The names presented in this series of notes are spelled as I found them in the original records or in the works of researchers. Variations include Bonwill, Bonvill, Bonaville, Bonnell, Bonnewell and some others. Many of these "Bonneville-like" names are frequently found as surnames today and but all surely must have a common origin.

There are many reasons, I suppose, for the variations of the name Bonneville. Quite often people of the early 1800's were not able to read or write and if they were able they spelled poorly. It seems quite logical that the phonetic spelling of the names was the practice. Those who could write spelled their names or the names of an illiterate friend, as they pronounced it. Thus the Bonneville name could have degraded (or evolved) over the several hundred years it can be traced to its many present hybrids. It is likely too that the interpretations of names on old records by those well intentioned transcribers are suspect. The handwritten census and wills of years past are often difficult to read and microfilmed copies are frequently unclear thus making it difficult to trace a family line on the basis of name alone.

A first listing of a "Bonneville-like" name is that of George Bonwill of Dorchester county who signed, during the Revolution, the Oath of Alligence and Fidelity, along with 9000 other Marylanders. (from a listing compiled by Bettie Sterling Corothers). George Bonwill is again listed as purchasing some of the land taken from the British after the new government of the United States took control. "Nanticoke Manor", situated on the western shore of the Nanticoke river in Dorchester county, was confiscated from the British and sold by the state on January 21-23, 1782. George Bonwill purchased some of this land.

The next Bonneville listing is again in Dorchester county and is Hall Bonnevill in the first census of Maryland in 1790. The census lists Hall Bonnevill as having the following in his house hold.

1 free white male over 16 1 free white male under 16 1 free white female over 16 5 slaves

These connection bewteen these two Bonwills becomes clearer in Volume 17, page 54 of the Maryland Delaware Geneologist. In an article, Tombstone records of Dorchester County, contributed by Miss Nellie Marshall, 108 Higgins St. Easton, MD.

In this grave yard, the Dean-Boston Graveyard, there are the following:

Bonwill, Elizabeth., widow of Isaac Boston Bonwill, George Bonwill, Michael Hall son of George Bonwill Bonwill, Mary widow of Michael Hall Bonwill Boston, Isaac

Somerset county wills list Michael Hall Bonnewell and wife in a will of James Anderson. The will dated June 12, 1804 leaves to James son, James, land on Quantico creek that was purchased from Michael Hall Bonnewell and wife. Quantico Creek is on the eastern shore of the Nanticoke river in what is now Wicomico County. This area is directly accross from Nanticoke Manor, part of the area purchased by George Bonwill in 1782. The name Hall appears here and it could be assumed that this may be the same person as Hall Bonevill of the 1790 census or close relative.

The Delaware Census of 1800 compiled by Maddux shows three Bonwells; George Bonwell, Michel H. Bonwell and Soberighn Bonwell. It seems that the Bonwells have moved to Delaware.

Further supporting this are some facts from the book History of Delaware by Scharf in a section on Medical Men and Medicine in Delaware.

"Dr. William Bonwill was the son of Michael Hall and Mary Moore Bonwill, who settled in Delaware from Maryland in 1790, and established the Leamington Mills. William was one of four children who were born here and he did not have the advantage of a good education. He, however, overcame this difficulty by his energy and perserverance, and after reading medicine with Dr. Lofland, of Milford, obtained his diploma from the University of Pennsylvania...."

Dr. William Bonwill died in 1864.

There was an interesting footnote;

"(1) The Bonwill family were originally from Normandy, and in the time of William, Duke of Normandy, and later in English history, were conspicuous. When Henry VI was made a prisoner at the battle of Southampton he was placed in charge of William, Lord Bonville, who was captured at the second battle of St. Alban's and beheaded."

More information concerning this Bonvill family can be found in Burkes Dormant and Extinct Peerages (R929.72 B page 59). There information is presented from the time of Richard II (September of 1449) to 1554.

Another son of Michael Hall Bonwill is presented in Maryland Eastern Shore Vital Records 1801-1825 by F. Edward Wright. This was transcribed from a microfilm copy at the state Archives.

"Friends Record Book of Marriages at North West Fork Monthly Meeting, Caroline County, commencing in 1801"

"George Bonwill of Motherkill Monthly Metting of Kent Co, Del, son of Micael [sic] H. Bonwill of said co and Mary his wife, she being decd; and Anna Stanton, dau of Beachom Stanton of Caroline Co and Deborah his wife; 3-19-1817 at center Metting house"

George and Ann appear again in Vital Records of Kent and Sussex counties Delaware, 1686-1800 by F. Edward Wright showing the birth of a son.

"Isaac Bonwell (no date given) of George and Ann Bonwell"

These were vital records from Murderkill and Duck Creek monthly meetings. There is no date for the birth of Isaac Bonwell but almost all the dates listed range from the late 1700s to 1800.

There is evidence of some Bonwells in Delaware at this time in the book This History of Nineteenth Century Laurel, by Harold Hancock. The name Severign Bonwell appears on page 116. Severign signed a petition to the General Assembly to have Sussex County to erect and keep in repair the Bridge in Laurel crossing Broad Creek between the Broad Creek 100 and the Little Creek 100. This was in January of 1798. One should keep in mind that Broad Creek is a tributary to the Nanticoke river and is upstream from George Bonwills Nanticoke Manor.

