Louis Hicks Bourne

Louis Hicks Bourne and the Bourne Family of Calvert County, Maryland – a family of many “first” in American history and culture

1825 -1900

Louis Hicks Bourne was born in 1825 to Gracy (Grace) Mason and James E. Bourne.  The earliest description of Louis is given in the 1860 U.S. Census as being a male/mulatto, farmhand who could not read, living in Port Republic, Maryland (Calvert County) with his wife, Margaret, identified as black.  At age 38, Louis is listed in the Civil War Registry as a laborer. Within a span of twenty years, and eventually buying their farm they raised their ten children, some of whom, were also identified as mulatto to become self-sustaining citizens of Maryland and beyond.  Emily, James, Joseph, Louis, Thomas, Lydia, John, Sarah, Amelia, Ulysses Grant, and Edward Draper brought honor to the Bourne name.

Although being born just prior to the Antebellum South era and just after, the Bourne family was able to withstand hatred and discrimination to surpass expectations beyond understanding. They  became of family who achieved many “firsts”. A family with a strong work ethic beginning as farmers to rise to become educators, lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and clergymen; the Bourne family uplifted each other with an understanding that family ties are strong ties.

As Bourne sons and daughters left Calvert County Maryland to attend colleges and universities, or to start independent businesses; although looking forward, the effort was always made to reach back to help other siblings that remained on the Calvert County farm.  Eventually, reaching beyond Calvert County to Baltimore and Frederick Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and California, the Bourne Family established themselves with prominence and historical achievements in arenas where they are still celebrated today as being a first to be acknowledged.  Buildings, political organizations, and educational platforms carry the Bourne name.  Louis Hicks Bourne leaves a legacy of pride.

Additional Resources

Louis Hicks Bourne (1830–1900) • FamilySearch

Florencetine Bourne Jasmin , descendant