Richard Bowen, of Weymouth & Rehoboth

Much duplicated information was weeded out of this overview, though some duplication may remain.
Debunked genealogy per this Richard Bowen appears at the bottom—to illustrate invalidated genealogy—along with tertiary sourced (or lesser) and non-sourced information previously entered. — (Ken Shelley, 24 Aug 2023)

Preface

Richard Bowen came to this country about 1638 from Wales [according to the old pedigrees, Kittle Hill, Glamorganshire], lived for a time at Weymouth, and then settled at Rehoboth in the Plymouth Colony, where he died before 4 February 1674, the date he was buried in Burial Place Hill. His parents are unknown. He is not the same as Richard, son of Eleanor Bowen and Sir James Bowen, Kt., of Llyngwair, who died young. There is a fabricated pedigree in circulation: see The American Genealogist article uploaded to the Source tab (TAG 2001: Vol 76, Pages 263-278) with extensive details about him and his family. Other notes are listed below.

Spurious Pedigree

From Wikitree: The Forged Ancestry of Richard Bowen, a 2016 discussion.

The profile of Richard Bowen-480 of Weymouth and Rehoboth currently shows an impressive Royal Ancestry. It is entirely incorrect and is the result of a forged pedigree. The details of the forgery, and corrections to many other details were published in The American Genealogist in 2001.
The TAG article is great; it reveals a SLEW of bad information about Richard Bowen that was published in 1884 and then mis-interpreted and published in another 1897 genealogy. It discounts a few things:

A. Richard the emigrant was NOT son of James Bowen of Pembrokeshire; James had a son Richard, but he died young
B. Griffith Bowen emigrant to Boston and Roxbury was NOT nephew of Richard of Rehoboth.
C. Richard the emigrant has no gravestone, much less one carved with a coat of arms....

• Source: Richard LeBaron Bowen Jr., "The Ancestry, Wives and Children of Richard Bowen of Weymouth and Rehoboth, Massachusetts," in The American Genealogist, vol. 76 (October 2001):263-278.
• Note: The Richard Bowen fraud is listed on Wikitree as "high level" "Frauds and Fabrications" to which WeRelate.org concurs.

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New England Families, Genealogical and Memorial: A Record of the..., Vol. 4, William Richard Cutter, ed. page 1799:

Richard Bowen, the immigrant ancestor, came from Kittle Hill, Glamorganshire, Wales, to this county about 1638 and settled at Rehoboth, Massachusetts. He was a son of James and Eleanor Bowen, of Ilewyndwar, Pembrokeshire, Wales, and grandson of Mathias Bowen or Bowin. He was a proprietor and town officer in Rehoboth, and was admitted a freeman, June 4, 1645. He married (first) Ann ___, and (second) Elizabeth ___. He was buried February 4, 1674, and in his will, dated June 4, 1673, he bequeathed to his wife and children. His widow was buried in 1685.

• Children:
  • William;
  • Obadiah, mentioned below [page 1800]
  • Richard;
  • Thomas;
  • Alice, married ___ Wheaton;
  • Sarah, married ___ Fuller;
  • Ruth, married ___ Leverich.
• (II) Obadiah Bowen, son of Richard Bowen, was born in Wales about 1627, died 1727. He married Mary Clifton.
• Children of Obadiah and Mary Bowen, born in Rehoboth:
  • Obadiah, September 18, 1650;
  • Mary, January 18, 1652;
  • Sarah, November
  • page 1800:
  • 6, 1654;
  • Samuel, July 16, 1659;
  • Joseph, mentioned below;
  • Thomas, August 3, 1664;
  • Hannah, May 3, 1665;
  • Lydia, April 25, 1666;
  • Marcy, March 18, 1672;
  • Isaac, September 20, 1674.

    ---

Source: Encyclopedia of Massachusetts, Biographical—Genealogical, (1916), Vol. 2,
page 38:

”Richard Bowen came from Kittle Hill, Glamorganshire, Wales, to this country, about 1638, lived for a time at Weymouth and settled at Rehoboth, Massachusetts. He was a proprietor and town officer in Rehoboth, and was admitted a freeman, June 4, 1645. His first wife bore the name of Ann and the second Elizabeth. He was buried February 4, 1674, and in his will dated June 4, 1673, he bequeathed his property to his wife and children. His widow was buried in 1685. Children: William; Obadiah, mentioned below; Richard ; Thomas ; Alice, who married a Wheaton ; Sarah, married Robert Fuller; Ruth, married George Kendrick.
— — — — — — — — — —
John Bowen, probably a descendant of Richard Bowen, mentioned above, first appears in Freetown, Massachusetts, as early as 1739, where his marriage is recorded July 3, 1739. His wife, Penelope (Borden) Bowen, was the widow of Stephen Borden, and daughter of John and Mary (Pearce) Read, of Freetown, born October 12, 1703, granddaughter of John Read, of Freetown, and great-grand-daughter of John Read, one of the first settlers of Newport, who came according to tradition from Plymouth, England. John Read, Jr., was for thirty-five years town clerk of Freetown, and three times representative in the General Court (see Read). Mrs. Bowen had six children by her first marriage, and two, Nathan and John, by the second. After her death Mr. Bowen married (second) Sarah Gray. John Bowen became a large land owner in what is now the southern part of Fall River, then a part of Tiverton, and his homestead is still standing, though greatly changed, on South Main street near what was formerly known as Bowen's Hill. His will is dated May 13, 1789.

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Source: New England Families, Genealogical and Memorial; A Record of the Achievements of her People in...the Founding of a Nation (1916), Vol. 2, page 38:

Richard Bowen came from Kittle Hill, Glamorganshire, Wales, to this country, about 1638, lived for a time at Weymouth and settled at Rehoboth, Massachusetts. He was a proprietor and town officer in Rehoboth, and was admitted a freeman, June 4, 1645. His first wife bore the name of Ann and the second Elizabeth. He was buried February 4, 1674, and in his will dated June 4, 1673, he bequeathed his property to his wife and children. His widow was buried in 1685. Children: William; Obadiah, mentioned below; Richard ; Thomas ; Alice, who married a Wheaton ; Sarah, married Robert Fuller; Ruth, married George Kendrick.

John Bowen, probably a descendant of Richard Bowen, mentioned above, first appears in Freetown, Massachusetts, as early as 1739, where his marriage is recorded July 3, 1739. His wife, Penelope (Borden) Bowen, was the widow of Stephen Borden, and daughter of John and Mary (Pearce) Read, of Freetown, born October 12, 1703, granddaughter of John Read, of Freetown, and great-grand-daughter of John Read, one of the first settlers of Newport, who came according to tradition from Plymouth, England. John Read, Jr., was for thirty-five years town clerk of Freetown, and three times representative in the General Court (see Read). Mrs. Bowen had six children by her first marriage, and two, Nathan and John, by the second. After her death Mr. Bowen married (second) Sarah Gray. John Bowen became a large land owner in what is now the southern part of Fall River, then a part of Tiverton, and his homestead is still standing, though greatly changed, on South Main street near what was formerly known as Bowen's Hill. His will is dated May 13, 1789.

New England Families, Genealogical and Memorial; A Record of the Achievements of her People in...the Founding of a Nation (1916), Vol. 5, page 51:

(The Bowen Line)

• (I) Richard Bowen came from Kittle Hill, Glamorganshire, Wales, to this country about 1638, and settled at Rehoboth, Massachusetts. He was a son of James and Eleanor Bowen, of Ilewyndwar, Pembrokeshire, Wales, and grandson of Mathias Bowen or Bowin. He was a large land proprietor along the river "running under the bridge," called Bowen's Bridge, the fresh-water tributary of the Barrington river south from Seekonk. He was a town officer and was admitted a freeman, June 4, 1645. He married, March 4, 1648, Esther Sutton. He was buried February 4, 1674, and in his will, dated June 4, 1675, he bequeathed to his wife Elizabeth (or Esther), and children Thomas, Obediah, Richard, William, Alice Wheaton, Sarah Fuller and Ruth Leverich.
• (II) Thomas Bowen, son of Richard and Esther (Sutton) Bowen, was of Salem, Massachusetts, in 1648, and of New London, Connecticut, in 1657-60. He removed to Rehoboth, Massachusetts, where he died in 1663. His will, dated April 11, 1663, named his wife Elizabeth as executrix of his estate. In 1669 she was the wife of Samuel Fuller, perhaps of Plymouth, Massachusetts, buried August 15, 1676, in Rehoboth. In the will of Thomas Bowen he also mentioned his child Richard and his brother Obediah.

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BOURNE, Ann. b. 1592 Wales, Great Britain; d. NOV 1648 Rehoboth, Bristol, Mass.
Marriage: ABT 1614
Spouse: BOWEN, Richard. b. ABT 1600 Wales, Great Britain; d. 4 FEB 1673/4 Rehoboth, Bristol, Mass.
Children
BOWEN, Thomas
BOWEN, Richard
BOWEN, Ruth
from: Genealogy of New England online.