In some extracts of Somerset county wills compiled by Ruth Dryden we find more early Bonnevilles. Severign Bonnewell was witness to will of Joshua Davis, September 26, 1795. This is surely the same Severign Bonwell mentioned before. Where this will was witnessed in not indicated but it should be remembered that the area on the eastern shore of the Nanticoke river was Somerset County, Maryland before 1867, when it became Wicomico county. Also in Somerset County Wills at this time is John Bonnewell was witness to the will of John Reden, November 20, 1800.

The Delaware Census Index 1800 by Ronald Vern Jackson, finds Michael H. Bonewill Kent Co..

31010-10100-30

extracting the numbers we have:

3 males under 10 years of age 1 male between 10 and 16 years 1 male between 26 and 45 1 female under 10 years 1 female between 16 and 26 3 other free persons in that family, except indians not taxed.

Shown in the the 1800 Census of Delaware by Maddux in the Little Creek 100 is Soberighn Bonwell with the following household;

1 free white males under 10 1 16 to 25 1 26 to 45 2 free white females under 10 2 free white females 10 to 25 1 26 to 45

In 1800 Census of Kent County, Delaware, transcribed and edited by Ellen Stanley Rogers and Louise E. Easter; Genealogical Recorders, Box 52, Bladensburg, Maryland, finds the Bonwills in more detail. Michael Bonwell is in an area near Frederica and has members of his household as mentioned earlier. Living in the section of Duck Creek 100 called Duck Creek Neck is George Bonwell. Duck Creek Neck included the area of Hills Balcksmith Shop (pages 4-6 of actual census).

George Bonwell

1 free white male 26-45 years 1 free white female 16-26 years 1 free white female of 45 and up including heads of families

More compiled census of Delaware show the Bonwills and their families growing and moving.

The Delaware Census Index 1820 by Jackson, Teeples and Schaefermeyer;

name county micrfilm page township Severn Bonewell Suss 393 Broad Creek George Bonwell Kent 014 MurderKill Jacob Bonwell Kent 021 MurderKill Michael H Bonwell Kent 022 MurderKill

The Delaware 1830 Census Index by Jackson and Teeples;

George Bonawell Kent 223 Duckcreek Michael C. Bonewell Kent 290 Murderkill George Bonneville Kent 299 Murder Kill

Jacob Bowden Kent 241 Duck Creek Uriah Bowden Sussex 070 Baltimore

The Delaware 1840 Census Index by Jackson and Teeples

George Bonewill Kent 086 MurderKill Elizabeth Bonwell Kent 093 MurderKill William M Bonwell Kent 070 MurderKill

There is no Michael Bonwill here so likely he died between 1830 and 1840.

The Delaware 1850 Censu Index by Jackson;

(in this year we find only Jackson did Teeples die between 1840 and 1850?, (joke))

George Bonwell Kent 236 MurderKill Peter Bonwell Kent 233 Murder Kill William Bonwill Kent 227 Murder Kill

The Index to the 1850 Census of Delaware compiled by Virginia L Olmsted lists names ages and birth places and census sheet numbers.

KENT COUNTY 1850

AGE PLACE OF BIRTH CENSUS SHEET #

Charles Bonville 14 DE 227 William Bonville 50 DE 227 Wm 17 DE 227

Elizabeth Bonwell 12 DE 233 George Bonwell 50 MD 236 Mary Bonwell 26 DE 233 Mary Bonwell 31 DE 236 Peter Bonwell 31 DE 233

It looks like here we have Peter and Mary Bonwell with daughter Elizabeth Bonwell. There also seems to be George Bonwell born in Maryland living with Mary Bonwell who could be his daughter. Another good guess is that George is a son of Michael Hall Bonwell.

The name Benjamin Bonnevill appears in Tax list of Somerset and Worcester County 1783 by Ruth Dryden. Benjamin Bonnevill in the Mattapony 100 (located in the southern most part of Worcester County just above the Virginia line), owned Wakefield, 200 acres and Discovery, 200 acres. Benjamin Bonnewell is mentioned again, assuming that he is the same, in Land Records of Somerset County by Ruth Dryden. Benjamin buys Rotten Quarter from Ezekiel Bramble, Febuary 11, 1793. Again we see Benjamin in the sale of 96 acres of Fox Harbor and 7 acres from J. Brumble Febuary 8, 1800.

Benjamin Bonnewells will is listed in the Worcester county wills by Ruth Dryden and is dated April 4, 1807 and the following sons and a daughter are shown; Mary, George, Edward Hearn, Severn and John. The date of death is March 10, 1815. John and Severn are probably the same persons listed earlier as witnesses to wills.

Thomas and Elizabeth Bonnawell sell portions of their land, Hog Quarter, about December 20, 1808, in Somerset county.

In other land records of Somerset county we find in 1848, Samuel S. Bonnewell giving to his wife, Ann Bonnewell, 139 acres of Suffolk. This is shown later in his will.

The Maryland Census index of 1810 shows Benjamin Bonniwell in Worcester County along with Edward Bonnewell and John Bonniwell. Thomas Bonnneville appears in the Somerset County 1810 census.

