William Gowen b abt 1762 d. 1804 son of John “Buck” Gowen b. abt 1736, married to Miriam Earle
(Link to page on various William “Going’s” and other variations of last name. See this page to compare this William Goyens to other William Going variations that were in the VA, NC, or SC areas in the 1700s. List is not complete, but I’ve listed those I know about so far: https://goyengoinggowengoyneandgone.com/various-william-goings-different-ones/ ).
Parents:
- John “Buck” Gowen b. 1736 – d. ? , m. Lettice Winn Bearden in 1759
Children:
- Mahala Gowen born about 1797
- John Gowen born about 1798
- Matilda Gowen born about 1799
- Letitia “Letty” Gowen born about 1800
- Mahulda Gowen born about 1801
Siblings:
- William Gowen born about 1762
- Lettice “Letty” Gowen born about 1763
- Elizabeth Gowen born about 1765
- James M. Gowen born in 1767
- John B. Gowen born about 1769
- Sarah Gowen born June 5, 1774
- Mary Gowen born about 1776
- Minerva Gowen born about 1780
- Winn Bearden Gowen born October 18, 1787
FACTS:
1784 May 21 William Gowen Jr has 116 acres surveyd on Mill Creek waters of S Pacolate River bounded on all sides vacant land, delivered to Capt Gowan. 96 Dist, Greenville Co, SC No 304, pg 111. 1784 May 21 warrant date – William Gowin Jr – date warrant May 21, 200 acres in warrant, date survey June 21, 162 acres in survey, Surveyor – William Benson, file 304, page 111. Land Grants and Surveys Book A, 1784-1794 Greenville Co SC (NOTE: This 1784 record appears to be a transaction for William Gowen Jr, the uncle of this page’s William Gowen)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKJ-TSCJ-B?i=87&cat=78975
1784 May 26 William Gowen has 394 acres surveyed on the Sink Hole Fork of Middle Tygar River bounding E by Edmond Beardon and all other sides vacant, in 96 Dist, Greenville Co, SC No 295, pg 109 1784 May 21 warrant date – William Gowen – date warrant May 21, 400 acres in warrant, date survey May 26, 294 acres in survey, Surveyor – William Benson, file 295, page 109. Land Grants and Surveys Book A, 1784-1794 Greenville Co SC (NOTE: This 1784 record appears to be a transaction for this William Gowen’s grandfather, or may possibly be a transaction for William Gowen Jr, the uncle of this page’s William Gowen – I lean towards the grandfather)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKJ-TSCQ-M?i=86&cat=78975
1792 October 15 John Gowen of Spartanburg to Margaret Hawkins of Greenville County, grant dated Oct 3, 1791 to John Gowen land containing 215 acres on both sides of Mill Creek on waters of S Pacolate. Deed to Margaret Hawkins for 10 acres bounded by John McLure’s line. Signed: John Gowen. Wits: William Gowen, John Malin, Daniel Stonesiffer. Greenville Co, SC. Bk C, pg 477.
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 August 3 John Gowen of Spartanburg to Nathan Morgan of Greenville, part of two tracts of land on both sides of a small creek on the N side of S Pacolate including the plantation where Morgan now lives, originally to John Gowen on Jan 21, 1785 and Oct 3, 1791 located between Morgans and Matthew Hawkins on the widow Hawkins line, between Morgan and Charles Smith’s line containing 130 acres. Signed: John Gowen. Wits: Michael Miles, John Easley, William Gowen. Greenville County, SC. Bk F, pg 174
1797 Oct 7 Moses Clayton of Materson County, Kentuckey conveys land to William Easley of Greenville County, SC, land where James Brasel formerly lived, now known as Brazils place being formerly granted to John Clayton from Clayton to William Clayton, from William Clayton to Moses Clayton, containing 150 acres, adjacent to James Varner’s land, and between William Clayton and William Easley’s land. Signed: Moses Clayton. Wits: Samuel Bell, Isham Clayton, William Gowen. Greenville County, SC. Bk E, pg 162.
1799 Dec 1 Samuel Warren of St James Santee conveys land to John Gowen of Pinkney District, SC, land totalling 850 acres in the 96 District on the S Fork of the Beaverdam of Entree River granted to Samuel Warren. Signed: S Warren. Witnesses: William Gowen, James Gowen. Proved up on Oct 23, 1800. Recorded Nov 20, 1801. Greenville County, SC. Bk F, pg 310.
1800 US Census in Greenville County, SC with William Gowen with 1 white male 16 to 25, 1 white male under 10, 1 white female 16 to 25, 1 white female under 10.