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The Last Will and Testament of Richard Bowin, Sr.

“Plymouth Colony Wills”, vol. III, pp. 148-149 — Available at
11 Apr 2005.2 Freepages.History.Rootsweb.com:

June 4, 1675

[3:1:147] The last Will and Testament of Richard Bowin senir of Rehobothin the Collonie of Plymouth in New England exhibited to the Court held att Plymouth aforsaid the fouth of June Anno: Dom 1675 on the oath of Mr John Pecke as followeth:

Be it Knowne unto all men by these prsents that I Richard Bowin senir: ofRehoboth in the Collonie of New Plymouth in New England Doe the Day andDate above written ordaine and make this my last will and Testament beingin my Good and prfect Memory and understanding as followeth;

• Item I Give to my beloved wife Elizabeth two Cowes and one heiffer a yeerold and a Mare 5 yeer old and a Mare Colt two yeer old and one Colt thatfolloweth the Mare;
• Item I Give unto my wife my best bed; with all that belonges to it; andall my linnine two Pewter platters; with som other small peeces ofpewter; both the bras kettles I Iron pott I skillett one frying pan allmy poultry and halfe my swine younge and old alsoe I Give to my wife oneCoffer; and halfe my provisions after my buriall; halfe of my Corne;halfe my hay that is Gathered in or may be Growing att my Decease; halfemy butter Cheese Bacon and porke; one hake with the eke belonging to it;one Cherne one brewing tubb one powdering tubb one beer barrell and mymilk vessells; Cushens one Candlesticke; all these foremensionedprticulars; I Give to my beloved wife to Dispose of att her Death untowhom shee will; moreover I Give unto my wife my bible my warming pan;halfe my house that prte of the Leanto, nearest unto the Chimney; asalsoe halfe my orchyard; and halfe my home lott; excepting that prte Isould unto Stephen Paine senir: being an acre more or lesse; all these Isay I Give unto my beloved wife, the full tearme of her life; moreover mywife shall have libertie to mow two load of hay on my meddow att PalmersRiver and three load more on my meddow on the New meddow necke, everyyeer soe longe as shee liveth;
• Item I Give to my son Willam one hundred pounds Comonage; my lott on theEast syde of the plaine my lott in the second Devision; my prte of ffreshmeddow lying and being neare the mile run; my ffresh meddow at PalmersRiver all my meddow that I have mowed att my meddow on the New meddownecke The other pte of this meddow, I have Given unto my son Obadiah; andmy son Richard, as will appeer by a Deed of Gift under my hand; MoreoverI Give unto my son Willam; halfe my house halfe my barn; halfe myorchyard halfe my home lott except Item I sould to Steven Paine senir:and it is my Will that that after my wifes Decease that my son Willamshall have all my housing and barnes orchyard homlott with all thoselands and meddowes before mensioned unto him and his heires forever;
• Item I Give unto my son Willam halfe my swine halfe my Corne halfe myhay; Ingathered or may be Growing and halfe my provisions; butter Cheesebacon Porke;
• Item I Give to my son Willam halfe my Cart and wheeles my Cart Rope withmy plow and plowirons belonging to it 2 Chaires two hogsheads, and allother Corne vessell my wife Can spare; my hake with the Ringe; on it; myGreat brasse pott an Iron pott and my Great brasse pan; and alsoe it ismy will that hee shall have the land which is to be Devided according tothe Devision of 20 acrees to the hundred pound estate; and alsoe my lottlately layed out on the necke Called Wachamaquat necke; and all suchlands as shalbe Devided after the Date hereof; according to theproportion of a hundred pound estate; I alsoe Give unto my son Willam; myChest in the hall my Coffer in the seller loft my Chaine my hay knifeDung forke Pikes Rakes hand saw augers 2 beetle ringes and all my Ironwedges; as alsoe that oxe Called Duke; and my bible after my WifesDecease;
• Item I alsoe Give unto my son Willam the bed hee now lyeth on and thefurniture belonging to it; and one bed sheet and my winnow sheet; and allmy boards about my house, and all my wearing apparrell;
• Item I Give unto my son Obadiah halfe a hundred pounds of Comonage; myplow Irons of my breakeing plow and my thawrtcutt saw and halfe my loggChaine; and the other halfe I Give to my son Willam;
• Item I Give to my Daughter Allice Wheaton my Daughter Sarah ffuller andmy Daughter Ruth Kenericke my old mare and a Colt that suckes on her;
• Item I Give to my Daughter Allice Wheaton my fflagon and two pewterplatters;
• Item I Give to my Daughter Sarah ffuller my warming pan after my wifesDecease; and a pewter platter when the will is proved;
• Item IGive to my Daughter Ruth Kenericke one pewter platter;

It is alsoe my will that if any of these for named beasts [p.148]: viz: neat beasts or horses given Doe Die or come to any lose, the lose shal be to the pticular prson or prsons unto whom they were Given; my executor shal be free hee shall not make it Good to him or them; Item all the Rest of my Goods lands Chattles or whatsoever I have not Given in this my Will and Testament; I Give to my son Richard whom I make and ordaine my sole executor to pay my Debts and to Discharge my legacyes and to see my body buried; witnes my hand the Day and yeer above written

Witnes The marke R of Richard

Stephen Paine Junr:
Bowin senir;
John Pecke;

From HomePages.RootswebAncestry.com:

Bowen, Richard (~1580 - 1674). Male; b. ABT. 1580 in Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales; d. 4 FEB 1673/74 in Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts
Father: Bowen, James(~1550 - ~1629)
Mother: Griffith, Ellen\Eleanor(~1556 - )

Richard Bowen brought his family to America from Wales in 1638. All of his children were born in Wales. His eldest son, George, stayed in Wales and took over the family home. Richard was recorded as landing at Weymouth, MA. Then on to Salem, then Rehoboth, Massachusetts.

Spouse 1: (Bourn), Ann Born (*1593 - ~1648) — m. ABT. 1615 in Wales

Children: (10 children given)
1. Bowen, George (~1614 - )
2. Bowen, Sarah (~1618 - 1676)
3. Bowen, William (~1620 - 1686)
4. Bowen, Alice (~1622 - 1696)
5. Bowen, Richard (~1624 - 1678)
6. Bowen, Thomas (~1625 ->1663)
7. Bowen, Obadiah (1627 - 1710)
8. Bowen, Ruth (~1629 - 1688)
9. Bowen, George (~1631 - )
10. Bowen, William (~1637 - )

Spouse 2: Marsh, Elizabeth (*1623 - ) — m. 2 NOV 1648 in Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts

Defunct Link: http://www.ormsby.org/genie/Miscellaneous/Bowen.html — Removed data associated with it, which is herein duplicated by other sources.

from: Register Report - BOWEN by Sam Behling. Most of the Bowen information is from this source unless noted otherwise. http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sam/bowen.html#P5111

1. RICHARD BOWEN. Born ca 1594 in Poss. Glamorganshire, Wales. Richard died in Rehoboth, Bristol Co., MA, bef 4 Feb 1674/1675; he was 80. Buried on 4 Feb 1674/1675 in Rehoboth, Bristol Co., MA. Ca 1619 when Richard was 25, he first married ? ?

They had the following 7 children:
i. Alice (ca1620-1693)
ii. William. Born ca 1622. William died in Rehoboth, Bristol Co., MA, bef 10 Mar 1686/1687; he was 64. Buried on 10 Mar 1686/1687 in Rehoboth, Bristol Co., MA.
iii. Sarah (ca1624-1676)
iv. Ruth. Born ca 1626. Ruth died in Rehoboth, Bristol Co., MA, bef 31 Oct 1688; she was 62. Buried on 31 Oct 1688 in Rehoboth, Bristol Co., MA. On 23 Apr 1647 when Ruth was 21, she married George KENDRICK, in Rehoboth, Bristol Co., MA.
v. OBADIAH (ca1627-1710)
vi. Richard. Born ca 1631. Richard died in Rehoboth, Bristol Co., MA, bef 25 Mar 1722/1723; he was 91. On 4 Mar 1656/1657 when Richard was 25, he first married Esther SUTTON, daughter of John SUTTON & Julian ADCOCKE, in Rehoboth, Bristol Co., MA. Esther died bef 6 Nov 1688 in Rehoboth, Bristol Co., MA. Buried on 6 Nov 1688 in Rehoboth, Bristol Co., MA. On 20 Jan 1689/1690 when Richard was 58, he second married Martha ALLEN, in Rehoboth, Bristol Co., MA.
vii. Thomas. Born ca 1634. Thomas died in Plymouth, Plymouth Co., MA, bef Feb 1663/1664; he was 29. Ca 1659 when Thomas was 25, he married Elizabeth NICHOLS, in Plymouth, Plymouth Co., MA.

