The Bourchier and Bowker Pages

Discovering the ancestry of the South African Bowkers, and the English Bourchiers

William Bowker

William Bowker

Male 1600 -

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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  William BowkerWilliam Bowker was born in 1600 in Manchester, Manchester, Lancashire, England.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Baptism: 2 Nov 1600, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England

    Notes:

    Any one of these three Williams could be responsible for any of the children!
    William m Marie Millner 28/8/1627 – weddings vol II – 296/535
    William m Anne Wattmoughe 13/11/1627 – weddings vol II – 297/535 - Anne died 13/4/1645
    William m Margret Ashton 5/1/1628 – weddings vol II – 300/537
    • Anne 26/12/1628 - bapt vol II 101/430 m John Manestree 13/10/1656
    • Margaret 1/3/1629 - bapt vol II 102/431
    • Thomas 1/5/1631 - bapt vol II 120/440
    • Alice 18/8/1633 - bapt vol II 138/450
    • John 22/12/1633 - bapt vol II 141/451
    • Edward died13/1/1638
    • Robart 4/2/1638 - bapt vol II 176/471
    • Samuell 19/8/1638 - bapt vol II 181/474
    • Margaret 24/11/1639 - bapt vol II 191/479
    • Jeremiah 5/1/1640 - bapt vol II 192/480
    • William 22/11/1640 - bapt vol II 200/485
    • Isaack 30/1/1642 - bapt vol II 209/489 died 1/5/1642
    • Alice 15/5/1642 - bapt vol II 211/490
    • Marye 22/3/1643 - bapt vol II 217/493
    • Elizabeth 14/7/1644 - bapt vol II 228/500
    • Josephe 24/1/1645 - bapt vol II 231/501
    • Isaack 6/4/1646 - bapt vol II 236/504 died 27/12/1646
    • Sarah 28/5/1648 - bapt vol II 248/510
    • Benjamine 16/2/1650 - bapt vol II 259/515 died 18/9/1653

    Family/Spouse: Margret Ashton. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 2. Thomas Bowker  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1631; was buried on 29 Sep 1673 in Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England.


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Thomas BowkerThomas Bowker Descendancy chart to this point (1.William1) was born in 1631; was buried on 29 Sep 1673 in Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Occupation: woolen draper
    • Baptism: 1 May 1631, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England

    Notes:

    Still to find a marriage! Named as the father in Thomas b 1666 baptism.

    Family/Spouse: Miss Holden, ?. Miss was born est 1635. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 3. Mary Bowker  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1662 in Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England.
    2. 4. Ann Bowker  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1664 in Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England.
    3. 5. Elizabeth Bowker  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1664.
    4. 6. (5) Thomas Bowker  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 3 Jun 1666 in Manchester, Lancashire, England.


Generation: 3

  1. 3.  Mary Bowker Descendancy chart to this point (2.Thomas2, 1.William1) was born in 1662 in Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Baptism: 10 Aug 1662, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England


  2. 4.  Ann Bowker Descendancy chart to this point (2.Thomas2, 1.William1) was born in 1664 in Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Baptism: 2 Oct 1664, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England


  3. 5.  Elizabeth Bowker Descendancy chart to this point (2.Thomas2, 1.William1) was born in 1664.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Baptism: 2 Oct 1664, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England


  4. 6.  (5) Thomas Bowker(5) Thomas Bowker Descendancy chart to this point (2.Thomas2, 1.William1) was born on 3 Jun 1666 in Manchester, Lancashire, England.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Baptism: 3 Jun 1666, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England

    Thomas married Judith Scofeild on 2 Feb 1694 in Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England. Judith was born about 1672 in Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England; died in Dec 1739 in Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 7. (A) John Bowker  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1697 in Manchester, Manchester, Lancashire, England; died on 12 Dec 1762 in Royton, Lancashire, England.
    2. 8. (B) Holden Bowker  Descendancy chart to this point was born in Feb 1701; died on 24 Feb 1775 in Northampton, Northamptonshire, England.
    3. 9. Joseph Bowker  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1703 in Manchester, Lancashire, England.
    4. 10. (C) Benjamin Bowker  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 10 Jun 1707 in Manchester, Lancashire, England; died on 12 Jun 1749 in Manchester, Manchester, Lancashire, England; was buried on 12 Jun 1749 in Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England.


