Origins of the Boring Family

 Theory 1 - Possible)           That John came from England in 1670 with his daughter.  There is certainly evidence which suggests this as a possibility.  This Evidence comes primarily from the Parish Records of St. Peters Church, Tiverton, County Devon, England and examined by Charlotte McFaul at the Devon County Records Office at Exeter, Devon, England, Oct. 1983.

BK 1 - Thos, Son of William Boring baptized on 30 ????????  (Illegible)
BK 2 - John, son of Tho Bouring baptized 23 may 1647
BK 3 - Elizabeth, dau of John Bourn baptized 4 July 1665
BK 3 - Venus, wife of J. Bourn died 21 Oct 1666
BK 3 - Elizabeth, dau of John Bouring baptized 31 Jan 1668
BK 3 - Anne, dau of John Bourn baptized 16 Aug 1669

The following is from Miss Anne E. Welsford, librarian and author of a history of St. Peters Church of Tiverton 1073-1973.

“Marriages to girls from the “provinces” were not recorded in the parish registers of St. Peters.  The 17^th century was a bad time to be born in England.  The weather was cold and there were many deaths from the Black Plague and fires.  Tiverton (Except for St. Peters standing on top of a hill in the center of town) was burned out several times in the 17^th century.”

There is, however, no link between the two Johns  My original belief was that they were not the same individual, however I now believe that this is at least a possibility.  Certainly our John was in Virginia by the 1660’s  (See Below).  However, on Feb. 7, 1669  he gave Dan Harrison power of attorney to collect his debts (Ostensibly implying that he would not be around to collect them).  He then disappears  and then shows up in Baltimore in July of 1670.  It is possible that during this missing time (1 Year and 4 Months) he did return to England for some period.

 There is also a book "Benjamin Bowring and His Descendants", London, Hodder and Stroughton, 1938, that describes a branch of the Bowring Family from 1303 thru 1918.  In this chart is the John Bowring b. 1647 in Tiverton (Above).

For research purposes that chart is included here –

Stephen Bourying of Bouryingslegh, County Devon, 1303
John Bourying – Portreeve of Dodbrooke, County Devon, 1379
Richard Bourying – Mayor of Kingsbridge, County Devon, 1425
William Bourying – Bailiff of Dodbrooke, County Devon, 1436
William Bowringe of Tiverton, County Devon, married Joan Curham
Ralph Bowringe of Tiverton, County Devon died 1533
John – 1503-1560
John – married 1561
Ralph- married “Richard” Gard 159?
Thomas – 1606 - ?
John of Tiverton - 1647

This is  a prime example of how misleading and erroneous data gets perpetuated.   I have no idea of where this data came from originally.  John Bourens Will is transcribed below.  The two sons mentioned are John and Edmund.   I concede that I have done very little research on this John Bouren and his descendants beyond his Will, but the Will is enough to conclude that out John Boring is not the John Bouren/Boring, the son of John Bouren who died in 1677.

In either event this theory is easily discredited, but it persists.  The Will of John Bouring written in 1673 reads as follows:

“In the name of God I John Bouring doth will and bequeath unto my two Sonnes being Edmond & John Bouring all my Land being six hundred acres of land and to be equally divided betweene them when they shall come of age...

witness: Wm Hatfield   Hugh Hoskings.
Jno. Bouring
Deposition of Hugh Hoskings, aged 34 yeares or thereabouts 17 June 1677.
Adam Keeling. Hugh Hoskins & Seale.”
Bouring...  Book 4 f 22.    Dated 31 Jan 1673

This will mentions a John as a son but included the notation “when they shall come of age”. Indicating the John was not yet 21 in 1673, In fact John is mentioned second, generally indicating that he is the younger of the two sons (and the elder son Edmund is not yet 21).  The subject of this book, Our John Boring, immigrated to Maryland in 1670 and already had a daughter.  He was at the very least in his early 20’s and a Freeman 3 years before John Bouring wrote his will

Based on John Bouring’s will alone our John Boring is excluded as being his son.