The will of Samuel S. Bonnewell appears in Somerset County Wills, 1837-1859 by Dryden. Will dated July 24, 1848 gives to wife Ann R. the farm Suffolk and is executor. The sons listed are Tubman Francis, Samuel Edward, and Columbus Jerome. The daughters listed are Hester Ann, Caroline, and Mary Jane Bonnewell. The date of will effect is August 29, 1848.

The will of Edward Bonnewill, June 23, 1818, shows wife Patsey and children Jane (Brittingham), Andrew, Molly, Pattey and James. The date of death was August 21, 1819. Possibly it can be guessed that Edward and Benjamin Bonnewill/Bonnewell were brothers.

James Bonneville is witness on October 30, 1829 to a will of Harriette Dryden. Witness to the will of Benjamin Simpson on August 29, 1834 is William Bonnewill.

The beginning of the Bonneville line that has been documented accurately so far starts with James Bonneville who was born about 1815 and lived in the Dublin District of Somerset county Maryland. This information is per the census of 1860. Priscilla Spencer was married to James Bonneville Oct. 27, 1847 as per the marriage records of Somerset county. Priscilla Bonneville, age 35, was born in Maryland, December 1824. James date of birth is inferred from the census of 1860. This census listed James as a 45 year old male, occupation farmer and birth place Maryland.

It can be believed that Priscilla is James second wife. Two items help support this. One son of James Bonneville, Selby, is much older than the rest of the children in the family. An interview with Carolyn Bonneville (Jan. 20 1987), granddaughter of James Bonneville, reveals her fathers brother Selby was "...a half brother to Poppa...". James is also about ten years older than his wife Priscilla. Selby is shown later in the census of 1880 to have the name James S. Bonneville.

James death, about 1871, is calculated for James from interview with Carolyn Bonneville (his granddaughter, Jan. 20, 1987). "..Poppas father died when poppa was 14 years old...".

A compiled version of the Somerset county census of 1860, put together by Nancy Crockett-Tab, Family Line Publications, shows that the census was taken by 2 men, Lemuel Malone and Samuel R. Somers. "Mr. Malone was fairly thorough...." according to the author. The date the census was taken in the Potatoe Neck, Dublin District, Princess Anne post office, was listed as June 1860.

The following persons were also listed in the household of James and Priscilla Bonneville:

Selby Bonneville 18 year old male Edward Bonneville 9 year old male Sarah Bonneville 8 year old female Comfort Bonneville 7 year old female Harriett Bonneville 5 year old female Priscilla Bonneville 3 year old female Infant Bonneville 1 year old female Betsy Johnson 50 year old female Eben Scott 22 year old blk laborer (male) Moses Scott 16 year old blk laborer (male) Levin Scott 8 year old blk aprnt. (male)

The female infant Bonneville is probably Margaret Matilda Bonneville (B 12/18/1859 D 4/12/1938). Not actually listed in the census were William Bates Lawrence Bonneville (B 2/3/1857 D 3/15/1939) [the father of the previously mentioned Carolyn Bonneville] and George Washington Bonneville (B 8/18/1851 D 2/9/1930). They were also children of James Bonneville as per interview with Carolyn Bonneville (Jan. 20, 1987)

The census of 1870 compiled by Ruth Dryden has the Bonneville household #242 in the Dublin district as follows:

James Bonneville 63 year old farmer (male) Priscilla 43 k. hse. (female) John 20 far/labor (male) Alevia 17 wo/occu. (female)

Harriett 16 att school (female) Margaret 12 att school (female) William 14 att school (male) George 5 (male) Della 4 (female)

Alevia Bonneville may be the same person as Comfort or Sarah. The relationship of John is not certain.

George Washington Bonneville is buried in the Good Will M.E. cemetery in Goodwill, Maryland next to his wife, Mary E. Bonneville (B 8/4/1846 D 12/16/1941). Buried there is also a Lennie A. Bonneville (B 1876 D 1954) but relation is unknown.

William Bates Lawrence Bonneville married Mollie Hales (B 9/16/1862 D 6/22/1917?) in November of 1889 as per obituary saved by Carolyn Bonneville. They had 4 children. They were: William Bonneville Jr., who died as a small child, Lula Bonneville who also died as a child (B 10/13/1890 D 2/5/1901) and is buried in the Snow Hill Methodist Episcopal cemetery, Nellie Bonneville (B 7/24/1893 D 6/10/1974), who is also buried in the same cemetery next to her sister and father; Carolyn Bonneville (B 5/20/1897) who never married and still lives in Snow Hill in the house her father built.

Margaret Matilda Bonneville married James T. Richardson of the Richardson clan of Mt. Ephiram fame near Public Landing, Md. They had 10 children.

James Selby Bonneville appears in the census of 1870 in Dublin household # 210. James household has Catherine (B 1845) and Sally (B 1869). From marriage records of Somerset county this James Bonneville married Catherine S. Johnson on March 26, 1868.

The 1880 census of Worcester county on microfilm listed this James S. Bonneville again, in Colburns District:

household 96 family 99 James S. Bonneville 38 works in S.S Mill Susan C. 35 wife Sarah W. 11 dau James F. 9 son Charles S. 3 son William E. 1 son

The 1870 census lists a child named Sally (B 1869). This may be Sarah W. from the 1880 census and the spelling is suspect.

