Notes for: John Bodine

I am assuming that this John Bodine is the son of John Bodine and Penelope Willit from Wake County, North Carolina. See the notes for his father for the reasons why we have him attached to this family.

I had wondered if this John was not somehow related to the Abigail Bodine who married Levi R. Snow. He was supposedly born in North Carolina and died in Kaufman County, Texas. This John is also associated somewhat with Kaufman County and was probably born in North Carolina. Abigail was the daughter of James Bodine and his second wife, Sarah Russell. This John named a daughter Winnie and also had a granddaughter named the same. James Bodine (father of Abigail) had a son named Francis by his first wife. Francis's first wife was named Winifred. That is not a common name and could show some relationship between these families. All this is only a guess, though.

Elbert Sidney Bodine said John Bodine and his four brothers came from France and first settled in South Carolina. Elbert also talked of the Sabine River. This may have been when France owned the Louisiana territory.

These five brothers were described to him as being small men, 5' 4" to 5' 6" tall. Their legs were long from knee to foot and short from knee to hip. They were fast runners and won bets outrunning race horses for a given distance. These brothers were in the saloon, gambling and race horse business and made a lot of money.

Some of their sons were in the freighting business, had a lot of mules & large wagons and hauled lots of freight long distances.

Elbert may have mentioned the name Logan Bodine. This was the name of one of the Bodine ancestors or of one of their brothers. It's unsure about how many generations back. He may have also mentioned James and Lewis as early Bodine ancestors.

End of info from Elbert Sidney Bodine.

There appear to be many variant spellings of John's last name. Some of these are Burdeen, Burdein, Bordian, Burdien, and the list goes on. There is an "r" in most of the spellings and often a "u" is also thrown in. John first appeared as "Bodine" on the marriage record of Oglethorpe County, Georgia. In all of the information that came out of the National Archives and the Baltimore area, there was never a spelling of Bodine. In one instance involving land transactions in Texas, it was spelled Burdighn. Therefore, one would think that at that time, John's name was pronounced "Bur-dyne." James M. Bodine in Kaufman, Texas has a neighbor that spells his name Baudoin and pronounces it "Bo-dyne." At one time, this neighbor spelled it Bodine. No family connection has yet been established between the two. The neighbor traces his family back to Vermillion Parish, Louisiana. Tom Bodine of San Augustine said that all the old black people in the area used to pronounce it "Bur-dyne" when he was younger. Burdine is said to be a common spelling in South Carolina and Georgia.

Early Texas census information shows that John was probably born between 1775 and 1780. A Character letter from the Texas State Archives states that John was a native of North Carolina. Some researchers believe he may have been from South Carolina. James M. Bodine has a copy of a document notarized in 1977 stating that John Bodine was born in France on March 2, 1779. (This document also gives the birthplace and date for his wife Nancy Gunnels, a death date for John, and their marriage date.) However, the validity of this document is in some doubt. The listing for O. H. P. Bodine in the 1880 Census of San Augustine, TX states that O. H. P.'s father was born in NC and his mother in GA.

Linda Houck says that in the late 1920's, Oliver Hazard Perry Bodine, Jr. stated that the Bodine family first settled in the "Lake Country" of upper New York state. If that statement were true, then it would be an important clue to where this Bodine family may have come from.

According to a family tradition, John (B?) Bodine had brothers named Logan, James, and Lewis/Louis.

John Bodine, Resident of San Augustine County, Texas

Family tradition says that this old seaman's chest came to Texas with John Bodine. It used to be covered with boar's skin, but has now reached the point of showing its age.

