1733 James Gowen b. abt 1733 of Brunswick Co, Va

James Gowen b. abt 1733 – d. 1816 m. Amy Gowing

Parents:  Unknown parents (presumed to be Ambrose Going of Stafford Co, Va – see:)

• Ambrose Gowen b. abt. 1703 of Stafford Co, Va (Y1)

Children:

• Sarah Gowing b. abt 1759 (m. a Howard?) –
  • -sons – Benj Howard, Harbart Howard, Hartwell Howard, and James Howard
• 1763 James Going in Greensville Co, Va
  • – son – James Alked Gowing
• 1764 Henry Going in Greensville County, Va – son of James and Amy Going of Brunswick Co, Va
• 1771 Benjamin Going m. Catherine Harris lived in Greensville Co, Va
• Amy Gowing b. abt 1774 m. William Harris (marriage on 1805 Dec 19 in Greensville Co, Va).
• Nancy T. Gowen b. 1776

Siblings:  (Note:  Sibling info is speculation at this time.  No confirmation yet).

• William Gowen4 b. abt 1726 of Truro Parish, Prince William Co, Va (In 1737 bound to John Straughan in Prince William Co, Va)
• Cave Gowen4 b. abt 1727 (In 1734 bound to James Vaughan in Brunswick, Va).
• Drury Gowen4 b. abt 1729 (In 1740 bound to Ralph Jackson in Brunswick, Va).
• Elsoner Gowen4 b. abt 1730 (In 1740 bound to Ralph Jackson in Brunswick, Va).
• Thomas Gowen4 b. abt 1731 (In 1736 bound to Ralph Jackson in Brunswick, Va).
• John Gowen4 b. abt 1732 (In 1736 bound to Ralph Jackson in Brunswick, Va).
• James Gowen4 b. abt 1733 (living in Brunswick Co, Va by 1757)

FACTS and SOURCES:

For additional information see these pages on this site:

• Brunswick Co, Va (created in 1720 from Prince George County)
• Greensville Co, Va (created from Brunswick in 1781)
• North Carolina – Northampton County (created in 1741)

1720 to 1745 location of Brunswick County, Virginia

1746 location of Brunswick County, Virginia (Lunenburg County has taken a large part of it).

1752 location of Brunswick County, with Lunenburg County, and Halifax County being formed out of Lunenburg County, Virginia

1757 Dec 27 James Gowen v John Cumbs assault case. Orders Bk V. 7. p.143 in Brunswick Co Va
https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/9085/007645065_00372?pid=419567&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D9085%26h%3D419567%26tid%3D%26pid%3D%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DTqH543%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=TqH543&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true#?imageId=007644019_00086

1758 March Ct James Gowen v Adam Simons Jnr a case, continued. Order Bk 7 pg 174 Brunswick Co Va
https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/9085/007645065_00372?pid=419567&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D9085%26h%3D419567%26tid%3D%26pid%3D%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DTqH543%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=TqH543&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true#?imageId=007644019_00103

1758 June Court James Gowen v Adam Simons Jnr a case, continued. Order Bk 7 pg 218 Brunswick Co Va 218,
https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/9085/007645065_00372?pid=419567&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D9085%26h%3D419567%26tid%3D%26pid%3D%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DTqH543%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=TqH543&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true#?imageId=007644019_00125

1758 Sept Court Gower v Simm cont till next court by consent of parties. Order Bk 7 pg 255 Brunswick Co Va
https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/9085/007645065_00372?pid=419567&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D9085%26h%3D419567%26tid%3D%26pid%3D%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DTqH543%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=TqH543&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true#?imageId=007644019_00160

1759 January 16 – Sarah Gowen was born to James Gowen born on January 16, 1759, according to “Abingdon Parish, Gloucester County Register. 1678-1761,” page 175. Gloucester Co, Va.

1759 Feb Ct James Gowen v Adam Simms Jnr case continued by consent of parties. Order Bk 7 p 307 Brunswick Co Va
https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/9085/007645065_00372?pid=419567&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D9085%26h%3D419567%26tid%3D%26pid%3D%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DTqH543%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=TqH543&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true#?imageId=007644019_00186

1759 March Ct James Gowen v Adam Simms Jnr jury trial found for Deft. Order Bk 7 pg 319, Brunswick Co Va
https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/9085/007645065_00372?pid=419567&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D9085%26h%3D419567%26tid%3D%26pid%3D%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DTqH543%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=TqH543&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true#?imageId=007644019_00192

