Bumpus Family History & Genealogy

McBride - Bumpus Genealogy



" Edouad Bompasse "

His flotilla of bottles . . . tracked ocean currents

By Elaine Woo
Los Angeles


For centuries people have launched bottles into the seas for sentimental reasons -- to preserve a paean to lost love, perhaps, or to feed a basic human desire to touch a soul in a distant land.
Dean Bumpus did it for science -- and on a scale that likely has no rival.
To track ocean currents, the scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts pitched tens of thousands of glass vessels into the Atlantic Ocean for 30 years, starting in 1948.
" Break This Bottle, " the labels Mr. Bumpus affixed to them read.
Inside each was a postcard asking the finder to reply with the date and place the bottle was found. In return, Mr. Bumpus sent a 50-cent reward.
Although primitive, Mr. Bumpus' methodology enabled him to write a pioneering study of coastal circulation off the Eastern United States.
" His bottle studies are monumental and, according to my studies, released more bottles than anyone," said Curtis Ebbesmeyer, a Seattle scientist who, as a byproduct of plotting the paths of ocean pollutants, became the country's foremost expert on high seas flotsam. " I greatly admired his work."
No one knows exactly how many bottles were set adrift by Mr. Bumpus, who died March 14 at his home in Woods Hole after a distinguished 40-year career in oceanography. Known as " Bump " to his colleagues, he was 89.
He once said that during the 1960s alone he or his conscripts flung 165,566 bottles from ships and planes along the East Coast. Ebbesmeyer suspects the total number throughout Mr. Bumpus' research well exceeded 200,000.
Many were presumed sunk under the weight of barnacles that may have attached themselves to the bottles on the high seas. Despite such perils, the return rate during the '60s was about 10 percent -- some 16,000 bottles.
Most were found along the 600-mile stretch of the Eastern Seaboard between Cape Hatteras and the tip of Maine. But some washed up in Ireland. One bottle got as far as Mediterranean Sea.
In 1967, then - Vice President Hubert Humphrey dropped one of Bump's drifters from the institute's research vessel, Atlantis II, off Gloucester; Mass. It turned up just 20 miles away -- four years later.
Another bottle was adrift for 33 years. No. 4653, launched from a research ship in the mid-Atlantic north of Bermuda in 1951, was returned to the institute in 1984 after it was found on a New Jersey beach.
In all those years, Mr. Bumpus said, he was " held up " only once -- by a hard-bargaining woman in Vero Beach, Fla, who sniffed at his measly reward.
" I have one of your bottles," she wrote. " I collect things of this sort when I find them. I also collect $2 bills. That is what it will take to get the number off this bottle and where I found it."
Another time a man in Canada wrote a poem about one of the drift bottles. Mr. Bumpus tracked him down. He lived in a house with a dirt floor strewn with fish bones and other things. In a corner was a battered typewriter where the clam-digger poet had created his simple verse.