John enlisted in the Navy on May 14, 1812. He was under the command of Oliver Hazard Perry in the War of 1812. He was released on June 25, 1814. He first served on the Lawrence and later on the Niagara. In the publication "History of the Battle of Lake Erie," page 90, he is listed as John Burdeen. The muster roll of the Brig Lawrence carried him as "John Bordain, seaman." He was a soldier and sailor in the Battle of Lake Erie. The Lawrence was so badly shot to pieces in the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813, that for a time she had to strike her colors. Most of her crew was either wounded or killed. In a letter from 1825, mention is made of John having served in the Battle of Lake Erie and that he was severely wounded at that time. He was awarded a portion of the bounty that was seized in the battle. This is mentioned in Samuel Hambleton's account of the distribution of prize money on Lake Erie ("The American States Papers," v. 1, p. 566 - obtained by Mrs. Margie Stone of Houston from the National Archives). John Bordian, seaman, was listed and shown to have received an amount of $214.89 in July of 1814. This was paid to an attorney named John Boyle. Another name that appeared in this document was that of James Alexander Perry, midshipman. His name will be important later on in this story. At the time of John's release, he was still suffering from an open wound and was awarded an invalid's pension of six dollars a month. This pension was paid intermittently from 1814 until 1821. Correspondence concerning it continued until 1838. If it were not for records in the National Archives associated with this pension, the trail of John Bodine would have ended in Oglethorpe County, Georgia with the record of his marriage to Nancy Gunnels. There is a possible reason for a name change for John. The correspondence concerning his pension does not involve wife Nancy, but a woman named Mary. She was located in Baltimore, Maryland. This correspondence was mainly between Mary and various people in the Navy. No record of a marriage between John and Mary has yet been found. Records have been searched in both Baltimore and Baltimore County. It is not known whether he married her before or after marrying Nancy. James M. Bodine of Kaufman, Texas believes that he may have married her as early as 1795. One reason for believing this is that in the first census of the San Augustine area, John was listed as being quite a bit older than Nancy. He believes this might indicate that John was married earlier. The following letter comes from the pension correspondence: Baltimore, October 12, 1825 Sirs Mrs. Burdeen claims a pension or part of a pension under a power of Atty from her husband John Burdeen. Which power she says she deposited with Mr. Rensam, and if so must be in his office. She says that in the life of Mr. Rensam she was regularly paid, but for three years it has been refused and she has requested me to write on the subject. - She cannot inform me the cause of refusal. I have supposed - either that you knew not of the power of atty. Or that the man's existence must be established - I have seen several letters from him. The last dated 27 Sept. 1824 at New Orleans. When he was just going on a voyage in which he says. - "I hope that you have received at least a part of my pension." It appears that he received a severe wound on the Lake Erie under Com. Perry - She had a son John Cremer a midshipman that died in the service. He may have some pay due him, and she supposes prize money - He (illegible word) aboard the Congress was drowned going ashore from the Franklin. If anything be due him pray inform me - and I pray you to find the power of atty. And to take the course necessary for the payment of the part of the pension to which she is entitled - She is in great distress - And I feel interested for her - Your attention to this case will greatly oblige. Your friend and Serv Charles Ray. Esq. S. Smith Jim Bodine pointed out that this letter links Mary to the Ray and Cremer surnames. He said that additional documents in his possession tie Mary to an Alexander Ray. Though, he doesn't have any proof in his possession, Jim suspects that Mary was the daugher of a George Ray and that Alexander and a Charles Ray were Mary's brothers. Also from the letter of 1825, it appears that Mary may have been a widow when she married John for she had a son named John Cremer. The 1790 Census of Baltimore lists a Mary Creamer. A young male child is listed in her household. (Jim Bodine says it is certain that John was born in Baltimore.) He may have been a son from an earlier marriage. (His name in this letter was almost illegible, but further information from the National Archives established the correct spelling of his name and the location of his drowning.) A letter written by or for Mary in 1816 (from or to the Navy), shows that her son was born in Baltimore. She signed this letter as Mary Cremer. Why not as Mary Burdien? John Cremer was warranted a midshipman in the US Navy on March 14, 1814. The letter above of 1825 also states that John died while serving aboard the USS Congress. He was carried in the USS Congress' log as John Cremer, midshipman. He drowned "whilst on a sporting party" on Wednesday, March 20, 1822 in Quintara, Chile. There were eight men who drowned in this accident. The ranking officer was a lieutenant James Alexander Perry. This is the same James Alexander Perry who was involved in the Battle of Lake Erie at the time John Bodine was in the Navy. None of the bodies of the drowning victims were ever recovered. Mary might not have been a widow, but a divorce was very hard to get back then. Divorce was not even recognized in Maryland. As late as the mid-1800's, divorce still required an act of the State Legislature. Other information in the pension files indicates that Mary's character was in doubt. She had knowingly passed false information. It is not known whether she and John ever had any children, but another document from the Orphans Court originating in Baltimore in 1838 (see below) indicates that they probably did. In 1836-37, legislation was enacted that made the widows of veterans eligible to draw a pension in some instances. For this reason, Mary attempted to declare that John was dead in order to draw a widow's pension. It is not known if she was successful in this attempt. In March of 1838, a man named Thomas O'Meally gave a deposition to the Orphans Court of Baltimore. He swore that he had been present at the death of John Bodine in a hospital in Massachusetts. Contained in this deposition was the information that John had been married to Mary Cremer and that he, Thomas O'Meally, thought the marriage had produced children. The deposition also states that John was a man of the sea and was from Ireland. John was certainly a man of the sea, but it is very doubtful whether he came from Ireland! This and other pertinent papers are in the pension file. The US Navy did end up recognizing the marriage between John and Mary, but no record of this marriage has ever been found. There is one more item from Baltimore that may have relevance to John Bodine. From the book "The Dawn's Early Light," page 234, mention is made of twenty dollars being paid for John Boldin's map of North Point, a location about twelve miles east of the Baltimore. In a letter from the National Archives dated October 13, 1820, it is stated that Mary had claimed that John Burdeen lay ill at the "Point" and could not personally apply for his pension. An item appeared in the Baltimore Sun in 1841 stating that Mary Bouldin, widow of John, had died. In the beginning, it appears probable that John may have shared time between his families. There is reference to his making personal appearances before some of the Navy personnel in the Baltimore/Washington area after 1814. John may have returned to the sea for part of this time, or, as one researcher believes, at least his "families" thought he had. This could have covered his absences from either family. So, it appears John may have fled a bad situation in Baltimore. One of his descendants believes that this did involve charges of bigamy. John wrote a number of letters. His last to Baltimore was posted from New Orleans in 1824. In it, he told Mary that he was preparing to depart on a voyage. There is no further information after this letter showing that John ever had more contact with his family in Baltimore. This letter was probably the last contact between them. John's letter from Louisiana in the fall of 1824 does fit into the time frame for his move out West. His son, William R. Bodine, was born in Louisiana in 1823 - showing that John was in the vicinity when that letter was written to Mary. Nancy Ann Gunnels is probably John's second wife. Very little is known of her early life. Tradition says that she was of black Dutch descent. She may have been born on June 6, 1784, in South Carolina (notarized document mentioned earlier). This same document gives their marriage date as December 24, 1802, but this is probably incorrect. No solid proof has been found yet that would give a marriage date earlier than that of December 25, 1810, in Oglethorpe County, Georgia. Wm. Herndon, minister of the Gospel, entered certification of this marriage into the Oglethorpe County Record on February 4, 1811. It reads "I hereby certify that on the 25th Dec. 1810, I joined in holy wedlock John Bodine and Nancy Gunnols." Linda Houck sent information saying that in an 1833 census, Nancy's age was given as 43. That would make her birth year be about 1790. It is thought that he both bought and sold property in the Wilkes/Oglethorpe area, but not under the name Bodine. John would have been a man of means after the award from the Battle of Lake Erie. This award was equivalent to about three years pay. However, most of what can be said about John's time in Georgia is only speculation. Land sales in Georgia indicate that they may have begun planning their move west in 1818. In about 1819/20, they sold out and started their move to San Augustine County, Texas. John was known to be a man of the sea. Tradition says that the family may have used some travel over rivers to reach Texas. Their first child, Elizabeth, was born in Oglethorpe County, Georgia in about 1811. The next surviving child was Oliver Hazard Perry Bodine (OHP). He was born in 1819. Available census and other early records show that he was born in either Georgia, Alabama, or South Carolina. Some records show that Elizabeth and OHP had little if any formal education. It would have been difficult for them to obtain any during the years that the family was traveling. And when the family came into San Augustine, there were no schools available. Some of the early transactions after John's death really bear this out. Tradition says that there were at least two boys, and probably three, who did not survive. William R. Bodine was born in Louisiana in 1823. At least two more daughters were born after the family arrived in Texas. (Information about children other than Elizabeth and OHP comes from Tom Bodine of San Augustine, Texas.) The rest of the surviving children were born several years later on the way out West. The first census of Texas giving names for the family listed six members: John, Nancy, OHP, Isabella and Winnie Jane. (By the time of this census, Elizabeth had been married for some time to a man named Pinckney Lout and had two children.) Nancy sent the three younger children, and some Lout children, to a school or to a private tutor. Evidence of this is found on a receipt in the Pinckney Lout probate papers. By tradition and as related by Tom Bodine of San Augustine, a son named James had arrived in Texas with the family. Later, however, he was killed in a horse-fall while the family was on an outing with other families in the community. Linda Houck (lindalee at txcyber.com) says that sometime in the three or four years after the birth of O.H.P. (January 22, 1819), John and Nancy and their two children moved west (from Georgia), traveling the Tom Bigbee River on a raft and catching fish along the way. In Louisiana, another son was born (William). Almost immediately after William's birth, John moved his family further west, crossing the Sabine River into East Texas in 1824 or early 1825 and settling on the Ayish Bayou along the El Camino Real. The family may have arrived in the area of the Republic of Texas around 1825 and as early as 1824, but there are no documents to prove this. They settled approximately two miles north of the village of San Augustine. It appears that John and Edmond Quirk may have had an arrangement pertaining to the purchase of property. However, due to previous commitments, Quirk was not able to meet his part of the bargain. The family then moved onto a parcel owned by Quirk. It is not clear as to how John gained the title to the first half of his headright. It was granted to him in some manner in association with certificate #115. The second 2200+ acres was granted to the estate of John two years after his death. It was granted by letter patent #115 in 1841. It was then considered to be a part of Nacogdoches County. In later years, Nancy paid taxes to Kaufman County (in 1849). However, research has revealed that the property is actually located in Hunt County. (It is now almost totally submerged under Lake Tawakani.) Some published information says that John did not establish a valid claim to the one half of his headright on which he lived. However, James M. Bodine of Kaufman says this was not true. The inventory of John Bodine's estate listed 2208 acres on the Ayesh Bayou and a certificate for 2208 additional acres. The latter was granted to the estate two years after John's death. It was located in what is now known as Hunt County. John had some education. He could at least read and write. At the time of his death in 1839, he was in the possession of twenty volumes of books (see his probate inventory). He served in some minor positions in San Augustine, Texas. Early records of the municipality of San Augustine and of the Republic of Texas indicate that John served in the community in the capacity of regidor and for a short time as alcalde. This does indicate that he was a man of some education and that he was willing to serve the community. Some copies of the letters he wrote to Mexican authorities in Nacogdoches still exist (info from James M. Bodine in Kaufman, TX). Tom Bodine of San Augustine has spoken of the many old books that were still in the family when Tom went off to join the Army to serve in World War I. Jim Bodine reports that John professed to be Catholic in some of his dealings with the government of Mexico when he was attempting to get land. John only lived in Texas for fourteen years. It appears that he was well on his way to becoming a wealthy man. But according to tradition, John was shot and killed with a Sharp's rifle on August 10, 1839, after becoming entangled in a boundary dispute. There are several versions concerning this gun battle, but the deadly outcome is the same in all of them. One version, related by Tom Bodine, says that four men came out to resurvey the property line of the original Bodine survey. John and OHP and a man named Willy Nations went out to meet them. Shooting began and John and Willy were killed, but OHP escaped. One wonders what authority would have directed that a new survey be taken. Many questions remain that will probably never be answered. From a search of the early records, it is known that John's original survey in San Augustine County did contain much more than the 2208 acres shown in the inventory of his estate. The excess was cut from the survey in the 1870's. It is probably this excess that resulted in John's death. It is strange that Nancy continued to live on the "home place" until the time of her death and that no further attempt to make a new survey was done until after all of the property had passed from the family. Nancy was tough enough to survive and keep the family together until the first part of 1863. She was the administratix of both the estate of her husband and of Pinckney Lout (her son-in-law). She managed both for several years. Much of her time was spent in court. She eventually had to surrender the Lout estate to petitioners of the court. She kept John's estate basically intact for almost ten years. Nancy remained on the San Augustine portion of John's headright until 1863. She died on April 1 of that year. There were slaves listed in her inventory of property at the time of her death.

