BOWMAN William; ENG > NZL; c 1840-1890 William BOWMAN was a sailor on the ship "OPAWA" on its voyage to Christchurch, New Zealand in 1878. He jumped ship in Christchurch and later (1879) married Maria WELLS (a passenger on that ship). It is rumoured that he was previously married prior to coming to NZ. I the papers for that voyage, and those of a previous vessel, he gave his place of birth as Liverpool and his age showing he was born in 1849. There is only one William BOWMAN born in Liverpool in that year, William Jeffreys BOWMAN. This person is included in the 1881 Census - a bookkeeper. Married to Janet Smith WILSON. The 1881 Census also shows a Margaret BOWMAN, wife of a seaman, (who was absent at the census). I have traced this to an association with a William Joseph BOWMAN born 1846 in Morpeth. Is anyone able to help in identifying the correct William BOWMAN? Regards Bill Smith "Bill Smith" <[email protected]>