Theory 3 - Busted)            Another theory put forth is that John arrived in Norfolk, VA. In 1650 and was married to Ann Sawyer.  This comes from“p153 of Book "B" Lower Norfolk County, Virginia.  2 Nov 1646 - 15 January 1651/2

 15 Aug 1650  - CERTIFICATE:  to Thomas Sawyer for 550 acres for transportation of eleven persons: himselfe, Frances Sawyer, Francis Sawyer, Robte: Fitt,  Margaret Yellow, Elizabeth Yellowe, William Heath, Margaret Carter, John Boringe, Anne Sawyer and Francis Ellyott.”

 On the surface you would believe that John Boringe was an adult as he was traveling alone.  This would make him at least 40 when he moved to Maryland in 1670 with only one child.  This would also put him in his late 50’s when he had his 3 other children.  Possible, but unusual.  It is almost unheard of back then to have only one child by age 40 and if he had other children before Ann there would at least be some record of some Boring’s in VA or MD and there is none, and no others mentioned in his Will.

Although I have labeled this as BUSTED, it is a really extremely remote possibility.  We have no idea at this time when John came to America or what his age was at any time - - This however also conflicts with theory number 1 above which claims that John was born in 1647 - If that is true he would only have been three years old in 1650.  There is also no other evidence or mention of an Ann Sawyer anywhere in any records other than the above.  I believe this was originally assumed because John also had a daughter named Ann, but it still persists.

 It may be that the John Boringe mentioned above is the John Bouren who died in Norfolk, VA in 1677.  At this point it is sheer speculation.

Theory 4 - NOTES)            Another,  which must be mentioned - On rare occasions someone has mentioned that their family came from Holland or Germany or some other country.  In both cases, there is never any written record, and there is clear evidence that at least some of them are related to John Boring of Baltimore.  There are many Boring Family histories written in the 1800’s which contradict this, most saying something to the effect that the Boring Family is descended from the Bowring  Family of England. and on occasion related to Royalty.  It may also be true that their Family did come from Holland or Germany but on the maternal side and in the telling it became confused.  I have found this to be true on a number of occasions.

To be complete and accurate, there are Boring’s from Holland and Germany, etc.  There are in the mid/late 1800’s, Boring’s who claimed on Census Records and the occasional Tombstone that they were born in Holland, Germany or Sweden, However we have little information on their ancestors and find no connection of them to the John Boring of Baltimore, and as of this date have never found any born before 1800 that claimed their birth in either Holland, Germany or Sweden.

One Individual (James K. P. Boring) was born in Jan. 1844 and died Feb, 11, 1909.  According to his Civil War Pension Records he was born in Holland and his death Certificate names his father as Abram who was born in Holland.  However, on the 1880 and the 1900 Census James Birth Location is listed as Pennsylvania.  His Father was Abraham Boring but he was not born in Holland, but in Huntingdon Co., Pennsylvania.  The 1860 Census under Abraham shows “James K. P. “ listed under his father Abraham,  and the Census Records also show his father as being born in Pennsylvania, and we know conclusively who this James is - SO MUCH for using official document as the sole source..

Clues as to Johns Origins

Jul 14, 1670          "Came John Boreing of Baltimore County and proved rights to two hundred and Fifty acres of land for Transporting himself, Ann his daughter, John Liggings  , Wm. Long , and Edward Rutlidge into this Province to inhabit." "Warrant when issued withe the name of the said John Boreing for two hundred and Fifty acres of Land (due him for the considerations above). Certificate returnable the xiiiith of Oct next." Early Settlers of MD. , Liber 12, Folio 589, Hall of Records, Annapolis, MD

1)     Virginia and Maryland were English Colonies - most, if not all individuals who arrived here came here from an English Port.

2)     As, such, these were English speaking colonies  The individuals which John associated with (Merrymans, Welshes, etc) were of English Origin as well as the spouses of his children.

3)     A prized possession in those days was to have a book.  In the inventory of Johns estate was a book "Dalton County Justice" - This is a law book published in England and we also know that among other things John at times was a Justice.  This also implies that he could read and write English.  although he signed his will with an "X" - I believe it was because he was to sick to sign his name.