1800 Feb 4 William Gowen of Greenville County, SC conveys land to David Norris of same, land located on both sides of the Middle Fork of the Saluda River. Signed: William Gowen. Wits: John Blythe, Wesley Arrasmith. Greenville County, SC. Bk G, pg 16.
1801 March 31 – William M Gowen from B F Bush 54 acres in Spartanburg Co SC, Bk OO, pg 177 Spartanburg Co SC https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QL-KQ4W-7?i=92&cat=381052
1803 Sept 7 William Gowen of Greenville Dist conveys to James Blassingame of Greenville Dist land on both sides of Middle Tygar River containing 388 acres originally granted Jan 21 1785 to Michael Miller and conveyed by him to William Anderson and by him to William Gowen. Also one other parcel of land joining the above over Road that leads from William Easley up towards Starling Ingrams, adjacent a survey where Jeremiah Ponder now lives, containing 100 acres conveyed to me by William Anderson, also one other tract containing 254 acres granted to William Gowen Jan 2, 1797. Signed: William Gowen and Miriam Gowen. Wits: James Given, Willey J Brown. Proved up March 31, 1806. Recorded April 1, 1806. Greenville County, SC. Bk G, pg 373.
1804 Feb 29 John Gowen from Anthony Simons, etal 1450 acres on S Pacolet Riv. Benjamin Bonner Simons and Anthony Simons of the City of Charleston, SC, to John Gowen of Spartanburg Dist, SC, . . . convey two tracts of land containing 1450 acres in Craven County, originally granted to Henry Bonneau and Peter Cidean a tract of 1000 acres bounding on the NW on land belonging to Lord Charles Granville Montague, W on Cherokee land, S on the S Pacolate River, SE on lands of Anthony Simons, and SE on vacant land. The other tract containing 450 acres in Craven County butting and bounding NW and SW on land laid out to Henry Bonneau, NE on vacant land, and S on the South Pacolate River . . . the two tracts of land were conveyed to Henry Bonneau and Peter Cedean, then to Anthony Simons on Oct 10, 1774, and on the second and third day of April 1788. Signed: Benj B Simons, A. Simons. Wits: Jeremiah Brown, William Gowen. Proved up Feb 29, 1804. Spartanburg Co SC, Bk K, pg 16
1804 May 16 A list of cash on hand, obligation, book acct, open acts, apartments and Copardership, Books Due William Gowen at his Decease May 16, 1804. A note given to Gideon Hester by John Molton due Nov 1, 1802; a note given by John Molton on demand Feb 21, 1805; an order given by Elias Earle on John Molton July 12, 1803; a note on James Pennington due Oct 1, 1804 to be paid in Horses; a note on Robert Cannon on Nov 1, 1804; a note on James Gowen decd due Nov 25, 1802, a note on John Vineyard, a note on Farm duel Nov 12 1802; amount due by widow Poly Gowen Cohembee and acknowledge; balance of an act in hands of Henry Elmore; amount due by Isom Drawdy; amount due by Edward Herndon.
TO book acct due by John Molton; amount due by Thomas Brummetts, DESP Thomas Wood (desperate) due; James Blassingame due; James Gall; DESP Benjamin Hawkins (Desperate); James Gillison; Lewis Frazer; David Reed; James Gowen due on a temporary settlement; Amount due by Stephen C Wood on the close of the copardnership (Desperate). Signed: John Gowen, admr. Greenville County, SC.
1804 June 22 Bill of the sale of goods and chattels of William Gowen decd. Buyers listed: Thomas Bearden, Miriam Gowen, Samuel Hunt, Maj John Gowen, Phillemon Bradford, William Anderson, James Gowen, Jonathan Hand, Obadiah Woodson, Jeremiah Brown, William Ker, John Carlin, Lewis Frazer, John B Elkin, Col. Henry M. Wood, Thomas Cantrell, Samuel McJunkin, Archibald Ellett, Bayless E Elkin, William Cannon, Ransom Powell, John Gowen, Thomas Wood, Jesse Mayfield, Alexander McKinney, Col. Browne. Signed: John Gowen, Admr. Greenville County, SC.
