John Going/Goyen b abt 1748 m Betsey Hickman in 1795
Parents: (not confirmed, but appears likely)
Alexander Gowen b. 1705 – d. bef. Feb 1775, married to Sophia (unk maiden name, she also appears to have used the name Scythe) – Stafford Va till 1739, Orange Co NC 1753, Fairfax 1768-74, Pittsylvania Co 1773-75
Children:
Unk
Siblings: (not confirmed, but likely)
- Daniel Gowing b. 1735
- Sophia Gowing Jr b. 1739 :
- Alexander Gowen Jr b. 1742 – d. ?
- Ursula Gowen b. 1745 – d. ? , m. to Johnathan Tyra
- John Goyen b. 1748
- Jesse Gowing b. abt 1750
- Sherwood Gowing b. abt 1748-58
States and Counties:
- North Carolina – Orange County
- North Carolina – Caswell County
- Virginia – Pittsylvania County – 1700s to early 1800s
- North Carolina – Rutherford County
- South Carolina – Kershaw County
- South Carolina – Fairfield County
Facts and Events:
1773 Several persons signed a petition for the partition of the north part of Orange County. Among them were Alexander Gowen, Sr, Alexander Gowen, Emos [Amos] Gowen, Daniel Gowen and John Gowen, according to “The Colonial Records of North Carolina, 1771-1775,” Vol. 9, by Sanders. “Petition from inhabitants of Orange County concerning county boundaries; Sanders, James; Et Al. 1773, Volume 09, Pages 809-810. [From MS. Records in Office of Secretary of State.] Orange Co, NC.
1775 Feb – Alexander Going – probate inventory
Estate: Inventory Alexander Going, Feb 1775, , Orange, North Carolina, USA. citing: Orange County Records at the NC State Archives, Raleigh July 2012
Inventories Sales & Accounts of Estates, in 24 Volumes : First Volume (1756-1785) p. 297
An Inventory of the Estate of Alex’r. Gowing Dec’d. which is as follows
A Negroe Fellow Sam, 1 Ditto Bob, a Negroe Woman Luce, 1 Ditto Sary, a Negroe Boy Will, a Negroe Girl Hannah, a Negroe Boy Frank, 5 head of Horses, 29 head of Cattle, 48 head of Hoggs, 12 old Sheep & 5 lambs, 5 Feather Beds & Furniture & about 30 cc new Feathers, 5 Bedsteads & bords, 3 potts, a Dutch Oven, 1 pan, a small Skillet, 2 Dishes, 12 plates, 5 Basons, 9 porringers, 20 spoons, a pr. Spoon moulds, 1 Earthen Dish, 20 Earthen plates, 12 Bowls, 2 Tin potts, 34 Cups & Sawsers, 1 Coffee Pott, 2 Cannisters, 10 Mugs, 1 Quart Tin, 9 Bottles, 2 Jugs, 1 looking Glass, 5 Viols, a small (Gilt) Trunk, 2 Tables, 5 Chairs, 8 Knives, 11 Forks, 1 pair money Scales, 2 Razors, 1 Strop & Hone, 1 Mans Saddle & Bridle & Saddle Bags, Womans Saddle, 1 Rifle Gun, 1 pr (Stalyards), 1 xCut Saw, 1 foot Adze, 2 Drawing Knives, 4 Augers, 1 Chisell, 1 Small Still, 1 old Waggon & Gears, 7 Bells, 5 Axes, 3 Wedges, 10 Hoes, 1 Shear & (Colter), 2 Clovises, 5 plow hoes, 2 pr Shears, 1 (spice) morter & pessell, 1(Inkstand), 1 Linen Wheel, 1 Woollin Wheel, 3 pr Cards, 1 Sayne (seine?), 1 Bar Iron & Heaters, 2 Sifters, 5 (pails), 1 Churn, 22 Geese, 24 Ducks, 21 old Barrels, 2 Curry Combs & 3 Brushes, 1 pr. Candle Snuffers, 5 Books, a large quantity Meat, a parcel old Tobacco, 1 Loom, Slay & Harness, 7550 cc of Tob’o Inspected, a large quantity of Corn, 70 or 80 Barrels, 15 Bushels, Oats, 77 Bushels Wheat.
A true Inventory returned by Sophia Going Adm’x.
Orange County, February Court 1775. The above Inventory was returned in open Court and ordered to be Recorded. Test.