Generation: 4

  1. 7.  (A) John Bowker Descendancy chart to this point (6.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.William1) was born in 1697 in Manchester, Manchester, Lancashire, England; died on 12 Dec 1762 in Royton, Lancashire, England.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Baptism: 12 Dec 1697, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England

    Notes:

    David Bowker writes :"In 1720 John Bowker purchased part of the Dackham Hall property in Gateshead. John was the owner of Bowker's Chemical Works at Willington Quays, processing sulphate of alumina for the paper, glass and pottery industries."
    The Deckham Hall property was left to Elizabeth Dackham, granddaughter of Thomas Dackham, the original builder and owner of the property. Elizabeth married Henry Mitford.


  2. 8.  (B) Holden Bowker Descendancy chart to this point (6.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.William1) was born in Feb 1701; died on 24 Feb 1775 in Northampton, Northamptonshire, England.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Baptism: 25 Feb 1701, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England
    • Probate: 27 May 1775, London, England

    Notes:

    His will is at https://www.ancestry.co.uk/interactive/5111/40611_309970-00571 which he wrote 20 days before his demise.
    ~
    He is registered as living at Mare Fair, Northampton Poll and Electoral registers in 1768 and 1774

    UK, Poll Books and Electoral Registers, 1538-1893 for Holden Bowker
    https://www.ancestry.co.uk/interactive/2410/32969_636672_1938-00012

    ~
    He had a Linnen Drapery in Compton Street, Soho, Westminster London from sometime before 1737, as he took on an apprentice John Reade of Covent Garden on 11th January 1737.
    ~
    It appears that Holden Bowker was a Constable in Westminster and on londonlives.org there are three cases

    1.Westminster Sessions : Sessions Papers - Justices' Working Documents WJ | PS, 1st October 1743

    Westmr. to wit.

    The King agt. William Giles at the
    Prosecution of Holden Bowker (High
    Constable for the City & Liberty of Westminster )
    for Keeping a disorderly House.

    John Ridgway of the Parish of St. Martin
    in the Fields in the Liberty aforesd. Gentleman
    maketh Oath That he this Deponent did on
    Tuesday the 4th. Day of October Instant deliver to
    the sd. Holden Bowker a true Copy of the Notice
    hereunto annexed.

    John Ridgway [..]

    Sworn in Court
    this 7th. day of
    October 1743

    ~

    2. Westminster Sessions : Sessions Papers - Justices' Working Documents WJ | PS, 1st October 1743

    The King agst. George May

    Sir

    Take notice that I will Appear at the next General Quarter
    Session of the Peace of Our Lord the King to be Holden at the Town
    Court House near Westmr. Hall in & for the Liberty of the Dea [..]
    and Chapter of the Collegiate Church of St. Peter Westmr .
    the City Borough & Town of Westmr. in the County of Middx
    and St. Martin Le Ground London on frydaythe Seventh day
    of this Instant October at EightElevenof the Clock in the forenoon
    of the Same day then & there will plead not Guilty and take my Tryal upon the
    Indictment you have prefered Against me for keeping an ill
    Governed Disorderly House dated the first day of October
    1743

    ~
    3. Westminster Sessions : Sessions Papers - Justices' Working Documents WJ | PS, 1st October 1743

    A list of Constables ordered to Atend his Majesty 's Justices of the Peace this October Sessions 1743
    Holden Bowker high Constable on Wednesday 5.October.
    {there were the normal swearing in seesions of the elected or deputised persons. Failute to be present could result in a fine of 40s. Similar to the Court Leets of Manchester}

    Holden married Margaretta W Alliston on 14 Sep 1749 in St. Giles, Northampton, Northamptonshire, England. Margaretta (daughter of Bryan Alliston and Ursula) was born on 13 May 1704 in Northampton, Northamptonshire, England; died before 31 Jan 1782. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 11. (E) Robert Bowker  Descendancy chart to this point was born after 1749; died in Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, kent, England; was buried on 16 Oct 1789 in Greenwich, Kent, England.

  3. 9.  Joseph BowkerJoseph Bowker Descendancy chart to this point (6.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.William1) was born in 1703 in Manchester, Lancashire, England.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Name: Joseph Bouker
    • Occupation: Chapman
    • Baptism: 25 Apr 1703, St Mary, St Denys and St George, Manchester, Lancashire, England

    Notes:

    Alternate parents of Thomas Bowker
    Three possible Josephs:
    1. b 25.4.1703 Manchester father Thomas
    2. b 7 Nov 1702 Cromsall father Robert, siblings James and Peter - no
    3. b 30.4.1704 Croston father John - Croston is too far from manchester

    Joseph was Miles Bowker's grandfather! No question about it, from the death report of his father Thomas b 1726.