William dies in 1804:
1804 June 22 A Return of the Debts paid by John Gowen administrator in behalf of the Estate of William Gowen deceased: Names listed: Doctor B Moore, Doctor Wilkenson, Doctor Handwork, Sheriff Anderson, Edward Norton, Alex McKinny, Samuel Lain, Samuel Hunt, Pleasant Easley, William Blythe, Philemon Bradford, Jesse Mayfield, Jeremiah Brown, William Bran, Noah Baylis, Samuel Law Jr, James Gowen a note taken from Gideon Hunter, Balance of a note in favor of James Gowen taken up from Saml Earle, Elias Earle, Thomas Edwards, Aron Evans, McDowell and Blair, John Hoode, John Wilkenson, Jeremiah Brown, Thomas Brummetts, John Jameson, William Cannon, Henry Sharp, Jesse Mayfield, Thomas McLain, Jesse Goodlett, John Cane, James Pinnell, John McClunon, P Bradford, Thomas Evington, John Motlow, James Pennington v decd, John Gowen. Signed John Gowen, Admnr. Greenville County, SC.
Naming of William’s children: William’s father, John Gowen, dies in 1809 and names the children of William, John’s grandchildren, in his will:
On August 20, 1809 John Gowen being in ill health, wrote his will. It was recorded in Spartanburg County Will Book A, pages 2-3 November 10, 1809. Apparently he died shortly after writing his will and was probably buried in Spartanburg District. The will reads:
“In the name of God, Amen. I, John Gowen, being afflicted by the hand of Almighty God and knowing it is once ordained for all men to die, do ordain, constitute and appoint this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all other Wills by me made, excepting such property, this is, viz: as I have already bestowed to my children.
I pray God who gave it to take my soul, my body to return from whence it came and be buried in a Christian manner, by direction of my executors to be hereinafter named
First: I bequeath unto my son, Winn B. Gowen, a tract of land lying and being in Greenville District on both sides of middle Tygar River, the line to begin at the mouth of a Branch emptying into the said river on the north side below the mill–thence a direct line to the upper end of the big cove and to the line of land–then my line to the opposite, to the beginning. Also two negroes called Zed and Spence, together with a stock of cattle and hogs now on the premises before mentioned, one bed and furniture; also my part of a bay gelding that he rides.
Second: I bequeath unto my daughter, Lettie, a plantation by Ann Easley’s place, three negroe girls known by the names of Vina, Ede and Harriot; one bed and furniture and two cows and calves.
Third: I bequeath unto my Daughter, Minerva, a tract of land lying on the south side of Saluda where my son, James Gowen, attended; Two Negroes, names Cresa and Asa, one bed and furniture, One Hundred Dollars to purchase a horsebeast, two cows and calves and her mother’s sattle [saddle].
Fourth: I bequeath unto my daughter, Elizabeth Woodson, a tract of land on Tyger River called Sulsias place.
Fifth: I bequeath unto my son, James Gowen, 800 acres to begin at the ford of the river on the South Pacolet, now used between here and where he lives, and thence a North course so to include the school house spring where Davis taught, and then ’round to a line to be made for John Roddy; thence, to the beginning so as to include the Jamison fields.
Sixth: I give and bequeath to my Grandson, John Gowen, son of William, deceased, all the land between what I have given Winn and Letty that I own, also one Girl named Hannah; to my granddaughter, Mahulda, a negro boy called Buck; unto Matilda, a negroe boy called Sip; a negroe boy named Ben unto Letty, my granddaughter.
If any of these legatees died without lawful issue, the property to be returned and equally divided between my children the living. I hereby appoint John and Winn Gowen, my sons, and James Blassingame and Street Thurston, my sons-in-law to be the executors of this, my last will and testament: to sell on a credit of twelve months all the real and personal property that I have not before bequeathed, except two hundred acres of land to be laid off, agreeable to deed of gift made to Atlantic and Dorindas, Daughters of Polly Sanders. My debts to be paid and, if any balance left, to be equally divided between all of my children living, borne of my wife, Lettie, deceased. In witness whereof I have set my hand this 20th day of August, Anno Domini, 1809. John Gowen, In the presence of: Theron Earle, C. W. McVay, Willus G. Brown”
Spartanburg Co, SC
FROM GRF – GOWEN MANUSCRIPT:
1796: William Gowen was married to Miriam Earle, ninth child of Lt. Col. Bayliss John Earle and Mary Berry Prince Earle January 28, 1796. Miriam Earle was born November 24, 1775 in Frederick County, Virginia. She was a granddaughter of Samuel Earle, high sheriff and member of the House of Burgesses from Frederick County and Anna Sorrell Earle.
Bayliss John Earle was born August 8, 1734 in Frederick County, Virginia. He was married to Mary Berry Prince who was born April 16, 1744 to John Prince and Virginia Sarah Berry. John Prince was born February 2, 1709-10 in Frederick County. Virginia Sarah Berry was born in 1718 in Stafford County, Virginia, according to Pam Wilson.