In 1648 when Richard was 54, he second married Elizabeth ?, in Weymouth, Norfolk Co., MA. Elizabeth died in 1675 in Rehoboth, Bristol Co., MA. Buried in 1675 in Rehoboth, Bristol Co., MA.

Richard probably came from Wales, but there is no evidence of his origins. He first appeared in Weymouth between Oct 1642 and May 1644 but probably immigrated in 1640 based on his daughter Alice's marriage that year. He was one of 30 men who signed Rehoboth "compact" 3 Jul 1644.

After looking lots of places, and reading lots of material, I have decided that the ancestral connection between James Bowen and Richard Bowen of Rehoboth is not well-proven. I have gone as far as getting a copy of the will of James Bowen from Wales. He lists the names of several children, and Richard is not among them. of course, He could have been just ignoring a son that traipsed off to America and deserted the established church. I really wish that I could find something that would prove to me that there is a father-son relationship, but I still haven't found it. I am sure that there are many people that would like to hear from you if you find it, as would I.

Charles Davis

1. RICHARD1 BOWEN, born, according to tradition, in Glamorganshire, South Wales, died in Rehoboth, Plymouth Colony, and was buried there 4 Feb. 1674/5 [1:52].

It is said his first wife was named Anne, but there is not a shred of documentation to support this allegation. He is said to have married second, in Hingham, Plymouth Colony (or Weymouth, according to C. Fuller), Nov. 1648, Mrs. Elizabeth (Rey) Marsh, who was buried in Rehoboth in 1675. She was the widow of George Marsh, who died in Hingham2 July 1647 [R.L. Bowen, 2:13]. She had been born in Hempstead, England, married in 1623, and came to America on the Blessing in 1635 [see Desc. of John Page, 106-107].

{{ # 1609 The Blessing (of Plymouth) departed Plymouth, England, about June 1, 1609, as one of the "Third Supply", and arrived at Virginia on August 11, 1609. See Ship & Passenger Information

March 19, 1610/11 The Blessing of Plymouth was at James Town, Virginia. See Ship Information

1. Before 1624/5 From London, arrived at Virginia. See Ship & Passenger Information
2. July, 1635 Departed from London to New England. See Ship & Passenger Information }}

Defunct URL: http://english-america.com/ships/shp-b01.html

If Richard Bowen emigrated in 1640 from Great Britain, he may have spent a couple of years in Salem, where his daughter Alice may have married Robert Wheaton.

Clarence C. Fuller's Record of Robert Fuller (1969) quotes the History of Weymouth in describing the "earliest land record of Richard1 Bowen," dated 1642: "Tenn acres Eyght of them upland two of swampe lying in the plaine first given to Thomas White bounded on the East with the land of Martin Phillipes, of Ralph (Allin) on the west, of his owne on the south, a highway on the north.

"Two acres of upland and salt marsh first given to The White bounded on the East with the comon, on the west with the land of Ralph Allin, on the north with his owne land, on the south with John Uphams marsh.

"Two acres first given to John King bounded on the East west & north with his owne land and of Mr. Newman on the south."

He was soon one of the first settlers at Seekonk, later Rehoboth, with his estate valued at an above average Ð270.

Richard Bowen was listed as a proprietor of Rehoboth in 1643 and as freeman 4 June 1645. Rehoboth's first Board of Selectmen, chosen 9 Dec.1644, included Alexander Winchester, Richard Wright, Henry Smith, Edward Smith, Walter Palmer, William Smith, Stephen Paine, Richard Bowen and Robert Martin. At the time the town was called Seacunk, and was not clearly attached to either Massachusetts Bay or Plymouth Colony. However, the Commissioners of the United Colonies in Boston decided that it would be under the jurisdiction of Plymouth; at this time the town was named Rehoboth.

His twelve acre home lot was adjacent to the "Ring of Green" of Rehoboth, which was a common pasture for the town, as well as the location of the first meeting house. This area faces Pleasant Avenue and is just south of Newman Avenue in present East Providence, Rhode Island.

He was of record 20 or 29 Dec. 1645 with Robert Martin and Stephen Paineas the three "layed out yt necke of land called knowne by the name of Wanomoycet," and on 16 March 1645/6 he was appointed with Robert Titus, William Smith, Capt. Richard Wright, Alexander Winchester, Thomas Bliss, Stephen Paine and Thomas Cooper to get the fences in Rehoboth in order by the 23rd of the month. He was elected townsman (selectman) again on 26May 1647 with Mr. Browne, Mr. Peck, Stephen Paine, Mr. Winchester, William Carpenter and Edward Smith [R.L. Bowen, 1:28, 3:121 and 142].

According to Michael Bowen's correspondence, he was elected in 1651 to serve the town as Deputy to Plymouth Colony's General Court, and as "Father Bowen" he served as the town's first moderator.

On 13 May 1653, "Richard Bowen & James Ridwaye" were chosen "for overseers of the wayes," and a list of "the Subscriptions of the Inhabitants" of Rehoboth empowering Richard Bowen, Stephen Paine, Thomas Cooper and William Sabin to represent them in settling the status of Rehoboth lands lying within the bounds of the new Sowams purchase was drawn up on 28June 1653 [R.L. Bowen, 1:18 and 126].

In the spring of 1654, it was found necessary to appoint William Carpenter, Richard Bowen and John Allen as arbitrators in a dispute between Richard Titus and Nicholas Ide over a parcel of salt meadow [R.L. Bowen, 2:138]. In 1671 Richard Bowen was recorded as having been assessed 3/7 in taxes, a figure somewhat below the median, and by 28 May1672 he was recorded as having sold his one-half share in the 1666 North Purchase distribution to Thomas Ormsbee [R.L. Bowen, 1:39 and 41].

Leonard Bliss, in his History of Rehoboth [45], stated that he served as town clerk. Richard LeBaron Bowen, Jr. pointed out in a letter of 16 May1994 that the records [1:108] of the Rehoboth town meetings make it clear that it was Richard1 Bullock who was chosen town clerk on 14 Seventh Month 1654.

His signature on his will was a mark, even though he was literate, probably because he was too sick to write his name [R.L. Bowen, 1:111].The will was proven 4 June 1675. The inventory totaled Ð175.15s.8d. His daughter Ruth "Kenericke" inherited one mare, one colt and a pewter platter.

Children, by first wife:
i. Alice2, m. Salem, Mass., c. 1640, Robert1 Wheaton, who was from Wales; they moved to Rehoboth.
ii. Ruth, bur. Rehoboth 31 Oct. 1688 [1:89]; m. there 23 April 1647George1 Kendrick, who m. (2) 1 April 1691 Jane Ide, who was buried 12 May1694 [see John G. Erhardt's Rehoboth, vol. 2, and Deane's History of Scituate, 300].
iii. Sarah, killed by Indians, bur. Rehoboth 14 Oct. 1676; m. before 1647 Robert1 Fuller; he was a bricklayer.
iv. Richard, will probated "25 March 1722/3" [Rounds Abstracts of Bristol Co. Probate Records, 1687-1745, 94]; m. (1) Rehoboth 4 March 1656 [original vital records] Esther Sutton, m. (2) Rehoboth 20 Jan. 1689/90Martha (Allen) Saben [prenuptial agreement of 20 Dec. 1689 mentioned in probate].
v. William, bur. Rehoboth 10 March 1686/7 [1:57]; while mentioned in deeds, he was apparently incapacitated and was never given any duties by the town.
vi. Obadiah, d. Swansea, Mass., 10 Sept. 1710 [Bristol Co. Probate, 2:290-291], bur. with wife in Bowen Family burial lot, Read Farm in Warren, R.I. [photocopy of typescript by George Bowen Arnold, in the R.I. Hist. Soc., F89.W19A7]; m. c. 1649 Mary Clifton (perhaps a dau. or sister of Thomas Clifton of Rehoboth) or Chilton; lived in Swansea, and never of Gloucester [S. Perley in the Essex Antiquarian, 2 (1898), 35, stated that an Obadiah Bowen was licensed to sell wine in Gloucester in 1638; Richard LeBaron Bowen, Jr. noted in a letter of 11 May 1994 that the name was copied incorrectly and the date was wrong as is shown by Records and Files of the Quarterly Courts of Essex County, Massachusetts (1911), 77:"Mr. Obadiah Brewen of Gloucester licensed to draw wine" in Jan. 1644].
vii. Thomas, d. c. 1663; m. Elizabeth Nichols.

Preliminary placement on the Bowen family web: Not yet ready for general release

Note: This adaptation is believed to have been authored by Ken Bowen of The Bowen Depository.

Adapted from the book Ancestral Lines 3rd ed. (1998) by Carl Boyer.