4)     There are records from 1659 thru Feb 7, 1669 indicating John was in Lancaster County, VA.  Again, the individuals that our John associated with in Baltimore Maryland are the same families that were in Lancaster Co., VA.  John's son James married Jane Welsh, her father being Daniel Welsh who was appointed a constable in Lancaster Co., VA on Mar 30, 1659.

5)     Feb. 7, 1669 - John Boring P/A to Dan Harrison  to collect Debts.  Wit:  John Warwick and James Dyman - Feb 10, 1669
(Virginia Colonial Abstracts - Series 2, Vol 2, Lancaster County, Virginia - Court Orders and Deeds - 1656-1680)

This record indicates that John was Leaving Lancaster Co. for points unknown and wanted someone to collect his debts.  John is never seen again in Lancaster County and shows up 1 year and 4 months later in Baltimore, MD.

6)       In the Inventory of the estate of John(2) (Son of John(1)) it is shown that he has some money due from the estate of a William Black of London.  This in itself proves nothing.  However, John was born in Maryland circa 1680, so the question arises - - Why did William Black owe him money, or How did he borrow it from John.  There must have been a close relationship if he lent money to someone in London, or is this some kind of inheritance from a Grandfather, Uncle or ???

7)     There are records of John(2) and his 3rd wife Sarah requesting money from their Bank in England in the early 1700's. "Maryland Black Book" - which list various transactions in the early Maryland Colonies.

8)     The will of John Ferry (below) who was the Guardian of John Borings sons states "all debts due moneys or accounts whatever do them be in England or elsewhere"

9) Numerous Biographies of individuals in the early 1800's stating that their ancestors came from either England, Ireland or Scotland - Most say of English Origin - - When a specific country is mentioned, Ireland is most often used.

Aside from the locations, there are three separate items above that indicate John(2) had money or accounts in England.  If he was from another country, one would assume that his Money would be in that country...

ALL THE RECORDS AND CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE POINT TO JOHN BEING OF ENGLISH DESCENT. 

This also revisits the possibility that the John (b. 1647) in Theory Number 1 above could be out John, having left Lancaster Co., Va in Feb. 1669 for England, having his daughter Ann there in Aug. 16, 1669 and returning by July 1670 to Baltimore, MD.

I only quote this as a real possibility - - DON'T QUOTE ME AS SAYING IT IS FACT.  I  believe it is a real possibility but am trying to find more facts or circumstantial evidence.

Wives and Children of John

 John can be documented as having three wives.

1)     Unknown - who was the mother of Ann and whom ostensibly died before coming to Baltimore, MD in July 1670

2)     Margaret Unknown - Roger Sidwell died Nov 1. 1679 - The records of Roger Sidwells' estate record that John Boring married Margaret, the widow of Roger Sidwell

3)     Ann Unknown - - John's will indicates that his wife "Ann" was the mother of his children.

There are no other wives, however there is a very tight schedule here of Johns Marriage to Margaret and Ann.  I have "suggested" in the past that the possibility exists that Margaret and Ann "MAY" be the same individual.  We know that Ann is the Mother of Johns three sons,  We also know (See below) that the oldest Son John was probably born between the spring of 1680 and the spring of 1681.  This means John would have to have been conceived between the summer of 1679 and the summer of 1680.

(New Info 4/28/2008)
Mar 13, 1678 - Maj. Thomas Long, high sheriff of Baltimore Co., exhibited oath of John Boring, administrator of Roger Sidwell unadministered by relict of said Roger and late wife of said John, sworn on 23 Oct. last. Appraisers John Arden and John Leakings were sworn on 9 Oct. John Boaring exhibited inventory.
(Abstracts of the Testamentary Proceedings of the Prerogative Court of Maryland: Vol IV, Pg 38)

Based on the above abstract, Margaret, "the relict of said Roger and late wife of said John", had died by March 13,1678.  This voids a previous statement that I had made that Margaret and Ann may have been the same person.  That "theory" was based on the tight schedule of John(2)s birth was in 1680/1681 and the fact that until this Abstract, I did not know when Margaret had died.  We previously believe that she was still alive in 1679.