From Orange County Records at the NC State Archives, Raleigh July 2012
Inventories Sales & Accounts of Estates, in 24 Volumes : First Volume (1756-1785) p. 297
Orange Co, NC
1775 May 2 – Alexander Gowing – estate sale
Estate: Sale Alexander Going, 2 May 1775, , Orange, North Carolina, USA
citing: Orange County records at the NC State Archives in Raleigh July 2012 – Inventories Sales & Accounts of Estates, in 24 Volumes : First Volume (1756-1785) ) p. 305-307
“Transcription of “Acct of Sales of the Estate of Alex’r Going decd. May 2d 1775″
Buyers: Daniel Going, Jas. Gulaspey, Kennoday, John Going Jun, Sophia Going, James Galaspey, Alexander Going, Henry Dixon, James Sanders Sen, Robert Terry, Saml. Robertson, John Cannoday, Thomas Rogers.
Orange County May Co 1775. The above acct. of Sales was returned in open Court and ordered to be Recorded. Test.
From Orange County records at the NC State Archives in Raleigh July 2012
Inventories Sales & Accounts of Estates, in 24 Volumes : First Volume (1756-1785) ) p. 305-307” Orange Co, NC
http://ourberryfamily.com/berry/pictures/1775salealexandergowenpittscova.jpg
(Note: In 1809 – John “Buck” Gowen names “Atlantic and Dorindas, daughters or Polly Sanders” as beneficiaries – leaving them a “deed of gift”. John “Buck” Gowen 3 (three) years earlier had made a “deed of gift” to Thany Sanders as the “daughter of a woman by the name of Polly Sanders at her birth, but who now bears the name of Polly Gentry”. )
(- Is Polly possibly a sister? – married at first to a Sanders, then remarried later to a Gentry)
(HERE: James Sanders Sr – is a purchaser at Alexander Going’s estate in 1775, Orange Co, NC. – maybe the husb?)
1775 May 2 – Alexander Going, dec’d
Daniel Going, Sophia Going, John Going Jr, Alex Going – purchasers at estate
Acct of Sales of the Estate of ALEXR GOING decd. Persons purchasing from the estate were:
DANIEL GOING
SOPHIA GOING
JOHN GOING JUN
ALEX GOING
James Galaspey
Henry Dixon
James Sanders Sen
Robert Terry
Saml Robinson
Jas Sanders Jun
John Cannaday
Thomas Rogers
Total amount: L676.16.4 Henry Dixon D.S. Orange Co May Co. 1775. The above Acct. of Sales was returned in open Court and Ordered to be Recorded. Orange Co, NC
http://lumbeeindiansandgoinsfamily.blogspot.com/2008/02/orange-county-nc-early-records.html
1777 – Caswell Co, NC – taxables Richmond Dist
Alexander Gowin
John Gowin
Scythe and Daniel Gowin – 1468, 2
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4R-BSZY-R?i=34&cat=236135
1779 – Tax Record, Caswell, North Carolina, USA. “Copy of an original census/personal property record from 1779, in Caswell County, NC. Shows Daniel Going with over 546 dollars, as well as horses, cattle, and “fellows”. His brother John Going is listed just below with no land but 2 horses. This record was found at the NC State Archives, Raleigh NC.”
http://ourberryfamily.com/berry/pictures/1779taxgoingcaswellconc.jpg
1779 – Caswell County, NC taxables
Daniel Going – horses 470, 546.1/4 dollars 218.10, 3 horses, 3 cattle 30, 7 fellow 700.
John Going 2 horses 70, 7 dollars 2.16.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS3J-P9D1-D?i=52&cat=1554076
1779 Nov 15: Among Amos Goyen’s estate papers was a note dated November 15, 1779 cosigned by “Amos Goyne” and “John Goyne,” identified as his older brother.Another note date February 24, 1780 showed that the signature of Amos Gowen was an “A.”
http://www.genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/guynes/246/
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gowenrf/gowenms005.htm 1779 Amos Goyen was married to Mary Anne Baxter in North Carolina in 1779 and removed soon afterward to Fairfield, South Carolina where a son, Amos Gowen, Jr. was born the following year.His brother, Jeremiah Gowen was born there in 1782.
http://www.genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/guynes/246/
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gowenrf/gowenms005.htm
1780 Tax Record, 1780, Caswell, North Carolina, USA. “Photo of an original tax record (“list of taxable property”)for Caswell County, NC, for the year 1780. Listed are Suffiah Gowing, with 8 negroes, horses, cattle, and cash in hand of 336 pounds 7 shillings. Her total tax comes to 4546.17.0. Listed next is her son Jesse Gowing, with one mare and cash. Next is another son John Gowing, with horses and cash. Caswell Co, NC
http://ourberryfamily.com/berry/pictures/1780taxgoincaswellconv.jpg
1780 – Caswell County, NC taxables
Suffiah Gowing – 4 negroes above 10 and under 40, 1 between 40 to 50 years, and 1 under 5; 6 head of horses and heads of cattle; cash on hand 336.7.0.