The following presentation is an effort to convince descendants that published theories, as well as those in the files of Richard LeBaron9 Bowen, have been rejected for cause. The complete Bowen files of RichardLeBaron9 Bowen were copied, classified by subject, and forwarded to the compiler by his son, Richard LeBaron10 Bowen, Jr., who was born in 1919 and lives at 35 Fessenden Road, Barrington, RI 02806 (1998).

The 1815 armorial tombstone of Jabez6 Bowen (Ephraim5, Thomas4, Richard3,Thomas2, Richard1) at Swan Point in Providence, Rhode Island, states that Jabez was "the fifth in descent from Richard Bowen, who emigrated from Glamorganshire in South Wales, A.D. 1640." A Yale graduate, Jabez was appointed to the Rhode Island Supreme Court in 1776, became Chief Justice in 1781, served his state as Deputy Governor from 1778 to 1786, and was the first Chancellor of Rhode Island College (later Brown University) in1785.

This reference on a tombstone to the immigrant ancestor may be unique for this period. Richard LeBaron10 Bowen, Jr. suggested in 1993 that this specific information may have been preserved in Richard1 Bowen's family Bible; it is significant that in the inventory of his estate, taken in1675, there was listed "Item a Great bible" [Mayflower Descendant, 17 (1915), 250]. This was the only book in the inventory, and the price accorded it, in comparison with the rest of the items, indicated that it was prized, perhaps for its quality or size. However, the present location of this Bible is unknown.

Richard LeBaron10 Bowen, Jr., pointed out in a letter of 19 April 1994that E.C. Bowen was the first to report in print a Bowen tombstone with arms, a standing stag with an arrow [101], stating that "in generations after [Richard1 Bowen left Wales], this same Richard's posterity in this country find upon the tombstone at Rehoboth a stag pierced with an arrow, with the motto, Qui male eogitat male sibi." He did not say the arms were on Richard's tombstone; undoubtedly the reference was to that ofJabez4 Bowen. Five lines later he stated that Richard "was buried at or near Rehoboth," indicating lack of knowledge about the place. However, there is no motto on either the Jabez4 Bowen stone in Newman Cemetery, Rehoboth, or on the Jabez6 stone at the Swan Point Cemetery in Providence. The motto came from the Bowen arms in the center of the pedigree of E.C. Bowen's work; mottoes were not found in the early published examples of Bowen arms.

Then in 1897 Edward Augustus Bowen [Lineage of the Bowens of Woodstock, Cambridge, which was primarily a genealogy of the Griffith1 Bowen family]misquoted E.C. Bowen on page 6: "It appears also that a Richard Bowen, but of what family is not clearly known, died and was interred in the burial ground attached to Rehoboth, and the Bowen arms, a stag trippant [i.e., walking] with an arrow stuck in his back, were cut on the tombstone." Dick Bowen made the point that this was known to come from E.C. Bowen because E.A. Bowen's next sentence said the same arms were born by the Bowens of Llwyngwair, a mistake E.C. Bowen had made on page 102.

As Richard LeBaron10 Bowen, Jr., explained in a letter of 10 Dec. 1993,Richard1 Bowen could not have "had an armorial gravestone with a coat of arms carved on it when he was buried in Rehoboth in February 1674/5....It would be a remarkable occurrence for New England in general, and even for Boston where there were a number of 'stonecutters' in the last quarter of the 17th century it would have been unusual. This would have been a 'formal' stone made by a stonecutter as opposed to the field stones used by the earliest settlers. H.M. Forbes, Gravestones of New England(Boston, 1927), on page 22 shows a formal stone of 1653 at Cambridge and states that there are few gravestones in New England as early as this. A crude one in King's Chapel, Boston, of 1658 has seven rough lines but no decoration. One has to go to the 1670s to find formal stones coming into vogue in the Boston area. Newport, R.I., did not get a stonecutter until after 1700 and Rehoboth did not have one until 1716 [Ibid., 91, 99].

"My father actually treated the graves and gravestones of the 17th century Rehoboth (Newman) cemetery rather completely in Early Rehoboth,4:31-37 with a map of the cemetery. He observed that 'The earliest graves are marked with rough field stones on some of which are chiseled crude initials with dates of burial. Slate gravestones were not used in this cemetery until after 1700.' This implies that many of the fieldstones were not marked with initials or dates, and in a footnote on page 34 he indicates that over the years a great number of these field stones (marked and unmarked) were taken up and put into the walls to simplify grass cutting. He also specifically states that the formal type of stone which would be used for a coat of arms was not used here until after 1700.

"He further points out that many of the interments were not in the common burying ground but on the individual farms.... The earliest stone in the yard was that of William Carpenter, the immigrant; a fieldstone with WC/1658. Other Carpenter stones in the 1680s have dates and initials. Philip Walker's stone has PW/1679.... Richard1 Bowen's gravestone was undoubtedly a fieldstone with or without initials and date and may have been in the common ground or on his farm running out of the Ring of the Green."

Richard LeBaron10 Bowen, Jr., noted in a letter of 15 Jan. 1994 that there is no grouping of graves of children and grandchildren of Richard1Bowen around any unmarked or worn flat tombs. Indeed, much later burials were made near the ancient tombs of Rehoboth, eliminating any significance of the position of graves. The Newman Cemetery, known in the contemporary Rehoboth records from 1669 to 1790 as the "Burying Place," was probably started about 1647 and expanded in 1680, 1738 and1790. The first burials were made about 250 feet southeast of the first meeting house; the cemetery, which now contains about ten acres, lies south of the Newman Congregation Church and Newman Avenue, and west of Pawtucket Avenue, now in East Providence, R.I. [letter from Richard LeBaron Bowen, Jr., dated 3 Jan. 1994, which revised at length his father's presentation in Early Rehoboth, 4:31-37].

In 1754 Dr. Jabez4 Bowen buried his wife Huldah in the old Newman Cemetery and had the Bowen arms cut on the stone. At the time Dr. Jabez was sixty years old. There is no proof to the statement made by RichardLeBaron9 Bowen that the "knowledge of these Arms must have come from his father, Dr. Richard3, who died when Jabez was 41 years of age. Dr.Richard3 was about five years old when his father Thomas2 died, and 26years old when his grandfather the immigrant Richard died."

In 1933 Richard LeBaron9 Bowen submitted an application, dated 21 Feb. of that year, for registration by the Committee on Heraldry of the New England Historic Genealogical Society of the coat of arms that belonged to Richard1 Bowen. Henry L.P. Beckwith, Jr., Secretary of this committee, kindly furnished a copy of the application, which was rejected and subsequently abandoned.

Mr. Beckwith wrote, there "is no proof that [Richard1 Bowen's] gravestone was...cut with arms claimed by the descendants of Richard Bowen of Rehoboth, but rather that the first proven usage of the arms was on the stone of his great grandson, Dr. Jabez Bowen. I would further note that to the best of my knowledge the ancestry of Richard Bowen is unknown."

Richard LeBaron9 Bowen had referred to Richard1 Bowen as "of Glamorganshire, South Wales," with arms, "a stag trippant [i.e., walking] pierced in the back by an arrow, with crest a stag's head erased."

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Archiver>BOWEN>1998-09>0906687395
From: Jack Wilson <jack.wilson@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: [BOWEN-L] new member
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 18:36:35 -0700

--------------

That is correct Stuart. Only I have two contacts recently that I have to get into my computer before I can send out the whole file - and I have lost some of my collection of e-mail as a result of installing a new Netscape browser over the old one. #1 Rhiannen Michaelson-Yates (bad spelling due to memory rather than using source documents) of the Welsh National Library has informed me that the James Bowen we are discussing was not titled "Sir", but another group of data sent me says that his grandfather was. He was born in Llwyngwair but "of Kittle" as he moved there and raised his family and lived in the Manor house and collected rents from the local tenant farmers. I was there two weeks ago, and a "cousin" Glyn Bowen was nice enough to take me around to see all the family's spots: manor house, church and graveyard. I know that all the prior Bowens of this line were in Llwyngwair.

Other persons have done a great deal of work on this line, and I recently got some data back to about 1200 on this line from people who got it from the LDS genealogy library's CD-ROMs. I'll send you a copy separately.

By the way I am checking to determine if the wife's name is Griffith or Griffin. Tha's may be another error passed on to us through the LDS sources which I have had since about 1959 but never got around to checking on until recently.

I met a Griffith fellow while in Kittle. He is the father of Ryan Griffiths (tjr.griff@btinternet.com) and was working with his grandson in the local stream doing a science project measuring the water speed, depth, and other characteristics. Very nice and friendly people all.