    Joseph's father was Thomas b 1666 and mother Judith Scofield. See the baptism records of John b 1697, Houldon b 1701, Joseph b 1703 and Benjamin 1707. All 4 say their father was Thomas Bowker junior!

    Joseph's occupation of Chapman : By 1600, the word chapman had come to be applied to an itinerant dealer in particular, but it remained in use for "customer, buyer" as well as "merchant" in the 17th and 18th centuries. The slang term for man, "chap" arose from the use of the abbreviated word to mean a customer, one with whom to bargain.
    en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Chapman_(occupation)

    Merchant - in the 17/18c, before the advent of factories, a Chapman would invest in the raw materials of the cotton, woolen or silk trade, put out the work to spinners and weavers at home on piece-rates, and sell the product for profit

    Joseph married Elizabeth Brabbin on 4 Nov 1725 in Wigan Parish (By Licence). Elizabeth (daughter of Thomas Brabbin and Judith) died in 1775. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 12. (7) Thomas Bowker, of Deckham Hall, Gateshead  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 21 Oct 1726 in Salford; died on 3 Sep 1798 in Morpeth, Northumberland, England; was buried on 5 Sep 1798 in Morpeth, Northumberland, England.
    2. 13. Catherine Bowker  Descendancy chart to this point was born about 1729.

  4. 10.  (C) Benjamin Bowker Descendancy chart to this point (6.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.William1) was born on 10 Jun 1707 in Manchester, Lancashire, England; died on 12 Jun 1749 in Manchester, Manchester, Lancashire, England; was buried on 12 Jun 1749 in Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Baptism: 10 Jun 1707, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire, England

    Notes:

    IM-B in Bowkers of Tharfield, page 2) has it that his will was proved on 5th December 1749 : Administrations of the goods and chattels of Benjamin Bowker, late of Manchester in the County of Lancashir
    e, was granted to Zenobia Ann Bowker, widow of the relict, she having been first sworn, etc. Perogative Court of Canterbury, Admon. Act Book Decr 1749 Lancs, Seat 1
    ~
    From : https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol4/pp174-187#anchorn89
    "The Jacobites in 1745 hoped that Manchester would give them substantial assistance. (fn. 89) Mr. Clayton, one of the chaplains of the collegiate church, was an ardent partisan, and the other clergy were sympathizers. (fn. 90) One of the nonjuring bishops, Dr. Deacon, lived in the town, ministering to a small congregation. On 28 November a daring sergeant of the Pretender's, having hurried forward, appeared in the town and began to invite recruits. (fn. 91) His reception was not cordial, but sufficient supporters were obtained to secure his safety and freedom until the vanguard of the army arrived in the evening. The whole force reached Manchester the following day, the prince himself riding in during the afternoon, when his father was proclaimed king as James III. Mr. Dickinson's house in Market Street was chosen as head quarters and was afterwards known as 'The Palace.' At night many of the people illuminated their houses, bonfires were made, and the bells were rung. Some three hundred recruits had joined the invaders, and were called 'The Manchester Regiment.' Money due to the government was seized. (fn. 92) The army marched south on Monday 1 December, and returned to Manchester in its retreat on the 9th. Out of a contribution of £5,000 then demanded, £2,500 was collected and accepted, and the prince and his forces left the town next day. The Manchester Regiment still accompanied him, and was entrusted with the defence of Carlisle, which surrendered at the end of the month. The officers were tried for high treason in July 1746, and some were executed at Kennington. (fn. 93) The heads of two—Thomas Theodorus Deacon and Thomas Siddall—were sent down to Manchester, and fixed on the Exchange. (fn. 94) The men of the regiment were tried at Carlisle in August and September, and many of them executed. The successful party had their celebrations, the news of the capture of Carlisle and the victory of Culloden being welcomed by public illuminations and the distribution of liquor. (fn. 95) The ill-feeling between the two parties in the town — the Jacobites and the Whigs—continued for many years afterwards."
    ~

    Reference: Historical Papers relating to the Jacobite Period 1699-1750, edited by Colonel James Allardyce, LL.D Volume Second printed in Aberdeen by Milne and Hutchison, 1896. PDF book in Paul TTs possesion.

    It appears from the Depositions at the Jacobite Trials page 379 that Benjamin Bowker was a Deputy Constable in Manchester.

    In the trial of George Fletcher, page 379: BENJ. BOWKER. The night the vanguard of the rebels came to Manchester I saw the defendant amongst them, and several other Manchester men in a room at the Bull Head Inn with a white cockade in his hat.