Jesse Gowing – one mare 139.16; cash 19.0.16.
John Gowing – 3 head of horses 206.11.4
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS3J-P9F8-C?i=89&cat=1554076
1783 Fairfield Co, SC – East of the Wateree – pg
John Goin(?) – 200 acres 
1784 Jun 9 – Jesse Going m Seeley Bairding w John Going and Jesse Going on bond
Name Jesse Going
Event Type Marriage
Event Date 09 Jun 1784
Event Place , Caswell, North Carolina, United States
Gender Male
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Seley Or Seeley Bairding
Spouse’s Gender Female
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-D142-D8?i=1173&cc=1726957
“North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762-1979 ,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F8P8-1QH : 3 November 2017), Jesse Going and Seley Or Seeley Bairding, 09 Jun 1784; citing , Caswell, North Carolina, United States, p. vol D, North Carolina State Archives Division of Archives and History; FHL microfilm 478,485.
1784 Jun 9 – John Going m. Seely Bairding w Jesse Going and John Going on bond
Name John Going
Event Type Marriage
Event Date 09 Jun 1784
Event Place , Caswell, North Carolina, United States
Gender Male
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Seeley Bairding
Spouse’s Gender Female
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-D14C-J4?i=1175&cc=1726957
“North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762-1979 ,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F8P8-1QD : 3 November 2017), John Going and Seeley Bairding, 09 Jun 1784; citing , Caswell, North Carolina, United States, p. vol D, North Carolina State Archives Division of Archives and History; FHL microfilm 478,485.
1786 Aug 14 – The indents, issued by the Treasury August 14, 1786, were approved long after the death of David Gowen of Fairfield County, son of Daniel Gowen and Rebecca Gowen. David Gowen was killed by Indians in the winter of 1779-80 at Manskers Station in Davidson County, Tennessee. William Gowen, regarded as his grandfather, was the executor of his estate at Nashville. Levi Gowen, “who passes for mulatto,” brother of David Gowen, applied successful for the administration of the estate in Fairfield County and gave “John Gowen, gentleman of Daverson County” his power of attorney. John Gowen, son of William Gowen, was a kinsman of Levi Gowen and David Gowen. Fairfield Co, SC. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gowenrf/Gowenms007.htm
1786-89 – Amos Goyen probate:
Their citation was published December 3, 1786 by Ralph Jones. A warrant of appraisement was issued December 19, 1786 “to Andrew Walker, Robert Adams, John Waugh, Henry Rugeley and John Byrns.”A bond was posted December 20, 1786 by “John Byrnes, Mary Byrnes, John Turner and James Johnston, all of Fairfield County.”John Turner wrote a letter to the court volunteering to be security.
The appraisal was returned to the court January 22, 1787 by Robert Adams, John Waugh and Andrew Walker.John Turner, justice of the peace, presided.
In 1789, John Byrnes and Mary Ann Baxter Goin Byrnes appeared in Charleston in connection with the administration of the estate of “Amos Goin.”
On June 18. 1792, “John Burns, administrator of Amos Goyen, decd” was sued by John Turner and James Johnston, according to “Fairfield County, South Carolina Minutes of the County Court, 1785-1799″ by Brent H. Holcomb.The case was dismissed by the court on the payment of court costs by the defendant.”John Burns” was ordered by the court July 22, 1794 to renew his bond and security for the administration of the estate of “Amos Gowen.”
Fairfield Co, SC
http://www.genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/guynes/246/
Among his estate papers was a note dated November 15, 1779 cosigned by “Amos Goyne” and “John Goyne,” identified as his older brother. Another note date February 24, 1780 showed that the signature of Amos Gowen was an “A.”
Amos Goyne enlisted in the militia and was killed in the Revolutionary War. Phillip Alan Gowan of Brentwood, Tennessee wrote December 14, 1995, “According to family tradition, Amos Sr. was killed in the field by Tories in 1785.”
In the same year of his death, his widow was remarried in Fairfield County to Dr. John Byrns. About 1788, they relocated to Charleston where several Byrns children were born. On November 28, 1786 “John Byrns and Mary Byrns, his wife” applied for the administration of the estate of “Amos Goyen,” according to “Camden District, South Carolina Wills and Administrations, 1781-1787.”
