James Bonner

Who was James Bonner?

Col. James Bonner was born in 1719 in either Beaufort Precinct of Hyde Precinct of Bath County. His father, Thomas Bonner was a land owner in Hyde Precinct in 1715. He died in Beaufort County, North Carolina in 1782. He was buried in the town of Washington which was founded on his land. His grave was just across the present "Main Street" from the present St. Peter's Episcopal Church, which was built at an earlier date, on land which he donated for "the building of a church". His remains were removed to that churchyard between 1888 and 1893.

Col. James Bonner will probably be remembered longest for his efforts in helping to found the town of Washington, North Carolina, for which he donated land for the public buildings and streets and for a church. He and his brother Major Henry Bonner and their brother-in-law Col. Edward Salter were three of rge Commissioners appointed by the Colonial Assembly for founding the town. They laid off 60 lots, which were disposed of by lottery. Col. James held various offices of distinction in Beaufort County. He was appointed on December 5, 1760, by the Governor and Council at Wilmington as Justice of the Peace in Beaufort County.