One of the council of the province,n 1699, James Bowles, the only son and heir of Tobias Bowles, a prominent sugar and tobacco merchant of London and Kent, came to the Maryland colony to serve as his father's factor and agent. Well educated, well connected and wealthy, Bowles began accumulating large parcels of land in St. Mary's County, including a parcel called "Bowles Preservation" that would one day be Sotterley Plantation. He died in Maryland circa 1727... He was nominated, but not confirmed, for governor after the death of his Uncle John Seynour.The General Index to Wills of St. Mary?s County, MD, lists his will, June 13, 1727. He left property to his daughters Elinor, Mary, and Jane and paid off his Uncle George?s debt.
