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. They had 2 children: James Royal Bowie Jr and one other child. [1], James "Jim" Bowie was born April 10, 1796 to Rezin Bowie and Elvira Catesby Jones. His power of will was remarkable, and in the presence of real danger the fiery impulse of his nature was instantly subdued into cool caution, though the flash of his bright eye and the compression of his thin lips told in a moment that he considered himself in the presence of an enemy. [91] Bowie celebrated his appointment by getting very drunk and causing havoc in San Antonio, releasing all prisoners in the local jails and harassing citizens. [30][31] When the disgruntled purchasers considered suing the Bowies, they discovered that the documents in the case had been removed from the court. James Bowie, FMC lived with Rhesa Bowie and John J. Bowie for a significant amount of time on their land. 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. Hopewell (1994), p. 71. Bowie was born in Kentucky in 1796. The soldier maintained that Bowie verbally 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. Born in Kentucky, Bowie spent most of his life in Louisiana, where he was raised and later worked as a land speculator. [49] With his citizenship assured, Bowie now had the right to buy up to 11 leagues of public land. The famous Bowie knife became a legend in Opelousas prior to his heroic death at the Alamo. One Texian and ten Mexican troops had been killed. Marie Elve Bowie (1832 - 1833)* Travis was disgusted, but two days later the men agreed to a joint command; Bowie would command the volunteers, and Travis would command the regular army and the volunteer cavalry. [26][27] Using this scheme, the brothers collected $65,000 to use for their land speculation. DISTRICT CONTACT. [67][68] Although the Mexican army was able to get within 200 yards (183 m), the Texian defensive position protected them from fire. [97][98] Bowie had been ill, and twodoctors, including the fort surgeon, were unable to diagnose his illness. John Bowie 1770 - 1848. When the Indians finally retreated, Bowie reportedly had lost only one man, while over 40 Indians had been killed and 30 more wounded. It was written by a reporter who has threatened me personally with litigation and with personal violence. Charles Bowie 1843 - Unknown. [25], Bowie became internationally famous as a result of a feud with Norris Wright, the sheriff of Rapides Parish. He should be one of the Prominents! Then the Bowies sold them in St. Landry Parish. He was the grandson of the late Wallace and Mary Lou Bowie of Ware Shoals, SC and . Early Life Bowie was born in 1796 in Logan county, Kentucky. They were on a visit at the time to her father, and the latter also fell a victim to the scourge. Where is Jim Bowie's Famous Knife? The Lost, Original Bowie Knife 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. 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 (1835-36) who is mainly remembered for his part in the Battle of the Alamo (February-March 1836). Bowie was born in Kentucky. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Neill went on furlough on February 11 to visit his sick family, leaving Travis, a member of the regular army, in command. At the outbreak of the Texas Revolution, Bowie joined the Texas militia, leading forces at the Battle of Concepcin and the Grass Fight. [76] In early January 1836, Bowie went to San Felipe and asked the council to allow him to recruit a regiment. [68] After a second battle, in which Piedras lost 33men, the Mexican army evacuated during the night. James Bowie became proficient with pistol, rifle, and knife,Hopewell (1994), p. 7 . Stories of him as a fighter and frontiersman, both real and fictitious, have made him a legendary figure in Texas history and a folk hero of American culture. 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. "[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. [43] Many Bowie family members, as well as "most authorities on the Bowie knife tend to believe it was invented by" Rezin. [47] The design of the knife continued to evolve, but a Bowie knife is now generally considered to have a blade 8.25 inches (21.0cm) long and 1.25 inches (3.2cm) wide, with a curved point, a "sharp false edge cut from both sides", and a cross-guard to protect the user's hands. Hopewell (1994), p. 119. At the time, Bowie claimed to have a net worth of $223,000 ($5,670,000 today), mostly in land of questionable title. This build is ideal for players who are very ground heavy. The Bowies first settled in Georgia and then moved to Kentucky. Texas, USA, Folk Figure, Alamo Defender. [61] The couple had two children, Marie Elve (b. In the ensuing fighting, the Texians suffered only a few casualties, while the Mexican army lost many troops to death and desertion. In January 1836, he arrived at the Alamo, where he commanded the volunteer forces until an illness left him bedridden. In response to the rumblings, Mexican troops established military posts in several locations within the province, including San Antonio