Allen Gowen b. abt 1757 living in Greenville Co, SC, son of Joseph Gowen
Parents:
Joseph Gowen b. abt 1737
Children:
It is believed that children born to Allen Gowen include:
William Gowen born about 1774
Joseph Gowen born about 1775
James Gowen born about 1777
Allen Gowen born about 1778
Rhody Gowen born about 1779
Siblings:
unk
FACTS:
From Gowen Manuscript:
Allen Gowen, regarded as the only child of Joseph Gowen, was born about 1757, probably in Granville County. It is believed that Allen Gowen was married about 1778, probably in South Carolina, wife’s name unknown.
Allen Gowen was a veteran of the Revolutionary War confirmed by the pension application of Stephen Thompson. He would have been in Roebuck’s Battalion along with his uncle, John Buck Gowen, as well as with David Gowen and Edward Gowen who also were in Roebuck’s Battalion: http://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/patriot_militia_sc_roebucks_batallion.html
Southern Campaigns American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters
Pension application of Stephen Thompson S1595 f45SC
Transcribed by Will Graves rev’d 10/10/09 & 6/9/15
[Methodology: Spelling, punctuation and/or grammar have been corrected in some instances for ease of reading and to facilitate searches of the
[p 15-17]
State of Tennessee, Marion County
On the 12th day of April 1833, personally appeared in open court before the Honorable Nathaniel W. Williams, one of the judges instead County at the courthouse in the town of Jasper, Stephen Thompson, a resident in said county and state aged about 69 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated, viz: first, that and the __ day of October 1779, he volunteered to serve a 6 months tour of duty under Captain Roebuck, Lieutenant Thompson and Ensign Butler, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel John Thompson and Major White. That he lived in the County of Spartanburg in the state of South Carolina when he entered the service, and was discharged from the same in the month of May following having served seven instead of six months. That he was marched in said Regiment from Spartanburg South Carolina across a Broad River at Lyles Ford to Winnsboro where they were stationed a short time and were marched across the Congaree River to Williams’ Fort near a place called 96 where they joined the American Army commanded by General Pickens and from there they marched with the Army to Augusta, Georgia. That shortly after they arrived there the siege was commenced which continued several days, which was the only engagement in which this applicant fought during said term of service. That shortly after the siege terminated this applicant was discharged and returned home. This applicant states that in the month of June 1780 he again volunteered to perform a nine months tour of duty under Captain Culbertson, Lieut. Smith (the Ensign’s name he has forgotten); that he served under said officers in the Regiment commanded by Col. Williams and Major Thomas, that he was marched under said officers from Spartanburg (where he lived) across Broad River and to near Camden S.C. where they joined the American Army commanded by Genl. Gates; that they were then shortly marched to Camden S. C. where (in the month of August 1780) they fought the British commanded by Lord Cornwallis, in which Battle this applicant fought; that shortly after the Battle had been fought at Camden, this applicant was marched with Col. Williams’ Regiment through Chester and Union Counties S.C. to King’s Mountain, in the State of South Carolina, at which place they arrived the day before the Battle was then fought by the Americans under the command of Cols. Campbell, Cleveland, Sevier, Shelby, Clarke and others, with the British and Tories under the command of Col. Ferguson in the month of September [sic, October] 1780 in which Battle this applicant fought; that shortly after this Battle, he was marched from Kings Mountain under Capt. Culbertson to Jamison’s Fort near the head of Pacolet, where he was stationed as a guard under Capt. Jamison, where he remained until in the month of March 1781 when he was discharged. During which service he was occasionally called out on scouting expeditions, but was in no general battles. That in the month of May 1781, this applicant again volunteered to serve in a company commanded by Captain John Gowan, Lieutenant __ Matby [sic, McBee?] and Ensign Allen Gowan, that he was marched under said officers from Spartanburg County South Carolina (where he lived) to Jamison’s Fort and that he was there stationed under Captain Gowan as a guard to the frontier, for the span of two years, occasionally out on scouting expeditions against the Indians, who ravaged the frontier. That he cannot recollect the date at which he was there discharged but is confident that he was discharged by Captain Gowan from a service of two years. This applicant states that he has no distinct recollection of any of the regular or other officers with whom he served, except them he has already named. That he has herein given a statement of the general circumstances and dates of his service as nearly as he can recollect them. This applicant herewith sends the affidavit of Burwell Thompson,
1 the only testimony of his service he is able to procure. The applicant states that he was born in Granville County in the state of North Carolina on the __ day of October 1764. That his parents informed him that they had a record of his age, but that their house was burned by the Tories, which [record] was also burned. That he was living in Spartanburg County and the state of South Carolina when he was called into service each time; that he moved from Spartanburg County South Carolina to Madison County Kentucky, where he lived about 15 years; from there he removed to Franklin County Tennessee, where he lived about 10 years and from there he removed to Marion County Tennessee, where he now live. That he served as a volunteer each tour of service herein specified and that he never was a substitute. That he has already stated the names of all such offices as he knew during his service together with the general circumstances of his services as well as he can recollect them. That he was regularly discharged from each tour of service by the Captains he served, to wit, Captains Roebuck, Culbertson and Gowan. That said discharges are lost as will appear from the affidavit of Burwell Thompson herewith sent. This applicant states that he is acquainted with and refers to the following named gentleman, to wit, John W. Solomon, Peter Aiken, Captain William Anderson, Isaac H. Roberts, Esq., Abram Hargis, William Champion, the Reverend John C. Everett and John Hayes, Esqr., some of whom can testify as to his character for veracity etc.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. Sworn to and subscribe the day and year aforesaid. S/Stephen Thompson http://revwarapps.org/s1595.pdf
Allen Gowen received a land grant from the State of South Carolina August 30, 1784, according to a letter written by Frank Maxwell Gowen, family researcher of Phoenix, Arizona. He received 214 acres on Sink Hole Fork of the Tyger River in what later became Greenville County, Washington District. He requested that the deed be delivered to his kinsman, Capt. John “Buck” Gowen.