To see a transcription of many, if not all, of these probate papers click on this link. These were sent to me by Jim Bodine. Later, the land, almost 5000 acres of it, was lost by uncertain means. In 1855, OHP attempted to sell some of the San Augustine County property that he may have previously sold as a part of his undivided interest in John's estate. As a result, two slaves and some land were seized and sold in a sheriff's sale. This may have actually resulted in the loss of all the San Augustine property, but the records are unclear. It would be hard to believe that over 2000 acres of land could be sold for $200. Plus there is the fact that Nancy continued to live on the land after the sheriff's sale. The land was platted as the John Bordine survey. It was this property that was divided into five parts and divided among John's heirs. The land was listed as being in the Sabine River watershed lying near the small town of Quinlan. This was about sixteen miles from Greenville. The heirs of Winnie Jane owned the last of the property to remain in the family. It was sold in the 1870's. As a point of interest, Nancy paid a fee of $500 to the law firm of Gould and Kaufman and another $250 to R.S. Terrell for the prosecution of John's killers. Texas was a young republic at that time, but it seems strange that a private citizen would have had to pay for the prosecution. Nevertheless, the fees were paid from John's estate. The receipts are included in the probate papers. Also of interest is that the county in which James M. Bodine now lives is named after the David S. Kaufman of the above law firm. The Bodine Cemetery is still accessible to anyone wanting to visit. The widow of John Benny Bodine lives on the property. The cemetery is only a couple of hundred yards from the Farm to Market road that passes Bland Lake. John and Nancy, however, are not buried there. These are the graves of the Oliver Hazard Perry Bodines and many of their descendants. This information has been rewritten from an account sent to me from James M. Bodine of Kaufman, Texas. In his information, he expressed thanks and gratitude to the following people for their contributions to this story: 1. Amber Bodine of Yuba City, California 2. Elaine Wells of Wells Research Bureau 3. Tom and Ruth Bodine of San Augustine 4. Margie Stone of Houston 5. Geraldine Eppes Smith of San Augustine 6. and to the many, many others who have contributed His address: Jim Bodine 5631 County Road 277, Kaufman, TX 75142 Jim Bodine also found some information indicating there was an Ellen Bodine who came to Baltimore in 1838. She may have come from Ireland. She could possibly be a relative of John's, but this is only a guess. I found this query in December of 1999: BODINE, GUNNELS, NEWTON posted by Naressa Newton McCray on Saturday, May 17, 1997 My ancestor John BODINE and his wife Nancy (GUNNELS) arrived at Ayish Bayou in 1825. They were from Oglethorpe County, Ga. John and Nancy had five children: Elizabeth (Lout), Oliver Hazard Perry BODINE, William R.W. BODINE, Izabelle M. BODINE and Winney Jane BODINE. John BODINE fought under Oliver Hazard Perry in the War of 1812 (hence the name for my great-something grandfather. John BODINE bought property on Ayish Bayou from Edmund Quirk. John BODINE was elected Alcalde for Ayish Bayou District in 1833. In 1834, he was elected Second Regidor for San Augustine Municipality. The BODINE's lived in San Augustine for quite a while, Oliver Hazard Perry BODINE became father to Mary Ann (among others) who married three or four times, her last husband being John Leroy NEWTON of Marshall, Texas. His son, William Crawford NEWTON (my grandfather) was born when John Leroy was 67 years old. I am still doing research on this side of my family. I need to find out more about what they did during the Texas Revolution and the period of the Republic. End of query.

Here are a couple of messages about John Bodine and Edmund Quirk:

Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Subject: Bodine/Quirk

Here is some historical information that I just ran across. Thought you might be interested.

"http://www.txssar.org/graves.htm": TXSSAR REVOLUTIONARY WAR PATRIOT GRAVE MARKING PROJECT

Edmund Quirk was born about 1759 in Virginia and served with the Virginia State troops in the American Revolution. After the war he married Ana Maria Alsop and they moved to Kentucky, before coming to Texas by 1795. He became involved in the Gutierrez-Magee Texas Revolution in 1812, and survived the Battle of Medina August 18, 1814, but was a prisoner in the Alamo until he escaped. Edmund Quirk owned the land where the town of San Augustine, Texas is now located and he was killed there by John Bodine in 1835, but the location of his grave is unknown.

Dave Bodine wrote:

Hey Jim,

Have you heard about this? Just wondering if you knew anything else about this incident. Someone sent it to me.

Best regards,
Dave
From: Jim Bodine
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004
To: Dave Bodine
Subject: Re: FW: Bodine/Quirk

Hello Dave:

I have indeed read about this, source not recalled, but it was supposedly proven to be fiction. I have had some contact with one of his descendents that said that he had documents that proved the story to be untrue. I do know that Quirk was supposed to have had the property for John Bodine when he arrived in Texas but could not, and did not, provide same. The original land that John and his family lived on was a part of what originally became John's headright. One half of the land of the headright was in San Augustine County and the second half was situated in Hunt County and was granted by Anson Jones by Letter Patent after the death of John. Much confusion still exists.

Good to hear from you. I would sure like to know the whole truth of the story but too much distortion has been passed along down through the years and I arrived on the scene too late.

Jim Bodine

Jim later wrote to SAR (Sons of the American Revolution). Here is that message and the responses:

James Bodine wrote:

Dear Sir:
I feel that you have done inadequate testing of facts about the information that has been posted on your site regarding the demise of Quirk. The statement is made that John Bodine murdered Quirk in San Augustine and there is no supporting evidence. I have had conversation with a descendent of Quirk that stated that this event did not take place. I have searched the San Augustine records and there is no documentation that relates to your statement. I feel that your statement regarding such an event is a disservice to your organization, the state of Texas and to the Bodine family. Surely your organization verifies that the information is factual before you post it for the world to see. Please respond.