de Bxar. James Bowie was born on March 10, 1796, in Logan County, Kentucky. Within two years, they had established there the first steam mill in Louisiana for grinding sugar cane. It was there that he developed his spirit of adventure and was reported to have ridden alligators for sport. The "Bowie knife" is now known as one of the most effective arms of its kind manufactured, and takes precedence over the old dagger. and believed all difficulties should be settled promptly on the spot. [40] The design of the knife continued to evolve, but today a Bowie knife generally is considered to have a blade 8.25 inches (21.0 cm) long and 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) wide, with a curved point, a "sharp false edge cut from both sides", and a cross-guard to protect the user's hands. He assumed Mexican citizenship, acquired land grants, and married Veramendis daughter, Ursula (1831). [5][13] In June 1819, he joined the Long expedition, an effort to liberate Texas from Spanish rule. Jim Bowie was born in Logan County, Kentucky in 1796. When Wright attempted to retrieve his blade by placing his foot on Bowie's chest and tugging, Bowie pulled him down and disemboweled Wright with his large knife. Houston delegated the task to James Bowie but Bowie did not receive the orders for several weeks. [15], With sufficient money saved, he sold the plantation and slaves, with no further interest in owning either again. Though tolerant of opposing opinions, always courteous in bearing and polished in manners, he yet would not brook the presence of an enemy,. When the raiding party finally retreated, Bowie reportedly had lost only one man, while more than 40Indians had been killed and 30 were wounded. Ugartechea retreated with his troops, ending the Battle of Concepcin. [84] In early January 1836, Bowie went to San Felipe and asked the council to allow him to recruit a regiment. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. James and Ursula were married in 1831. James Bowie (A), 59 Public Records - Memphis Tennessee [51] For the next 18 months, Bowie traveled through Louisiana and Mississippi. Bowies daring and courage have become legendary through Western song and ballad. The ashes were interred at the Cathedral of San Fernando. March20, 1832) and James Veramendi Bowie (b. July18, 1833). This memorial website was created in memory of James Bowie, 78, born on March 30, 1907 and passed away on November 0, 1985. Bowie died on March 6, with the other Alamo defenders. Bowie drew his knife and rushed upon Colonel Crain. Believing the war was over, many of the Texian volunteers left the army and returned to their families. [81] Travis became the sole commander of the forces when Bowie was confined to bed. His possessions were auctioned for only $99.50. James Bowie's family moves to Missouri Jan 1, 1803. he moves to Louisiana his father secured a flatboat and rowed down the Missippi river and landed inside the borders of Louisiana . About 1809 the Bowies moved to Louisiana where they established a plantation on the Vermilion River. Death: Mar. Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District 4544 Interstate 10 East Baytown, Texas 77521 Tel: 281.420.4800. On October 22, Austin asked Bowie, now a colonel in the volunteer militia, and James W. Fannin to scout the area around the missions of San Francisco de la Espada and San Jos y San Miguel de Aguayo to find supplies for the volunteer forces. In 1802, they moved south to Spanish Louisiana, where they settled on Bushley Bayou in what soon became Rapides Parish. He then drew a mark on the floor with his sword and requested all who wished to stand and fall with him to cross the line to his side the others might endeavor to escape by cutting their way through the enemy under cover of darkness. Bowie and 18companions ambushed the fleeing army and, after Piedras fled, marched the soldiers back to Nacogdoches. They were never arrested or charged. Obituary For Colby James Price. 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 Texians (including Bowie) doing business in Monclova. Bowie (surname) - Wikipedia He was the ninth of ten children. [6] Bowie's surname was pronounced /bui/ BOO-ee. The Bowie family owned a plantation in southern Louisiana in 1809, one year after the United States Constitution barred the international trade of slaves. [29], Scholars disagree as to whether the knife Bowie used in this fight was the same design as the blade, now known as a Bowie knife, fabricated by a knifemaker in Arkansas who created another renowned large blade known as the Arkansas toothpick. [20][21], In 1825, the two brothers joined with their younger brother Stephen to buy Acadia, a plantation near Alexandria. Logan County 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. General Houston had directed Colonel Bowie to raise a company and cooperate with his advance against Santa Anna. "[106] According to Wallace O Chariton, The "most popular, and probably the most accurate"[1] version is that Bowie died on his cot, "back braced against the wall, and using his pistols and his famous knife. James signed a dowry contract for 15,000 pesos, presenting himself as age 30. [10] His father was wounded while fighting in the American Revolutionary War, and in 1782 he married Elve, the young woman who nursed him back to health. When he was a boy, one of his Native American friends taught him to rope alligators. He died in February 1797, in Washington, Georgia, United States, at the age of 69. . James Bowie Elementary. Relying on his old skills, Bowie speculated in Texas lands. 