JAMES BOWDOIN III

Bowdoin, James III (1752-1811) — of Massachusetts. Born in Boston, Suffolk County, Mass., September 22, 1752. Son of James Bowdoin. The only son of James Bowdoin II and Elizabeth Erving, continued the family’s businesses, though his personal interests ran more toward land management and agriculture. He was involved in Massachusetts politics from 1786 to 1796 and was Jefferson's Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Spain and Co-commissioner to France from 1805 to 1808, living in Paris. Bowdoin College, named for his father, was greatly enriched by his gifts and bequests, which included funds, lands in Maine, and his significant book, scientific and art collections.3 He and his wife, Sarah Bowdoin Dearborn (1761-1826), who accompanied him to Paris, had no children. Member of Massachusetts state legislature, 1776-77; delegate to Massachusetts state constitutional convention, 1779-80; U.S. Minister to Spain, 1804-06. Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Died in Naushon Island, Dukes County, Mass., October 11, 1811.
Parents: James Bowdoin, Elizabeth Erving
Spouse: Sarah Bowdoin Dearborn
Born: 17 Oct 1761
Died: 10 Nov 1813
Marriage: 18 May 1781

Sources:
Bowdoin Family History Website
Family Collections LDS
The Political Graveyard
Submitted by Deborah Crowell