Dear Everyone,
I came across this by chance and am amazed.
My name is Jane Bowie, I'm the daughter of the James Tait Bowie who died in Hawick in November 2005 (and a very fine person he was, still not over losing him). There are indeed still Bowies in Hawick (close relatives of mine), and as regards those of us who have moved away, our hearts, believe me, are still there.
I haven't had time to read in detail all your messages but will send this page to my two sisters who live very near Hawick who will also inform my aunts in Hawick.
There are many Bowies in the Wilton cemetary at Hawick, including my grandfather, Andrew Bowie (died 1947, blacksmith) and Lily Bowie née Douglas, his wife, and my greatgrandparents James Bowie and Mary Best (of Gladstone St, Hawick, as mentioned by Amanda) and my great uncle Thomas Bowie (never married). I'll sit down and try to work out where they all fit into your research.
My family has been in Hawick for hundreds of years, apparently one Walter Bowie was blacksmith at Cavers (a brother of William or perhaps the same person, named by Amanda?) in 1750. A book I have published in 1913 named "Hawick in the early 60s" lists as Burgess in the town:
- Andrew Bowie, blacksmith, admitted as burgess of the town 13th October, 1842
..as having the municipal vote in the town in 1861:
- Andrew Bowie, horse shoer, West Port
I take a guess that we're speaking of the same Andrew Bowie in Amanda's list.
The municipal well in Drumlanrig St (I'll check) was known as Bowie's Well, I believe because the Bowie of that moment, being a blacksmith (what else?) drew his water there for the forge. The Bowies were always damn fine blacksmiths, and my grandfather Andrew Bowie paid dearly for it dying of lung cancer in 1947 in his early fifties.
My father was a veterinary surgeon (born Hawick, 1928, and he knew how to nail a shoe firmly onto a hoof), his father Andrew Bowie was a farrier, his father was James Bowie, apparently either a vet or a farrier, his father was apparently Andrew Bowie. The only male names of living Bowies in my near family that I know of are Andrew and James, we're speaking about a VERY traditional family. The close relationship between the Bowies and horses is renowned in the area. My father was something of a horse whisperer and my sister has the same gift.
The Bowies of Hawick that I know are a close knit clan and my father loved the town with all his heart. Just in case you're interested apparently the surname comes from "Bhuidhe", Gaelic for yellow or fair.
It would be lovely to hear back, I can try to get info regarding any questions you may have about exact dates and addresses.
With regards to all,
Jane Bowie