Their citation was published December 3, 1786 by Ralph Jones. A warrant of appraisement was issued December 19, 1786 “to Andrew Walker, Robert Adams, John Waugh, Henry Rugeley and John Byrns.”A bond was posted December 20, 1786 by “John Byrnes, Mary Byrnes, John Turner and James Johnston, all of Fairfield County.”John Turner wrote a letter to the court volunteering to be security.
The appraisal was returned to the court January 22, 1787 by Robert Adams, John Waugh and Andrew Walker.John Turner, justice of the peace, presided. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gowenrf/gowenms005.htm
1790 – John Goin
US Census – first head of Household
South Carolina – Camden District, Fairfield County – page 20
1 males over 16, 1 males under 16, 3 females – white. 0 slaves.
http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1790k-02.pdf
1791 – Plat Survey of Land for John Goyen for 96 acres, in Fairfield County, Camden Dist, bounded S by John Barber’s land, NW and SW by Joseph Cameron’s land, SE and NE by Hugh Smith’s land. Fairfield Co, SC. http://www.ken-shelton.com/Fairfield/Plats/D/Plat_D_0168a.tif
1792 Fairfield County, SC Tax Tolls – pg 13
John Goyen – 0 slaves, 100 acres 2nd quality, 756 acres 3rd quality.
Daniel Goyen – 5 slaves, 50 acres 2nd quality, 350 acres 3rd quality.
1792 John Gowin (Goin) conveys land to William Watts in Fairfield, SC. His 96 acres that were granted to him in Fairfield County, Camden Dist, SC, bounded S by John Barber’s land, NW and SW by Joseph Cameron’s land, SE and NE by Hugh Smith’s land. 100 pounds sterling paid by William Watts. (Fairfield County, SC, Deed Vol. I – pg 51-53). Fairfield Co, SC
http://www.ken-shelton.com/Fairfield/Deeds/Deed_I/Deed_I_0051a.tif
http://www.ken-shelton.com/Fairfield/Deeds/Deed_I/Deed_I_0052a.tif
http://www.ken-shelton.com/Fairfield/Deeds/Deed_I/Deed_I_0053a.tif
1792 Sept 4: John Gowin of Fairfield, planter, conveys 96 acres to William Watts. Land in Fairfield, bounded by lands of John Barber, Joseph Cameron, Hugh Smith. Wits: Simeon Tidwell, William Lewis, Thomas Hughs. Signed: John Gowin. Proved up by Simeon Tidwell on Dec 20, 1793. Rec Jan 4, 1793. pgs 51 to 53. Fairfield Co, South Carolina.
1792 Sept 17 – Affidavit / appointment of John Goyen as power of atty to sell land in Davorson County, NC – as David Goyen (brother of Levi), had gone to the Cumberland River and was killed by Indians some 14 years earlier – 640 acres of land). Levi called “Mulatto” – John Goyen called “Gentleman”. (see links below for full text – very difficult to read due to shadows on document):
Fairfield County:
“Before me personally appeared Becky Elliot formerly Becky Gowen by a former husband David Gowen and after be duly sowrn deposith and said that she had a son by the afore David ____ David Goyen who about fourteen years ago left this county land as she was informed went to Cumberland River in N Carolina and was there killed by the Indians. The deponent further saith on oath that Levi Gowen who now appoints John Gowen of his attorney is the full and oldest brother to the aforesaid David Gowen.
Sworn tby affidavit this 17th day of Sept 1792 before me Benj Boyd J. FC.
Becky Elliot (x her mark)
Fairfield County: I hereby certify that the above named Levi Gowen ___ as the County for a free Mulatto got i ward was born her.
Given under my hand this 17th day of September 1792.”
Benj Boyd J. FC.
Fairfield Co, SC (FamilySearch link – much clearer): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKW-JQSR-Z?i=344&cat=207758 , http://www.ken-shelton.com/Fairfield/Deeds/Bond_A/Bond_A_0135a.tif
http://www.ken-shelton.com/Fairfield/Deeds/Bond_A/Bond_A_0136a.tif
1792 Sept 17 – John Goyen (also spelled Goyin and Goyne within the document) conveys 50 acres of land in Kershaw County, South Carolina to Aaron Ferguson. This 50 acres of land is noted as “whereon Drury Goyne know lives“. It was conveyed by Jesse Knighten to John Goyne on April 17, 1792. This land is bounded by lands previously laid out to Lewis Collins and Richard Garners. The deed is signed by John Goyen. Witnessed by: Lewis Collins and Drury (his X mark) Goyen. Proved in court on August 16, 1796 by Lewis Collins. In Kershaw County, South Carolina. Kershaw County SC, Direct & cross indexes to deeds and mortgages, 1791-1884. Book B Pg 563 (pg 493 on Family Search).