He was " one of those fellows who liked to write, but no one would ever accept his stuff," Mr. Bumpus said. " Later, I wrote an article about it and I got paid $50 for it. I sent him $25 and he was delighted."
Whenever Mr. Bumpus got a postcard back, he pondered the many varibles that shaped the bottle's journey. If the bottle was found on a beach, for instance, how long did it sit there before someone picked it up ? " There sre lots of subtleties in how to interpret the ' birth ' and ' death ' notice without knowing the life in between,"said Robert Beardsley, a senior scientist at the Woods Hole research center.
Plotting the route of the bottles, however, led to Mr. Bumpus' finding that ocean currents south of Cape Hatteras move in very different patterns from those northward.
" It was his genius," Beardsley said, " to make sense out of something that to us would seem very difficult to interpret."
The result, according to flotsam specialist Ebbesmeyer, was " a pivotal data set for studying trans-Atlantic drift," useful to anyone trying to determine the path of an oil spill, for instance, or how certain plant slecies traveled from the Americas to Europe.
Mr. Bumpus was born in Newburyport, Mass. He studied biology at Oberlin College, graduating in 1933. After graduate work at Brown University, he joined the staff of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in 1937, becoming one of its first year-round employees. He also studied at Harvard College.
In the late 1930s, he helped develop a comprehensive sampler of plankton life at the Georges Bank fishing ground off the Massachusetts coast. It continues to yield important findings today.
During World war II, he was among a group of Woods Hole scientists who taught Navy submariners " how to play hide and seek " by using the temperature and density gradients of the water to avoid acoustic detection by enemy vessels.
His bottle mania may ahve come from working closely with the institute's first director, Henry Bryant Bigelow, who used bottles to study ocean circulation as early as 1915. But the technique was not unique to either man. Theophrastus, the influential botanist of antiquity, was believed to have used glass bottles to map currents in the Mediterranean several centuries before Christ.
What is probably safe to say is that neither ancient nor more modern mariners lent as much gusto to the hunt for bottles as Mr. Bumpus.
In September 1959, Mr. Bumpus, an award-winning scoutmaster known for is hearty laugh, issued this memo to colleagues:
" All hands are respectfully requested (until further notice) to bring their dead soldiers to the lab and deposit them in the box just inside the gate. Whiskey, rum, beer, wine or champagne bottles -- 8 oz. to one quart in size -- will be gratefully received.
" Bottoms Up ! "
He remained devoted to his bottles even when more sophiscated devices -- electronic current meters tracked by satellite -- became available.
Mr. Bumpus retired in 1978. His bottles are still coming in.

The Author of this web-site does not know the Family Tree connection to Mr. Bumpus, in the story that was written, nor how far back their connections meet. The Web-Site Author just liked the story.
( genealogy website - )

A Mau Pas Bon Pas

Bumpas, Bonpas, Bompus, Bumpasse, Bumpus, Bompasse, Bump

TRADITIONS
by Rev. Robah Bumpas

I traced the Bumpas name back to the land of its origin in Southern France, in Provence, the land of sunny vineyards, of music and song, of poetry and romance; the home of the troubadours. Aix as its capital: sleepy old Aix, as it appeared on a warm mid-summer's day, with its uncommonly lovely fountain, set in a large grove of old trees in the very heart of the city; its fine old cathedral, holding the pure, white marble statutes of its heroes of by-gone days, looking so virile and lifelike.

Living years before the time of Martin Luther and John Huss, there were many believers in France, who did not accept the teaching of the Roman church and drew up articles of faith far more drastic and stringent than those subsequently formulated by the sixteenth century reformers. There were two political parties in France, the Protestant and the Catholic. Sometimes one party was in the ascendant and sometimes the other. In those early wars our ancestors adhered to the Protestant cause, and fought on that side. Frequently were they subjected to severe persecution, and when the Catholic party came into power, the more pronounced Protestants were forced by fire and sword to seek refuge in the Netherlands, whence they came to Wales, England and America.

Tradition says that in January, 1240, in the wars of Raymond VII, Count of Toulouse, a youth was handed a very important dispatch to convey from one commander to another. To deliver this, it became necessary that he pass thru the enemies' line. It was a difficult and delicate errand, demanding not courage alone, but astuteness and tact. When, at length, he dashed into camp and laid the dispatch at the feet of his commander, the General clapped his hands and shouted " Bon pas ! " " Bon Pas ! " (a brave pass). His comrades caught up the expression, and shouted back " Bon pas ! " " Bon pas ! ". So on that day he received a new name, a title of honor, conferred for valiant services rendered. The name clung to him until he came to be known as Bon Pas, and was father of the race Bon Pas. In French the name is sometimes spelled as pronounced, Bon Par. The name was Anglicized, the two words composing it run into one, and it became Bonpas, Bompas, Bumpas, Bumpus. In New England records of Edward and his family, I find it written Bonpas, Bompas, Bompasse, Bompus, Bumpasse, Bumpus.

The name still occurs in its original orthography in its native land. Some eight miles from Avignon, on the road to Aix, is a bridge spanning the river Durance, known as the Point de Bon Pas, and near by a silk factory of the same name. This was formerly a religious house built by the hermit, Silbert, In 1076, In 1320 it became the home of the Knights Hospitaliers. Here also is the magnificent church erected by Simon Langham, Archbishop of Canterbury.

