(1)  William Bowring, (or Bowering), born between 1779 and 1781 in Kentisbeare, Devon; married on 3 December 1807 at Whitchurch Canonicorum, Dorset, England, Harriet Powell, born about 1781 (estimated from 1841 census) in either Wootton Fitzpaine (per 1851 census) or Whitchurch Canonicorum (per 1861 census), Dorset.  The marriage was witnessed by William & Ann Powell, of as yet unknown relation. A search of transcripts at Whitchurch Canonicourm and Wootton Fitzpaine in 2007 yielded no record of Harriett's baptism in either location.
        William and Harriett were enumerated in the 1841 census of the parish of Wootton Fitzpaine, District 13. They each indicated their ages as 60, and their birthplaces as county Dorset (untrue for William). William's occupation was listed as "Ag Laborer." Living with them that year were daughter Hanna, age 15, and son William, age 15. No other Bowering or Bowring families were enumerated in Wootton Fitzpaine that year, supporting the fact that William Bowering was not a native of the parish; however, numerous Powell families were enumerated in Wootton Fitzpaine that year, suggesting Harriet may have been. Among their neighbors that year were the families of Wiliam Powell, age 21, and his wife Elizabeth, age 24, a farming family living immediately next door; also the families of Thomas Phippen, 93 year old widow of Matthew Powell, Shadrack Powell, age 45, and family, John Powell, age 45, and family, and Rebecca Powell, age 45 (likely a widow) with children Henry, age 14 and Mary, age 11, the latter of whom were enumerated next door to William and Hariett. All of these families were involved in agriculture that year.
        In the 1851 census of Wootton Fitzpaine, William Bowring reported his age as 72, occupation as pauper and agricultural laborer, and birthplace as "Devon, Kentsbeer"; with him were wife Harriett, who reported her age as 70, and birthplace as Wootton Fitzpaine, as well as granddaughter Emma Gillingham, age 7, born at Whitechurch.
        In the 1861 census of Wootton Fitzpaine, Harriet Bowring was enumerated as an 80 year old head of household, indicating William had died by that year. Harriet reported her birthplace as "Whitechurch," as did several other Powells enumerated in Wootton Fitzpaine that year.

Children:

1. Mary Ann, baptized 24 December 1809 at Wootton Fitzpaine, Dorset, England; married George Gillingham. Parents of:
   1. Emma Gillingham, born about 1855/1856 at Whitchurch Canonicorum, was living with her grandparents, William and Harriet, when the 1851 census was taken.
2. Ann, baptized 29 November 1812 at Wootton Fitzpaine, Dorset, England.
3. Elizabeth, also baptized 29 November 1812 at Wootton Fitzpaine, Dorset, England.
4. Sarah, baptized 13 August 1815 at Wootton Fitzpaine, Dorset, England, died 1860 in Hounsfield, Jefferson Co., New York; married 24 December 1835 at Wootton Fitzpaine, Dorset, England, Robert Stokes of Hawkchurch, Dorset, died 1863 in Hounsfield, Jefferson Co., New York.
5. Emma, baptized 15 November 1818 at Wootton Fitzpaine, Dorset, England
6. Hannah, 27 November 1820 at Wootton Fitzpaine, Dorset, England.
7. William, baptized 9 May 1824 at Wootton Fitzpaine, Dorset, England.
8. Harriett, baptized 18 November 1827 at Wootton Fitzpaine, Dorset, England.