Another family that lived in same house or location was the Hayman family. (relation?)

household 96 family 98 John D. Hayman 27 works in S.S. Mill Sarah C. 19 wife Isaac H.W. 4 son

William Edward Bonneville was born 9-21-1878 "in an area of Worcester Co. called the Old Furnace" as per Biography and Business 1934-35. William Edward Bonneville moved to Salisbury about 3/1/1903. He married Mary Ellegood Phillips and had a daughter, Eleanor Bonneville McKelvey of Wilmington. William E. Bonneville listed above is the same barber of notoriety from Salisbury who cut hair during the 1920's and 30's.

A good guess would be that Benjamin E. Bonneville (B 1849 D 1923) is also a brother to James Selby and probably another son from James first wife. This Benjamin Bonneville is buried in Pocomoke City, Md, at the First Baptist cemetery. He is listed in the 1880 census in the Stockton District.

household 328 family 332 Benjamin Bonnawell 37 carpenter Emma F 25 wife James E. 8 son Emma E. 6 dau Heattie B. 2 dau

Next door to Benjamin was another Bonneville family. The first name of the head of household was illegible, but later turns out to be James W. Bonneville, the father of Benjamin.

household 328 -------- Bonnawall 71 farmer family 330 Harriett 59 wife Elizabeth Guswellin 30 servant (white) Ulysess S. G. " 13 son Amanda F. " 7 dau Isaac J. Landing 23 wid/div. farm labor.

From the Wicomico Weekly News, Thursday Jan. 13, 1921, Worcester county news in brief:

"...Mr. Benjamin E. Bonneville one of Pocomokes best known carpenters on Friday met with a painful mishap. He was working on a farm near Crossroads and fell from a stage to the ground a distance of several feet and broke one of his legs above the knee joint. He was otherwise bruised and mangled."

The census of 1860 shows a Franklin Bonneville age 30 with Elizabeth age 21. Franklins occupation is house joiner and is relatively wealthy with $1500 real estate and $500 personal property (This later proves to be Tubman Frances Bonneville a well known justice of the peace in the Pocomoke, MD area). In this household #634 in the Dublin district is also a Columbus Bonneville age 20.

The same census shows at household # 1156 in the Dublin district, Henry D. Bonneville. Henry, age 30 and farmer, is with his wife Hester also age 30. The Somerset county marriage records records the marriage of Henry D. Bonneville to Hester Ann Adams on March 20, 1850. They have the following other people in their household; John age 7, Elizabeth age 5, Alice age 2, and Mary age 4 months.

From Somerset County Marriage Records, 1796 to 1871 by Dryden on Notes page 692;

Bonewll, Henry to Ann Adams (did not get date) Bonewell Samuel to Anne Ford 16 Oct., 1826 Bonnawell, Andrew to Harriet Maddux 12-31-1827 Bonnawell, George P to Anne Linton 2-17-1851 Bonnawell, James to Elizabeth Jones Jan 28, 1851******** Bonnawell, Tubman F to Elizabeth G. Veasey 12-8-1859

Anthony DeBonne to Sally Long Nov 18, 1796 Anthony DeBonne to Sally Dorsy Dec 30, 1820 Tubman DeBonne to Sally Walston Sept. 10, 1825

James S. Bonniville to Catherine S. Johnson 3-26-1868 Thomas Bonnewell to Nancy Tull 12-25-1820

from 1860 Census Sussex county Delaware by R. Bernice Leonard

in the Indian River 100

in the HH 139 of William B Rust 51 F Sally H. 45 William H. 19 Robert B. Bonwell 14

The Wicomico News, Thursday May 2nd, 1907 presents the obituary of Tubman F. Bonneville.

"-Mr. Tubman F. Bonneville died at his home in Pocomoke City on Thursday. He had been ill for nearly two weeks and all the while his condition was considered serious. Friday of last week Dr. Dick, of Salisbury, was called in consultation with the attending physician in the hope that some treatment might be used to stay the disease that seemed to be eating away his life. This was of no avail and he gradually grew worse until death relieved him of his suffering on Thursday. Mr. Bonneville was for a number of years a Justice of the Peace and was in the 81st year of his age."

From the Wicomico News, Thursday July 5, 1900, this wedding announcement was made.

"Near Pocomoke city Wednesday morning [July 4th, 1900] at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Bonneville, daughter, Cleora P. Bonneville wed Prof. Samuel D. Churchill, formerly of Pittsfield, Mass., now professor of languages at Dover Academy, Dover, Delaware."

From the Wicomico News, Thursday, May 10, 1900 comes this tragic report of the untimely demise of young Bruce Bonneville who had been missing for some time.

"The body of Bruce Bonneville, son of Mr. J.W. Bonneville, of Snow Hill, who was drowned in the Pocomoke river last fall, was found Thursday by some fishermen about five miles up the river on a mud flat. Scarcely anything remained of the boy but his bones and clothes. His father recognized the clothing at first sight."