https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9PY-493S?mode=g&i=492&cat=472399 See also: 1792 April 17 John Goyen receives 50 acres from Jesse Knighten Kershaw Co SC. Kershaw County SC, Direct & cross indexes to deeds and mortgages, 1791-1884. Book B pg 206 (pg 313 on Family Search). https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9PY-49G7?i=312&cat=472399 
1792 1792 Sept 17 John Goyne sells to Aaron Ferguson 50 acres whereon Drury Goyne now lives in Kershaw Co SC marked snip 1 
1792 1792 Sept 17 John Goyne sells to Aaron Ferguson 50 acres whereon Drury Goyen now lives in Kershaw Co SC marked snip 2
(Note: The above Drury Goyen may be Drury Goyen b. 1749, or may be Drury Goyne b. abt 1766 (William Goyne’s b. 1730-35’s son). The transaction takes place near the border of Kershaw County and Fairfield County, South Carolina – near the Wateree Creek area it appears (see map below). This may indicate a relationship between Drury Goyen b. 1749 and John Goyen in this transaction. Interestingly, there was an Elizabeth Gowen widow of John Gowen dec’d involved in a transaction in Lancaster Co, SC in 1784. John Gowen noted as “decd” in 1784 needs to be identified. He may be a parent of John Goyen noted in the above transactions.
1793 June 19 David Auston vs John Goyen in Fairfield Co SC
Dismissed
p. 99 FamilySearch
https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS42-G37B-J?mode=g&i=98&cat=396628
Minutes of the County Court of Fairfield from 25 July 1785 to 19 August 1786, 13 June 1791 to 25 July 1799
Authors: South Carolina. County Court (Fairfield County) (Main Author)
1795 Nov 24 – John Going m Betsey Hickman w John Going and Burbage Going on bond
Name John Going
Event Type Marriage
Event Date 24 Nov 1795
Event Place , Caswell, North Carolina, United States
Gender Male
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Betsey Hukman
Spouse’s Gender Female
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-D14L-CY?i=1171&cc=1726957
“North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762-1979 ,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F8P8-1QQ : 3 November 2017), John Going and Betsey Hukman, 24 Nov 1795; citing , Caswell, North Carolina, United States, p. vol D, North Carolina State Archives Division of Archives and History; FHL microfilm 478,485.
FamilySearch Family tree: https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/9KHT-GZK
1798 Nov – Court: Clopton v Going, Nov 1798, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. November Court 1798. George Clopton … Demandant
Against: Sophia Going, Jesse Going, John Going and Sherwood Going .. Tenants – Upon a Writ of Right… Pittsylvania Co, Va. 1798 May 21- Sophia Going Sr, John Going, Jesse Going, and Sherwood Going sued by George Clompton on testimony of James Saunders of Caswell County, North Carolina. Sophia, Sr., was apparently living on land claimed by George Clopton on 21 May 1798 when he sued Sophia, John, Jesse and Sherwood Going as tenants [Orders 1783-7, 354; 1795-8, 461, 479, 486; 1798-1801, 23, 59]. Pittsylvania Co, Va.
http://www.freeafricanamericans.com/Gibson_Gowen.htm
From Gowen Manuscript Newsletter:
John Gowen Pioneered
In Middle Tennessee
John Gowen, son of William Gowen and Sarah Gowen was
born about 1745. It is believed that he was married about
1770, wife’s name possibly “Jones.”
“John Going” who resided “between the Broad and Catawba
Rivers,” was named as a petit juror in Camden District, South
Carolina in 1778-1779, according to “Jury List of South
Carolina, 1778-1779,” by GeLee Corley Hendrick and Morn
McKoy Lindsey. John Gowen drew pay for militia duty May
23, 1785 in Camden District, Fairfield County, according to
“Stub Entries to Indents,” Book 2, page 199. These volumes
were compiled by A. S. Salley, former state historian of South
Carolina.
“John Goin” was enumerated as the head of a household in the
1786 census of Fairfield County, page 20, according to “Heads
of Families, South Carolina, 1790:”
“Goin, John white male over 16
white female
white female
white male under 16
white female
It is believed that accompanied his father to Tennessee and
perhaps returned to South Carolina after assisting his father to
become established. It is believed that he returned to
Davidson County about 1788 and was the “John Goyen, trusty
and well-beloved friend of Daverson County, North Carolina
[later Tennessee], gentleman” to whom “Levi Goyen” of
Fairfield County, gave his power of attorney to sell 640 acres
of land on Mill Creek in Davidson County September 17,
1792. He was probably an uncle of Levi Gowen and his
brother David Gowen whose land was inherited by Levi
Gowen when David Gowen was killed by the Indians in 1780.