Talk to you later,
Jack Wilson

STWARD@ngco.com wrote:

Jack -

Are we talking about James Bowen that married Eleanor Griffith in 1578? I have him as born in LLWYNGWAIR, PEMBROKE, WALES. I have seen him referred to as Sir James Bowen. Eleanor Griffith is descended from Royalty:

Edward III King of England
John of Gaunt
Cardinal Henry Beaufort
Jane Beaufort
+Sir Edward Stradling
Sir Henry Stradling
Sir Thomas Stradling
Jane Stradling
+Sir Wm. Griffith
John Griffith
Eleanor Griffith
+ Sir James Bowen

—————————————————

Question from Unknown Person: Do you have any proof of Richard of Rehoboth, MA as being his son? I have this on James Bowen:
Name: James BOWEN
Birth: ca 1550 Llwyngwair, Wales1
Death: 1629 Carmarthenshire, Wales1
Father: Mathias BOWEN (1524-)
Mother: Mary PHILLIPS (1528-)
Marriage: 1578
Spouse: Eleanor GRIFFITH
Birth: ca 1558/1560 Penrhyn, Carnarvon, Wales
Father: Sir John GRIFFITH (1524-)
Mother: Mary Margaret MEREDYDD WYNN (ca1528-)
— — — — — — — — —
Children
1 M: George BOWEN. Birth: 1580 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales; Death: 1659/1660 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales; Spouse: Dorothy SCOURFIELD; Marriage: 16002
2 F: Jane BOWEN. Birth: 1582 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales; Spouse: Phillip BOWEN; Marriage: 16002
3 F: Elen BOWEN. Birth: 1583 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales; Spouse: Rees John HARRI; Marriage: ca 1603 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales
4 M: Owen BOWEN. Birth: ca 1585 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales; Spouse: Ellen LLOYD
5 M: Sioned BOWEN. Birth: 1586 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales
6 F: Maud BOWEN. Birth: 1588 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales; Spouse: George WILLIAMS; Marriage: 1609 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales
7 M: Thomas BOWEN. Birth: 1589 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales. Death: ca 15962
8 M: Richard BOWEN. Birth: 1586 Kittle Hill, Glamorganshire, Wales. Death: 4 Feb 1674/1675 Rehoboth, MA1. Spouse: Anne ?. Marriage: ca 16142. Spouse: Elizabeth MARSH. Marriage: 2 Nov 1648 Hingham, MA
9 M: John BOWEN. Birth: ca 1591 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales
10 F: Elizabeth BOWEN/ Birth: 1593 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales. Spouse: Reinold Morgan LLOYD. Marriage: 1611 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales
11 M: Hugh BOWEN. Birth: 1594 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales
12 M: Thomas BOWEN. Birth: ca 1596 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales
13 M: William BOWEN. Birth: 1597 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales; Spouse: Ann BURT. Marriage: 16182
14 F: Ellen BOWEN. Birth: 1598 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales. Spouse: William BURT
15 M: Morgan BOWEN. Birth: ca 1601 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales
16 M: Robert BOWEN. Birth: ca 1603 Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales

Another source has Richard born in the same place as his siblings.

-----Original Message-----

From: Jack Wilson [SMTP:jack.wilson@worldnet.att.net]
Sent: Thursday, September 24, 1998 1:53 AM
To: BOWEN-L@rootsweb.com
Subject: [BOWEN-L] new member
—
Dear Cousins;
I am a new member of Bowen-L and just returned from a visit to Wales where my ancestors lived in Kittle from about 1550 - 1639. I was always told that James Bowen of Kittle circa 1550 was a "Sir" but I recently received some information that indicates he was not, Rather it seems his grandfather of the same name, of Pembrokeshire, was a "Sir". Anyone interested in discussing this?
--------------

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Richard and Ann came to Massachusetts in about 1639 with their children. They lived in Weymouth in about 1640 and by 1644 were among the first settlers at Rehoboth, MA. Richard was a large, landed proprietor along the river "running under the bridge" now called Bowens Bridge, a fresh water tributary of Barrington River south of Seekonk. He was of the first Board of Selectman of Rehoboth, Dec. 9, 1644 and was admitted a freeman June 4, 1645.

Ann died at about that time and Richard married Elizabeth Marsh.

b. 1585-1600; buried 2/4/1674/75* Old Newman Cemetery, Rehoboth, MA

The notation 1674/75 does not arise from a question concerning the year, but rather from a reform in the calendar adopted by England in 1752. Before that date the year began on March 25th.

All children, Alice, William, and Obadiah are supposed to have emigrated from Wales with their parents.

Source: Bowen and Butts, A Family History, by David E. Acker, Bedford, MA

MORE: Edited reply by Anthony Gagliani on February 21, 2010 at 8:41pm

Richard Bowen came from near Swansea, Glamorganshire, Wales. He was twice married, first to Ann (Bowne?) Bowen, and second to Elizabeth (Rey) Marsh. Son Obadiah is from the first union. Richard had been at Salem, Mass Bay Colony for a time, and I suspect that is where he married first wife Ann. I have a strong suspicion that first wife, Ann might have been a daughter of William and Ann (Holmes) Bowne of Salem who had come from Yorkshire, England originally. Ann (Holmes) Bowne, daughter of Robert and Catherine (Johnson) Holmes, was a sister to Rev. Obadiah Holmes the infamous Baptist minister who fled Salem and settled at Rehoboth. I believe this is where the given name "Obadiah" comes from in the Bowen family. Richard Bowen left Salem, settled in Weymouth, and later in Rehoboth. Richard married 2nd Elizabeth (Rey) Marsh, widow of George Marsh of Hingham, Mass Bay Colony. The Bowen surname is common is South Wales. Some have said that Richard Bowen descends from a royal line of Bowens, but this has yet to be proven. The most probable parents for Richard Bowen appear to be Richard and Mary (Williams) Bowen of Ilston, Glamorganshire, Wales, but this has not been verified.

Lydia (Bowen) Mason was the sister to Thomas Bowen who married Thankful Mason who was the sister to Joseph Mason.

On the Bowens and Cliftons. It appears that Thomas Clifton was a son of Richard Clifton or Clyfton of "Rehoboth" Nottinghamshire, England. Thomas Clifton appears to have been related to Rev. Richard Clifton, the Separatist minister of Scrooby, Nottinghamshire, England. Thomas Clifton married Ann Stokes or Stockes recorded at Granby, Nottinghamshire, England. The Clifton family descend from one of the Norman soldiers who accompanied William the Conqueror to England. They settled at Lancashire and at Nottinghamshire. Thomas Clifton's second marrieage appears to have been to Marie (Langbotham/Longbottom) Butterworth, widow of Henry Butterworth. Still uncertain whether Mary (Clifton) Bowen belongs to the first union with Ann Stokes, or to the second union with Marie (Langbotham/Longbottom) Butterworth.

These notes are from a discussion thread from the National Institute for Genealogy Studies "GenealogyWise Network", Mason Genealogy Discussions, Sampson Mason Thread. Worth checking. (posted by LDC, Feb 18, 2012)

Source: http://www.genealogywise.com/group/masongenealogy/forum/topics/samp...

Notes for Richard Bowen:

• History of Rehoboth, by Leonard Bliss, Jr.
• Americans of Royal Descent, by Charles H. Browning.
• The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Volumes VI and CXXII.
• Earl Y Rehoboth, Volumes I and II, by Richard L. Bowen.
• Alsey Bowen and Her Children, by Roslyn Collins Dumfield.
• A Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England, by James Savage.
• Magna Charta, Part VIII, by John S. Wurts.
• The Compendium of American Genealogy, Volume VII.
• Colonial Families of the United States of America, Volume IlI.
• Richard Bowen's Descendants to the Fifth Generation, by Charles Sheppard.
• “The Will of Richard Bowen, Sr. in Rehoboth, Massachusetts.” Records of the Colony of New Plymouth, Volume II.
• Daughters and Founders Lineage Book, Volume XXXIV.
• American Ancestry, Volume VIII, by Joel Munsel's Sons. Information Gathered By Robert S. Trim of Rehoboth Massachusetts.

Reference: New England Families: Genealogical and Memorial, by William Richard Cutter, A.M., 3rd Series, Vol. IV: "Richard Bowen, The Immigrant Ancestor, Came From Kittle Hill, Glamorganshire, Wales, to This Country about 1638 and Settled at Rehoboth, Massachusetts.” He was a son of James and Eleanor Bowen of Ilewyndwar, Pembrokeshire, Wales and grandson of Mathias Bowen Or Bowin. He was a Proprietor and Town Officer in Rehoboth, and was admitted a Freeman, June 4, 1645.

He married (first) Ann ____, and (Second) Elizabeth ___. He was buried February 4, 1674 and in his Will Dated June 4, 1673,
He bequeathed to his wife and children.
His widow was buried in 1685.
Children:
William, Obadiah,
Mentioned Later;
Richard; Thomas;
Alice, married _____ Wheaton;
Sarah married ____Fuller;
Ruth, Married ____ Leverich.