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. [59], Between 1830 and 1832 the Mexican Congress passed a series of laws that seemed to discriminate against Anglo colonists in the province of Coahuila y Tejas, increasing tension between the Anglo citizenry and Mexican officials. Dr. [19][20] Using this scheme the brothers collected $65,000 to be used for their land speculation. 500 Words2 Pages. [83], Shortly after Bowie left San Antonio, Ben Milam led an assault on the city. John Jones Bowie (1785 - 1860)* After learning that Santa Anna had 4,500 troops and was heading for the city,[80] Bowie wrote several letters to the provisional government asking for help in defending the Alamo, especially "men, money, rifles, and cannon powder". The citizens of San Antonio believed the members of the Bowie expedition must have perished, and Ursula Bowie began wearing widow's weeds. [14] Raised on the frontier, the Bowie children worked from a young age, helping to clear the land and plant and cultivate crops. Crain killed Cuney and shot Bowie through the hip. She was known as Madam Candelaria, and for forty years was pensioned by the State of Texas, until she died in Jan. l899. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. [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. The Texians returned fire and, after the cavalry retreated, initiated a siege of the garrison. Travis arrived in February, accompanied by a group of army troops to bolster the numbers defending the Alamo. 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. Jim Bowie was an American military leader and folk hero. Edmondson (2000), p.107. When the customs officers offered the slaves for auction, Bowie purchased them and received back half the price he had paid, as allowed by the state laws. [53], Bowie was elected a commander of the Texas Rangers later that year, with the rank of colonel. Family Time Line. [49][50] The Mexican government passed laws in 1834 and 1835 that stopped much of the land speculation. [1][2][3][7] (Some reference works refer to an incorrect alternate pronunciation /boi/ BOH-ee[7][8][9]). He was the son of Reason (or Rezin) and Elve Ap-Catesby Jones (or Johns) Bowie. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). [3] Bowie was the ninth of ten children born to Elve Ap-Catesby Jones and Rezin Bowie. As the Mexicans stopped to reload their cannon, the Texians climbed a bluff and picked off some of the soldiers. [35], The following year, on September 19, 1827, Bowie and Wright attended a duel on a sandbar outside of Natchez, Mississippi. He was appointed as a land commissioner, tasked with promoting settlement in the area purchased by John T. Mason. [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. With their profits, James and Rezin bought a plantation in Arkansas.[20]. His family moved to Missouri in 1800 and then to Louisiana. Here on Feb.26 they were besieged by Santa Ana with an army variously estimated as numbering between four and six thousand men. [55], Bowie renounced his American citizenship and became a Mexican citizen on September 30, 1830, after promising to establish textile mills in the state of Coahuila y Tejas. According to his older brother, John, James Bowie was born in Logan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1796. James Bowie's timeline | Timetoast timelines [81], 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. The extent of Bowie's participation is unclear, but he returned to Louisiana before the invasion was repelled by Spanish troops.[23][24]. 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. "[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. At the outbreak of the Texas Revolution, Bowie joined the Texas militia, leading forces at the Battle of Concepcin and the Grass Fight. [16] From the marriage notice: "D[on] Santiago Buy con D[o]a Ursula de Veramendi. Colonel Bowie did not again marry, and "Left no descendants to inherit his indomitable will and fearless spirit. 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. Death: Immediate Family: Son of James Bowie and Margaret Bowie. After the carnage was over and the heroes of this modern Thermopylae had all been slain, their corpses were burned by the savage Santa Ana, who lost in the eight days fight against one hundred and eighty-five men, more than two thousand of his best troops. [37] Rezin Bowie's grandchildren, however, claimed that Rezin merely supervised his blacksmith, who was the creator of the knife. 