1759 Aug Ct James House v James Gowen case dismd Order bk 7 p 390, Brunswick Co Va
https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/9085/007645065_00372?pid=419567&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D9085%26h%3D419567%26tid%3D%26pid%3D%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DTqH543%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=TqH543&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true#?imageId=007644019_00229

1759 Sept Ct House v Gowen continued case for plea Order bk 7 p 397, Brunswick Co Va
https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/9085/007645065_00372?pid=419567&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D9085%26h%3D419567%26tid%3D%26pid%3D%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DTqH543%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=TqH543&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true#?imageId=007644019_00232

1759 Nov Ct James House v Thomas Gowen plea of not guilty set for trial Order bk 7 p 426, Brunswick Co Va
https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/9085/007645065_00372?pid=419567&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D9085%26h%3D419567%26tid%3D%26pid%3D%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DTqH543%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=TqH543&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true#?imageId=007644019_00247

1760 May 28 James House v Thomas Gowing continued to next ct, Order Bk 8 p 50, Brunswick Co, Va
https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/9085/007645065_00372?pid=419567&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D9085%26h%3D419567%26tid%3D%26pid%3D%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DTqH543%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=TqH543&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true#?imageId=007644019_00318

1760-61 June – Surveyed for James GOWEN, 376 Acres of Land Situated on Carters Creek
List of all the Surveys made in the County of Brunswick from June, 1760 to June, 1761 by Drury STITH, Surveyor. Deed Book 6, page 627.  Brunswick Co, Va 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~vabrunsw/deeds/brundb6.htm

1762 – James Gowen received a land grant in Brunswick County in 1762, citing Virginia Land Office Book 15.  Brunswick Co, Va.

1763 May 23 – James Gowin – 376 acres adjoining the land of Brewer, Perry, Cook &c., and being on Carter’s Creek.  Brunswick County, Va;  1763 May 23 – “James Gowin” Brewer, Perry, Cook, Massey, Carter’s Creek,  received a grant of 376 acres “adjoining land of Brewer, Perry, Massey, and Cook on Carter’s Creek” May 23, 1763, according to Brunswick County deed records. . . beginning at Brewer’s corner . . . Terry’s line . . . Cook’s line . . . Massey’s line .  Brunswick Co, Va.
http://image.lva.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/drawer?retrieve_image=LONN&dir=/LONN/LO-1/035/035&image_number=0155&offset=%2B18&name=Patents+No.35+1762-1764+(VOL.1+%26+VOL.2)&dbl_pgs=no&round= ; http://lva1.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/F/NUXGTGU21PJDCXUBKG3PDBV219M4QEL55EPI2E853P1FEJACEA-27945?func=full-set-set&set_number=005392&set_entry=000010&format=999

1764 locations of Brunswick County, Lunenburg County, Halifax County, and Mecklenburg County (formed out of Lunenburg), Virginia

1765 Sept 22 – 210-(359) James Goin & wife Amy of Meherrin Parish in Brunswick Co to Peter Solomon of sd parish. 22 Sep 1765. £20 VA. 150 acres which is part of the tract where sd James Goin now lives & was patent to him 23 May 1763, on the south side of Meherrin River & on Spring Brance, joining George Renn, Henry Cook, sd James Goin, sd Peter Solomon, John Massey, William Massey. Witnesses omitted. Proved 22 Sep 1766. N. Edwards Jr DCC.  Brunswick Co, Va.
http://www.freeafricanamericans.com/revolution.htm

1766 locations of Brunswick County, Lunenburg County, Halifax County, Mecklenburg County, and Pittsylvania County (formed out of Halifax County), Virginia

1766 Sept 22 James Going and wife Amy to Peter Solomon deed, Order bk 10, pg 153, Brunswick Co, Va
https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/9085/007645065_00372?pid=419567&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D9085%26h%3D419567%26tid%3D%26pid%3D%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DTqH543%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=TqH543&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true#?imageId=007644020_00107

1768 Dec 2 – James Gowing.  1768 – 1769 Freeholders.  Submitted by Dennis Hudgins.  James Gowing is listed:   A list of polls/voters of the Brunswick County Freeholders, for the House of Burgesses was returned to Nathaniel Edwards, Jr. on 10 January 1769, taken from a poll dated 2 December 1768. The list of voters is contained in Brunswick County Deed Book 9 pages 279-290. Each person was allowed two votes and these were listed according to their choices of the four candidates, as was done in 1748 [See The Southside Virginian Vol XI No. 1]. The following list is in apparent voter order, followed by the sequence number they appear in, within each candidates list.
https://archive.org/stream/southsidevirgini111993/southsidevirgini111993_djvu.txt
487-(279) “A Poll Taken for Nathanie Edwards Jun’ at an Election of Burgeses for the County of Brunswick the 2nd Day of December 1768.” Included in the list of names is James Gowing. Brunswick Co, Va.
http://lumbeeindiansandgoinsfamily.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html

