James Paterson Bower facts for kids

Admiral James Paterson Bower (1806–1889) was an important Royal Navy officer. He served in the British navy during the middle of the 1800s, becoming an Admiral.

Early Life and Naval Career

The grave of Major General Hamilton Bower, Dean Cemetery

James Paterson Bower was born on February 16, 1806. His birthplace was Inverarity in Forfarshire, Scotland. His family, the Bowers of Meathie, had a long history. Sadly, his father had to sell most of their family lands in 1817. This was done to pay off family debts. After this, his family moved to a new home in Fife.

James started his career in the Royal Navy when he was just 14 years old. He joined on May 6, 1820. He worked hard and passed his exam to become a lieutenant in 1826.

First Missions at Sea

In 1837, James received his first official job as a lieutenant. He served on two ships, HMS Dublin and HMS President. Both of these ships were stationed off the coast of South America.

Action in the First Opium War

In July 1838, James was assigned to HMS Samarang. This ship was under the command of Captain William Broughton. He soon saw action in China during the First Opium War.

He showed great bravery in January 1841. He helped capture a fort on the island of Tycocktow. During this fight, he was injured with a deep cut on his knee. Not long after, he captured a battery of 20 cannons at Anunghoy.

In March 1841, he again stood out at the battle of Feeshukok. Here, he helped capture seven more cannons. His ship, the Samarang, worked with HMS Nemesis. They moved from Macao to Whampoa in the Pearl River delta. During this mission, they captured or destroyed many enemy targets. These included five forts, one battery, two military stations, and nine Chinese warships. These warships had a total of 115 guns. James Bower's actions were very important. They helped lead to the later Treaty of Whampoa, which ended the war.

Promotion and Retirement

James was promoted to captain on May 6, 1843. In December 1843, he was given command of his own ship, HMS Hecate.

One of his more unusual duties was in April 1845. He was tasked with escorting the body of Admiral Philip Durham from Malta back to Britain. Later in 1845, James was promoted to the rank of Admiral. However, he was soon placed on half-pay, meaning he was not actively serving. He officially retired from the navy in 1863.

Later Life and Family

After his naval career, James Paterson Bower lived in Edinburgh, Scotland. He lived in a villa called "Merleton" in the Granton area before 1875. He moved away for a few years around 1880. He then returned to Edinburgh and lived at 4 Moredun Crescent until his death.

James Paterson Bower passed away on August 7, 1889. He was buried in Dean Cemetery in Edinburgh.

His Family

James married Barbara Hickson (1828–1922) from Ireland. They were married sometime before 1851.

In 1858, his son Hamilton Bower was born in Portsea Island, Hampshire. James and Barbara had two children.

Their eldest son, James St Clair Bower, sadly died in October 1880. He was killed on the Solomon Islands while ashore from HMS Sandfly. He was 27 years old. His daughter, Barbara St Clair Bower, lived a long life until 1957.

His older brother, Alexander Bower, was recognized as a legal descendant of William St Clair of Roslin. He was given a special coat of arms to show this honor.