1784 May 21 Allen Gowen has 214 acres surveyed on the Sink Hole Fork of the Tygar River bounding NW by Thomas Benson, SE by Michal Miller, delivered to Capt Gowen in 96 Dist, Greenville Co, SC No 309, pg 113 1784 May 21 warrant date – Allen Gowen – date warrant May 21, 300 acres in warrant, date survey July 16, 214 acres in survey, Surveyor – William Benson, file 309, page 113. Land Grants and Surveys Book A, 1784-1794 Greenville Co SC
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKJ-TSC7-Q?i=88&cat=78975
1784 July 16: Allen Gowin receives a PLAT FOR 214 ACRES ON SINK HOLE FORK, NINETY SIX DISTRICT, SURVEYED BY WILLIAM BENSON. Series: S213190 Volume: 0006 Page: 00053 Item: 000 Names indexed: BENSON, THOMAS; BENSON, WILLIAM; ALLEN GOWIN; MILLER, MICHAEL Document type: PLAT Locations: NINETY SIX DISTRICT; SINKHOLE FORK; TYGER RIVER, South Carolina. 1784 July 16: for 21 pounds 8 sterling, Allen Gowin, 214 acres in the Dist of Ninety Six on the Sink Pole Fork of Tyger River adj Thomas Benson, Michael Miller, Plat certified July 16, 1784. 4, 190: Ninety Six District, South Carolina.
https://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/
1784 July 16 Allen Gowin receives a PLAT FOR 214 ACRES ON SINK HOLE FORK, NINETY SIX DISTRICT, SC
On January 1, 1785 Allen Gowen received a land grant “bounded by lands laid out for Thomas Benson and on the southeast of land laid out to Michael Miller on the fork of the Tyger River, Pacolet River, according to District 96, South Carolina Deed Book 2, page 550. Thomas Benson in 1808 was one of the executors of the estate of William Benson in Bourbon County, Kentucky.
Three weeks later, on January 21, 1785, Allen Gowen received another land grant on the Pacolet River, according to District 96 Deed Book 2, page 532. Allen Gowen witnessed a deed from kinsmen, Maj. John “Buck” Gowen and Lettice Winn “Letty” Bearden Gowen to Benjamin Barton, December 13, 1785, according to Anderson County, South Carolina deed records.
1787 March 3 Thos Wadsworth and Wm Turpin plat for 100 acres on br of Middle Tyger Riv, Ninety Six Dist, SC w Allen Gowen
Archives ID: Series: S213190 Volume: 0016 Page: 00113 Item: 002
https://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/
1787 March 3 Thos Wadsworth and Wm Turpin plat for 100 acres on br of Middle Tyger Riv, Ninety Six Dist, SC w Allen Gowen
1787 March 3 Thos Wadsworth and Wm Turpin plat for 117 acres on br of Middle Tyger Riv, Ninety Six Dist, SC w Allen Gowen
Archives ID: Series: S213190 Volume: 0016 Page: 00114 Item: 002
https://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/
1787 March 3 Thos Wadsworth and Wm Turpin plat for 117 acres on br of Middle Tyger Riv, Ninety Six Dist, SC w Allen Gowen
Allen Gowen and Maj. John “Buck” Gowen witnessed a deed conveying land on Beaverdam Creek in Greenville County, South Carolina from John Combs of Washington County, North Carolina [later Tennessee] September 20, 1787, according to Greenville County Deed Book A, page 213.