1769 Nov 4 – 75-(107) Peter Solomon & his wife Mary of Sussex Co to Lewis Solomon Jr of same. 4 Nov 1769. £10 VA. 150 acres in Meherin Parish & on the south side of Meherin River, bounded as by deed from James Gowen to sd Peter Solomon & is part of the patent to sd James Gowen & is the land where Lewis Solomon the elder now lives. Wit: Lewis Solomon, George Wrenn, David Mason, Penny Hurst. Proved 22 Jan 1770 & again 25 Mar 1771. P. Pelham CC.  Brunswick Co., Va.
http://www.freeafricanamericans.com/revolution.htm

1770- James Gowen, appeared on the 1770 tax list of Gloucester County, according to “Records of Colonial Gloucester County.” Gloucester Co, Va.

1770 Jul 21 – Deed Book 10, Brunswick County, Va Deed Books – Vol 5 1770-1775. Abstracted by Dr. Stephen E. Bradley, Jr.  7-(8) Nicholas Brewer and his wife Sarah of Meherin Parish in Brunswick Co to William Brewer (son of the sd Nicholas Brewer). 21 Jul 1770. Deed of gift to their son and 5s Va. 200acres in Meherin Parish which was part of a patent to Nicholas Brewer 5 Jul 1751, joining a branch, George Renn, James Gowing, Carters Creek, John Brewer, Nicholas Brewer Jr., Wits: Charles Powell, Thomas Brewer, Nicholas Brewer Jr., Proved 27 Aug 1770. Edwd Fisher C.  Brunswick Co, Va. http://lumbeeindiansandgoinsfamily.blogspot.com/2008/06/brunswick-county-va-early-records.html

1773 Oct 18 –  Va. Will/Probate – Brunswick County, Virginia Will Books – Volume 2, Will Book 4, Pt 1 – Return.  Brunswick County, Virginia Will Books – Volume 2, Will Books 4 and 5 (in part) 1761-1780, Abstracted by Dr. Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., Will Book 4, Pt 1.  143-(193) Account 1773 for the estate of Jno Underwood dec’d by James & Betty Solomon. Named:
David Adams, Jno Ballard, Peter Brooks, Sarah Brooks, Clack Courtney, Crawford & Co, Jno Doby, Nathl Edwards, Wm Edwards & Co, James Goen, Richard Hay Jr, Richard Massey, Thomas Massey, William Massey, Jno Peeblees.  Noted was the sheriff of Mecklenburg. Audited by David Mason, Alexr Watson. Returned to Court 28 Feb 1774.
141-(191) Will of Thomas Underwood – 18 Oct 1773 – 24 Jan 1774
“very sick and Weak in Body” . . . To my wife Elizabeth – all my estate during her lifetime or widowhood & afterward then the sd land to my son[s] William & Sammons Underwood; William’s to join the lower line of Tomlin’s Run, Harrison, Second Branch, Drury Going, & all above that branch to belong to my son Sammonds.
Ex. Friend Richard Hay, my wife
Wit. Edward Freeman, Richard Mason, Avey Mason
Probate indicates that sd Elizabeth Underwood refused to qualify, that sd Richard Hay qualified with David Sills & Richard Mason his securities.  Brunswick Co, Va.
http://lumbeeindiansandgoinsfamily.blogspot.com/2008/06/brunswick-county-va-early-records.html

1776 locations of Brunswick County, Lunenburg County, Halifax County, Mecklenburg County, Pittsylvania County and Henry County (formed out of Pittsylvania), Virginia

1779 Aug 23 James Going recpt for necessaries to widow Ruth Robinson whose husb died in war Order Bk 13 pg 280. Brunswick Co, Va.
James Going produced his acct for necessaries furnished Ruth Robinson where husband died in the Continental Service, amounting to thirty five pounds five shillings which was examined and allowed by the court for to by the said James Going and is ordered to be certified to the Treasurer according to law. Order Bk 13 pg 280. Brunswick Co, Va.
https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/9085/007645065_00372?pid=419567&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D9085%26h%3D419567%26tid%3D%26pid%3D%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DTqH543%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=TqH543&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true#?imageId=007644021_00484