Jim Bodine

Subject: Re: Quirk/Bodine
Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2004
From: TOM GREEN
To: James Bodine

Jim,

Good to hear from you about your ancestor. Sorry you misinterperted the information on our Web Page about the 50+ Patriots who fought in the American Revolution and are buried in Texas. The information on our Web Page was condensed from a book entitled, "American Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Texas," by Clovis Barkebill, who was one of the men who was President General of the Sons of the American Revolution. I knew Clovis for only a short time before his death, so I can only give you an opinion on where he obtained the information for his book. It is my understanding that Clovis looked up the applications of members of the SAR who descended from each of these Patriots, and simply included this information that came from their descendants. This of course does not mean everything is accurate, but members are required to document their relationship to these Patriots, so there is considerable documentation that is sent in with an application for membership in the SAR. This is where I assume Clovis obtained the information in his book.

I am on the Patriot Grave Marking Committee of our National organization and have worked hard for about three years to locate the graves of these Patriots, and then work to get one of our chapters to host a ceremony honoring that Patriot. In fact, we are holding a ceremony this Saturday, September 11, 2004 near Rusk, Texas marking the grave of Thomas Blair Hogg, the grandfather of the first native born Governor of Texas, Jim Hogg.

I have not done any research on most of these Patriots due to time constraints, and have simply condensed the information in Clovis Brakebill's book so that people will read this summary and send us additional information about each of these heroes of the American Revolution. I have no information what so ever about John Bodine, but did see something about him in the Handbook of Texas History. If you have some information showing he did not kill Edmund Quirk, please send it to me and I will certainly add your information to the information on our Web Page.

Best Regards,
Tom Green
Texas Society Staff Secretary
Sons of the American Revolution

I found this at www.sanjacinto-museum.org: CORZINE, HERSHEL -- A son of Judge Shelby Corzine. Judge Corzine received title to eighteen labors of land in Zavala's Colony situated in the present county of Jefferson, June 16, 1836. In the Headright Certificate issued to him for additional land in 1838 by the Board of Land Commissioners for San Augustine County it is stated that he came to Texas in February, 1835. In the Headright Certificate issued to Hershel Corzine January 10, 1838 for one-third of a league by the San Augustine County Board it is simply stated that he arrived in Texas prior to March 2, 1836. Judge Shelby Corzine was elected Judge of the First Judicial District, December 16, 1836, while serving as a Senator from the San Augustine District in the First Congress of the Republic. He died in 1839. In Comptroller's Military Service Record No. 7158 it is stated that Hershel Corzine served in the army from November 7 to December 20, 1835, and participated in the Storming and Capture of Bexar, December 5 to 10, 1835. He was issued Bounty Certificate No. 630 for 320 acres of land for his services in the army from November 7 to December 20, 1835. He was a member of Captain William Kimbro's San Augustine Company at San Jacinto and on November 5, 1838 was issued Donation Certificate No. 584 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle. He did not apply for the land due him for his service in the army immediately prior to and after the battle. He was issued Bounty Certificate No. 1918 for 320 acres of land for having served from July 4 to October 4, 1836. Lewellyn Temple, Hershel Corzine, and William G. Anderson were tried April 2, 1840 for the murder of William Nations and John Bodine and were acquitted. Mr. Corzine was killed June 10, 1840 by John Conner at San Augustine. Conner was acquitted. Reverend George L. Crockett in his book "Two Centuries in East Texas" in writing of Mr. Corzine's tragic death said: "It was in front of this house that Hershel Corzine, son of Judge Corzine, was killed by John Conner. Conner was engaged to a young lady in town, but before their marriage was obligated to go to New York on business. He went by water through New Orleans, a trip which then required several months. After his departure Corzine, who was in love with the same lady, contrived to have published in the papers of Alexandria, Louisiana, an account telling of the loss of the ship on which he sailed with all on board. He then set himself to console the lady and succeeded so well that they were married. In the meantime Conner, whose ship had not been lost at all, finished his business and started for home with a trousseau for his bride, but alas! When he arrived he found her the bride of another. The next morning he met his rival at his gate and in the quarrel that ensued Corzine was killed."

The following information from John Bodine's probate papers (San Augustine, TX) was sent to me by Jim Bodine. These papers document the death date of John Bodine. See also the following link for a better formatted version of the info below.
Republic of Texas
San Augustine Count

To the Hon. The Probate Judge of said county holding sessions on the last Monday in January A.D. 1840. The petition of Nancy Bodine with respect representing unto your Hon. And Honorable court that her husband John Bodine departed this life on the 10th day of August A.D. 1839 Intestate & leaving no will & leaving some property both personal and real which is subject to be wasted or destroyed for the want of attention and your petitioner represents that she has the right of administration of said estate and therefore prayed your honorable court to grant her letters of administration of the estate & that she be appointed administratix, and your petitioner prays for all such furthur relief as ______ to pass. As to the welfare of said estate_________ or to sustain & equity may apprehend.

And your petitioner furthur representing to your Hon Court that the deceased was acting in the capacity at the time of death of admin of one Pinckney Lout Decd and that said administration was not closed before the death of the said John Bodine Admin as aforesaid.

And your petitioner therefore prays your honorable Court for letters of admin of said estate of P. Lout decd in order that she may settle or cause to be settled the unsettled business of said estate or belonging thereto.

And your petitioner being duty bound will ever pray this Jan 8th 1840
Nancy Bodine
Petitioner
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Seccession of John Bodine
Bot I. D. Thomas
5 Yds. Lasting @ 3$....................15
6 " Shirting @ 31/2........................2 62 1/2
13 " Ribbond @ 2/.........................3 30 1/2
150 Coffin Tax @ 2/...........................30 1/2

4 Yds Ribbond @ 2/......................1 100
August 12 1839..........................$22.37 1/2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------

Mrs Nancy Bodine admx of John Bodine decd to Kaufman & Gould

To professional services rendered in the case of the Republic vs Corzine and others indicted for the murder of her deceased husband John Bodine.

.......................................................$500.00

The interest of C. M. Gould in said sum being our legal fee for appearing so the prosecution of said indictment having been transferred to the undersigned, this is to certify that I have received full payment of the said sum of money from Mrs. Nancy Bodine Admx on this 25th Sept 1843 at San Augustine--

David S. Kaufman
Attorney at Law
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The State of Texas
County of San Augustine

Estate of John Bodine Deceased

In the above case the debts being all paid and the heirs all having Executive Receipts in full of all their interest in the property of the said estate both real and personal. Which receipts are filed in the office. It is therefore ordered and decreed that Mrs. Nancy Bodine administratix of the said estate be released and discharged from all furthur duties and responsibilities in the premises and that her bail given as administratrix be cancelled.

Given under my hand and seal.
27th day of September A D 1847
Albert Polk Probate Judge
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The Republic of Texas County of San Augustine
Probate Court September term 1843

To the Hon. A. M. Davis Judge of the County Court of San Augustine County.