Allen Gowen appeared in the South Carolina state census of 1786 in District 96 in the Greenville County section, along with Maj. John “Buck” Gowen who lived in Spartanburg County section of the district.
The household was rendered as:
“Gowen, Allen white male over 16
white female”
It is believed that the wife of Allen Gowen died about this time, and his children removed to Davidson County, Tennessee, probably being attracted there by glowing reports of the area sent back by Gowen kinsmen who had preceded them there.
1789 July 4 Richard Henson of Greenville recd 214 acres of land from Allen Gowen of Greenville, land located in 96th Dist on the Sink Hole Fork of Tygar River bounding NW by Thomas Benson land, SE by Michael Miller land, and all other sides vacant. Land was granted to Allen Gowen on Jan 21 1785. Signed: Allen Gowen. Wits: Thomas Ponder, Stephen Dill. Greenville County, SC. Bk B, pg 51.
1790 – Allen Gowin
US Census – first head of Household
South Carolina – 96 District, Greenville Co. – page 69
1 males over 16, 0 males under 16, 1 females – white. 0 slaves.
http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1790k-03.pdf
1790 Dec 1 Peter Bennett hires John Gowen to dispose of property owned by Abner Nash decd in Spartanburg SC. 1786 Nov 22 Abner Nash Esq late of Craven made his last will and testamentand appt Jacob Blunt Sr, Alford Moore, Thomas Pearson, and William Blunt his executors of will. Peter Bennett the attorny of Whiteright Pearson, appoint John Gowen of Spartanburg my attorney and attorney for Whitewright Pearson executor. Signed P. Bennett. Wits: William Easley, Allen Gowen. Spartanburg Co, SC Conveyance books, v. C-E 1792-1797. Book C pg 230 (pg 132 of FamilySearch).
https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSHM-643X?mode=g&i=131&cat=381052
Allen Gowen was a witness December 1, 1790 to a power of attorney given by Thomas Wheelwright Pearson to Maj. John “Buck” Gowen, according to Spartanburg County Deed Book C, page 230-231. “Allin Gowen” of Washington District received a deed April 24, 1792 from Samuel Easley, also of Washington District, according to Greenville County Deed Book D, page 36. Witnesses were William Easley and John Easley. Allen Gowen was a witness to a deed of John Clayton June 23, 1792, according to Greenville County Deed Book C, page 292.
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gowenrf/Gowenms007.htm
1791 April 4 Samuel Easley of Washington Dist conveys to Allen Gowen of Washington Dist land part of a grant dated Jan 21, 1784 to Samuel Easley containing 350 acres on both sides of S Pacolate River including place where Samuel Easley now lives. Samuel Easley sells unto Allen Gowen 200 acres of this grant on the S side of the land. Signed: Samuel Easley. Wits: William Easley, Vincent Anderson, John Easley. Greenville County, SC. Bk D, pg 56.
1792 June 23 John Clayton to William Easley wits John Gowen and Allen Gowen Greenville Co, SC Bk C, p 292. 1792 June 23 John Clayton to William Easley, conveying a grant of Dec 5, 1791 to John Clayton containing 925 acres on both sides of Middle Tygar River John Clayton sells 250 acres of this land to William Easley land bounded by James Varner’s land. Signed: John Clayton. Wits: John Gowen, Allen Gowen, V Anderson. Greenville County, SC. Bk C, pg 292.
1792 Nov 9 John Young Jr of Spartanburg from John Gowen as attorney for Hugh Lewis of North Carolina and Tennury County, conveying 213 acres in Greenville County on both sides of Claytons Branch of Reedy River on William Young’s line. Land previously granted go Hugh Lewis on Sept 5, 1784. Signed: John Gowen attorney for Hugh Lewis. Wits: William Easley, Thomas White, Allen Gowen. Greenville County, SC. Bk D, pg 479.
1793 Feb 7 Allen Gowen of Greenville received from Aaron Short of Greenville a certain grant dated December 5, 1791 to Aaron Short containing 220 acres on both sides of S Pacolate River. Aaron Short sells to Allen Gowen 100 acres of the above grant adjacent to land of Allen Gowen, Aaron Short’s line. Signed: Aaron Short. Wits: Thomas White, Samuel Easley, Charles Skags. Greenville County, SC. Bk D, pg 55.