There is a reference to this bridge in the " Historic Des Contes De Toulouse " by M. De Saint-You, Vol. IV, page 344; (translation) " They stormed the Pont de Bonpas, and left a corps of troops sufficient to hold it and secure the passage of the river. " This was January, 1240, wars of Raymond VII, Count of Toulouse.

ROBAH P. BUMPAS

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HISTORY

Edward Bumpas and some of his Descendants

From Book " The Story of the Bumpas Family "
Compiled by Mootie Clemmons Cherry
Could be written by or from research of Rev. Robah P. Bumpas

In the History of Duxbury, Winsor puts down Edward Bumpas as one of
27 heads of families who arrived at Plymouth on the " Good ship Fortune
10 Nov. 1621, and became proprietors. At the division of land in 1623, and of cattle in 1627, he was unmarried. He sold land in Plymouth in 1628, and removed to Duxbury, bought land at Eagle's nest creek, upon which he built a house and " palisado. " The palisado is described as a fortified cottage, having " One large room, a bedchamber and kitchen, on the lower floor, with two large and two small chambers above, and sometimes an attic above all." He sold this in 1634. In 1640 he was of Marshfield and in 1684 was living in that he moved to Duxbury. The record is: " Hannah, a widow of old Edward Bumpas, died 12th of Feb. 1693," and that Edward died nine days earlier.
Edward Bumpas, an alleged French Huguenot of about sixteen years of age (*inserted note: It is now believed he was born in England of prob. of French descent.) - sailed from London in " The Good Ship Fortune " first after the Mayflower, July 1st, and arrived in Plymouth, Nov. 10, 1621. There is a possibility that Hannah, who became the wife of Edward, was the daughter of Anthony Annable who arrived in Plymouth on the " Annie " in 1623 ( * inserted note: This has since been disproven, Hannah's last name is not known. Anthony Anable's daughter married Thomas Borman Mar 3, 1645. See the Annable Family in Americam 1623-1967 also Pioneers of Massachusetts by pope. We have only the name Hannah for Edward Bumpas' wife. ) Edward Bumpas born in England about 1605, died in Marshfield, Mass., Feb 3rd, 1693. Having lived in New England 72 years, Hannah his wife died 12 days later. In 1627 Edward bought land in, and moved to Duxbury. He built a house and palisado at Eagles Nest Creek, near Miles Standish and Elder Brewster. Later he purchased land in the Northern part of the town near Philip Delano and John Alden. In 1640 his land became a part of the newly founded Town of Marshfield where he was a Freeman in 1643. In that year it is indicated he was one of the twelve who contributed toward the maintenance of a public school, the first in the New England Colonies. Edward and Hannah reared a large family. Their first two children, Faith and Sarah, both in 1631, are thought to be twins.
The Mayflower came to our shores shortly before Christmas-, 1620. Just before Thanksgiving, the following year came " The Good Ship Fortune, " bringing Edward Bumpas. He settled amongst the Mayflower people, and his decendants and theirs intermarried, and soon the name appears in the list of Mayflower descendants. Within the century we find his grandchildren and great-grandchildren domiciled in North Carolina and Virginia. Their children moved out to the West and South, until today thay are scattered over the face of the earth.
And who were the decendants of Edward Bumpas ?
They were the pioneers; they went before and opened the way. They hewed down the primeval forests, built the rude palisado, and tilled the soil. They were familiar with the plow, the hammer, the saw, the anvil and the footlights, nor seeking the plaudits of men.
They entered the school room and taught the young. In college they occupied the professor's chair, and sat in the president's seat. They edited journals, contributed to magazines, published books. They were cival engineers, erecting factories, going into trade and commerce, developing the material resources of the country, adding to its wealth, and becoming caltains of industry.
They entered the church; they preached benaeth the spreading oak and in the crowded street, filled the rural chapel and occupied the city pulpit; visited regions no white man's foot had ever trod to plant the banner of the cross, and today are in far-away lands pointing the natives to Jesus.
They learned the healing art and became skilled surgeons and physicians. They entered the courts, plead at the bar, and sat upon the bench. They entered legislative halls, and assisted in framing the laws.
They were truepatriots. Scan the muster rolls of the Republic, and you will discover when our country called for men, they were found at the front. They fell by the arrow of the red man, and felt the keen edge of his tommyhawk and scalping knife. Scores of them were found in the Revolutionary army. They followed the flag to Mexico and Cuba. They fell upon the battlefields of Virginia. Some of them tramped after McClelland and Grant, and some followed Jackson and Lee, as their forefathers had followed Washington and Lee. Side by side they rest, life's last conflict ended. They sleep beneath the lilies and poppies in France and Flanders.
In France there were many Christians who did not accept the teachings of the Roman Church, and declined to be absorbed by it. Living years before John Huss and Martin Luther, they drew up articles of faith far more drastic and strigent than those subsequently formulated by the sixteenth century reformers. Judge Savery says: " The name ( Bumpas ) is well and favorably known in the legal annals of the past and present generation in England. " Documents reveal the fact that among the descendants of Edward, the name soon appeared in an abbreviated form as Bump, losing something of its euphony.
There are certain physical characteristics found in this family. They are a long-lived race. The Pilgrim was past ninety and numerous descendants of his, not content with the allotted three score and ten, persist in living on to eighty, ninety, nearly approaching the century line. They produce super-men, attaining six feet in height, six two, four, six, and above. They are heavyweights, tipping the scales at two hundred, three hundred, three twenty and beyond. While large, they have been alert, active, possessing powers of strength and endurance. Many of the women have been noted for physical perfection and beauty.
Ther are strongly marked resemblance's in personal appearance. This is particularly noticeable in groups which have been long and widely seperated. The many pictures I have seen of the late venerable Bishop Bumpas present a man who would look decidely at home, placed in a group of our Southern tribe. the portraits of some members of the Virginia and North Carolina clans of a century ago are so much alike that they might almost be interchanged.
Their minds are cast in a similar mold. They are persistant, I would not say stubborn, yet not to be lightly deflected from the course they have elected.

