Part 1: An introduction to my 4x Great Grandfather, James Bonner
The unusual life of James Bonner, my 4x Great Grandfather
My 4x Great Grandfather, James Bonner, was born in 1770 in Coldingham, a small seaside village in the Scottish Borders, to David Bonner (25yrs) and Elizabeth McKillop (19yrs).
Interestingly, he looks to share his name with his uncle who was a famous bee keeper. His books are still relevant and referenced today by bee keeping experts and can be found in places such as the National Library of Scotland and the Wellcome Collection in London. Maybe I will write a more detailed post about the original James Bonner at some point!
Sometime between 1772 and 1781, James’ parents moved their family down to Woolwich, most likely in the search for work and a better life for their children. James trained as a blacksmith and worked in Woolwich as an anchor smith at The Kings Yard. This was one of the most important shipyards of 17th Century Europe.
While working in Woolwich, he met and married his first wife, Elizabeth Dudley in Plumstead, Kent when he was 20 and she was 17. I say first wife, because James went on to have relationships and children with, it seems, about three other women… Which, I suppose, is lucky for me!
At some point, James was employed by the East India Company to work as an anchor smith. He sailed on an East Indiaman called ‘The Nottingham’ to India about a year after his marriage to Elizabeth.
This voyage would have taken around 4-6 months. James then settled in Calcutta and records show Elizabeth received a letter from him where he stated he had sent some money home for her. Unfortunately, this would be the last letter Elizabeth would receive from James.
Part 2 coming soon…
My great grandmother was Maria Bonner her father was Edgar his Father was John and his was our James Bonner.
Courtney is it possible to send me a direct message.