Bowen and Allied Families, by James W. Bowen: "Richard Bowen was born in Wales around 1585. Two versions exist as to who his parents actually were, So I present both cases. The proof supporting the possibility of Richard's father being Thomas (of the courthouse Bowen's) is far more convincing, but more research is still needed.

Richard Bowen's first wife Ann and he had seven children. "Richard Bowen is assumed to have come to New England around 1638. It was a common practice to sign up for seven years as an indentured servant in order to receive passage to the New World From England. The First Record of Richard in America Is His Association With Rev. Samuel Newman's Establishment of The Town of Rehoboth, Massachusetts. The Town of Rehoboth Was Purchased From The Narrangansett Indians in 1641. This Town Was Settled For The Most Part By Families Who Were of The Baptist Faith, Unlike Their Neighbors of The Plymouth Colony Who Were Puritans. The Town Was Originally Built On The Banks of The Seekonk River in Rhode Island. The Land Is Now Located in Both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. These Families Allowed Their Town to Come Under The Rule of The Plymouth Colony in Order to Gain Protection From The Nearby Indians. These Families Left Hingham, Massachusetts in 1643 to Build and Settle Their New Homes. As Far As Can Be Determined The Only Place of Burial For Rehoboth People Prior to 1700 Was At Newman Cemetery in Seekonk, Massachusetts. It's Assumed That Richard and Elizabeth (Second Wife) Are Buried in This Very Old Cemetery. Richard Bowen Served On The First Board of Selectman For Rehoboth, Chosen On 9 December 1644. He Earned The Status of "Freeman" On 4 June 1645 in Rehoboth. It's Unknown If Ann Came to America, But in November, 1648 Richard Bowen Married Mrs. Elizabeth Marsh, The Widow of George Marsh, in Hingham Massachusetts. The Men of Rehoboth Purchased Land to Their South Which Became Swansey, Massachusetts, Warren, and Barrington Rhode Island. Obadiah Bowen Was An Original Settler of This Town. King Phillip's War in 1675 and 1676 Claimed The Life of Richard's Daughter Sara

More About Richard Bowen: Date born 2: 1590, Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales.96 Date born 3: 1592, Wales.96 Date born 4: January 03, 1593/94, Camrose, Penbroke, Wales.96 Died 2: 1674, Rehoboth, Massachusetts, USA.96 Died 3: February 14, 1673/74, Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA.96

More About Richard Bowen and Ann Bourn: Marriage 1: November 1648, Swansea, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA.96 Marriage 2: 1615, Wales, Glamorganshire.96

Children of Richard Bowen and Ann Bourn are: +Obediah Bowen, b. January 03, 1626/27, Swansea, Wales96, 96, d. September 10, 1710, Swansea, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA96, 96, 96.

Signer of the Rehoboth Compact in 1644

Richard Bowen, immigrant ancestor who settled at Rehoboth,MA.
Father of Alice Bowen Wheaton her Birth and Death Dates are approximate. She was perhaps born in Wales, and arrived in American about 1640 with her father and siblings
Source: Find A Grave - Memorial 44174408

Richard BOWEN. b. 1590, of Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales; d. 4 Feb 1674, Rehoboth, Bristol, MA. (Age 84 years)

Ann BORN. b. 1592, of Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales; d. Nov 1648, Rehoboth, Bristol, MA (Age 56 years)

Married: Abt 1614, of Swansea, Bristol, MA

• Family 1: Elizabeth BREWSTER Married: Bef. ¿__? Plymouth, Plymouth, Massachusetts, Family ID: F7689 Group Sheet
• Family 2: Elizabeth NICHOLS Married: 1660, Plymouth, MA. Family ID: F7696 Group Sheet
• Family 3: Elizabeth BOWEN Family ID: F7697 Group Sheet
• Family 4: Elizabeth TIDD OR WOBURN Family ID: F7698 Group Sheet
• Family 5: Elizabeth Family ID: F7699 Group Sheet
• Family 6: Elizabeth TIDD OR WOBURN Family ID: F7700 Group Sheet

Source: [S3] Ancestral File (TM), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (July 1996 (c), data as of 2 January 1996).

written by Darrin Lythgoe 2001-2016.

Buried in Rehoboth on Feb 4,1674/5. He is likely buried in Burial Hill, but this has not been confirmed. This, however, was the only burying place at that time.

Richard Bowen was perhaps born in Glamorganshire, Wales about 1594. His elaborate ancestry back several generations is pure 19th century fabrication, and has been debunked (TAG, Vol 76[2001], p.263ff), and his origins are largely unknown.

He arrived in America with his family about 1640, his name first appearing in Weymouth, MA 1642-1643. He soon removed to Rehoboth, MA, and was a signer of the Rehoboth Compact in 1644.

His first wife's name is unknown, but she was presumably the mother of all of his children. She likely died after arriving in America. She was not Anne Bourne, and her existence as Richard's first wife is a fabrication that was debunked in the same TAG article mentioned above.

His second wife, married November 1648 in Weymouth, MA, was Elizabeth ____ Marsh, the widow of George Marsh of Hingham, MA. Her supposed maiden name of Key has not been substantiated.

Children(by first marriage): Alice Bowen Wheaton, William Bowen, Sarah Bowen Fuller, Ruth Bowen Kendrick, Obadiah Bowen, Richard Bowen Jr, and Thomas Bowen.

Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Aug 21 2017, 11:59:19 UTC

---

• Reference: MyHeritage Family Trees - SmartCopy: Oct 25 2016, 4:45:53 UTC

  ---

  
  

Emigrated with his family 1638 to Mass arriving with Winthrop's Fleet and settled in Salem then Rehoboth, U.S. and Canada, Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc, 2010. Original data: Filby, P. William, ed. Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s. Farmington Hills, MI, USA: Gale Research, 2012.

Richard Bowen Jr., ”The Ancestry, Wives and Children of Richard Bowen of Weymouth and Rehoboth, Massachusetts,” in The American Genealogist, vol. 76 (October 2001):263-278.

In summary, tears down a number of fabrications published by E.C. Bowen in 1884; refutes other claims published over the decades.

First appearance in New England: Weymouth between Oct 1642 and May 1644. One of 18 original proprietors who settled Rehoboth in 1643. Buried Rehoboth 4 Feb 1674/5; wife buried 1675 Inventory of Richard's estate in 1675 refers to a "Great Bible" (prob source of a 1776 record; see below) Fraudulent origins: Claims that Richard, son of James Bowen of Llwyngwair [Pembrokeshire] was a) married to Anne, b) had children, c) was the emigrant to New England. While James Bowen did have a son Richard, the child was identified as "mort." – deceased / died young. The "Ann" as his wife is a complete fabrication. That before emigration this family settled at Kittle hill, Glamorgan Co., Wales (far to the east of Pembrokeshire) before going to America in 1640. That Richard had an oldest son George, left in Wales (Kittle Hill), BUT while there was such a George Bowen, sheriff in 1650 in Kittle Hill, he was son of a John Bowen. That Griffith Bowen emigrant to Boston then Roxbury was a nephew of Richard who married first Mary Rifel. He wasn't a nephew, and he was only married to Margaret, daughter of Henry Fleming. See: Herman Nickerson Jr, "Griffith and Margaret (Fleming) Bowen," in NGSQ 67(1979):163-66.