John Gowen received on May 19, 1794 640 acres by the State
of North Carolina on Warrant No. 350. The land lay on Mill
Creek about one-half mile west of his father’s pre-emption
site, between land grants of Ebenzer Titus.
The land was described in Davidson County Deed Book C,
page 281:
“State of North Carolina to John Gowen . . . 640 acres on the
East side of Mill Creek . . . beginning at a white walnut on the
bank of Mill Creek, being the Northwest corner of James
Meness’s guard right on the East boundary line of said Meness’
preemption, thence East 390 poles to a dogwood on Ebenezer
Titus’s West boundary line, then north 340 poles to a hickory,
thence West 164 poles to a sycamore on the bank of said
creek, thence up said creek with its meanders 333 poles to a
poplar on said Meness’s East boundary line, then South with
said line to the beginning 120 poles.”
According to Steve Rogers, examination of the deed
transactions of John Gowen suggest that he did not live on his
land grant, but sold off various portions of it from 1798 to
1802, according to Deed Book D, page 378 and 416 and Deed
Book E, page 173 and 357. It is assumed that John Gowen
lived somewhere on his father’s preemption.
John Gowen bought 81 acres on Stone’s River at a sheriff’s
sale December 30, 1795, according to Davidson County Deed
Book D, page 40. John Gowen received a deed to 201 acres
on Mill Creek December 30, 1797 from Jonathan Phillips,
according to Davidson County Deed Book D, page 388.
On May 12, 1798 John Gowen witnessed a bill of sale of “a
negro wench named Judy” from Simon McClendon to John
Blackman, according to Davidson County Will Book 1, page
148.
It is believed that John Gowen assisted his brother, James H.
Gowen who had apparently settled north of the Cumberland
River, in selling his inheritance from their father. An
advertisement offering to sell the northern 240 acres of the
original pre-emption was inserted in a Nashville newspaper in
its edition of December 13, 1806. The land was described as
“containing 240 acres and lying on the main road from
Nashville to Jefferson.” This tract was sold by James H.
Gowen June 2, 1807 to Daniel Vaulx, a neighbor.
Steve Rogers of the Tennessee Historical Commission who
researched the deed record of the property wrote, “this 240-
acre tract is located on the northern third of the property north
of present-day Murphreesboro Road and is not a part of the
Central States Hospital tract. The route of the Murfreesboro
Turnpike, established in 1824, followed approximately the
southern boundary, according to ‘Acts of Tennessee, 1824,’
page 148.”
It is believed that John Gowen died about 1810. Children
born to John Gowen are believed to include:
John Gowen born February 3, 1775
William Gowen born about 1777
John Gowen and William Gowen, assumed to be brothers
were early residents of Davidson County. Both had
descendants whose names included “Jones.” John Jones
Gowen was a son of John Gowen, and another John Jones
Gowen was a grandson of William Gowen. “Jones B.
Gowin,” born in 1873, later appeared in Crawford County,
Arkansas.
John Gowen, son of John Gowen, was born February 13, 1775
probably in Fairfield County. “Grand, Pennsylvania” was
inscribed on the flyleaf of the bible of John Gowen retained in
1991 by Jacob Alvin Gowen, a great-grandson of Forrest City,
Arkansas. This entry has caused some speculation that John
Gowen was born in Grand, Pennsylvania, but the notation
apparently applies to the wife of John Gowen, Lydia Shute
Gowen whose family had lived in Pennsylvania for many
years before coming to Tennessee.
The hamlet of Grand has not been found in any atlas of
Pennsylvania, and Daniel N. Rolph, staff genealogist for The
Historical Society of Pennsylvania wrote January 30, 1990
that he found no record of the existence of such a town.
Earliest known residence of the Gowen family in
Pennsylvania was that of Hugh Gowen enumerated in
Northumberland County in the 1790 census. The only other
Gowen family enumerated in Pennsylvania in 1790 was that of
Rachel Gowan who was recorded in York County as the head
of a household composed of “four white females and one
white male over 16.” “John Gowen” appeared in the 1800
census of Chester County, Pennsylvania and also in
Armstrong County, Pennsylvania as the head of a household.
On May 12, 1798 John Gowen witnessed a bill of sale of “a
negro wench named Judy” from Simon McClendon to John
Blackman, according to Davidson County Will Book 1, page
148.