John's Children

John had 4 proven children - -  A 5th child is sometimes cited  (The questionable one "Mary" will be last in our list)

1)     Ann - Johns daughter who accompanied him to Baltimore, Maryland in July 1670 - - Nothing More is know about her.

2)     John - John(1)s oldest son mentioned in his will - His birth year is not to difficult to work out given the following facts.   A)  John is mentioned in John Ferry's Will that John is to have his Freedom at age 18. This is important - - IN THE COLONIES EVERYONE ON ANY TAX LIST HAD TO BE A FREEMAN - SIMPLY MEANING THAT YOU HAD TO BE EITHER 21 YEARS OF AGE OR GIVEN YOUR FREEDOM EARLIER.  In Johns case "18 years".  In 1699 John shows up on the Tax List - - THIS MEANS THAT HE IS AT LEAST 18 AND BORN NO LATER THAT 1681 (NO MATTER WHAT ELSE)- - if the assumption is that the tax list was done sometime in the summer of 1699 - Not the later winter months then John could not have been born any later than the summer of 1681.  In reality John could have been 18 years and 11 months old thus making him born no earlier than the late summer of 1680..  So there is only an 11 month GAP where he could have been born.  Any earlier than that and he would have shown upon the 1698 Tax list, and he does not.  I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO FIND A DATE FOR THE TAX LIST.....

This is worth repeating again as I have had to respond to it many times - - YOU HAD TO BE A FREEMAN TO APPEAR IN THE TAX LIST AND THAT MEANS 21 OR HAVEN BEEN GIVEN YOUR FREEDOM AT AN EARLIER AGE.  (Regardless of where you appear in the tax list).  I note this because I frequently get the note from somebody stating that John shows up in the household of Charles Merryman in 1699 and therefore wasn't "of age".  I have discussed this with the Maryland Historical Society and the director of the Maryland State Archives - NOT TRUE - If you are on the tax list anywhere then you are a Freeman. - Household members are not listed unless they are "of age".

3)     James - Johns second son also mentioned in his Will.  James' birth year is a little more complicated.  He is the second son and therefore born after 1680/1.  He shows up on the Tax list in 1702..  This is three years after John is on the Tax Lists.  Some assumptions have to be made here as John Ferry and James mother Ann both had died by then.  Assuming James had showed up when he turned 21 means that he would have been 18 in 1699 - the same age as John so James could not have been 21.  In 1702, he either had to be 18, 19, or 20 and thus given his freedom.  John Ferry's will only mentions that the orphans of John Boring be given their inheritance when they come of age.  We also know that John was to be give his freedom at 18 and it is reasonable to also assume that James and Thomas were to be given their freedom at they same age.  Charles Merryman became their trustee when John Ferry Died..  Give his freedom at age 18 would make James born circa 1683/4.  NOTE - James does show up on a 1697 Rent Roll as possessing land but this is not necessarily a TAX List

4)     Thomas - - Without all the details, Thomas' birth year follows the same logic as James'.  Thomas first shows up on a "Tax List" in 1705, thus making his birth year circa 1686/7.

5)     Mary- Controversial Mary - - - Mary is NOT MENTIONED in the will of John Boring(1), nor does his will state that there are any other children.   Mary as a daughter of John(1) first appears in "Hecklingers" in 1950.  There is however no supporting evidence of that and over 50 years additional research still has not turned up any evidence.   The only mention of  any "MARY BORING" is in the will of John Ferry, which is where Hecklinger took it from.