    In the trial of William Brittough alias Britter, page 435: BENJAMIN BOWKER. When the vanguard of the rebels came to Manchester, I saw defendant along with them at the " Bull Head Inn," with a white cockade in his hat, and I believe he had then taken on with them.

    In the trial of Thomas Chaddoch/Chadwick, page 441: Tuos. BRADBURY ; BENJAMIN BOWKER. Saw the defendant among several of the rebels, who were armed with sword and pistols, in the " Bull Head Inn " in Manchester the day the rebels came there, and was reputed then to have joined them.

    In the trial of Thomas Deacon page 447: BENJAMIN BOWKER. The night the vanguard of the rebels came to Manchester the witness saw the defendant among the crowd at the " Bull Head Inn," and desired him to go home, lest he should be hurt. Prisoner said he would, but the same evening witness saw him again at the same place with the rebels, with a white cockade in his hat, and believes he had then joined them.

    #Thomas Deacon was executed for treason.

    Reference : A Complete Collection of State Trials 1743 to 1753 PDF book in the possession of Paul TT:
    512. The Trial of David Morgan, of Monmouth, but late of Derby, esq. for High-Treason, at St. Margaret’s-hill, Southwark, July 18: 20 George II. A. D. 1746. page 200/712
    "King's Counsel. And what part did the prisoner at the bar act; and how did he behaveduring the time you were with the rebel army?
    Barry. I saw him ride with the rebel army, from Preston to Manchester, and he was very active in encouraging the rebel officers and soldiers. After that 1 saw the prisoner at Ashhorn, and he said there that he would not leave
    the army as long as he lived.—I cannot say that he bore any commission as an oficer : if he did, it is more than I know.

    Benjamin Bowker called and sworn.
    King’s Counsel. Mr. Bowker, acquaint my lord and the gentlemen of the jury, what you know of Mr. Morgan the prisoner.
    Bowker. Upon the 29th of last November, 1 had this paper delivered to me (holding a paper in his hand, and looking at it). It is a paper ordering me to search for arms.
    King’s Counsel. What are you, Sir?
    Bowker. I am a deputy-constable of Manchester.
    King’s Counsel. Who gave on that paper?
    Bowker. The prisoner at the bar and Mr. Wallis, who was one of the head-constables.
    King’: Counsel. Then the prisoner was with Mr. Wallis, when you had that paper delivered to you ?—B0wker. Yes, he was. ,
    King’s Counsel. What were the contents of the paper?
    Bowker. It was a warrant signed by Murray the Pretender’s secretary, to search for all the arms I could find ; and if any body refused to deliver up and surrender their arms, they were to suffer military execution against their goods and effects.
    [Then this Paper was delivered by Mr. Bowker to the Clerk ol' the Arraigns, and was read in court; but it is so very treasonable, that it is improper to insert it. I‘he preamble called the Pretender’s son Regent of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and required all whom it may concern, to pay due obedience to that
    0rtler.]
    King’s Counsel. What, did you get any
    arms ofthe town’s people of Manchester?
    Bowker. I did, and carried them to the prisoner’s lodgings, and left them there, though did not see him, but I asked for esquire Morgan ; and one of the servants belonging to the house told me he would be there presently.
    King’s Counsel. Do you know any thing farther ?
    Bozvker. I do not: I have spoken all that I can recollect.

    King’: Counsel. Call Samuel Maddox next, and swear him."

    In summary on page 207:
    Then there is Mr. Bowker, the deputy constable of Manchester, and he comes and swears, That the prisoner at the bar, with one Wallis (who is one of the head constables of Manchester, and Bowker's principal) came to him with a paper signed by the Pretender's secretary, ordering him to search for all arms, and carry them to the lodgings of David Morgan, esq. which he did accordingly, for in case of refusal, he, and all those who refused to deliver up their arms, were threatened with military execution. This witness is positive to the person of the prisoner; and I think there can be no plainer proof of high-treason than what has been sworn.
    ~
    David Morgan was found guilty of treason and executed.

    Benjamin married (D) Zenobia Ann Illingworth on 18 Oct 1739 in Birch Chapel, Manchester, England. Zenobia (daughter of Thomas Illingworth and Elizabeth) died in 1762. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 14. James Bowker  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1741; died before 1760.
    2. 15. Ann Bowker  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 16 Apr 1743 in Blackley, Manchester, Lancashire; died before 28 Jul 1800.
    3. 16. Elizabeth Bowker  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 27 Oct 1745 in Blackley, Manchester, Lancashire; died before 28 Jul 1800.
    4. 17. Maria Bowker  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 8 Jun 1749; died after Jul 1800.