Record added: Jan 01, 2001 His fame in Texas grew following his failed expedition to find the lost San Saba mine, during which his small party repelled an attack by a large Indian raiding party. He had nine siblings. American lawyer and politician; president of Republic of Texas. [38][39] Wright died instantly. After Mexico won independence from Spain, government interest in the mines waned. One Texian and ten Mexican troops had been killed. [109] In many cases, "these stories were pure melodrama, with Bowie rescuing some nave planter's son or damsel in distress. He spent most of his life in Louisiana, where he was raised and where he later worked as a land speculator. Bowie's fluency in Spanish helped him to get established in the area. [37] Rezin Bowie's grandchildren, however, claimed that Rezin merely supervised his blacksmith, who was the creator of the knife. Bowie was born in Kentucky in 1796. Stephen Bowie (1797 - 1833)* The old Mexican nurse who lived to be more than a hundred described the events which followed. It was written by a reporter who has threatened me personally with litigation and with personal violence. The ashes were interred at the Cathedral of San Fernando. When the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory in 1803, it promised to honor all former land grant claims, and for the next 20 years efforts were made to establish who owned what land. The extent of Bowie's participation is unclear, but he returned to Louisiana before the invasion was repelled by Spanish troops. This enhanced his reputation, although they didn't find the mine. by Refugio de la Garza, parish priest of the city. 6, a few hours before the last assault was made by Santa Ana. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. Jim Bowie was known for many things, but he was most famously known for his ability to win fights with his big knife. [21][22] The group encountered little resistance and, after capturing Nacogdoches, declared Texas an independent republic. 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. Login to find your connection. With their profits, James and Rezin bought a plantation in Arkansas.[20]. [32], Bowie became internationally famous as a result of a feud with Norris Wright, the sheriff of Rapides Parish. DISTRICT CONTACT. BOWIE (1796-1836), HE HAS SOMETIMES BEEN CONFUSED FOR HIM. [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. [114] Alcalde Ruiz said that Bowie was found "dead in his bed. [63], 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 in July 1832 to return to Texas. 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. [86] They found a force of 104men with a few weapons and a few cannons, but not many supplies and little gunpowder. Children. [111], A number of films have depicted the events of the Battle of the Alamo,[112] and Bowie has appeared as a character in each. Cs surrendered and returned to Mexico, taking with him the last Mexican troops in Texas. [101], When Bowie's mother was informed of his death, she calmly stated, "I'll wager no wounds were found in his back. Crain killed Cuney and shot Bowie through the hip. [74], On the foggy morning of October 28, Mexican General Domingo Ugartechea led a force of 300infantry and cavalry soldiers and two small cannons against the Texian forces. He arrived with 30men on January 19. It is said that "To him the meaning of the word fear was absolutely unknown." Travis ordered all the Texan forces into the Alamo. In Houston's correspondence with Governor Brown he states he had selected Colonel Bowie for this important service on account of his great ability, perfect coolness in the presence of danger, and remarkable courage. [114], Bowie also is the namesake of rock star David Bowie, who was born David Robert Hayward-Jones. 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). On the "Arcadia" plantation the brothers introduced the first steam mill for grinding sugar cane ever used in the State, mules having been the motive power prior to that date. This account has been disputed by numerous other witnesses, and it is thought to have been invented by the reporter. After he reportedly killed a man in a duel, Bowie went to Texas about 1828, where at Bexar (now San Antonio) he became friendly with the Mexican vice governor, Juan Martn de Veramendi. Jim Bowie became proficient with pistol, rifle, and knife,[9] and had a reputation for fearlessness. After the war the brothers traded illegally in slaves and also dabbled in land speculation. Upon the approach of the enemy, the Texans, comprising but l85 men all told, fortified themselves in an old mission known as "The Alamo" possessing strong stone, walls, but otherwise unfit for a fortress. Six miles (10 km) from their goal, the group stopped to negotiate with a large Indian raiding party following them. He was best known for being a Explorer. [8] The children learned to survive on the frontier, how to fish and run a farm and plantation. Bowie died on March 6, with the other Alamo defenders. This left Fannin who was intending to go with Johnson.[24]. Thirty-fiveyears after the Alamo fell, a reporter identified Louis "Moses" Rose as the only man to have "deserted" the Texian forces at the Alamo. The "Bowie knife" is now known as one of the most effective arms of its kind manufactured, and takes precedence over the old dagger. StephenF. Austin formed an army of 500men to march on the Mexican forces in San Antonio with the cannon that had precipitated the fight. [112] Other witnesses maintained that they saw several Mexican soldiers enter Bowie's room, bayonet him, and carry him, alive, from the room. In the ensuing fighting, the Texians suffered only a few casualties, including Milam, while the Mexican army lost many troops to death and desertion. Every man sold his life desperately. If so, login to add it. From then on, he drank heavily and became "careless in his dress". In the late 1820s, Bowie and his brother John were involved in a major Arkansas court case over land speculation. 