 Dated March 4, 1689/9
[Wills - Box 1 folder 61, Baltimore, Maryland

In the name of God Amen the forth day of March 1698/9 I John ferry of Back River in the County of Baltimore Gent being of perfect memory and remembrants praised be god to make and ordain this my last will....   Item I will and bequeath that all my debts be truly paid and sattisfyed and that the orfans of Mr. boreing be taken care of and their dues paid them when they come of age which was left them by their father Boreing by my trustee. Item I give and bequeath unto my sons-in-law jno Boreing James Boreing and Thomas Boreing two hundred and fifty acres of land lying between Broad and Choars branch and the old field formerly belonging to Mr. Boring deceased and two hundred seventy acres of land lying on the north side of Back river called by the name of Come By Chance all which laid two tracts of land to be equally divided between the aforenamed three sonns to them and their heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter in law Mary Boreing the sum of ten pounds sterling and the beast feather bead and ffirnitue in my now dwelling plantation and two gould rings to her and her heirs for ever. Item...unto my son in law John Boreing the sum of tenn pounds sterling and my young mare Caled Boney and my cloth cote with silver bottons and Callimaner waset and brooches to him. Item..James...the 2nd best feather bed and firiture with 10 pounds sterling. Item...Thomas...10 punds Ster and 3rd best feather bed. Item unto Sarah Shrea (hole in paper) gowns. Item...godson John Yalton one good cow and calf. Item..Ann Todd, the daughter of James Todd one good ring. Item...unto my friend Charles Merriman  sons the sum of 10 pounds sterling. Item unto my loving friend Thomas Todd of Virginia all servants goods and chattels whatsoever of mine that are at this time upon Denton at North Points Plantation upon this condition that the said Thomas Todd to set John Shaw free from slavery which is my desire and in case that Thomas Todd  should refuse to set the said John Shaw free I will and bequeath that Thomas Todd pay unto Charles Merriman fore the use of the said orfans of Mr. Boreing the some of thirty pounds sterling upon the porformance of either of these two (etc).. Item...my loving friend Charles Merriman  trustee of this my last will and testament and that the sd Charles Merriman do bring up the orfans of Mr. Boing all according to their father’s will that is to say to learn them to read and wright and to keep their planations in repairs and (?) all debts due moneys or accounts whatever do them be in England or elsewhere and that the sd Charles Merriman do pay all legacies debts and accts that shall be brought lawfully aganst my estate and what shall remain after all is satisfied and paid...shall divide amonst the orfans of Mr Boreing and give an equal share as they shall come of age. signed Jno Ferry [Wills Box 1 folder 61].

19 May 1704. Acct Balt and Payements 66-9-11. [Test. Pro. L. 20, p. 56].

On the surface, I agree that without any thought or study, one could assume that John Boring(1) had a daughter named Mary.  The entire analysis of whom Mary is, is dependant entirely on the will of John Ferry.  However, an in-depth analysis of John Ferrys' will and John Boring(2) is enough to conclude that she is not the daughter of John Boring(1).

We are already aware that John(2) was of age by 1699, and we also know that John(2) married a Mary Kemp.  There is no reason not to assume that by the time John Ferry died John(2) had already married Mary Kemp.

Per John Ferrys' will - The Best Feather Bed was given to Mary Boring "Daughter-In-Law" along with furniture, gold rings, etc, the 2nd Best feather bed to James and the 3rd Best feather bed to Thomas.  Given that John was the oldest, he should have gotten the Best Feather Bed, etc .  Females did not receive the bulk or best of the estate, only the Males and primarily the Eldest son.  By rights and Tradition, the bulk of the Estate should have gone to John - - Giving them to Johns wife "Mary Kemp", preserves that.  Additionally, if she were John Boring(1)s daughter and was to receive such an inheritance, she would certainly have been in John Borings Will.

It is also noted in some records that Mary Boring (supposed dau. of John(1)) married James Cannon. on 12/24/1723.  A Mary Boring did marry James Cannon but this Mary was the daughter of  Thomas Boring and Unknown (Possibly Ann Dorsey per J.D. Means).  Proof of Marys' parentage can be found by looking at the Will of James Boring (Thomas' brother).

Conclusion - - There is no evidence that John(1) had a daughter name Mary.  The Mary Boring "daughter-in-law" mentioned in John Ferrys' will could just as easily be the wife of his "son-in-law" John Boring.  Given the lack of ANY supporting evidence of John Boring(1) having a daughter Mary we are left with the conclusion that
"MARY BORING" MENTIONED IN JOHN FERRYS' WILL IS MARY KEMP, WIFE OF JOHN BORING(2) - NOT THE DAUGHTER OF JOHN BORING(1)