1. Edward Bumpas ( Edourd Bonpasse ) Pilgrim, was a French Huguenot. Left France and went to England from whence he came to America. He landed at Plymouth, Mass., Nov 10th, 1621, from " the Good Ship Fortune " first after the " Mayflower ". He died Feb. 3rd, 1693. Married Hannah, who died Feb. 12th, 1693, nine days later than Edward.
(contrary to the statement above, it is now believed that he was born in England)

Children

1. Faith, born 1631 and
2. Sarah, born 1631, thought to be twins.
Sarah married " ye last of March " 1659, to Thomas Durham
3. Elizabeth, born 9 Mar., 1633, married 5 June 1654, to Joseph Rose, Mayflower descendant.
4. John, born June, 1636
5. Edward, born 15 April, 1638
6. Joseph, born 15 Feb., 1639
7. Isaac, born last of March, 1642
8. Jacob, norn 25 March 1644
9. Philip, " who was alive in 1677 ", married Sarah Eton, daughter of
Sam'l and Martha Eaton, Mayflower descendant.
10. Thomas, born 1660. Probably another son of edward; On 26 March,
1675-6, English and Allies met an overwhelming force near
Pawtucket, and were nearly all slain.
Among the slain was Samuel Bump.

( genealogy website = )

The town of Wareham, Ma. has been home to the Bumpus family for over 300 years. John & Jacob, were 2 of the 12 children of Edouard Bompasse, who came to Plymouth in 1621 on the Fortune.
In the late 1600s, they and their families settled in what was then Rochester. John owned the large tracts of land that were known later as the 4 Great Sea Lots; land that was inherited by his sons and encompassed what is now the entire center of Wareham.
John & Jacob were the owners of several grain and saw mills, having dammed the rivers to provide power. They were responsible for the building of many homes in the town, many of which still stand today.
Both Jacob and John died just before Wareham was separated from Rochester and incorporated in 1739.
Today, there are hundreds of Bumpus (and Bump) families nationwide who descend from this French Huegonot line.