Announcement of the death of the wife of Tubman F. Bonneville is reported to her brother the well renowned Captain William F. Veasey of Salisbury in the issue of the Wicomico News on May 24, 1900.

"Capt. William F. Veasey of Salisbury received the sad intelligence Thursday of the death of his sister, Mrs. T. Francis Bonneville of Pocomoke City. Deceased was about 60 years of age, and had long suffered from consumption. She leaves besides her husband five devoted sons to morn their loss. Her sons are E. E. Bonneville and Fred L. Bonneville of Pittsburg, Pa.; F. Lee Bonneville of New York; Earl S. Bonneville of Indianapolis, Ind, and William T. Bonneville of Pocomoke City."

There is an Edward Benjamin Bonneville (B 12/16/1888) listed in the World War I service records. Edward Bonneville is listed as being from Stockton, Worcester County, Maryland. This Edward Bonneville died of diabetes at Camp Dixon, NJ on 12/29/1918. Also listed in the service records were Elton J. Bonneville (B 4/21/98 Snow Hill, MD), Harrison P. Bonneville (B 11/1/1893 in New Church, Va but from Stockton, MD) and Wallace Austin Bonneville (B 2/27/1894 Snow Hill, MD).

In the Delaware Peninsula Directory 1908-9 there are 3 Bonnevilles listed in Snow Hill, Maryland: Carl S. Bonneville (barber), William Bonneville (carpenter and most likely same as William Bates Lawrence Bonneville) and John E. Bonneville (farmer).

From the Salisbury Advertiser this article about a great fire in Pocomoke which destroyed much of the downtown.

Salisbury Advertiser, July 9, 1892

"Great Fire at Pocomoke

Fire broke out at Pocomoke City last Wednes day morning about 2 o'clock and destroyed about one half the business portion of the town before it could be placed under control...... ....There is some doubt as to the origin of the fire. One report is to the effect that it originated in the rear of a store room belonging to Mr. Lloyd Wilkinson, the other that Mr. Bonneville, a merchant, and one of those who suffered, left a burning lamp in the store room and it exploded. Bith reports are unauthenticiated. The following is a list of properties destroyed, their value and the amount of insurance thereon:....James Bonneville, loss $1,200; insured $300..."

Some exerpt of the book History of Pocomoke City by Murray. This book was originally published in 1883. Mr. Murray speaks in the preface about writing the history book concerning "ye olden times". This seems odd now considering that the book was writen in 1883.

He talks about the homestead of "Captain Isaac N. Veasey which was on the "eastern side of Market St".

He lists carpenters and ships carpenters:

"Shipcarpenters were William Bonnewell...James Bonnewell...Tobe Bonnewell.."

"I record from memory the following names of those who were sailing captains from this place from 1820 to 1882 inclusive:... Herod Scott...William H. Veasey...Isaac N. Veasey...Thomas J. Veasey..."

And about the Temperance Cause in Pocomoke (which was quite strong in Pittsville about this time) he writes;

"The temperance cause as a distinct organization was unknown in the early history of New Town. The only thing bordering on temperance was the denunciation against drunkenness from the sacred desk, which declared that "drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Not withstanding this first out-beaming of the temperance cause from the pulpit, professed Christians would sometimes be seen with flushed cheeks and tongues unbridled, as the result of the too frequent use of the glass. Indeed, the habit of drinking spirituous liquors, with the exception of a very few, was quite common in families, in social gatherings and in business life."

This excerpted from New Revised History Dorchester County, Maryland by Dr. Elias Jones:

"Frist settled in the mid-17th century by English and French immigrants, its growth was slow and centered along the Bay and river shores. roads were slow in coming and for many years all the transportation was by water...."

and again a little more discriptive of those who came to the new world:

"To those first settlers, and other heroic adventurers who followed, to establish new homes for the enjoyment of personal freedom and liberty of conscience in a lovely land, clothed in a forest of virgin wildwood, shore-washed by the bold waters of the Chesapeake Bay, and embraced by the beautiful rivers that curve and twine inland toward dlightful locations for towns and rural homes..."

From Worcester County Maryland's Arcadia by Truitt and Les Callette, some Bonneville information; regarding education;

"The Board encouraged attendance at Summer School... Johns Hopkins University for several years was exceedingly popular with Miss Mamie Bonneville..."

and regarding WWI:

"...After the St. Mihiel victory U.S. troops were at Verdun or concentrated along the line between the Meuse River and the Argonne forest...included with other Worcester coutians...Harrison P. Bonneville.."

and in the Marine Corps:

"enrolled the following:... Wallace Austin Bonneville..."

and amoung those "who gave their lives in World War I ...Edward J. Bonneville, Stockton..."

(I think he died of Diabetes in the states, I'll check)

and about WW II:

"In August a scond invasion of France had been launched...as the fighting intensified, the number killed in France mounted. Those from Worcester included: ...Walter Powell Bonneville..."

In the book Heads of Families, the First Census of the United States 1790, Virginia; by The Reprint Company,Spartanburg, S.C.

There are now Bonnevilles or like names. I found several Bowdens in one area, Isle of Wight. This was an area on the western shore south of the James River and north of Noltway River.

