Background
Born in Matlock, Derbyshire, on 9 March 1627, Bowne emigrated with his father and sister to Boston, Massachusetts in 1648.
Born in Matlock, Derbyshire, on 9 March 1627, Bowne emigrated with his father and sister to Boston, Massachusetts in 1648.
John Bowne later served in the provincial assembly of New York, dying in Flushing on 20 December 1695. John Bowne"s first wife Hannah Feake (or Feke) was the daughter of the Elizabeth Fones who served as the title character in Anya Seton"s historical novel "The Winthrop Woman". They had 20 children.
John Bowne"s second wife was Hannah Bickerstaff (married 2 February 1679/80) and had 6 children (2 died soon after birth).
John Bowne"s third wife was Mary Cock (married 26 June 1693) and had two children. A park, high school and an elementary school in Flushing, Queens are named in his honor.
His house at Bowne Street and 37th Avenue in Flushing still stands, and is open to the public as Registered Historic Place.