A marriage license was issued October 30, 1801 for the
marriage of John Gowen to Lydia Shute, according to
Davidson County Marriage Book 1, page 38. “Marriage Book
One of Davidson County,” a volume indexed, edited and
published by Sarah T. Blair, lists all the marriages performed
in Davidson County from January 2, 1789 to December 13,
1837. The marriage was performed November 1, 1801,
according to the family bible.
Lydia Shute Gowen is believed to be a native of Pennsylvania,
the daughter of Phillip Shute, a resident of Bucks County.
“Phillip Shutt” was married in Pennsylvania in October 1745,
according to “Pennsylvania Marriages.” The earliest mention
of the Shute family in Pennsylvania was in 1684 in
Philadelphia. William Shute, age 40, was shown as a
Philadelphian in that year along with his son, Thomas Shute,
age 19. On July 5, 1723 Thomas Shute of Philadelphia was
indicted by the grand jury “for having rubbish in front of his
house.” Jacob Shute who owned a cooper’s shop in
Philadelphia, was indicted by the grand jury January 2, 1744
“for being a fire hazard.” This indictment was recorded in the
handwriting of Benjamin Franklin who leased a lot in
Philadelphia December 30, 1745 that adjoined the property of
Thomas Shute.
Phillip Shute first appeared in Davidson County in May 1793
when he was selected as a juror. He also served on jury panels
in May 1794, August 1794 and May 1797. Phillip Shute and
William Shute were witnesses to the power of attorney of
Simeon Bell of Washington County, Pennsylvania May 10,
1796. Simeon Bell appointed Robert Hewitt of Davidson
County “my attorney to attend to my business,” according to
Davidson County Will Book 1, page 49.
A bill of sale dated July 18, 1800 read, “I, Joshua Ballance
sold unto John Shute a negro boy named Charles,” according
to Davidson County Will Book 1, page 186. Phillip C. Shute
was married November 30, 1837 to Mary E. H. Rains,
according to Davidson County marriage records. Margery
Shute was married December 24, 1794 to Beal Bosley,
according to Davidson County Marriage Book 1, page 1. John
Shute was married to Nancy Childress December 5, 1796,
according to Davidson County Marriage Book 1, page 9.
William Shute was married January 7, 1801 to Olive
Collingsworth, according to Davidson County Marriage Book
1, page 18. Asa Shute and B. A. Stuart deeded 640 acres in
Hickman County, Tennessee September 14, 1813, according
to Hickman County Deed Book ABC. Millington Easley and
John Easley were witnesses.
John Gowen purchased “Lot 99” in Nashville at a sheriff’s
auction July 15, 1802, according to Davidson County Deed
Book E, page 378. Lydia Shute Gowen died October 26,
1811, about age 30.
John Gowen and William Gowen, his brother appeared in a
tax census conducted in Davidson County in 1812. According
to records of Davidson County Court they were recorded in
the “company of Capt. Belk.”
In 1812, John Gowen, Edmond Owen and William Murphy
were administrators of the estate of Daniel Vaulx, their
neighbor, according to Davidson County Will Book 2, page
440. “Catherine Vaulx, widow of Daniel Vaulx, deceased of
Davidson County returned unto October term 1812. We laid
off to Catherine Vaulx, widow, a support for 12 months from
the death of said deceased, have laid off provisions, etc
[several items listed].”
John Gowen was a witness to the partitioning of the land of
Samuel Buchanan, deceased held August 24, 1813. He
acknowledged that the heirs, Thomas Buchanan, John
Buchanan, Robert Buchanan and Edward H. East drew lots for
their inheritances, according to Davidson County Will Book 2,
page 241. On September 14, 1813 he was a witness to the
division of the estate of Nathan Peebles, deceased, according
to Davidson County Will Book 2, page 255. He signed a
further division of the estate August 13, 1814 as recorded in
Davidson County Will Book 2, page 321.
John Gowen was a purchaser at the estate sale of Daniel
Vaulx, deceased December 19, 1815, according to Davidson
County Will Book 2, page 404. Other buyers at the sale
included Catherine Vaulx, Mary Peebles, James Vaulx,
William Vaulx, John Buchanan, Charles Hays, and David
Hays.
On March 20, 1818 John Gowen received a deed to 200 acres
of land located on Mill Creek for $2,300 from William
Gowen, believed to be his uncle, according to Davidson
County Deed Book M, page 338. This tract of land was
located in the southwest corner of the original grant to John
Gowen. The land was described as:
“Beginning at 2 post oaks marked as a corner between John
Gowen and Daniel Vaulx, East with said Vaulx line 155 poles
to a white oak marked as the corner between David Vaulx and
William Gowen, South 160 poles a white oak being the
Southeast corner of William Gowen’s Preemption corner,
West 200 poles with the South boundary line of said
preemption to a stake in John Gowen’s East boundary line,
North with said John Gowen’s line 160 poles to a stake, East
45 poles to the beginning.”