Your petitioner Perry Anderson respectfully represents to your Honor that he has lately to wit within the last twelve months married Isabella Boudine daughter of John Boudine decd and one of the heirs of his estate; and in her behalf as well as his own he begs leave to petition your honorable court to call upon the administrix Nancy Bodine for a general and final settlement of the said estate of John Bodine decd--

He therefore prays that said court will cause to be filed the lawful notice and cite said administratix to appear at the September term 1843 of the probate court of San Augustine County then and there to show (if any she has) why said succession shall not then and there be closed by a general settlement of the estate--and he will ever pray.
Perry Anderson
By his Attorney
O. M. Roberts

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The Republic of Texas County of San Augustine
Probate Court September term 1843

Personally appeared before me Nancy Bodine who being duly sworn says that she paid a debt of thirty-four dollars to S. B. True & Co. of Nachitoches for which she took his receipt & has lost of mislaid the same---& that said debt was due from the estate of John Bodine decd.

Sworn to and subscribed.............................................her
Before me 29 Jy. 1843.........................................Nancy........X........Bodine
Jo. Rowe. J. P. .....................................................................Mark
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In Chambers January 8th
AD1844
It is ordered by the Court that Joseph Rowe be appointed Guardian ad litum of Wm Bodine & Jane Bodine minor heirs of John Bodine decd. To represent their interest in the partition of the property remain-ing in the hands of the administratix on petition of Perry Anderson, also an heir of said estate for partition.
A W Davis
Probate Judge
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The State of Texas, County of San Augustine

To the sherrif of said county, greetings. You are commanded to summons Elizabeth Lout one of the heirs of John Bodine Deceased to be and appear at the next regular term of the Hon Probate Court to be holden at this court house in the town of San Augustine on the last Monday of Sept. 1847 to attend the final settlement of the Estate of John Bodine deceased.
Given under my hand and seal this
28th day of July 1847
Charles Eppes C P C
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The State of Texas, San Augustine County

To the sheriff of said county greetings--you are hereby commanded to notify William Bodine one of the heirs of John Bodine deceased to be and appear at the next regular term of the Hon Probate Court to be holden at this Court House in the town of San Augustine on the last Monday of Sept. 1847 to attend the final settlement of the Estate of John Bodine deceased.
Given under my hand and seal this
28th day of July 1847
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The State of Texas, San Augustine County

To the sheriff of said county greeting--you are hereby commanded to notify F W Saunders in the right of his child to be and appear at the next regular term of the Hon. Probate Court to be holden at this Court House in the town of San Augustine on the last Monday in Sept. 1847 to attend the final settlement of the Estate of John Bodine deceased.
Given under my hand and seal this
28th day of July 1847
Charles Eppes C P C
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Received of Nancy Bodine admrx of the estate of John Bodine Decd two cows and yearlings, one hiefir & one mare and colt all amounting in value to one hundred and thirty dollars this 18th Dec. 1843
................................................................................. ................................................................................H is
Witness L. Williams.............................................................. .................................................Perry......X........Anderson
................................................................................. ...............................................................................Ma rk
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Received of Nancy Bodine two dollars and ninty two cents in full of her state and county tax as administratix for the year 1845

March 2nd 1846
S. S. Davis Sheriff &

Tax Collector

San Augustine, February the 16th A.D. 1847
$ 8 17/100 Received of Nancy Bodine
Eight and 17/100 dollars in full of his state and county taxes upon all property rendered in his list of taxable property----for the year A.D., 1846
Wm. B. M. Shan
Assessor and collector of
Taxes for S. A. C.
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Recd. Of Nancy Bodine twenty one dollars and seventy five cents in full of her state tax for 1839 and in full her county tax for 1840 July the 24th 1840
Wm. Kimbro, Sheriff
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Recd. Of Nancy Bodine admx of the estate of John Bodine decd. Twenty dollars, in full for her state & county tax for 1841
Duptiadti------Dec. 13th 1841
Wm. Kimbro, Sheriff &
Tax Collector
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Succession of John Bodine Deceased

To Clerk & Judge P. Court Do.
To Amt. Of fees unto this date
in all P C S Fee Book............................................................................. ..............................$37.00

Recd Payment in Full of the Above...........................................................................J ohn P. Borders C P C
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The Republic of Texas
In the name of and by the authority of same

To the sheriff in and for San Augustine county greeting
Your are hereby commanded to summon Joseph Rowe guardian ad litum of William and Jane Bodine minor heirs of John Bodine deceased and Oliver P. Bodine and Elizabeth Lout heirs of John Bodine deceased and Nancy Bodine widow of John Bodine deceased to be and appear at the next regular term of the honorable Probate Court to be holden in and for said county at the office of the Chief Justice on the last Monday in February inst 1844 and show cause if any they have why a writ of petition as prayed for by Perry Anderson, husband of Isabella Bodine an heir of John Bodine deceased in his petition filed in this office on the 8th of February a.d. 1844 shall not be granted directed to certain authorizing and requiring them to divide the said estate of John Bodine deceased among the heirs in conformity to law wherein fail not and make due return of this writ according to law
Given under my hand and the impress
Of the seal of this office this
10th day February A.D. 1844
John P. Borders Clerk Probate Court
By his dpty Charles Eppes C. P. C.
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The State of Texas
San Augustine County
To the sheriff of said county

Greeting you are hereby commanded
To summon Elizabeth Lout one of the heirs of John Bodine deceased to be and appear at the next regular term of the Honorable Probate Court to be holden at the Court House in the town of San Augustine on the last Monday in September 1847 to attend the final settlement of the estate of John Bodine deceased

Given under my hand and seal this
28th day of July 1847
Charles Eppes C. P. C.
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Estate of John Bodine
Ordered by the court that Robert
A Terrell be appointed commissioner to divide one half league of land lying in Kaufman county it being half of the head right of John Bodine deceased with five equal shares giving to: Oliver P. Bodine one share, William R Bodine one share, Elizabeth Lout one share, Sarah Isabella Sanders one share and Isabella Anderson one share.

(The date of above order was probably late December 1851--The land to be divided proved to be in Hunt county and lies about 16 miles south of Greenville.) It was granted by a letter patent signed by Anson Jones in 1843 and on todays maps is shown as the John Bordine Survey and is almost covered by the waters of Lake Tawakini. If memory serves me correctly, not one heir received as much as one dollar per acre for their share. This paragraph was compiled and added on Jan. 9th, 1982 by Jim Bodine.
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Republic of Texas
County of San Augustine

Personally appeared Nancy Bodine before me J Rowe acting Justice of the Peace of said county who being duly sworn says that she paid to Ham Hamilton the sum of fifty five dollars on account of burial expense of John Bodine decd. This 25th of January 1844 and that she lost the receipt for same.
................................................................................. ...................Her
................................................................................. ..Nancy.......X.........Bodine
................................................................................. ...................mark
Sworn to & subscribed
Before this date of above written

J Rowe J P
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Republic of Texas
County of San Augustine

Know all men by these present that I Nancy Bodine admx of the of the estate of John Bodine decd for divers good causes me hereunto moving do hereby appoint and constitute Joseph Rowe my true and lawful attorney in fact, to procure for me a patent for my land that may be due said estate from said republic and all other acts that may be necessary and proper to be done touching the premises, hereby effecting and confirming the law. Given under my hand this 18th day of October 1845.
.................Her
Nancy.......X.......Bodine
................Mark
Admx of the estate of
John Bodine decd.
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Republic of Texas
County of San Augustine

Before me Alfred Polk Chief Justice and Notary Public Escofficeo within and for said county personally appeared Nancy Bodine who acknowledges that she sign and executed the above and foregoing instrument for the use and purposes therein contained by making her mark thereon

