Nathaniel Bowman
Settler in colonial Massachusetts (died 1682)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nathaniel Bowman (born by about 1605 – January 26, 1682) was a yeoman who migrated from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630. He initially settled in Watertown and moved in 1651 to Cambridge Farms, an area later incorporated as part of Lexington.[1]
Life
Bowman's precise place of origin and parentage in England have not been established. His year of birth is also uncertain and has been estimated from the approximate date of his marriage. He arrived in New England in 1630 with his wife, Anna, whose maiden name is unknown.[1]
On October 19, 1630, Bowman requested admission as a freeman of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, although no record confirming his admission has been found. He became a proprietor and landholder in Watertown. In 1651, he moved with his family to Cambridge Farms, then part of Cambridge and later part of Lexington.[1]
Bowman and his wife had seven known children: Francis, Mary, two daughters named Joanna, two daughters named Dorcas, and Nathaniel Bowman Jr. Some of the children died in infancy or childhood.[1]
Bowman made his will on October 21, 1679. He died in Cambridge on January 26, 1681/82, using the dating convention then in use. His estate inventory was taken on March 30, 1682, and his will was proved on April 4 of that year.[1]
