No record of the birth of Martha Bowen has been found. She was most likely born in England and arrived in Maryland around 1670. Her father was possibly Nathaniel Henchman (abt.1650-bef.1695) who mentions her children in his will, but does not mention Martha by name.[1]
Martha Henchman's first husband was Lawrence Wolden who died in 1674. She then married Jonas Bowen. [2]
Children
No birth record for the children of Jonas & Martha Bowen has been found. They were all born in Baltimore County between about 1680 and 1690.
Jonas Bowen b. abt. 1680
Martha Bowen b. abt. 1684 m. John Merryman
John Bowen, b. 1686
Honour Bowen, b. Abt 1688
Abstract of Will
I Martha Bowen of Patapsco River in Baltimore County, widow, being in good, perfect health . . .
to my eldest son Jonas Bowen 1 steer 2 years old.
to my son Benjamin Bowen 1 heifer
to my daughter Martha the wife of John Merryman a yearling heifer called Blacky
to my grandson Jonas Robinson 2 cows & 2 calves which my husband left him in his will that the commissary would not allow, and as much money with the cows which will make up £23.
John Bowen shall have my own feather bed which I commonly lie in with furniture.
to my daughter Onour a new featherbed and curtains.
after my debts & funeral charges have been paid the remainder of my estate to be equally divided between my son John and Onour Bowen who I ordain to be my executors of my will.
I will that William Withinson & Col. John Thomas be appraisers of my estate.
my sons Jonas and Benjamin Bowen to be guardians of my son John and Onour Bowen until they come to age. If they refuse, I appoint my son-in-law John Merryman to be guardian.
Signed and sealed by Martha Bowen with her initials on 12 APR 1703 and witnessed by Nicholas Rogers, Margaret Walden & Arthur Cavenaugh. Probated 5 MAR 1703/04. [3]
Sources
↑ Prerogative Court Wills of Maryland Liber 7 folio 204
↑ Barnes, Robert W. “Baltimore County Families, 1659-1759” Baltimore, MD: Clearfield 1989.
↑ Baltimore County Wills Liber 1 folio 89 FamilySearch.org [1]
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Martha-2 and Henchman-11 appear to represent the same person because: Same husband. Martha-2 seems to have the first name in the Last Name at Birth field in error. Dates are unsourced on Martha-2 and appear to be estimates. Please merge into details on Henchman=11. Thanks for reviewing.