John Gowen was enumerated as the head of a household in the
1820 census of Davidson County, page 97:
“Gowen, John white male over 45
white male 16-26
white male 16-26
white male 16-26
white female 10-16
white female 10-16
white female 10-16”
John Gowen, a farmer, owned 15 slaves. An adjoining entry
recorded the household of a neighbor, Margaret Buchanan. In
the pioneer days of Nashville the farmstead was known as
Buchanan Station:
“Buchanan, Margaret white female over 45
white male 16-26
white male 16-26
white male 16-26
white female 16-26
white male 10-16
white male 0-16”
John Gowen transferred 175 acres on Mill Creek January 21,
1824 to his son John Jones Gowen, perhaps as a wedding
present, on a warranty deed, according to Davidson County
Deed Book Q, page 482. The deed read:
“I make a gift deed of 175 acres for the natural love and
affection I have have for my son, John J. Gowen . . . beginning
at a white oak at William Vaulx’s Southeast corner, South 160
poles to a white oak, being the Southeast corner of a
preemption granted to William Gowen, West 200 poles to a
stake, North 16 East 160 poles to a stake standing 5 poles
West of 2 post oaks marked as a corner and Daniel Vaulx,
East with said Vaulx line 150 poles to the beginning.”
John Gowen wrote his will May 31, 1829:
“In the name of God amen. I, John Gowen of the County of
Davidson and State of Tennessee do make, ordain, constitute
and appoint this my last will.
Item the first. I wish my remains interred in the space
between the graves of my father and wife and the three graves
to be enclosed with a stone fence or wall to be done at the
expense of my two sons John J. Gowen and Wilford B. Gowen
as soon as they can conveniently do the same after my
decease.
I will and bequeath the farm I am now residing on to my two
sons John J. Gowen and Wilford B. Gowen to be equally
divided between them including the one hundred and seventyfive
acres that I have heretofore given my son John J. Gowen.
My stock of cattle and hogs and farming utensils, household
and kitchen furniture I will to my son Wilford B. Gowen.
What slaves I may possess at my decease I will and bequeath
to my three daughters viz Amanda M. Dunn, Minerva Hays
and Maria L. Rains, said slaves to be equally divided between
them by lot to be laid off by three disinterested persons if my
said daughters cannot agree in a division themselves.
My stock of horses I wish to be sold on a credit of twelve
Months and what debts I may owe at my decease to be
discharged from the proceeds of the sale of said stock of
horses.
The residue of money, should there any remain after paying
my just debts from said sale of horses, to be equally divided
between my above named daughters.
I appoint my two sons John J. Gowen and Wilford B. Gowen
my executors to this my last will to take effect immediately
after my decease.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 31st
day of May in the year of our Lord 1829.
Attest: Thos. S. King John Gowen
W. H. McLaughlin”
The household of John Gowen reappeared in the 1830 census
of Davidson County, page 249:
“Gowen, John white male 50-60
white male 20-30
white female 20-30
white male 10-15
white female 0-5
white female 0-5”
John Gowen apparently lived on the western portion of his
grandfather’s original preemption survey.
John Gowen died March 26, 1835 at the age of 60. His death
notice was published in the April 17, 1835 edition of
“National Banner & Nashville Whig.” It read, “Mr. John
Gowen, Sr. died near Nashville in the 61st year of his age.”
In April 1835 the will of John Gowen was probated in
Davidson County:
“State of Tennessee, Davidson County Court, April Session,
1835
A paper writing purporting to be the last will and Testatment
of John Gowen decd. was produced in open court for probate
and proved thus: Thomas S. King and William H.
McLaughlin, two of the subscribing witnesses to said paper
writing being duly sworn, depose and say that they became
such in the presence of the said John Gowen decd, and at his
request and in the presence of each other and that they verily
believe he was of sound mind and disposing memory at the
time of executing said paper writing. Ordered that said paper
writing be admitted as such will of the said John Gowen decd.
Whereupon Wilford B. Gowen and John J. Gowen the
executors named in said will came into court and gave bond in
the sum of $3,000 with Aris Brown and Joel A. Battle, their
securities, and qualified according to law.
Henry Ewing, clerk”
Children born to John Gowen and Lydia Shute Gowen
include:
John Jones Gowen born August 13, 1802
Wilford Burleson Gowen born March 15, 1804
Amanda Malvina Gowen born March 6, 1806
Minerva Gowen born June 23, 1808
Maria Louise Gowen born January 26, 1810