1794 Oct 1 Allen Gowen of Greenville conveys to William Easley of Greenville part of a grant dated Jan 21 1784 to Samuel Easley containing 350 acres on both sides of S Pacolate River where Samuel Easley and Allen Gowen now live. Allen Gowen sells 200 acres of the above tract to William Easley. Signed: Allen Gowen. Wits: John Gowen, William Anderson, William Gowen. Greenville County, SC. Bk D, pg 72, 73. 1794 Oct 1 Allen Gowen of Greenville conveys to William Easley of Greenville part of a tract lying on S Pacolate River granted to Aaron Short on Dec 5, 1791 bounded by land laid out to Samuel Easley and Allen Gowen. Signed: Allen Gowen. Wits: John Gowen,William Anderson, William Gowen. Greenville County, SC. Bk D, pg 72, 73
1795 Allen Gowin was a purchaser at the estate sale of Edmond Handley.
“Alan Gowen of Greenville County, Washington District and Samuel Easley had some real estate transactions in 1795,” wrote Mary Alice Seale, G.R.S. of Greenville, South Carolina September 30, 1975. “Neither man had a wife to renounce dower, and they are evidently sharing a home.”
1793 June 24 David Hall Plat For 384 Acres On Greens Creek, Greenville County, Washington District, SC w Allen Gowen
Archives ID: Series: S213190 Volume: 0032 Page: 00020 Item: 002
https://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/
1793 June 24 David Hall Plat For 384 Acres On Greens Creek, Greenville County, Washington District, SC w Allen Gowen
Allen Gowen disposed of three farms in Greenville County in 1795-96, preparatory to move to Davidson County, Tennessee to join his sons and other kinsmen who had preceded him there, according to Frank Maxwell Gowen in “Gowen, 1687-1980” published in 1980.
On October 20, 1796, Allen Gowen “of Davison County, Tennessee” deeded the 300 acres he had inherited from his father “on the north side of Tyger River adjoining Thomas Fletcher” to Burrell Bobo of Spartanburg County for £150 sterling. Allen Gowen had received the land “by descent,” according to Spartanburg County Deed Book E, page 75.
1796 Oct 10 Allen Gowen to Bobo Burrell 300 acres on Tygar River. Allen Gowen of Tennessee State and County of Davidson to Burrell Bobo of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, 300 acres, it being originally granted to Joseph Gowen by his Excellency Lord Charles Granville Montague Capt. Genl. and Commander in Chief December 23, 1771, then descended to Allen Gowen his lawful heir by lineal decent at his decease, land situate lying and being in Spartanburg County, SC, on the N side of Tyger River, NE on Thomas Fletcher’s land, all other sides vacant when surveyed. Signed: Allen Gowen. Wits: Martin Newman, Charity Newman, Simpson Newman. Recd the 20th Oct 1796 of Burrell Bobo the full consideration sum for the within land 300 acres. Signed: Allen Gowen. Proved up on Oct 22, 1796. Spartanburg Co SC, Bk E, pg 75.
It is believed that Allen Gowen removed to Davidson County, Tennessee about 1796 to be near other members of his family. Adeline Evans Wynn in”Southern Lineages,” page 326, confirms that “he removed to Tennessee.”
1797 Jan 28 William Easley conveys land to Merrick Harrington, land located on both sides of S Pacolate land granted to Samuel Easley on Jan 21, 1785, then conveyed to Allen Gowen part of the tract, then Allen Gowen to William Easley. Located below Greens Creek, 200 acres, other part containing 100 acres that had originally been granted to Aaron Short on Dec 5, 1791 and then conveyed to Allen Gowen, and then Gowen conveyed to William Easley. Signed: William Easley. Wits: Charles Smith, Willey S Brown. Greenville Co, SC. Bk D, pg 349.
Allen Gowen received warranty deeds to two pieces of land located on the headwaters of Mill Creek in Davidson County on December 23, 1797, one for 118 acres and one for 50 acres. Both plots came from John Buchanan, and both transactions were witnessed by Joseph Gowen, son of Allen Gowen. Joseph Gowen and George Gibson later acquired the 118-acre farm which lay in Williamson County, Tennessee when it was created from Davidson County. Joseph Gowen and George Gibson “of Warren County, Kentucky” sold the farm to Joseph Mason for $600 on March 10, 1818, according to Williamson County Deed Book E, page 444.