Head of Household No White No Black

John Bowden 8 Thomas Bowden 7 2 Lemuel Bowden 4 2 Richard Bowden 1 1

From another book emigrants from England 1773-1776, by Fothergill I find a Daniel Wells who came from Suffolk through the Port of London to Maryland. Period May 10 - May 17, 1774, abord the ship Union.

Daniel Wells is listed as a Gardener and an indented Servant at 20 years of age.

Benjamin Spencer Port of London 15th-23 Jan. 1774 from Surry abourd the ship Peggy to Maryland. He was a indented servant and a carpenter 23years old. Note he is listed next to Henry Bateson age 24 a stone mason and also and indented servant from the same place, Surry.

Virginia Taxpayers 1782, by Fothergill and Naugle shows several Bonwells and Bonwills, in Accomack county, Virginia.

white slave Charles Bonwell - - George 2 James 2 1 James Jr - - John - - McKeel 2 7 McKeel Jr 2 8 Mary 2 4 Reuben 1 - Southey - - Stephen 2 - Thomas 1 - James Bonwill 1 3

I found another very interesting book called Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution by John H Gwathmey. It lists some Bonneville like names. Some of these people may be repeated as the names were not spelled the same as noted by the author but one can logically conclude that may are simply errors and not different people.

Bonewell, James Sgt., 9 CL (9th Virginia Reg. Continental Line) Boneval, Thomas, Navy, E. (E = diff source of records) Bonewel, Michael, Ensign, Accomac, qualified 1777 Bonewell, Reuben, INF, nbll (name appeard in army register but not bounty land warrants) Bonewell, Thomas, Sailing Master State Navy, mss , WD (War Dept record) Bonnewell, George, Seaman, Navy Bonnewell, Reuben, E. (E = diff source of records) Bonnewell, Thomas, Master, Navy, 1629 Acres Bonniwell, Reese, Pvt. WD Bonniwell, Reuben, E. Bonwell, James (Bonewell) Sgt. 9 CL, also Bonwill, Ohio Pensioner, E. Bonwell, John, E. Bonwell, Thomas, Navy E.

From what I can gather of this list is that it is a multiple source list and I imagine that alot of these people are the same. The Author noted that alot of people spread out all over after the war.

I had found a Thomas and Elizabeth Bonnawell who sold portions of there land in Somerset county in 1808. Is this the same Bonnawell who received the 1629 acre land grant?

In trying to clear up this Bonneville mess I am putting together alot of misc facts I have cluttering my mind. I go back to the Census of Maryland 1810 by Jackson, Teeples and Schaeffermeyer to clear my mind.

county HH township

Bonnevill, Thomas SOM 305 Great An Bonnewell, Edward Wor 631 NTL Bonniwell, Benjamin Wor 630 NTL Bonniwell, John Wor 575 NTL

Maryland Census 1820 by Jackson Teeples and Schaefermeyer

County HH Townshipp Bonnewell, George Wor 163 NTL Bonnywell, Thomas Som 128 NTL

Maryland Census 1830 by the same authors

Bonnevill, George Wor 228 1st dist

Maryland Census 1840 by Jackson and Teeples

Bondwell, Samuel S. Som 224 Middle dist Bonewell, Andrew Wor 318 Western Bonnawell, James Wor 279 1st & 2n

Maryland Census 1850 by Jackson and Teeples

Bonawell, James Som 406 Dublin D Bonawille, Hall Car 143 NTL Bondwell, Andrew Som 414 Dublin D Bonewell, James Wor 337 1st E. Dist Bonewell, Joseph Som 411 Dublin D Bonewell, Tubman F. Som 412 Dublin D Bonnevill, Jacob Wor 328 1st E. Dist Bonnewell, John Wor 329 1st E. Dist

Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications by the National Genealogical Society.

Bonnewell, Thomas, Va Sea Service (R. 10) Half Pay

the R means rejected, 10 is the file number. I'm not sure I understand what this means. "When a veterens claim is admitted and his widows claim was rejected and R preceeds the file number, her application being the last adjudicated."

Bonwell, James, Va (S. 42626) S means survivor.

Bonnifield, Samuel, Va (S. 1007)

Checking Somerset Co., MD Rent Rolls by Ruth T Dryden

I find 25 acres called Boston Green in the Annamessex 100 surveyed in 10 June,

1696 by Isaac Boston. "On the east side of Morumsco Creek, possessed by Capt. Edward Hammond."

Isaac Boston married Elizabeth Bonwill daughter of George.

Land Records of Somerset Co. Maryland by Ruth T. Dryden

I find here that Isaac Boston Patented on 10 June, 1695 25 acres in Brinkleys northeast elect dist. Possessed in Rent Rolls 1666-1723 by Adrain Marshall and noted that Adrain Marshall married the Widow Elizabeth Boston of Isaac.

There is other acreage patented by Isaac Boston that appears in these transactions also in Brinkleys Dist.

Haphazard patented on 22 April, 1695 by William Carey for 125 acres in East Pr Anne dist 15 map 4.