Clues to origins: R's son Obadiah's will makes ref. to 4 pewter plates he was given at his baptism (which would have taken place about 1628 based on his age at death); this would have happened in Wales. This evidence of wealth supported by the valuation of Richard's estate, which was in the upper quarter of estates from that period. Obadiah may not have been baptized under the name "Bowen." Could have been under "ap Owen". Also, "Obadiah" (Alice and Ruth) were rare names; a search of wills from 1620 to 1652 found not one Obadiah. Bowen Coat of Arms Claims Tombstone of a 6th generation descendant Jabez Bowen includes a "so-called Court House Bowen" coat of arms and claims that Richard Bowen emigrated from Glamorganshire in South Wales. 1884 fraudulent genealogy claims that Griffith Bowen had a coat of arms a pierced stag, "as those of Richard." The arms shown in the 1884 chart of James Bowen are the well-known Glamorganshire Court House Bowen arms—standing stag with an arrow in its back. (This is the coat of arms placed on the gravestone of Jabez Bowen.) However, arms of James Bowen of Llwynghwair were a rampant lion. Further, the arms of Griffith Bowen are a stag couchant with an olive branch in its mouth (no arrow). An 1897 genealogy claimed that "the Bowen arms, a stag trippant with an arrow stuck in his back, were cut into" the tombstone of Richard Bowen of Rehoboth. and this was the proof that Richard was of the ancient family of Bowens of Glamorganshire, also shared by the Bowens of Llwyngweir, Pembrokeshire. The tomb with the engraving was not Richard's but Jabez's. No gravestone exists for Richard. Richard Bowen's second wife First wife [and mother of all ch.] probably died after they arrived in the colonies; he did not remarry until 1648. Elizabeth, wife of George Marsh who died 2 July 1647 married Richard BOWEN at Weymouth in November 1648, NOT Richard Brown. Obadiah2 Bowen The claimed specific death date of 1 September 1627 possibly est. from age of 82 at 10 Sep 1710 death. Richard's children's birth dates not recorded. No evidence that Obadiah was born in Swansea, Wales, and that Swansea, Mass., was named by him for his place of birth. The Mass. town was named for the Rev. John Myles, founder of the Baptist church in Swansea, Mass., after his dwelling place/parish in Wales. Baptist minister/historian Isaac Backus published a claim that Obadiah Bowen came over from England with John Myles, founder of a Baptist church in Wales in 1649. But Obadiah came to NE with his father in 1640 at age 12. The only one to accompany John Myles was Nicholas Tanner, and probably much closer to 1666. Robert Wheaton, husband of Alice Bowen (dau of Richard), has been continuously given a Welsh ancestry, prob starting with 1851 obit published in NEHGR. Savage followed this and claimed Robert was first in Rehoboth in 1643, but he was actually in Salem records as early as 1636/7. There is an inaccurate account of him in an 1887 genealogy about the Converse family by William G. Hill, then repeated in later published genealogies, claiming Robert was from Swansea. But we already know that the Swansea connection is related to Myles, who came over thirty years after Wheaton. Rehoboh VR: Ephraim Wheaton born 20 Oct 1659. Therefore, he was not a 4-year-old immigrant. A 31 Aug 1775 record in Providence RI: "Genealogy from Robert Wheaton the first of the Name of Wheaton that came over from England to Salem in New England AD 1636 about 30 years of age and there married Elce Bowen daughter of Richard Bowen from thence Removed to Rehoboth AD 1645 and there lived and Died AD 1696 about 90 years of Age. Their Offspring Joseph, Samuel and Jeremiah Born at Salem [not recorded anywhere]; Obadiah, John, Bethiah, Hannah, Mary, Ephraim & Benjamin born at Rehoboth [all listed in the Rehoboth vital records]." This last probably came from a family bible or bibles. "While not necessarily authoritative (since it was written one hundred and foty years after the fact), this record shows that the family then [1776] believed that Robert1 Wheaton came from England to Salem in 1636." The calculated births of Robert's and Alice's children suggest a marriage year of 1640, the year she arrived in New England. This suggests that Richard may have spent a few years in Salem area before removing to Weymouth. Further suggests that Robert Wheaton and Alice Bowen stayed in Salem for about 5 years. Robert Whateon first appears in Rehoboth records in 1645 when granted a lot.

"Candace Punch........... Both Griffith and Richard took the coats of arms of the ancestor way back who at a Hunting tournament of Henry the V111's command. That ancestor won the hunting by shooting the stag with his bow. Also Richard was the 8th son so he would not be inheriting anything from his father thus the move here and he had the right to take whatever heraldry sign he wished. All Bowen's need to go into Wales and research Richards father was James, his father was Mathias, his father was the Sir James everyone screams about. so that argument is out. been working on this for 61 years. I would so appreciate it if folks would not continually wipe out my tree!!"

America's First Families Online source file #0020, Mrs. Melicent Thurman Smith, Daughters of the American Colonists Membership #000346 (Supplemental) Year 1929 RICHARD BOWEN (1600-1674/5) of Rehoboth, Mass., served as deputy to the General Court 1651, original proprietor.

BOWEN FAMILY

July 12, 2016

1. GWILYM BOWEN (1412-1450) ANNES VERCH JAMES (1430-1460)

GWILYM BOWEN was born about 1412, of Pentre Ifan, Nevern, Pembrokeshire, Wales, to Evan Bowen and Margaret Cubbertson. He married Annes Verch James in about 1450.

Gwilym Bowen died about 1450, age 38.

ANNES VERCH JAMES was born about 1430 of Trellwyn, Tenby, Pembrokshire, Wales, to unknown parents. She married Gwilym Bowen in about 1450.

Annes Verch James died about 1460, age 30.

Children of Gwilym Bowen and Annes Verch James:
1.Owain Bowen was born about 1453, of Pentre Ifan, Nevern, Pembrokeshire, Wales, to Evan Bowen and Margaret Cubbertson. He married Jonet Verch Llewelyn in about 1479, in Wales. Owain Bowen died in about 1486, Pembrooke. +
2. OWAIN BOWEN (1453-1486) JONET VERCH LLEWELYN (1457- )

OWAIN BOWEN was born about 1453, of Pentre Ifan Wood, Pembrokeshire, Wales, to Gwilym Bowen (1412-1450) and Annes verch James (1430-1460.) He married Jonet verch Llelwelyn, in about 1479, in Wales.

Owain died in about 1486, in Pembroke, Wales.

JONET VERCH LLEWELYN was born about 1457 of Gumphreqston, Pembroke, Wales, to John Ap Henry. She married Owain Bowen in about 1479, Wales.

Jonet verch Llewelyn passed away at unknown place and date.

Children of Owen Bowen and Jonet verch Llewelyn:
1. Sir James Bowen was born about 1480, of Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales, to Owen Bowen (1453-1481) and Jonet verch Llewelyn (1457-.) He married (1) Jane Perott. She died in about 1518. He married (2) *Mary Hearle or Hale, in about 1518. James Bowen died in about 1539, of Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales, age 41.
2. Mathias Bowen, b. 1482, Dre Rickart, Pembroke, Wales.
3.Thomas Bowen, b. 1484, Trellwyn, Pembroke, Wales.
4. Elizabeth Bowen, b. 1486, Pentre Evan, Pembroke, Wales. +

3. SIR JAMES BOWEN (1480-1539) MARY HEARLE (1480-1539)

SIR JAMES BOWEN of Pentre Evan was born about 1480, of Llyngwair, Pembroke, Wales, to Owen Bowen (1453-1481) and Jonet Verch Llewelyn (1457- .) He married (1) Jane Perott. She died in about 1518. He married (2) *Mary Hearle or Hale, in about 1518.

Sir James was a knight. He was appointed by King Henry VIII as Commissioner of Revenue in 1516. He was commissioned to be auditor and attorney for the barony of Cemmaes, to take fines of tenants, punish offenders, and etc. It was the period of time when the Bowen family became seated at Llwyngwair.

James Bowen died in about 1539, of Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales, age 41.

MARY HEARLE was born about 1480, of Brecknockshire, Wales, to John Hearle, Esquire (1449- ) and Margaret verch Thomas (1444- .) She married Sir James Bowen in about 1518.

Mary Hearle died about 1539 in Wales, age 59.

Children of James Bowen and Mary Hearle:
1. Agnes Bowen, b. 1591, England; md. Mr. Foreman.
2. Sioned Janet Bowen, b. 1520, Wales; md. Mr. Morus.
3. William Bowen, b. 1522, Wales.
4. Lewis Bowen, b. 1523, Wales.
5. Mathias Bowen was born about 1524, of Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales, to Sir James Bowen (1480-1539) and Mary Hearle (1480-1539.) He married Mary Phillips about 1548, of Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales. Mathias Bowen died about 1629, of Llwyngwair, Pembrokeshire, Wales, age 105?
6. Elizabeth Bowen, b. 1528, Wales.
7. Alson Alice Bowen, b. 1530, Wales.
8. Katrin Bowen, b. 1531, Wales.
9. Jowan/Joanne Bowen, b. 1533, Wales.
10. Nicklas/Nicholas Bowen, b. 1535, Wales.
11. Jane Bowen, b. 1537, Wales.
12. Marge/Margery Bowen, b. 1539, Wales. +

4. MATHIAS BOWEN (1524-1629) MARY PHILLIPS (1528-1559)

MATHIAS BOWEN was born about 1524, of Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales, to Sir James Bowen (1480-1539) and Mary Hearle (1480-1539.) He married Mary Phillips about 1548, of Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales.

Mathias Bowen was Sheriff of Pembroke, 1622.

Mathias Bowen died about 1629, of Llwyngwair, Pembrokeshire, Wales, age 105?

MARY PHILLIPS was born about 1528, of Picton Castle, Pembroke, Wales, to John Phillips and Elizabeth Griffith. She married Mathias Bowen about 1548, of Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales.

Mary Phillips died about 1559, of Llwyngwair, Pembrokeshire, Wales, age 31.

Child of Mathias Bowen and Mary Phillips:
1. James Bowen was born about 1550, of Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales, to Mathias Bowen (1524-1629) and Mary Phillips (1528-1559.) James married Eleanor Griffith, about 1578, in Llwyngwair, Pembroke Wales. James Bowen died about 1629, of Carmarthenshire, Wales, age 79. +

5. JAMES BOWEN (1550-1629) ELEANOR GRIFFITH (1556-1603)

JAMES BOWEN was born about 1550, of Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales, to Matthias Bowen (1524-1629) and Mary Phillips (1528-1559.) James married Eleanor Griffith, about 1578, in Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales.