1797 Dec 23 – Joseph Gowen fr John Buchanan of Davidson and State of Tennessee… in consideration of 200 dollars in hand paid by the said Joseph .. convey unto the sd Joseph … a certain tract or parcel of land containing by estamation 126 acres ... on the waters of Mill Creek and bounded .. an elm on Jason Thompson’s south boundary line being William Corbitts NW corner … was granted originally to sd John Buchanan … Signed: John Buchanan. Wits: Allen Gowen, Allen Whitehead. Deed bk D, p 311. Davidson County, TN. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4R-1S9H-5?i=185&cat=229234
1797 Dec 23: Allen Gowen recd deed for 50 acres on Mill Cr. Wit: Joseph Gowen and Allen Whitehead. Bk D, pg 298. Davidson Co, TN
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4R-1S9C-5?i=179&cat=229234
1797 Dec 23 – Allen Gowen fr John Buchanan … in considerstion of 50 dollars … paid by the sd Allen …. conveyed unto the sd Allen ... a certain tract or parcel of land containing … 50 acres lying in the waters of Mill Creek and bounded .. NW corner of a survey of 180 granted to John Buchanan and William Terrell in John Singletary’s south boundary line … Signed: John Buchanan LS. Wits: Joseph Gowen, Allen Whitehead. Deed bk D, p 298. Davidson County, TN.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4R-1S9C-5?i=179&cat=229234
1797 December 23 – John Buchanan of Davidson County, TN of the one part and Allen Gowen of the County and State aforesd of the other part … John for and in consideration of the sum of 200 dollars paid by the sd Allen … conveyed unto the sd Allen .. a certain tract or parcel of land containing by estamation 118 acres lying on the waters of Mill Creek … bounded … west corner of a survey of sd John Buchanan, joined Jason Thompson on the south … Signed: John Buchanan LS. Wits: Allen Whitehead, Joseph Gowen. Deed bk D, p 298. Davidson County, TN.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4R-1S9C-5?i=179&cat=229234
Allen Gowen gave a bill of sale for a slave in 1796, according to Davidson County Will Book 1, page 100:
“I Allen Gowen of Davidson County, Tennessee sold unto John Buchanan of the same place a Mulatto girl named Pen this 23 December 1796.
Allen Gowen
Witnesses:
Joseph Gowen
Allen Whitehead”
Allen Gowen retained a “negro wench,” probably his housekeeper and cook, at that time.
Allen Gowen was a purchaser at the estate sale of William Simpson, deceased, according to Davidson County Will Book 1, page 128. Sarah Simpson is suggested as the bride of William Gowen, the Pre-emptor of Davidson County.
Allen Gowen, William Gowen and Joseph Gowen were called for jury duty January 12, 1798 in Davidson County.
1798 Feb 2: Allen Gowen recd deed for 118 acres on Mill Cr. Bk D, pg 298. Davidson Co, TN https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4R-1S9C-5?i=179&cat=229234
Apparently Allen Gowen died in the latter part of 1799. William Gowen, regarded as his son, was appointed administrator and itemized the estate to Davidson County Court during its January term, 1800.
1800 Jan – Inventory of Allen Gowen decd estate, admin William Gowen. Bk 2. pg 166. Davidson Co, TN https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:2:77TV-1MCH?i=277&cc=1909088&cat=307760
1800 May 14 – Sale of Estate of Allen Gowen decd. Bk 2, pg 171. Davidson Co, TN
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:2:77TV-1MC8?i=280&cc=1909088&cat=307760
The items were recorded in Davidson County Will Book 1, page 166:
“Allen Gowen, deceased. An Inventory of Chattles as delivered into court, January Session, 1800 by William Gowen, Administrator, To Wit: two horses, three cows and calves, two two-year-old heifers, one bull and one heifer, nine head of hogs, two beds, furniture, one table, one chest, one cotton wheel, one flax wheel, three chairs, one woman’s saddle, five water pails, one churn, one tin kittle, two collars, one pewter dish, two pewter plates, three pewter basins, five knives, six forks, six spoons, three tin cups, one pair of spoon molds, five weaving slays [reeds that guide the warp threads in a loom], one teakettle, one pot, one oven, one skillet, some sheets, three woolen blankets, one bed ladder, two bed quilts, one pair of saddle bags, one bridle, seven horseshoes, two horse collars, two pair of irons, one pair of [double] trees, two weeding hoes, three axes, one mattock, one iron wedge, one Barshaw plow, one shovel plow, two flat irons, pair clevises, one cowhide, one gimblet [gimlet, auger], one pair of cotton cards, one barrel, one pot crook, one man’s saddle, one pair of singletrees, one quart bottle, one jug, one candlestick, three phials [vials?, files?], a piece of bar iron, two bedsteads, two pair of pot hooks, one sifter, one bread tray, one ring, two pails, one washing tub, one canister box, one twisted link, a pair of shoe leathers, one keg and one Negro wench.”