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. [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. Bowie and two brothers subsequently got into the slave. 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. and died on January 29,1833 in Adams County, Mississippi. As Colonel of the militia, Bowie organized and led a party of 26 men west into the Indian . Colonel Bowie became weaker and weaker, finally delirious, and died about three o'clock on the morning on Mar. [5]. . The citizens of San Antonio believed the members of the Bowie expedition must have perished, and Ursula Bowie began wearing widow's weeds. 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! [28], The following year, on September 19, 1827, Bowie and Wright attended a duel on a sandbar outside of Natchez, Mississippi. Bowie Family History and Bowie Genealogy Resources by Ancestor Search Although not possessing the sprakling talents of his brother Rezin, he was however endowed with much native eloquence. Rezin Pleasant Bowie (1762 - 1819) Jim Bowie (1796 - 1836) Bowie made three trips to Lafitte's compound on Galveston Island. Family links: Birth: Apr. Several days before the ceremony he signed a dowry contract, promising to pay his new bride 15,000 pesos (approximately $15,000) in cash or property within two years of the marriage. Bowie's fluency in Spanish helped him to get established in the area. ", Terrapin Creek, Logan, Kentucky, United States, Jim Bowie by George Peter Alexander Healy, Jim Bowie Display & Museum, Opelousas, LA, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/bowie-james, https://www.thealamo.org/remember/james-bowie, First Settlers of Catahoula Parish, Louisiana: 1808-1839, https://www.thoughtco.com/biography-of-jim-bowie-2136241, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/act-prohibit-importation-slaves, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/groces-retreat, https://officialalamo.medium.com/fatal-distraction-the-origins-of-the-matamoros-expedition-3722b374ad64, Texas Counties and Who They're Named After, https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89063005888;view=1up;seq=425, https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89063005888&view=1up&seq=426, True matriarch of the famous Bowie family of Louisiana, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, Slave Owners, Hopewell, Clifford (1994), James Bowie Texas Fighting Man: A Biography, Austin, TX: Eakin Press, ISBN 0-89015-881-9. James "Jim" Bowie (April 10, 1796 March 6, 1836), a 19th-century American pioneer and soldier, played a prominent role in the Texas Revolution, culminating in his death at the Battle of the Alamo. [101] After first ordering that Bowie be buried, as he was too brave a man to be burned like a dog,[102] Santa Anna later had Bowie's body placed with those of the other Texians on the funeral pyre. The Life and Times of James Bowie - History Collection [29], The Texas Revolution began on October2, 1835, with the Battle of Gonzales. He is best known for documenting the court appearances of people who protested at the Canada Convoy protest in 2022. In May 1824, Congress authorized the superior courts of each territory to hear suits from people who claimed they had been overlooked. David Bowie and the battle that's left his family raging They chose Bowie, infuriating Travis. On the other Dr. T.H. James Bowie (1907-1985) *78, Grave #29822115 - Sysoon "[72], The following year, the Mexican government passed new laws allowing sale of land in Texas, and Bowie returned to land speculation. 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 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. It was still less than what James promised in the marriage contract. [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. Jim Bowie - Knife, Alamo & Death - Biography Bowie was shot in the hip; after regaining his feet he drew a knife, described as a butcher knife, and charged his attacker. [56], To the surprise of the town, the surviving members of the group returned to San Antonio on December 6. 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. [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. In January 1836, Jim was in charge of the group of volunteers at the garrison of the Alamo. "[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. He married Margaret Frances Neville on 15 September 1814, in Louisiana, United States. The man hit Bowie over the head with his empty pistol, breaking the pistol and knocking Bowie to the ground. Unknown to Smith, on December 15 the Council had asked Edward Burleson to replace Austin and oversee the expedition. 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. [27] The knife he carried had a huge blade that was 9.25 inches (23.5 cm) long and 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide. at age 36. x. We are featuring this profile in the Connection Finder this week. It was erected by the Grand Lodge. [47] Although the Rangers would not be organized officially until 1835, Stephen F. Austin had founded the group by employing thirty men to keep the peace and protect the colonists from attacks by hostile Indians.