Given under my hand and office seal this 18th day of Oct. 1845
Alfred Polk Chief Justice and escofficio Notary Public
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The State of Texas
In the name and by the authority of same
To the sheriff of of San Augustine county--greeting: you are hereby commanded to summon Nicholas Edgar personally to be and appear before the Honorable Probate Court for San Augustine County, at the court house thereof, on the last Monday in January 1846 then and there to give evidence in a case pending, wherein F. W. Saunders & Winney Jane his wife and plaintiff, and Nancy Bodine admnx defendant in behalf of the plaintiff under penalty of law, and due return make of this writ given under my hand this 10th day of December 1846
Charles Eppes, Clerk Probate Court
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The Republic of Texas
In the name of and by the authority of same
To the sheri and for San Augustine County, Greeting

You are hereby commanded to summon Joseph Rowe Guardian ad litim of William Bodine and Jane Bodine minor heirs of John Bodine deceased and Oliver P. Bodine and Elizabeth Lout Heirs of John Bodine Deceased and Nancy Bodine widow of John Bodine deceased to be and appear at the next regular term of the honorable probate court to be holden in and for San Augustine County at the office of the Chief Justice on the last Monday in February inst (1844) and show cause if any they have why a writ of petition as prayed for by Perry Anderson husband of Isabella Bodine an heir of John Bodine deceased in his petition filed in this office on 8th February A.D. 1844 shall not be granted. Directed to certain comissioners authorizing and requiring them to divide the said estate of John Bodine deceased among the heirs

Wherein fail not and make due return of this writ according to law.
Given under my hand and impress of the seal of this
Office this 10th day of February A.D. 1844
John P. Border Clerk Probate Court
By his Dept. Charles Epps
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State of Texas
San Augustine County

We the undersigned heirs of John Bodine deceased having received
heretofore in full all claims against the estate of John Bodine deceased as to the personal property of the said estate there has this day been an order of the Hon Probate Court that the 5 heirs of the said John Bodine have divided equally between them one half League and labor of land when the said division of the said land shall be made we agree that we have rec in full all claim against the estate of John Bodine deceased
September 27th 1847
William Bodine
Perry Anderson
..................her
Elizabeth...X...Lout ................Mark
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Received of Nancy Bodine her due bill for one hundred dollars worth of property which is in full of all my award against the estate of John Bodine decd, except my share in the lands of said estate.
24th Feb 1844
.................His
Perry.........X.........Anderson
...............Mark
Witness Joseph Rowe
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Received of Nancy Bodine five dollars and forty seven cents in full of her state and county tax for the year 1845 March 2nd 1846
S. S. Davis Sheriff
& Tax Collector
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State of Texas
San Augustine County

To the Hon. Alfred Polk Probate Judge in
and for said county

The petiition of Fredrick W. Sanders & Winny Jane (formerly Winny Jane Bodine) Sanders wife and daughter of John Bodine deceased with respect represents to your honor that the said Winney Jane wife of your petitioner herein joining, being one of the heirs of the said decedents estate. Petitioners furthur state they reside in the county and state aforesaid and the administratrix also and that the succession upon said estate opened many years since in the hon court in which you now preside---and that notwithstanding the great length of time in which said succession has been open, the administratrix Nancy Bodine has not made a settlement of the business of said estate to the great injury of some of the heirs-wherefore your petitioners pray your honor to cause citation or retire to issue requiring said Nancy Bodine administrix to be & appear at the next probate court to be held on the last Monday in September next to make a final settlement of her acts and doings, & amounts in the about said estate petitioners Fredrick W. Sanders and his wife Winney Jane Sanders desire also that Nancy Bodine administratrix on the estate of John Bodine decd may be required to make a final settlement, on said estate, in order that a petition may immediately thereafter, or so soon as the law will permit be made and each heir get their legal portion of said estate set asice to them
Petitioners pray for said relief in the premise, as will comport with law, justice & equity--and as in duty will ever pray

Augt. 1846
Cullan Williams
Petitioning Attorney
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The Republic of Texas

In the name and by the authority of the same to the sheriff of San Augustine County greeting You are hereby commanded to cite Nancy Bodine Administratrix of the estate of John Bodine decd. To be and appear before the Hon Probate Court to be holden at the Chief Justices office in and for said county on the last Monday in September inst. Then and there to show cause (if any) why the seccession shall not be closed by a general settlement of said estate as prayed for in the plantiff Perry Andersons petition filed in my office August 25th 1843. Herein fail not and due return make of this citation according to the law. By order of his Honor A. M. Davis Probate Judge
Given under my hand and impress of the seal of said Court at the office in the town of
San Augustine this 11th day of September A.D. 1843 John P. Border Clerk Probate Court
By his deputy Thos. W. Barret
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Decd. In account with said estate
CR
This accountant claims the following affidavits, viz funeral expenses
Paid I. D. Thomas trimmings for coffin Voucher No. 1 22.371/2
" L. P. Wilson Doctors bill " " 2 191.00
" Wm. Kimbro sheriff for taxes 1840 " " 3 21.75
" Do " " " 1842 " " 4 10.59
" Kaufman Attorney " " 5 500.00
" G. W. Terrell Attorney " " 6 250.00
" Perry Anderson Heir & C on Receipt " " 7 130.00
" L. L. Davis Sheriff for taxes for 1843 " " 8 7.00
" Wm. Kimbro Sheriff for 1841 taxes " " 9 20.00
" Hanse Hamilton for burial expenses & C " 10 55.00
" Elizabeth Lout per receipt--- " " 11 100.00
" O. H. P. Bodine per receipt " 12 125.00
1432.711/2
" Note to S. B. True " " 13 31.00
" Court fees---Clerk &C " " 14 27.00
" Court paid Perry Anderson " " 15 100.00
$1600.711/2
The Republic of Texas<
County of San Augustine

Personally appeared in open court Nancy Bodine admr of John Bodine Decd. Who makes oath that the above schedule contains a just account of the administration of said estate up to the present date

Sworn and subscribved in open court Jany 29th 1844 her
A. M. Davis Nancy X Bodine
Probate Judge mark
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Nancy Bodine administratrix of the estate of John Bodine
DR
This account charges herself as follows

To Amt of appraisement of property--Real & Personal

--No sale ever having taken place is-- $2536.96
1600.71
1/2 Balance due from admrx as it regards personal effects $ 935.24 1/2
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The State of Texas
County of San Augustine

List of property that was placed upon the inventory by the administratrix which have died----
_________________________________________________________________________________ ____
work oxen
cows & calves
cows without calves
2 year olde cattle
3 1 year olde
roan mare & her colt
Bay mare
_________________________________________________________________________________ _____
13 head of cattle on hand at this time
_________________________________________________________________________________ _____

The state of Texas
County of San Augustine

Personally came and appeared before me the undersigned authority who after being duly sworn declared and says that the above list is true

Sworn to & subscribed in open Nancy Bodine *
Court this 27th day of July 1847

Alfred Polk Probate Judge

This document and the one that follows are the only two places that I have seen Nancy's signature and they compare so it appears that Nancy (might) have has some education. (Jim Bodine--Feb. 2001)
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To Nancy Bodine Administratrix
To cash paid State & County Tax 1840 No. 1 $ 21.00
" " " Do 1841
64.00 C 25% No. 2 16.00
" " " State & County Tax 1844 No. 3 2.78
" " " Do 1844 No. 4 7.58
" " " Do 1845 No. 5 2.93
" " " Do 1845 No. 6 5.47
" " " Do 1847 No. 7 8.17
$ 63.93

Cash paid George W. Terrell & not credited me in
Former settlement No. 8 $30.00 30.00
The State of Texas County of San Augustine $ 93.00

Personally came and appeared before me the undersigned authority Nancy Bodine Administratrix of the estate of John Bodine deceased who after being duly sworn declares declares and says that the foregoing amt atainst the said estate of John Bodine decd is just and true and prays the same be allowed her upon final settlement
Sworn to and subscribed in open Nancy Bodine*
Court this the 26th July 1847
Alfred Polk Probate Judge
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The following is a list of the property belonging to the estate of John Bodine deceased.