An estate sale was held May 14, 1800 of the chattels, and an accounting was made to the court by William Gowen itemizing the purchaser, the item and the price:
“May 14, 1800 Allen Gowen, an Inventory of the Sale of his Estate as delivered into Court, April [obviously May] Session, 1800, to Wit:
Purchaser Item Purchased Price
David Crouch 2 beds and stids & furniture $49.17
David Crouch One chest 4.25
David Crouch One table 3.08½
David Crouch One cotton wheel 3.08½
John Everett One flax wheel 4.50
David Crouch Three chairs 1.66
David Crouch Hunting saddle 12.25
James Campbell One watter pail .75
David Crouch One small pail .33½
William Gowen One small pail .25
David Crouch One pail .16½
James McCuiston One pail .16½
David Crouch One tin buckett 1.25
David Crouch One churn .75
Francis Saunders One coler [collar?] .37½
David Crouch One coler .45
David Crouch Pewter 7.75
David Crouch Knifs and forks .31
Bevely Ridley One pair spoon moles [molds] 5.08½
David Crouch Two irons 3.27
Peter Young Two clevises 1.07
David Crouch Two clevises and ring 2.25
David Crouch Double trees 1.18
James Campbell One canister .25
David Crouch One pair of cards .50
James McCuiston One barrel .25
David Crouch One pot rack .37
James McCuiston Three vials .35
James McCuiston Two pair of pot boiler hooks 1.26
James Hill One sifter 1.00
David Crouch One bread tray .16½
Thomas Caffey One keg 1.00
David Crouch One tub .50
James Campbell One tub .70
William Gowen One bell .50
Thomas Davis One sadle 4.50
James Gowen One horse 79.25
Jeremiah Moore One horse 36.00
James Campbell One piece of iron .50
Thomas Caffey One cow and calf 15.00
Francis Saunders One reed .80
William Gowen One reed 1.08½
Jeremiah Moore One reed 1.50
Jeremiah Moore One reed 1.00
James Hill One reed .85
David Crouch One bottle .16½
Joseph Gowen One jug 1.40
David Crouch One oven 1.25
David Crouch One pot 2.56
David Crouch One skillet .50
William Gowen One counterpane 1.00
David Crouch One sheet .77
Obadiah Benge One pair of saddle bags .40
James Hill Horse shews & bridle bits .25
David Crouch Collars and harness 1.50
Thomas Davis One hoe 1.02
David Crouch One hoe 1.06
James McCuiston One ax 2.75
Peter Young One mattock 3.40
James Hill One wedge 1.32
Francis Saunders One big plow 7.00
Thomas Davis One little plow 1.52
David Crouch One cow and calf 15.37
William Gowen One cow 10.00
John Everett One cow 15.10
David Crouch One yearling heifer 4.05
Thomas Caffey One yearling 4.00
David Crouch Nine head of hogs 18.00
James McCuiston One Negroe woman 255.10
David Crouch who purchased 30 of the 70 lots offered at the auction for a total of $135.62½ was recently married to Rhody Gowen, regarded as the daughter of Allen Gowen. Apparently the young couple was in the process of setting up housekeeping and bought many of the sale offerings. Proceeds of the auction totaled $604.02. The estate was closed by the court in its July 1802 session.
1802 July – Settlement of Estate of Allen Gowen decd, William Gowen admin, Joseph Gowen bond, James and Robert McCuiston. Bk 2, pg 252. Davidson Co, TN. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:2:77TV-1MZP?i=322&cc=1909088&cat=307760
It is believed that children born to Allen Gowen include:
William Gowen born about 1774
Joseph Gowen born about 1775
James Gowen born about 1777
Allen Gowen born about 1778
Rhody Gowen born about 1779
Much of the data concerning the children of Allen Gowen is included in this manuscript through the courtesy of Frank Maxwell Gowen who did extensive research into this branch of the family.
Allen Gowen Pioneered Westward to Tennessee
By Frank Maxwell Gowan*
Allen Gowen, son of Joseph Gowen and my fifth-generation
grandfather, was born about 1750, probably in Granville
County, North Carolina. It is believed that Allen Gowen was
married there about 1770, wife’s name unknown.
Allen Gowen received a land grant from the State of South
Carolina August 30, 1784 perhaps for militia duty in the
Revolutionary War. He received 214 acres on Sink Hole Fork
of the Tyger River in what later became Greenville County,
Washington District. He requested that the deed be delivered
to his kinsman, Maj. John “Buck” Gowen whose parents,
William Gowen and Sarah Gowen lived as neighbors to
Joseph Gowen.
On January 1, 1785 Allen Gowen received a land grant
“bounded by lands laid out for Thomas Benson and on the
southeast of land laid out to Michael Miller on the fork of the
Tyger River, according to District 96, South Carolina Deed
Book 2, page 550.
Thomas Benson in 1808 was one of the executors of the estate
of William Benson in Bourbon County, Kentucky. William
Benson is believed to be his father and a neighbor and a
relative of John F. Gowen in 1744 in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Thomas Hord, son-in-law and co-executor of William Benson,
also appeared in Fairfax County.
