The Life of James BowieBy Karissa Smith

Early LifeDate of Birth- April 10,1796Place of Birth-Logan County, KentuckySiblings- James Bowie had four brothers (John, David, Stephen, and Rezin) and three sisters (Sara, Merry, Martha). Childhood- James and his family settled down in Louisiana when he was six years old. As a child he was a very active and adventurous. It was rumored he rode alligators as a sport.Education- Growing up, he had a good education and claimed he could speak English, Spanish, and French. He was also able to read and write.Physical Characteristics- He was six feet tall, had light skin, and small blue eyes.Pets- Didn’t grow up around a lot of animals, but had one pet dog.

AdulthoodFamily- He had one wife (Ursala de Veremendie) and two kids. They all passed away in 1832 because of the Cholera Epidemic.

Career- One of his brothers and him had signed up for the War of 1812, but was too late because the war ended before they could be enrolled. In 1818, he was introduced to pirate Jean Lafitte and illegally imported slaves from Texas to Louisiana. He never had an official job with a relatively constant income, but built a reputation as a fierce and strong frontiersman.

Pirate Jean Lafitte Ursala de Veremendie

Role During Texas Revolution

He was a large landowner and political leader against military dictatorship. James commanded most of the men manning the Alamo. Him and William Travis had a dispute over command. During the Battle of the Alamo, he was so sick he was forced to hand the power to Travis.

William Travis Battle of the Alamo

Final YearsDate of Death- March 6, 1836How- Bowie had been earlier diagnosed with pneumonia, though it was most likely advanced tuberculosis, and collapsed. He was bed ridden. He was shot several times in the head during the Battle of the Alamo. Why he was important to Texas History- He was known for being a worthy commander and a reckless adventurer. He played a monumental role at the Alamo commanding soldiers. He was also famous for the Bowie knife, which he executed several men with.

Work Cited• www.isjunction.com/people/bowie.htm

• www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=2420

• www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/WWbowie.htm