Last updated on: February 19, 2025
James Spader is an esteemed actor known for his performances in both films and TV shows. However, did you know his family also has an intriguing history? One key figure in James’ family tree is Elizabeth Higginson Bowditch whom we will learn more about below.
Quick Facts About Elizabeth Higginson Bowditch
| Full Name | Elizabeth Higginson Bowditch |
| Birthdate | 26 December 1900 |
| Occupation | Homemaker, Part of a prominent family heritage |
| Husband/Wife | James Randall Fraser (Married on December 30, 1922) |
| Died | 20 July 1989 |
| Age at Death | 89 years old |
| Parents | Frederick Channing Bowditch (Father), Elizabeth Thompson Forster (Mother) |
| Grandchildren | James Spader, Libby Spader, Annie Spader |
| Children | Jean Fraser Spader |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life and Family Background
Elizabeth Higginson Bowditch was born December 26th 1899 in Brookline Massachusetts to Frederick Channing Bowditch who served as president of Conveyancers Title Company of Boston; Elizabeth’s mother Elizabeth Thompson Forster belonged to another influential family; both were known for their professional success and were both members of well-recognized clans.
Elizabeth was descended from William Ingersoll Bowditch and Sarah Rhea Higginson – making Elizabeth part of an esteemed lineage that includes Nathaniel Bowditch (her great-great-grandfather), an esteemed mathematician and navigator who is famously remembered in American history – an association which only further enhanced Elizabeth’s family name and reputation.
Marriage to James Randall Fraser
On December 30, 1922, Elizabeth married James Randall Fraser at First Parish Church in Brookline – an important place for their family. Elizabeth and James went on to have three children together, with Jean Spader becoming James Spader’s mother.
Jean Spader married Stoddard Spader and gave birth to James Spader in 1960; Elizabeth Higginson Bowditch thus serves as his grandmother.
Elizabeth’s Later Life
After many years spent raising her family, Elizabeth went on to live a long and fruitful life until her passing in 1989, leaving behind an extensive legacy that includes many of America’s most revered figures.
Elizabeth may not be remembered as a public figure like some of her relatives were, but her presence within her family history ensures she remains an important person. She will be remembered as being both mother and grandmother who carried on an important family tradition.
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Notable Family Connections
Elizabeth was an influential figure not just because she was James Spader’s grandmother but because of the significance of her family ties. Frederick, her father, contributed greatly to Boston’s business world while Nathaniel Bowditch, her great-great grandfather was an outstanding mathematician and navigator whose book The New American Practical Navigator continues to serve sailors today as an essential source for navigational guidance.
Elizabeth was connected to many noteworthy people throughout American history through her family lineage. Elizabeth has ties to business, mathematics, and exploration that give her life an exceptional place in American history. Although some of Elizabeth’s ancestors may have become famous figures themselves, their family backgrounds demonstrate she was part of an exceptional and significant lineage.