Three weeks later, on January 21, 1785, Allen Gowen
received another land grant on the Pacolet River, according to
District 96 Deed Book 2, page 532. Allen Gowen witnessed a
deed from John “Buck” Gowen and Lettice Winn “Letty”
Bearden Gowen to Benjamin Barton, December 13, 1785, according
to Anderson County, South Carolina deed records.
Allen Gowen and John “Buck” Gowen witnessed a deed conveying
land in Greenville County from John Combs of Washington
County, North Carolina to John Molen February 20,
1788, according to Greenville County Deed Book A, page
213.
Allen Gowen appeared in the South Carolina state census of
1786 in District 96, along with John “Buck” Gowen who lived
in the Spartanburg County section of the district, while Allen
Gowen lived in the Greenville County section. The household
was: “Gowen, Allen, white male, over 16; 1 white female.”
It is believed that the wife of Allen Gowen died about this
time, and his children removed to Davidson County,
Tennessee, probably being attracted there by favoerable
reports of the area sent back by William Gowen, another
Gowen kinsman whose wife was also named Sarah.
Allen Gowen was a witness December 1, 1790 to a power of
attorney given by Thomas Wheelwright Pearson to John
“Buck” Gowen, according to Spartanburg County Deed Book
C.
“Allin Gowen” of Washington District received a deed April
24, 1792 from Samuel Easley, also of Washington District,
according to Greenville County Deed Book D, page 36. Witnesses
were William Easley and John Easley.
“Alan Gowen of Greenville County, Washington District and
Samuel Easley had some real estate transactions in 1795,”
wrote Mary Alice Seale, G.R.S. of Greenville September 30,
1975. “Neither man had a wife to renounce dower, and they
are evidently sharing a home.”
He disposed of three farms in Greenville County in 1795-96,
preparatory to moving to Davidson County, Tennessee to join
his sons and other kinsmen who had preceded him there.
Joseph Gowen, father of Allen Gowen, had received a land
grant of 300 acres December 23, 1791 in Greenville County
from Gov. Charles C. Montague. Joseph Gowen died about
1796. On October 20, 1796, Allen Gowen “of Davison
County, Tennessee” sold his inheritance.
He deeded the 300 acres “on the north side of Tyger River
adjoining Thomas Fletcher” to Burrell Bobo of Spartanburg
County for oe150 sterling. Allen Gowen had received the land
“by descent,” according to Spartanburg County Deed Book E,
page 75.
It is believed that Allen Gowen removed to Davidson County,
Tennessee about 1796 to be near other members of his family.
His kinsmen, William Gowen and Sarah Gowen and their sons
John Gowen and James H. Gowen had settled there on Mill
Creek in 1779. David Gowen, regarded as a grandson of
William Gowen, had accompanied them and was killed in
1780 in an attack by the Creeks.
Allen Gowen received warranty deeds to two pieces of land
located on Mill Creek in Davidson County on December 23,
1797, one for 118 acres and one for 50 acres. Both plots came
from John Buchanan, and both transactions were witnessed by
Joseph Gowen, son of Allen Gowen.
Allen Gowen gave a bill of sale for a slave in 1796, according
to Davidson County Will Book 1, page 100:
“I Allen Gowen of Davidson County, Tennessee sold unto
John Buchanan of the same place a Mulatto girl named Pen
this 23 December 1796.
Allen Gowen
Witnesses: Joseph Gowen, Allen Whitehead”
Allen Gowen was a purchaser at the estate sale of William
Simpson, deceased, according to Davidson County Will Book
1, page 128. Apparently Allen Gowen died in the latter part of
1799. William Gowen, his son was appointed administrator
and itemized the estate to Davidson County Court during its
January term, 1800. The items were recorded in Davidson
County Will Book 1, page 166 as::
“Allen Gowen, deceased. An Inventory of Chattels as
delivered into court, January Session, 1800 by William
Gowen, Administrator, To Wit: two horses, three cows and
calves, two two-year-old heifers, one bull and one heifer, nine
head of hogs, two beds, furniture, one table, one chest, one
cotton wheel, one flax wheel, three chairs, one woman’s
saddle, five water pails, one churn, one tin kittle, two collars,
one pewter dish, two pewter plates, three pewter basins, five
knives, six forks, six spoons, three tin cups, one pair of spoon
molds, five weaving slays [reeds that guide the warp threads in
a loom], one teakettle, one pot, one oven, one skillet, some
sheets, three woolen blankets, one bed ladder, two bed quilts,
one pair of saddle bags, one bridle, seven horseshoes, two
horse collars, two pair of irons, one pair of [double] trees, two
weeding hoes, three axes, one mattock, one iron wedge, one
Barshaw plow, one shovel plow, two flat irons, pair clevises,
one cowhide, one gimblet [gimlet, auger], one pair of cotton
cards, one barrel, one pot crook, one man’s saddle, one pair of
singletrees, one quart bottle, one jug, one candlestick, three
phials (vials), a piece of bar iron, two bedsteads, two pair of
pot hooks, one sifter, one bread tray, one ring, two pails, one
washing tub, one canister box, one twisted link, a pair of shoe
leathers, one keg and one Negro wench.”
