James Arthur Bowman was born in West Hartlepool around 1896. His parents John William and Elizabeth Bowman (nee Noble), were married at Stranton Church on November 17th, 1888.
The 1901 Census lists John, who was born in Darlington, as a Railway Engine Driver, living with his wife, daughter Mary Isabell (aged 11), and sons Frederick Noble (aged 9), and James Arthur (aged 5), at No.8, Whitburn Street, West Hartlepool.
The 1911 Census shows the whole family still living at the same address, listing the father John as working for the North Eastern Railway, Mary Isabell (now aged 21, single) as a Milliner, Frederick Noble (aged 19, single), a Fitter & Turner, and James Arthur (aged 15), as a Telegram Messenger.