1780 locations of Brunswick County, Lunenburg County, Halifax County, Mecklenburg County, Pittsylvania County, Henry County, and Greensville County (formed out of Brunswick), Virginia

1782 Nov 25 James and Henry Goings by James Going their next friend v. George Norward and John Norward trespass assault and battery dism defts costs Order Bk 13, p 520 Brunswick Co Va
https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/9085/007645065_00372?pid=419567&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D9085%26h%3D419567%26tid%3D%26pid%3D%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DTqH543%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=TqH543&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true#?imageId=007644021_00603

1783 – James Going was listed as the head of a household of seven people in the 1783 census of Greensville County, page 54, near the locations of “Drury Going” and “Thomas Going.” He was taxable in that year on “1 poll, 2 slaves, 2 horses and 8 cattle,” according to “The 1787 Census of Virginia,” page 778.  Greensville Co, Va.

1783 – James Going listed in the Virginia Census – head of household with 7 members white – no blacks. Greensville Co, Va. – pg 54
http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1790m-03.pdf

1783 – “James Going” was listed as the head of a household of seven people in the 1783 census of Greensville County, page 54, near the locations of “Drury Going” and “Thomas Going.” He was taxable in that year on “1 poll, 2 slaves, 2 horses and 8 cattle,” according to “The 1787 Census of Virginia,” page 778.  Greensville Co, Va.

1787 May 28 James Going assng of Thomas Brown v Samuel Garner in debt. Judgment confessed as above for eighty pounds and costs but this judgment is to be discharged by the payment of thirteen pounds five shillings and eight pence with lawful interest. Order bk 14, pg. 492. Brunswick Co, Va   https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/9085/007645065_00372?pid=419567&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D9085%26h%3D419567%26tid%3D%26pid%3D%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DTqH543%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=TqH543&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true#?imageId=007675937_00306

1790 locations of Brunswick County, Lunenburg County, Halifax County, Mecklenburg County, Pittsylvania County, Henry County, Greensville County, and Patrick County (formed out of Henry), Virginia

1805 December 19 – James Gowing  was listed as surety for the marriage of Amy Gowing to William Harris December 19, 1805 in Greensville County, according to  “Greensville County Marriages, 1781-1825” by Catherine Lindsey Knorr. Greensville Co, Va.

1816 August 12- James Gowing Sr., wrote his will August 12, 1816, according to Greensville County Will Book 2, page 447. Mentioned in the will was “wife, Amey; son, James Gowing, Jr; grandson, James Alked Gowing; son, Henry Gowing; son, Benjamin Gowing; grandsons, Benjamin Howard, Harbart Howard, Hartwell Howard and James Howard and daughter, Amy Harris.” Benjamin Young was his executor.  Greensville Co, Va.

The clusters of Going families that lived nearby in the 1750s were:

1) John Going b. about 1700 who married Mary Keith – his family lived in Lunenburg County, Virginia in the 1750s – in an area that later became Mecklenburg County, Virginia (This appears to be the John Going who was the son of William Going b. abt 1681 of Stafford County, Virginia).
2)  Drury Going and James Going who lived in Brunswick County, Virginia that later becomes Greensville County, Virginia.  (The parental line of Drury and James Going is unknown).
3) Edward Going, Michael Going, Thomas Going, and Joseph Going who were living further south in Granville County, North Carolina around the Tar River and Taylor’s Creek area (this appears to the be group of Going’s who came from Henrico and Hanover County, Virginia).
4) Alexander Going and his family who were living in the Orange County, North Carolina area.  (Alexander Going was another child of William Going b. 1681 of Stafford County, Virginia).
5)  William Gowen and his family who lived in the Bedford County,Virginia area.  (The parental line of this William Gowen is unknown).
6) William Going m. to Anna Statia Sullivan, Moses Going, and Aaron Going living in Goochland County, Virginia.  (The parental line of this William Going is unknown).
7) William Gowen and his family that lived in the “Grassy Creek” area of Granville County, North Carolina.  (The parental line of the “Grassy Creek” Going family is unknown).

(Note re Going/Gowen lines:  At least some of the Going/Gowen lines appear to have come out of Gloucester County and New Kent County, Virginia.  Unfortunately, records before the 1860s in Gloucester County, Virginia, and New Kent County, Virginia, have been destroyed.  Some state-wide records prior to the 1860s from those counties, for land grants, indicate that some Going families were living in those counties.  But since the county records were destroyed, it might not be possible to piece together where several of the above Going lines came from).