20 Dec 1808 Thomas Bonnawell, wife Elizabeth Bonnawell sold to George Maddux their part of Hap Hazzard and Hog Quarter, per deed from Levin Beauchamp and wife Nancy Beauchamp to Elizabeth Taylor now Elizabeth Bonnawell, being an heir of her brother William Taylor deceased.

also the land Hog Quarter in Pr Anne Elect dist 15 map 4

It looks like Thomas Bonnawell came into this land by marrying Elizabeth Taylor, an important find. What brought him here? Maybe was a brother to Elizabeth Bonnwell Boston??

I photocopied the Hog Quarter one too. I think that I may have this in my notes past but review is necessary to understand all this.

Now on to Land Records of Worcester County Maryland 1666-1810 by Ruth T. Dryden.

Allens Industry

Allens Industry patented on 29 Sep. 1761 by John Allen Jr. for 500 Acres

31 Mar 1781 John Allen Jr. sold to Benjamin Bonnewell 10 Acres

16 Aug 1790 John Holland son of Nehemiah Holland with wife Scarborough Holland sold to Benjamin Bonnewill (it does not say what) previously Nehemiah Holland purchased 24 acres of Timber Quarter, New Timber Quarter, and Allens Industry and he paid tax on 22 acres in Mattapony 100.

5 Oct 1787 Ann Jones sold to Severn Bonnewell 32 Acres. (Ann Jones, widow purchased 125 acres 1 Apr 1763 from John Allen)

14 Feb 1795 Severn Bonnewell with wife Nancy Bonnewell sold to John Bonnewell 32 acres.

29 July 1797 Giles Jones sold to John Bonnewell 9 acres of Allens Industry and Peppers Vexation.

1826 delinquent tax lists 1822-23 heirs of John Bonnewell and Peter Allen.

--- here a John Bonnewell is deceased before 1822-23 -----

Fox Harbour

Patented in 1775 by Nehemiah Holland for 96 acres in Mattapony 100 16 Aug 1790 John Holland sone of Nehemiah Holland sold to Benjamin Bonnewell part of Fox Harbor and Allens Industry 89 1/4 acres. Came Scarborough Holland, mother of John released dowers rights.

Peppers Vexation

Patented on 15 April 1759 by Giles Jones for 50 acres 29 July 1797 Giles Jones sold to John Bonnewell 9 acres of Allens Industry and Peppers Vexation.

Rotten Quarter

Patened on 30 Nov 1688 by Francis Heap for 100 acres and repantented on 8 Nov 1695 for Tobias Pepper who assigned Henry Brumble, in Mattapony 100

11 Feb 1793 Ezekiel Brumble sold 3 acres to Benjamin Bonnewell 8 Feb 1800 Jabez Brumble son of Ezekiel, with wife Martha sold 7 acres to Benjamin Bonnewell

And now another great discovery, that Michael Hall Bonneville did infact venture accross the Nanticoke. He and his wife Mary appear in Land Records of Wicomico County 1666-1810 by Dryden.

Parramores First Choice

Patented on 2 Dec. 1678 byJohn Parremore for 300 acres on the south side of Quantico Creek, near the head.

6 Mar 1786 Ralph Moore and wife Mary Moore sold to Mary Bonnewell wife of Hall Bonnewell of Dorc. Co 50 acres

6 Ma 1786 (yes Ma) Ralph Moore and Wife Mary Moore sold to Sarah Moore wife of Levin Moore 50 acres

18 May 1791 Ralph Moore leased for 7 years to James Anderson (no doubt this was a family freind)

9 Mar 1793 Michael Hall Bonnewell wife mary Bonnewell of Kent Co Del sold to James Anderson her rights, that will come at the death of her parents Ralph and Mary Moore.

1804 James Anderson willed to son James, land previously purchased of Michael Hall Bonnewell.

Giles Folly

Patented in 1764 by William Giles for 271 acres a resurvey from Parremores First Choice and Sallop

6 Mar 1786 Ralph Moore and wife Mary Moore sold to Mary Bonnewell wife of Michael Hall Bonnewell of Dorc Co 50 acres of parremores first Choice, Sallop and Giles Folly.

this lists some of the same transactions as above so I will not list them all except one different one that may pinpoint location

25 Aug 1794 Ralph Moore and James Anderson sold 1 Acre to the Methodist society in Quantico for a chapel.

Marriages of Some Virginia Residents 1607 to 1800 by Wulfeck

Bonawell, Reubin m. 15 Dec 1794, Grace Wallace. Sur William Wallace, Lancaster Co Mar. bond

Bonewell, George m. 14 sept 1789 Bridget Bull sur. Isaiah Evans Accomac Co Mar bond

Bonewell, Southy m. 27 Marche, 1787, Mary Snead. Sur Skinner Wallop Accomac Co Mar Bond

(I don't know what the SUR means)

Bonwell, George m. 17 Dec 1800 Polly Rodgers, Sur George Salisbury, Accomac Co Mar Bond

Bonwell, Stephen m. 21 May 1796 Peggy Topping. Sur George Topping Accomac Co Mar Bond.