James Bowen died about 1629, of Carmarthenshire, Wales, age 79.

ELEANOR GRIFFITH was born about 1556, of Richley, Anglesey, Wales, to unknown parents. Eleanor married James Bowen, about 1578, in Llwyngwair, Pembroke Wales.

Eleanor Griffith passed away about 1603, of Llwyngwair, Pembroke, Wales, age 47.

Children of James Bowen and Eleanor Griffith:
1. George Bowen, b. 1580, Wales; d. 1660, Wales.
2. Thomas Bowen, b. 1589, Wales; d. 1596, Wales.
3. Richard Bowen was born about 1590, at Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales, to James Bowen (1550-1629) and Eleanor Griffith (1556-1603.) Richard married Ann Born, about 1615, of Wales. Richard Bowen died 4 February 1675, at Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, age 85. +
4 & 5. — — —

6. RICHARD BOWEN (1590-1675) ANN BORN (BOURNE) (1592-1648)

RICHARD BOWEN was born about 1590, of Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales, to James Bowen (1550-1629) and Eleanor Griffith (1556-1603.) He married (1) Ann Born (Bourne) about 1615, of Wales. Richard Bowen married (2) Elizabeth Rey, November 1648, Rehoboth. She died in 1675.

Richard Bowen was the immigrant ancestor who came from Kittle Hill, Glamorganshire, Wales, his wife, Anne, and 7 children, in 1638, and settled at Rehoboth, Massachusetts. They had lived in Salem for a while, then moved across the river to Weymouth about 1640, and in 1643/1644 were among the first settlers of Rehoboth.

Richard was one of the 58 purchasers of Weymouth, Massachusetts, in 1643. His family was one of the families under the leadership of their pastor, Rev. Samuel Newman. They left Roxbury, Massachusetts, and penetrated the unbroken wilderness and formed a new settlement 50 miles to the south and named it Rehoboth signifying “the Lord has made room for us.”

On 4 Dec 1644, he was one of the first board of Selectmen chosen. On 23 March 1644/45, he was ordered to put up fences in Rehoboth.

He was proprietor and town officer in Rehoboth and was admitted a freeman, June 4, 1645. He was a large land proprietor along the river “running under the bridge,” called “Bowen’s Bridge,” the fresh-water tributary of the Barrington River south from Seekonk. He was a town officer.

1654: Richard was elected to serve as Deputy to Plymouth Colony’s General Court; and as “Father Bowen,” he served as the town’s first moderator.

May 13, 1653: Chosen for overseer of the waves.

He gave liberally to the support of King Phillip’s War, being too old to serve.

Richard Bown was apparently a trusted and respected inhabitant of Rehoboth, as his name appears many times in the early town records for the arbitration of land disputes.

Richard Bowen died 4 Feb 1675, at Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, age 85.

Richard Bowen’s Will was dated 4 June 1674: (He signed the will by a “mark,” probably because of illness and weakness since he is recorded as literate.)

A true Inventory of the estate: viz: Lands Goods and Chattles of Richard Bowin senir of Rehoboth late Deceased exhibited to the Court held att Plymouth the 4th of June 1675 on the oath of Richard Bowin Junir:…

The will and inventory of Richard Bowin, Sr., of Rehoboth, were recorded in the Plymouth Colony Wills and Inventories, Volume III, Part I, pages 147-149. (I have not listed here the extensive inventory due to space provided. mm) The inventory totaled £175.15.08.

(Note: His second wife, Elizabeth, widow of George Marsh of Hingham, MA., died in 1675.)

ANN BORN (BOURNE) was born about 1592, of Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales, to unknown parents. She married Richard Bowen about 1615, in Wales. She was a homemaker.

Ann and her family immigrated from Kittle Hill, Glamorganshire, Wales in about 1638 and settled at Rehoboth, Massachusetts.

Ann Born died November 1648, in Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, age 52.

Children of Richard Bowen and Ann Born:
1. Richard Bowen, b. 1624, Wales; d. 4 Feb 1675, MA.
2. Thomas Bowen, b. 1625, Wales; d. 1663, MA.
3. Obediah Bowen, b. 3 Jan 1627, Wales; d. 10 Sep 1710, MA.
4. Ruth Bowen was born about 1629, of Wales, to Richard Bowen (1600-1674) and Ann Born (1592-1648.) She married George Kendrick, 26 April 1647, at Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts. Ruth Bowen died 31 October 1688, at Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, age 59.
5. William Bowen, b. 1637, MA; d. 10 Mar 1686, MA. +
6. {¿?}
7. GEORGE KENDRICK (1622-1727) RUTH BOWEN (1629-1688)

GEORGE KENDRICK was born about 1622, of Rehoboth, Barnstable, Massachusetts, to George Kendrick (1600-1648) and Jane Unknown (1601-1727.) He married (1) *Ruth Bowen, 26 April 1647, at Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts. (2) Jane Ide, 1 April 1691, Rehoboth.

George Kendrick died 1 July 1727, at Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, age 105?

RUTH BOWEN was born about 1629, of Swansea, Swansea, Wales, to Richard Bowen (1600-1674) and Ann Born (1592-1648.) She married George Kendrick, 26 April 1647, at Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts.

Ruth Bowen died 31 October 1688, at Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, age 59.

Children of George Kendrick and Ruth Bowen:
1. Thomas Kendrick, b. 23 Jan 1647, Rehoboth, MA; md. Mary Perry, 17 June 1681.
2. Ruth Kendrick, b. 16 Feb 1649, Rehoboth, MA; md. John Wilmarth, 6 Feb 1671; d. 16 Feb 1707.
3. Sarah Kendrick, b. 12 Apr 1652, Rehoboth, MA.
4. Isaac Kendrick, b. 12 Feb 1654, Rehoboth, MA; d. 13 Jan 1673.
5. Mary Kendrick, b. 16 Jun 1659, Rehoboth, MA; md. Samuel Bliss, 15 Apr 1685; d. 8 Feb 1705.
6. Elizabeth Kendrick was born 12 December 1661, at Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, to George Kendrick 91622-1727) and Ruth Bowen (1629-1688). She married Jonas Palmer, 14 September 1691, Rehoboth, Massachusetts. They had eight children. Elizabeth Kendrick passed away 5 August 1725, Windham Connecticut, age 63.
7. Abraham Kendrick, b. 19 May 1665, Rehoboth, MA; d. 9 Mar 1682. +

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From: Our Royal, Titled, Noble and Commoner Ancestors and Cousins. NOTE: The profile show three citations that do not quality as valid sources.
Richard Bowen
M, #68692, b. 1590, d. 4 February 1675
Father: James Bowen b. c 1550
Mother: Eleanor Griffith b. c 1558
Richard Bowen was born in 1590 at of Swansea, Glamorganshire, Wales. He married Ann Born circa 1615. Richard Bowen died on 4 February 1675 at Rehoboth, Bristol, MA.
Spouse: Ann Born b. 1592, d. Nov 1648
Children
1. Sarah Bowen+ b. c 1616, d. 14 Oct 1676
2. Alice Bowen+1 b. c 1618, d. 1699
3. Thomas Bowen+2 b. c 1622, d. a 1674
4. Richard Bowen+ b. 1624, d. 4 Feb 1675
5. Obadiah Bowen+3 b. c Feb 1628, d. 10 Sep 1710

Marriages

1. An unknown woman [according to the old pedigrees her name was Ann Bourne, born Swansea, Glamorganshire] WALES, Homemaker, died 1644, Rehoboth, Bristol, MA married before 1622, in [according to the old pedigrees] Kittle Hill, Glamorganshire, WALES,
2. Elizabeth REY, born ca 1590, died 1675, Rehoboth, Bristol, MA. married in NOV 1648, in Rehoboth, Bristol, MA,

Children

(All children by 1st wife)

1. Sarah BOWEN born 1618, Wales, killed by NA, married ca 1639, Robert FULLER, born 1615, Southhampton, ENG, died 10 MAY 1706, Rehoboth, Bristol, MA. Sarah Buried: 14 OCT 1676, Rehoboth, Bristol, MA.
2. William BOWEN born cir 1620, Wales, never married, Buried: 10 MAR 1686, Rehoboth, Bristol, MA.
3. Alice BOWEN born cir 1622.
4. Richard BOWEN born 1623.
5. Thomas BOWEN born 1625.
6. Ruth BOWEN born 1626.
7. Obediah BOWEN born 01 JUL 1627.
8. George BOWEN born 1631, WFT 1996, died 1632.

Richard Bowen brought his family to America from Wales in 1638. All of his children were born in Wales. His eldest son, George, stayed in Wales and took over the family home. Richard was recorded as landing at Weymouth, MA. Then on to Salem, then Rehoboth, Massachusetts.