James Bowles was born in Yarmouth, England about 1804.  He served as a drummer with the 9th Regiment of Foot, Norfolk, England and came to Canada about 1833, settling first in Franktown, Beckwith twp., Lanark county where he worked as a carpenter and raised a family.  They moved to Sarnia in the 1860's where he gave his occupation as "trader".  In the 1870's they moved to Sombra township.  See Sombra township for more information on this family.