3 yoke of oxen $75 $225.00
5 head of cattle 2 year c 10 050.00
1 ditto do do c 10 10.00
5 cows and calves c 25 125.00
2 three year old c 15 030.00
1 one year old 6.00
1 do do do 6.00
1 black horse 100.00
1 roan horse 3 year old 060.00
1 roan horse 4 year old 075.00
1 black horse 3 year old 035.00
1 bay mare 7 year old--and colt 075.00
1 road wagon 080.00
1 small wagon 050.00
1 set blacksmith tools 050.00
5 log chains 010.00
6 plows 017.00
3 weeding hoes c $.50 001.50
3 pr plow gear with clevises and single tree 012.00
2 pr hind wagon gear 008.00
1 pr hames and traces 002.00
4 cow bells 006.00
2 rifle guns c 15$ 1 musket $5.00 035.00
1 pistol $5 1 sword case $4 2 ____ _____ c 2.00$ 013.00
6/12 doz chairs c $.50 1 ditto $.50 1 bureau $8 011.00
1 Holy Bible $5 20 volumns books c $.50 015.00
1 table 1.50$ 1 mare and colt 20 years of age 010.00
1 negro man Ransom 25 years old 600.00
1 do woman Lonney 20 yrs & child 5 yrs 600.00
1 cross cut saw $4 1 hand saw $.75 004.75
1 lott chisels and augers $5 1 __cradle 3.00$ 008.00
1 cutting knife and box $1.50 001.50
1 note on Samuel Smith 054.00
1 do do G. W. Hooper 004.00
An account on Joathan Anderson 001.50
An account on Wm Amy Lindsey 002.00
Do do on W W Holman 050.00
Do do on M Alexander 010.37
2208 acres of land on Ayish Bayou
1 certificate for 1/2 league and labor land
1 note on E W Cullen for fifty dollars 050.00
An account on Wm Polly Patterson 012.00
1 gray filley 3 years old 040.00
1 iron gray filley 2 years old 020.00
$ 2536.96
We certify the above inventory of the above described property belonging to the estate of John Bodine decd to be just and true as having been given in to us by Nancy Bodine as administratix of John Bodine decd.

Given under our hand this 26th August 1848
W W Holman
Wm H Moses

-----Original Message-----
From: Kim Richards [kim1122a@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2019 3:50 AM
To: BodineGenealogy
Subject: John Bodine War of 1812

Hi! I am kind of confused of the War of 1812 and John Bodine, so I was hoping to get some insight from you. This is where I read about it on your website:

My question is, how do you know that the John Bodine who was in the War of 1812 on Lake Erie, was the same man who died in San Augustine, Texas? There were quite a few John Bodine living in this time frame, so how do you know it was him? Did Nancy collect his pension? Was he listed in some historical text about Georgia or Texas that mentions his service? I can't find anything that proves it was the same man. I hope that you found something other then his son having the same name as the Commander Oliver Hazard Perry.

Thanks for your advice.

Kim

On Wednesday, June 19, 2019, 12:12:25 PM PDT, Ronny Bodine wrote:

Hi Kim,

I am attaching my files on the three generations-Vincent-John and John. I do not know how they compare in every detail with that of Dave's, although I do send what updates I produce on a regular basis and have done so for the past decade or more. It contains all I have and know on these folks.

When I started the Bodine DNA project one of the members traced back through this same line, being a fourth generation descendant of Oliver Hazard Perry Bodine (c1819-1889). His 37-marker test matched perfectly with my own, from Jean and Esther Bridon Bodine through their son Francis, as well as with two others descended from other Bodine lines. This is the best we can do at this time with what is available. Although I have not worked with these three Bodines in several years I will endeavor to answer any questions I can. But again, bear in mind that the details I sent comprise everything I have on these people and is taking into account any others of the name in the immediate vicinity and there weren't but a handful in North Carolina.

Best regards,

Ronny Bodine

From: Kim Richards
To: Ronny Bodine
Sent: Wed, Jun 19, 2019 7:34 pm
Subject: Re: Bodine DNA Project

Hi Ronnie, Thanks for taking the time to respond to my e-mail, and for the documents, which are are well written and put together. My brain though is still fuzzy. Is Vincent Bodine Jr. the only son of Vincent Sr who went to Wake, North Carolina, USA, and was Vincent Sr the only son of Jean? Have all the other sons and grandsons of Jean and Vincent Sr. been vetted as to their whereabouts? DNA does point to John being a descendant of Jean, but can it be said with certainty that John was the grandson of Vincent Jr.? I am also confused over the War of 1812 story. Is there any document that shows that John Burdine who was in the Lake Erie Battle, was the same John Bodine who married in Oglethorpe, Georgia? I found two John Burdine's, or maybe it is the same man, who were in the 4 REGIMENT (JONES'), GA MIL. during the War of 1812, but I found little on this regiment and nothing that places it in the Battle of Lake Erie.

This was the Colonel for the Georgia 4th regiment, I found nothing related to the Captain of the 4th.

Thanks again!!!

Kim

On Wednesday, June 19, 2019, 12:12:25 PM PDT, Ronny Bodine wrote:
From: Ronny Bodine
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2019
To: kim1122a@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Bodine DNA Project

Kim,

Jean Bodin (John Bodine) and Esther Bridon had 8 children--5 sons and 3 daughters. Jean (John) was the eldest and died in 1724 unmarried and childless. Vincent was next, followed by Eleazer, Jacob and Francis. Francis was my ancestor. Eleazer and Jacob were alive in 1706, but nothing else is known of them. I suspect Jacob Bodine to be the ancestor of the Bodines of Orange County, NY.

Son Vincent Bodine was born about 1690 and died 1744 when his will was proved, leaving everything to his wife. Six children were baptized at the Dutch Reformed Church of NYC and a seventh at the French Church of NYC. His wife was Heyltje Smith who died 1750 in NYC. Her will names her children Hester, wife of Cornelius Brower and Vincent Bodine, and deceased son John Bodine. Of his four sons only Vincent (Jr) survived his parents.

Of Vincent Bodine Sr.'s sons, Jacob and Cornelius died in childhood. John died before 1750. He had married in 1737, but had only four daughters. So Vincent was the only survivor and only one to locate in North Carolina.

As to vetting all the sons and grandsons of Jean and Vincent--yes. All the Bodines found in the 1700s were of the family of Vincent Bodine.

John Bodine of Lake Erie naval service left a naval chest that was passed down in his family. Dave Bodine has several pictures on his site. This seems to tie in this man with the Georgia John Bodine who went to Texas, as his son Oliver Hazard Perry Bodine--undoubtedly named after John Bodine's naval captain was born in Georgia. There is no single historical record that names John Bodine of Lake Erie as being from Georgia and going to Texas. The pieces have to be assembled to establish a likely chain of events. Go to for pictures of the sea chest.