(See various James Goings on this page:  https://goyengoinggowengoyneandgone.com/various-james-goings/ )

Gowen Manuscript Info:

James Gowen b. abt 1725 – lived in Granville Co, NC in 1750

James Gowen, [Edward, Jr.4, Edward3, William2, Mihil1] son of Edward Gowen, Jr, was born about 1725, probably in Charles City County. He was married about 1742, wife’s name unknown. It is believed that he also removed to Granville County, North Carolina about 1750.

“James Gowin” was a “sworn chain carrier” on a patent of 616 acres issued March 1, 1752 to James Hunt “on branches of Island Creek and Mitchell’s Creek, adjoining Davis’s corner, Hunt’s line, Collin’s line, Tynel’s line and Holly’s line,” according to Granville County Surveyor’s Book11, page 382.

“James Going” received a land grant from the Earl of Granville March 4, 1752, according to Granville County Deed Book B, page 439. James Gowen and William Gowen, his son were taxable in the 1759 tax list of John Pope and were delinquent taxpayers that year.
On November 29, 1760 “James Going” received a patent to 529 acres in Granville County located in St. John’s parish, “adjoining Winnirgum’s line, Melone’s line and Robert’s line,” according to Surveyor’s Book 14, page 108. The survey was signed by James Gowen and Joseph Gowen. “William Going, sworn chain carrier” was a witness.

“James Gowing and his son, William Going” were tithables in Fishing Creek District in the 1762 tax list of Granville County, page 45.
James Going was recorded as “insolvent” from 1762 through 1764. “James Gowing refused to list his wife and children,” suggesting that he was regarded as “free colored” and that he argued that his wife and children were “white.” At that time, the law required that tithes were to be paid by all white men over the age of 16 on the blacks in their household, male and female, including “all mulattos, mustees, quadroons and all persons of mixed blood to the fourth generation over the age of 12.” Therefore, if a white man had a mixed blood wife, he paid a tithe on her and her children over 12. When a notation appeared on the tax list that a man refused to pay a tithe on his wife, he was arguing that she was “white.” This law was in force until 1786. James Going was recorded as “insolvent” from 1762 through 1764.

Dr. Virginia Easley DeMarce suggests that James Gowen may have moved back across the state line to Virginia to settle in adjacent Brunswick County. She reported that James Gowen received a land grant in Brunswick County in 1762, citing Virginia Land Office Book 15.

If this is the same James Gowen, his finances and [perhaps his character] greatly improved. He went from insolvency to be a property owner, a slave owner and a taxpayer.

“James Gowin” received a grant of 376 acres “adjoining land of Brewer, Perry and Cook on Carter’s Creek” May 23, 1763, according to Brunswick County deed records.
It is believed that James Gowen was remarried about 1775. wife’s name Amy. Greensville County was formed from Brunswick County in 1783 and James Gowen found himself in the new county. “James Going” was listed as the head of a household of seven people in the 1783 census of Greensville County, page 54, near the locations of “Drury Going” and “Thomas Going.” He was taxable in that year on “1 poll, 2 slaves, 2 horses and 8 cattle,” according to “The 1787 Census of Virginia,” page 778.

Page 2
“James Gowing, Henry Gowing and Avant Massey jointly posted a bond of £50 “to Miherris Parish to help support the child of Mary Hill who was an unlawful child as yet to be born,” according to Greensville County Deed Book 1, page 173.

“James Gowing” was listed as surety for the marriage of “Amy Gowing” to William Harris December 19, 1805 in Greensville County, according to “Greensville County Marriages, 1781-1825” by Catherine Lindsey Knorr.

“James Gowing” was recorded as the head of a household in 1810, according to “Index to 1810 Virginia Census.” His household was composed of “2 whites and 7 slaves.”

“James Gowing, Sr.” wrote his will August 12, 1816, according to Greensville County Will Book 2, page 447. Mentioned in the will was “wife, Amey; son, James Gowing, Jr; grandson, James Alked Gowing; son, Henry Gowing; son, Benjamin Gowing; grandsons, Benjamin Howard, Harbart Howard, Hartwell Howard and James Howard and daughter, Amy Harris.” Benjamin Young was his executor.

Children born to James Gowen and his first wife are believed to include:

William Gowen born about 1743
Drury Gowen born about 1748
Thomas Gowen born about 1763
James Gowen, Jr. born about 1764
Frederick Gowen born about 1766

Children born to James Gowen and Amy Gowen are believed to include:
Nancy T. Gowen born about 1776
Henry Gowen born about 1779
Benjamin Gowen born about 1782
Amy Gowen born about 1785