bowie, John Jones Bowie, Sarah Davis, Martha Bowie, Martha Sterret, Mary Bowie, Mary Bird, Rezin Pleasant Bowie, Sarah "sa Apr 10 1796 - Middleton, Simpson, Kentucky, United States, Mar 6 1836 - San Antonio, Republc of Texas, Rezin Pleasant Bowie, Elvira Elve Catesby Bowie (born Jones). Login or Sign-up to show all important data, death records and obituaries absolutely for free! [66] Captain WilliamY. Lacey, who spent eight months living in the wilderness with Bowie, described him as a humble man who never used profanity or vulgarities. 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. [42] In a letter to The Planter's Advocate, his brother Rezin claimed to have designed the knife. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. It was there that he developed his spirit of adventure and was reported to have ridden alligators for sport. [26] After a confrontation in Alexandria one afternoon, Wright fired a shot at Bowie. [29], Shortly after his marriage, Bowie became fascinated with the story of the "lost" Los Almagres Mine (also known as the lost San Saba Mine and the lost Bowie Mine), said to be northwest of San Antonio, near the ruin of the Spanish Mission Santa Cruz de San Saba. Connect to the World Family Tree to find out, San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio, Texas, United States, Apr 10 1796 - Spring Creek, Logan County, Kentucky, Mar 6 1836 - San Antonio, Bexar, Texas, USA, Maria Ursela Fructuosa Bowie (born Veramendi), Apr 10 1796 - Logan County, Kentucky, USA, Mar 6 1836 - Battle of the Alamo, Alamo Mission, San Antonio, Bexar, Texas, USA, Rezin, (Reason) Pleasant Bowie, Elvira Bowie (born Jones), Nineteenth-century American Pioneer, Soldier, Smuggler, Slave Trader, And Land Speculator, Played A Prominent Role In The Texas Revolution, Apr 10 1796 - Logan County, United States, Mar 6 1836 - Alamo Mission in San Antonio, United States, Apr 10 1796 - Logan County, Kentucky, United States of America, Mar 6 1836 - San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, United States of America, John Jones Bowie, Sarah Davis, Martha Sterrett, Mary Bird, Rezin Pleasant Bowie, Stephen Bowie, David Bowie, Mar 6 1836 - San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, Mar 10 1796 - Terrapin Creek, Logan County, Kentucky, USA, Mar 6 1836 - The Alamo, San Antonio, Coahuila, Mexico, Rev Dr. John Iii Bowie, Iii, Bowie, Iii, Sarah Davis (born Bowie), Mary Bird (born Bowie), Rezin Pleasant Bowie, Rhesa Bowie, Rezin Pleasant Bowie, I, Elve Ap-catesby Bowie, I (born Jones).