An estate sale was held May 14, 1800 of the chattels, and an
accounting was made to the court by William Gowen
itemizing the purchaser, the item and the price:
“May 14, 1800 Allen Gowen, an Inventory of the Sale of his
Estate was delivered into Court, April [obviously May]
Session, 1800, to Wit:
Purchaser Item Purchased Price
David Crouch 2 beds and stids & furniture $ 49.17
David Crouch One chest 4.25
David Crouch One table 3.08
David Crouch One cotton wheel 3.08
John Everett One flax wheel 4.50
David Crouch Three chairs 1.66
David Crouch Hunting saddle 12.25
James Campbell One watter pail 0.75
David Crouch One small pail 0.33
William Gowen One small pail 0.25
David Crouch One pail 0.16
James McCuiston One pail 0.16
David Crouch One tin buckett 1.25
David Crouch One churn 0.75
Francis Saunders One coler [collar?] 0.37
David Crouch One coler 0.45
David Crouch Pewter 7.75
David Crouch Knifs and forks 0.31
Beverly Ridley One pair spoon moles [molds] 5.08
David Crouch Two irons 3.27
Peter Young Two clevises 1.07
David Crouch Two clevises and ring 2.25
David Crouch Double trees 1.18
James Campbell One canister 0.25
David Crouch One pair of cards 0.50
James McCuiston One barrel 0.25
David Crouch One pot rack 0.37
James McCuiston Three vials 0.35
James McCuiston Two pair of pot boiler hooks 1.26
James Hill One sifter 1.00
David Crouch One bread tray 0.16
Thomas Caffey One keg 1.00
David Crouch One tub 0.50
James Campbell One tub 0.70
William Gowen One bell 0.50
Thomas Davis One saddle 4.50
James Gowen One horse 79.25
Jeremiah Moore One horse 36.00
James Campbell One piece of iron 0.50
Thomas Caffey One cow and calf 15.00
Francis Saunders One reed 0.80
William Gowen One reed 1.08
Jeremiah Moore One reed 1.50
Jeremiah Moore One reed 1.00
James Hill One reed 0.85
David Crouch One bottle 0.16
Joseph Gowen One jug 1.40
David Crouch One oven 1.25
David Crouch One pot 2.56
David Crouch One skillet 0.50
William Gowen One counterpane 1.00
David Crouch One sheet 0.77
Obadiah Benge One pair of saddle bags 0.40
James Hill Horse shews & bridle bits 0.25
David Crouch Collars and harness 1.50
Thomas Davis One hoe 1.02
David Crouch One hoe 1.06
James McCuiston One ax 2.75
Peter Young One mattock 3.40
James Hill One wedge 1.32
Francis Saunders One big plow 7.00
Thomas Davis One little plow 1.52
David Crouch One cow and calf 15.37
William Gowen One cow 10.00
John Everett One cow 15.10
David Crouch One yearling heifer 4.05
Thomas Caffey One yearling 4.00
David Crouch Nine head of hogs 18.00
James McCuiston One Negroe woman 255.10
David Crouch who purchased 30 of the 70 lots offered at the
auction for a total of $135.62« was recently married to Rhody
Gowen, regarded as the daughter of Allen Gowen. Apparently
the young couple was in the process of setting up
housekeeping and bought many of the sale offerings.
Proceeds of the auction totaled $604.02. The estate was
closed by the court in its July 1802 session.
It is believed that children born to Allen Gowen include:
William Gowen born about 1774
Joseph Gowen born about 1775
James F. Gowen born about 1777
Allen Gowen born about 1778
Rhody Gowen born about 1779
*Editor’s note: Frank Maxwell Gowan, son of William M.
Gowen and Laura Maxwell Gowen, was born in Arkansas in
1901. He was employed by Arizona Eastern Railroad, the
Santa Fe and the Southern Pacific. In 1936, he was employed
by the Phoenix post office. He retired in 1971 after 35 years
in civil service. In retirement he undertook the genealogical
research of his family, making research trips to Tennessee,
Illinois, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.
He was married in 1931 to Anna S. Butler who shared his
enthusiasm and love for the family. She continues her interest
in genealogy and is a contributing member of the Foundation.
Frank Maxwell Gowen published “Gowen 1687-1980” and
died two years later in July 1982. Because of his prolific
correspondence and contagious enthusiasm for family history,
he has interested many others in research, and the whole
Gowen family has benefitted from his work.
Goyen Family Tree 