Bear also in mind that there were folks named Burdine and Berdine and Bordine who have no relationship. Their presence unfortunately muddies up the facts.

Hope this answers some of your questions.

Ronny

From Ronny Bodine:

There is no direct evidence which states John Bodine was the son of John and Penny Bodine. The relationship may be termed probable at best although it seems certain that John Bodine was related to the Bodine family of Wake County. In the 1880 census, his son Oliver Bodine claimed his father was born in North Carolina. His only other living child, his son William, appears to have had no knowledge of the birthplaces of his parents. Having left North Carolina, John Bodine traveled southwest into Georgia and there in Oglethorpe County married Nancy Gunnels, daughter of John Gunnels, on 25 Dec 1810. His stay in Oglethorpe County went unnoticed in local records but was evident from the births of his first five children there between 1811 and 1819.

On 14 May 1812, John 'Burdein' enlisted in the U.S. Navy at Erie Station and was under the command of Lieutenant Oliver Hazard Perry during the War of 1812. He first served aboard the Brig U.S.S. Lawrence, the flagship of Perry's fleet, where a muster roll carried him as 'John Bordain, seaman.' During the course of the battle of Lake Erie on 10 Sept 1813, the Lawrence, armed with 20 cannon, was so badly shot to pieces that for a time she had to strike her colors. Perry transferred his command to the U.S.S Niagara, regrouped his squadron and secured a victory over the superior forces of the British, thereby securing control of Lake Erie and freeing the upper lakes from the threat of invasion. Most of the crew of the Lawrence was either wounded or killed. In the "History of the Battle of Lake Erie," by George Bancroft (New York: 1891), page 185, he describes the scene on board after the battle "...her [the Lawrence] deck was thickly covered with clots of blood; fragments of those who had been struck--hair, brains, broken pieces of bones were still sticking to the rigging and sides." The Lawrence sustained a casualty count of 21 killed and 61 wounded. A letter of 1825 mentions John having served in the Battle of Lake Erie where he sustained a severe wound. He apparently sufficiently recovered to serve as a seaman aboard the Niagara from 26 Feb 1814 until he was detached from service on 23 May 1814, apparently as a result of his injury.

A document in his U.S. Naval service file prepared by one Usher Parsons, Surgeon, USN on 22 May 1814 at Erie Station states "This certifies that John Berdeen Seaman US Navy has lost the use of the right leg, in consequence of a wound received on board the Lawrence in the action of the 10th September 1813 between the American and British fleet on Lake Erie." A subsequent document issued by E. Cutbush, Surgeon, on 25 June 1814 at the Navy Yard in Washington states "I have examined John Burdeen, Seaman, the wound of his foot is still open, it is impossible for me to say what wll be the degree of disability in consequence thereof; he is certainly entitled to relief, being unable to procure sustenance by his profession." "American State Papers Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States Class X, Miscellaneous," Volume 1 (1834), p. 566, under the heading of "Samuel Hambleton's account of the distribution of prize money on Lake Erie" lists John Bordain, Seaman, to receive $214.89 which was paid in July 1814 to John Boyle, attorney. The total amount of prize money distributed was $234,020.53. At the time of John Bodine's detachment from service he was still suffering from an open wound and was awared an invalid's pension of $6.00 per month. This pension was paid intermittently from 1814 to 1821.

Having been discharged and still suffering from his foot injury, John Bodine returned home to Oglethorpe County. One can only surmise that he supported his family in farming and with the prize money he was paid and his pension. Soon after John Bodine returned home to Oglethorpe County, Georgia, Mary Burdine, claiming to be the wife of John Burdeen, made her existance known to the U.S. Pension Bureau. Documents contained in the Naval Service and Invalid Pension File of John Bodine (National Archives] reveals that Mary Burdine, or someone on her behalf, filed a claim for the invalid pension of John Bodine which was then paid to Mary Burdine prior to 9 Nov 1816, this being the date of a letter written by one Edward Hall of Baltimore, stating "Sirs, I received your letter by Mrs. Burdeen and have paid to her the amount of her Husbands pension for twelve months to the first of July last amounting to seventy two dollars, although not in legal form it is evident he intended she should receive the pension under the power she has exhibited, the witness being a "Justice of the Peace" of Renown Character, and no doubt informed him it would be sufficient. Inclosed you will find five dollars left with me for you---Respectfully Sir Your Obt Serv Edward Hall."

The pension was paid to Mary Burdeen for three years and then stopped, perhaps when the attorney who was the go-between on her behalf died. She pursued reinstituting the pension and notes that he had last received a letter from her husband dated 27 Sept 1824 at New Orleans in which he wrote "I hope you have received at least a part of my pension." and aludes to the several wound he had received on Lake Erie under Commander Perry. This was the last known communication between then, likely written while John Bodine was relocating his family from Georgia, through Mississippi, Louisiana and on to San Augustine County, Texas. Mary Burdeen, now left to her own devices, continued to pursue her claim to John's pension, going so far as to having one Thomas Omealy falsely deposing on 6 March 1838 in Baltimore County Orphans Court, that John Burdeen had died on 24 June 1830 in the hospital at St. Johns in Massachusetts, that he, Omealy attended the funeral, and that the deceased left a widow and children, but did not state how many. Although no record of the marriage of John and Mary Bodine was ever produced, the U.S. Navy Department recognized the marriage.

His fifth child, Oliver, was born in Georgia, according to the 1880 census, on 22 Jan 1819. By about 1823 John Bodine was in Mississippi where his son William was born and by 1825 had settled about two miles north of the village of San Augustine in San Augustine County, Republic of Texas where his daughter Isabella was born. He acquired land in San Augustine County, was elected Alcalde for Ayish Bayou District in 1833 and Second Regidor for San Augustine Municipality in 1834 and was well on his way to becoming a wealthy man. A census was taken of San Augustine District 1834-36 and therein, living in the Sabine District, was the family of John Bodine, Alcalde, age 54, Nancy 43, O.H. Perry 14, William R. W. 10, Isabella M. 8, and Winney Jane 4.

But all that ended on 10 Aug 1839 when he was shot and killed after becoming entangled in a boundary dispute. There are several versions concerning the gun battle, but the deadly outcome was the same in all cases. In one version, four men came out to resurvey the propertry line of the original Bodine survey. John Bodine, his son Oliver, and a man named Willy Nations went out to meet them. Shooting ensued and John Bodine and Willy Nations were killed.

Nancy Bodine served as administratrix for the estate of her late husband as well as for her son-in-law, Pinckney Lout, spending much of her time in court. On 26 Aug 1848, she submitted an inventory of her husband's estate that included 2208 acres of land on Ayish Bayou, oxen, cattle, horses, a Holy Bible, 20 volumes of books, a 25-year old negro man named Ransom, valued at $600, a 20-year old woman named Lonney and her 5-year old child, valued together at $600, and an assortment of furnishings and farm equipment. In 1850, Nancy Bodine, age 44, was living in San Augustine County with her 12-year old grandson, Pinckney Lout. Living nearby, very likely on the family property was her widowed daughter, Elizabeth Lout, and her 3 children. In 1860, the circumstances remained unchanged with Pinckney Lout, now 22, still living with his grandmother and Nancy's daughter Elizabeth living nearby. Nancy Bodine eventually had to surrender the Lout estate to petitioners of the court, but managed to keep her late husband's estate intact until her own death in 1863.