72,182. Corrections? James had 4 brothers: Robert Robertson Bowie and 3 other siblings. James Bowie was not an angel. IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE & DISCLAIMER: YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO USE CAUTION WHEN DISTRIBUTING PRIVATE INFORMATION. This, and other stories of Bowie's prowess with the knife, led to the widespread popularity of the Bowie knife. 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. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. His name is also associated with the Bowie knife, a weapon (sometimes called the Arkansas toothpick) invented by either him or his brother Rezin. A few of them are listed below: Have you taken a DNA test? At the outbreak of the Texas Revolution, Bowie joined the Texas militia, leading forces at the Battle of Concepcin and the Grass Fight. They chose Bowie, infuriating Travis. This build is ideal for players who are very ground heavy. For the next seven years the brothers worked together to develop several large estates in Lafourche Parish and Opelousas. Jim Bowie was an American military leader and folk hero. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The Bowies first settled in Georgia and then moved to Kentucky. James Bowie family tree. "[117] Although Bowie's name and knife were well known during his lifetime, his legend grew after October 1852, when DeBow's Review published an article written by his brother, John Jones Bowie, called, "Early Life in the SouthwestThe Bowies." [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. [56] Bowie's report of the expedition, written in Spanish, was printed in several newspapers, further establishing his reputation. "[77], After Houston received word that Santa Anna was leading a large force to San Antonio, Bowie offered to lead volunteers to defend the Alamo from the expected attack. [79] Houston knew that there were not enough men to hold the fort in an attack and had given Bowie authority to remove the artillery and blow up the fortification. [28][35][63] In the meantime, a party of friendly Comanche rode into San Antonio bringing word of the raiding party, which outnumbered the Bowie expedition by 14 to 1. For the next 20years, efforts were made to establish who owned what land. Family, friend, or fan this Collaborative Biography is for you to show & tell James' life so that he is always remembered. Austin. He took him to pop concerts and bought Bowie a . Other areas assembled similar volunteer militias. "This is a good time to settle our difficulty;" Bowie and Wright also drew, and the firing became general. [62] Anglo colonists in Texas supported Santa Anna and General Jos Antonio Mexa, who led soldiers into Texas to oust commanders loyal to Bustamante. He married Margaret Frances Neville on 15 September 1814, in Louisiana, United States. [81] Instead, Bowie enlisted in the army as a private under Fannin. A statement of claim filed in Ontario Superior . [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. [26][27] Using this scheme, the brothers collected $65,000 to use for their land speculation. [49] With his citizenship assured, Bowie now had the right to buy up to 11 leagues of public land. [116] His larger legacy is his position as "one of the legendary characters of the American frontier. [97][98] Bowie had been ill, and twodoctors, including the fort surgeon, were unable to diagnose his illness. [60] After a second battle in which Piedras lost 33 men, the Mexican army evacuated during the night. Before the latter could recover he was seized by Dr. Maddox, who held him down for some moments, but, collecting his strength, he hurled Maddox off just as Major Wright approached and fired at the wounded Bowie, who, steadied himself against a log, half buried in the sand, fired at Wright, the ball passing through the latter's body. He was previously a political staffer for the Liberal Party of Canada . James Bowie - Builds. Mother of Marie Josefa Elve Bowie James. The Kentucky frontier offered boundless opportunity, and the Bowies prospered. [34] The knife he carried had a blade that was 9.25 inches (23.5cm) long and 1.5 inches (3.8cm) wide. Bowie and two brothers subsequently got into the slave. [89] Travis became the sole commander of the forces when Bowie was confined to bed. Other accounts have him born in April. 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. 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. We know it's short notice, so don't fret too much. During the War of 1812, Bowie and his brother joined the Louisiana Militia, but. [117] In many cases, "these stories were pure melodrama, with Bowie rescuing some nave planter's son or damsel in distress. He was the ninth of ten children. 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). [21][16] [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. It finally was given by him to the actor Forest. [56][57] The Mexican government passed laws in 1834 and 1835 that stopped much of the land speculation. Though he gained such a terrible reputation as a duelist, he is especially noted for his efforts to free Texas from her Mexican oppressors. An unyielding adversary he pursued unrelentingly, but was ever ready to forgive when properly approached. Bowie captured a six-pounder cannon and thirty muskets and lost one man. [75] One of the men under Bowie's command during the battle later praised him "as a born leader, never needlessly spending a bullet or imperiling a life, who repeatedly admonished Keep under cover boys, and reserve your fire; we haven't a man to spare. Larissa Bowie (1783 - 1783)* [22][71] He distinguished himself again in the Grass Fight on November 26. [30][31] When the disgruntled purchasers considered suing the Bowies, they discovered that the documents in the case had been removed from the court. [95] This knife, it is asserted, was used by Col. James Bowie in nineteen deadly encounters. Born in Carthage, Mississippi, September 16,. [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. "[89], On February 3, Davy Crockett appeared with thirtyTennesseans. He married Sarah Whitehead in 1752, in North Carolina, United States. It is eight inches long. The extent of Bowie's participation is unclear, but he returned to Louisiana before the invasion was repelled by Spanish troops.