<In July 17, 1990 in NOTES there are quite a few of Bonwill, Bonwells and etc. who are shown in will books from Eastern shore of Virginia. There are many similar names. McKeel etc.>

From the microfilm of the census of 1900 in Worcester county these Bonnevilles can be placed.

in Pocomoke

HH 71 James B Bonneville dob sept 1827 occupation day laborer Elizabeth Bonneville mch 1829 mother of 11, 5 alive

HH 182 Bonneville James Oct 1856 fish and oyster packer Isabelle M Jan 1863 8 children 6 alive Bertha M Sept 1875 Brela E Dec 1886 Mary E. Dec 1889 James B Sept 1891 Robert G Oct 1895 Major G Sept 1897

HH211 Bonneville Henry F Oct 1855 painter Elizabeth J Dec 1869 5 children 5 alive William H June 1888 Bessie L Oct 1889 Ethel M Oct 1892 Marion B Aprl 1896 Victor T Jan 1898

HH220 Bonneville Benjamin April 1849 house carpenter Mary E. Aug 1854 4 children 4 alive born Ohio (also M & F born Ohio) Essie E Sept 1881 teacher in priv. school

in SNOW HILL Town

HH 314

Bonneville George W nov 1865 Carpenter Rebecca May 1859 no children a son Russell Dec 1894

HH 195 Bonneville William B Feb 1858 carpenter and builder Nellie sept 1862 seamstress 4 children 3 alive Lola M Oct 1890 Nellie E July 1892 Carolyn L May 1897

HH 198 Bonneville Carl S. Jan 1877 Barber Elizabeth Aug 1876 3 children 3 alive Charles S Mar 1897 unamed dau apr 1899 unamed son may 1900 Bradford, Marjorie J (?) mother in law Bradford, Porter brother in law

HH 199 Bonneville Katherine widow Feb 1845 seamstress Mary E. Sept 1873

HH 206 Hales, Frederick May 1860 40 yrs old captain sailing ves Emma Oct 18690 30 yearsold

HH 240 Bonneville Esther Oct 1851 seamstress 10 child 9 alive Annie Sep 1878 dau Edna July1881 Bertha Nov 1884 Viola May 1887 Georgia sept 1889

Wallace Aug 1894 Elliott Apr 1897 Ralph Oct 1899

Esther is shown to be head of household but not widow? and a young son

HH 314 Bonneville George W. Nov 1863 carpenter married 1 yr Rebecca May 1859 no children married 1 yr Russell Dec 1894 son

HH348 Williams Delphilia(?) july 1865 wid 6 child all alive Annie M Feb 1888 Margaret W. aug 1889 Walter T Nov 1891 Mary S Sept 1893 Hattie B Dec 1896 Emily Jan 1898 Bonneville Priscilla Dec 1824 other widow 1 child 1 alive

(name is Dela Bonneville. Are the children of Prisclla incorrect? What a thing to think about. This solves the mystery of who Hattie Williams was. She was "Popas'" neice. We also see that Priscilla Spencer was alive, 75 years old and living with her daughter who is a widow with 6 children in Snow Hill.)

The above Snow hill census was take June 9, 1900 by L Edward Boehm.

In the Stockton district

HH 139 Bonneville George W. aug 1851 farmer Mary aug 1846 wed 28 yrs 3 children 3 alive Blanche feb 1886

in the 8th election district

HH 328 Bonneville, Edward J norec. about 39 yrs old farmer Elizabeth oct 1868 wed 16yrs 5 children 5 alive Edward jan 1889 George june 1890 Harrison nov 1891

William Bates Lawrence Bonneville January 3, 1992

William B. L. Bonneville was a son of James Bonneville and Priscilla Spencer Bonneville. He was born 2/3/1857 and died 3/15/1839. Much of this information is put together from bits and pieces of his daughters, Carolyn Bonneville, collection of family keepsakes. Her home remains quite a depository of old pictures, books, letters, and receipts that have been basically untouched since her father, Papa, died in 1939. Carolyn is presently in a nursing home at the age of almost 95. Tragically her consciousness has slowly given way to a somewhat senile dementia. She still calls for and talks about "Papa", her father, who she took care of during the last years of his life. She left the home, to go to Baltimore, in 1942 where she worked for over 20 years. Carolyn returned to her fathers house where she lived up until several years ago when she was unable to care for herself and came to live in the Salisbury Nursing Home. I remember visiting her with my father and interviewing her a few years back when her mind was still fairly clear.

Many of the books that belonged to her father she kept and these when examined showed inscriptions that together with his ledger books help us piece together a chronology of his life.

From a book that belonged to W. B. L. Bonneville. This book was Websters Dictionary and Handy Peoples Manuel, published 1879. Written in the back of the book it states:

"Willie B. L. Bonneville his book presented by S.G. Foshoekh (sp?)"

also listed are addresses of W. B. L. Bonneville with numbers beside them:

"(2) Wm B.L. Bonneville in 1882 South Hight St, Baltimore, Md

(3) Wm B. L. Bonneville corner of Prat and Extry (? maybe Eutaw?) Baltimore City, Md

(4)Wm B. L. Bonneville Pocomoke City, Md

(5)Wm B. L. Bonneville 1905 Market St, Wilmington (year or house no?)

(6)Wm B. L. Bonneville 711 Spruce St, Wilmington Del

(7)Wm B. L. Bonneville Snow Hill, Maryland"

and on another page

"William B. L. Bonneville Snow Hill Worcester County Maryland January 27th, 1885"

Bonneville Family History Notes, by G. E. Richardson III, March 7, 1997