[23][24]. [20] Louisiana's population was growing rapidly, and the brothers hoped to take advantage of its rising land prices through speculation. As Colonel of the militia, Bowie organized and led a party of 26 men west into the Indian . The citizens of San Antonio believed the members of the Bowie expedition must have perished, and Ursula Bowie began wearing widow's weeds. Dr. James W. Bowie is a family medicine doctor in Westminster, Colorado and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Mt. Colonel Carin, himself wounded, brought water for his adversary, Colonel Bowie. He could legally transport the slaves and resell them at a greater market value in New Orleans or areas farther up the Mississippi River. [83][84] He refused to answer to Travis, who called an election for the men to choose their own commander. Stephen BOWIE was born in 1797 in Elliott Springs, Tennessee. 2200 Clayton Dr Baytown, TX 77520 281-420-4605 CONTACT THE WEBMASTER. [64], Several months later, a cholera epidemic struck Texas. James married Veramendi's daughter, Maria Ursula de Veramendi, age 19, April 25, 1831 in San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio de Bexar, Texas Colony. Next, James and his brother Rezin went on an expedition to find the Lost San Saba Mine but were unable to locate it. When the raiding party finally retreated, Bowie reportedly had lost only one man, while more than 40Indians had been killed and 30 were wounded. Spouse (s) Helen Liddell 1807 - 1871. [93][94] Bowie hurried to gather provisions and herd cattle into the Alamo compound. [73], Houston offered Bowie a commission as an officer on his staff, but Bowie rejected the opportunity, explaining that he wanted to be in the midst of the fighting. 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. 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. [99] Santa Anna and his army began a siege of the Alamo on February 24. Believing the war was over, many of the Texian volunteers left the army and returned to their families. Some believed that the Lipan took over the mine after the Mexican citizens left the area.of [62], 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 ten others set out for San Saba on November 2, 1831. Bowie may have been the first to induce settlers to apply for empresario grants, which could be sold in bulk to speculators, as Bowie had. The below builds outline which skill books and equipment refines you should use depending on your requirements. Bowie's reputation was cemented by his role in the Texas Revolution. [29], The Anglos in Texas began agitating for war against Santa Anna, and Bowie worked with William B. Travis, the leader of the War Party, to gain support. On March 6 the Mexican forces attacked, and all the defenders of the Alamo died; Bowie was found on his cot in a room on the south side. When he was four years old, the family moved to . 26 15 189 Show this thread James BowieRetweeted and died on January 29,1833 in Adams County, Mississippi. The Bowie Family papers contain genealogical information, correspondence and legal documents documenting the Bowie, Davis, Hall, and Pottinger families as well as important information about plantation life and the family's history of enslavement before the American Civil War. Austin asked to be relieved of his command of the army, and Sam Houston was named army chief. When Bowie was young, he helped with his family's timber-cutting business. JAMESBOWIE 1796-1836. by William R. Williamson. Bowie made three trips to Lafitte's compound on Galveston Island. [87] 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. [23] In Spanish Texas the Bowies learned Mexico was selling 11 league land grants to Mexican citizens. After moving to Texas in 1830, Bowie became a Mexican citizen and married the daughter of the vice governor of the province. Jim Bowie was born in Kentucky in the year of 1776, while Jim Bowie was still very young In the year of 1802 he and his family moved to Louisiana. In May 1824, Congress authorized the superior courts of each territory to hear suits from people who claimed they had been overlooked. Bowie and later Burleson abandoned the project. James "Jim" Bowie was a nineteenth-century Kentucky born frontiersman, settler and adventurer-turned-soldier. "[85], After Houston received word that Santa Anna was leading a large force to San Antonio, Bowie offered to lead volunteers to defend the Alamo from the expected attack. After learning that Santa Anna had 4,500troops and was heading for the city,[88] Bowie wrote several letters to the provisional government asking for help in defending the Alamo, especially "men, money, rifles, and cannon powder". Bowie, with Wright's sword still protruding from his chest, was shot again and stabbed by another member of the group. "[72], The following year, the Mexican government passed new laws allowing sale of land in Texas, and Bowie returned to land speculation. He was a man of singular modesty and sweetness of disposition, with a reverence for women and a fondness for children ever ready to protect the weak; in fact, nothing at all of the desperado about him. In his early years of life Jim Bowie was wild and free, when he wasn 't . James Bowie Born about 1789 in Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Maine Ancestors Son of George Bowie Jr. and Rachel (Strout) Bowie Brother of Rebeckah (Bowie) Pillsbury, George Bowie III, Francis Bowie, Alexander Bowie, Nathaniel Bowie, David Bowie, Jane Bowie and Rachel Bowie Husband of Suzanne Pettipas married about 1817 in Tracadie, Nova Scotia Born in Logan County (present day Simpson County), Kentucky, one of ten children of Rezin and Elve Bowie. [75][76] Although the Mexican army was able to get within 200yards (183m), the Texian defensive position protected them from fire. Left without evidence, they declined to pursue the lawsuit.