“Bayliss Earle” was enumerated as the head of household in Spartanburg County, according to “Heads of Families, South Carolina, 1790:”
“Earle, Bayliss white male over 16
4 white males under 16
6 females
no slaves”
Col. Bayliss John Earle died January 6, 1825 in Earlesville, South Carolina in Spartanburg County. Mary Berry Prince Earle died there in 1807.
William Gowen was described as a “Revolutionary soldier” by Joseph Earle Birnie in “The Earles and the Birnes,” however it is believed that he did not see revolutionary service because of his youth. His grandfather, William Gowen served as a Revolutionary soldier under the command of his son, Capt. John “Buck” Gowen, and the author may have confused the two.
William Gowen appeared as the head of a household in the 1800 census of Greenville District, page 6, No. 227:
“Gowan, William white male 16-26 [?]
white female 16-26
white female 0-10
white male 0-10
[7 slaves]”
He made his home in Greenville County until his death in 1804. His father was appointed administrator of his estate which was appraised and administered between 1804 and 1806. A Warrant of Appraisement of the estate was issued to Thomas Brummet, Jesse Mayfield, John Motlow, Arch Elliot and John Goodlett in 1804 and certified by Robert Cook, justice. They were directed to “repair to William Gowen’s house and appraise his estate.”
State of South Carolina
Greenville District
We the appraisers authorized to appraise the Goods and Chattles of William Gowen, Deceased Do Certify that these two sheets and papers contain a just and true Statement of the appraisement of the Goods and Chattles of Said Deceased. Given under our hands this 22nd June, 1804.
Thos. [X] Brummett Jesse Mayfield
John Motlow Arch’d [X] Ellett
John Goodlett”
Apparently William Gowen owned half interest in a a “store at New Market” and half interest in a tavern there. Stephen C. Woods was mentioned in the accounting as a defaulting co-partner. Despite some “desperate” accounts which the administrator “despaired” of collecting and which were written off, the estate was a large one for that era, suggesting that William Gowen would be considered a wealthy man.
It is unlikely that William Gowen died a sudden death. Three different doctors were brought in to treat him, according to the probate record:
“A Return of debts paid by John Gowen,
Administrator in behalf of the Estate
of William Gowen, Deceased
Expenses of last sickness $ 25.34.0
Funeral Expense 7.00.0
Doctors Fees:
Dr. B. Moore 16.87.5
Dr. Wilkerson 9.25.0
Dr. Hardwick 10.00.0
Ballence of an Execution paid to Sheriff
Anderson in behalf of Shottwell 58.00.0
Public Tax for 1804 2.00.0
Ballence of a note due Edward Nort or
His Descendants 363.12.5
Ballence of a note due
Alex. MacKinny 364.19.0
Ballence of a note due
Samuel Lanier & Int. 176.60.0
Note due Samuel Hunt & Int. 131.29.0
Note due Pleasant Easley & Ditto 73.67.5
Note due William Blythe & Ditto 42.57.0
Note due Phillemon Bradford & Int. 440.68.0
Note due Jesse Mayfield & Int. 228.00.0
Note due Jeremiah Brown & Int. 212.15.6
Note due William Beal, Prin. & Int. 20.94.0
Amount paid on a note Baylis Carder 110.00.0
Note due Samuel Law, Prin. & Int. 6.69.0
=======
2306.84.1
Note in favour of Jas. Gowen taken
up from Gideon Hunt & Int. 90.27.0
Ballence of a note in favour of Jas.
Gowen taken up from Saml. Earle 164.11.0
=========
$ 2561.22.1
Total Amount Bought Forward $ 2561.22.1
Total cash paid by James Gowen 175.00.0
Proven account in favor of Elias Earle 242.52.0
Ditto of Thomas Edward Hall 6.68.0
Ditto of Aron Evans 11.18.5
Ditto of MacDowell & Blair 43.17.0
Ditto of John Horne 4.00.0
Ditto of John Hickman 13.19.5
Ditto of Jeremiah Brown 96.00.0
Ditto of Thomas Brummette 20.00.0
Ditto of John Samuels 14.00.0
Ditto of William Carrel 16.50.0
Ditto of Henry Sharp 28.12.0
Ditto of Jesse Mayfield 27.00.0
Ditto of Thomas MacLain 194.00.0
Ditto of Jesse Goodlett 10.75.0
Ditto of John Corne 36.88.0
Amount paid James Pinnell
on proven account 100.00.0
Amount paid John MacChurchill 4.00.0
Proven account in favor of P. Bradford 13.73.0
Ditto of Thomas Ewington 15.00.0
Proven account on funeral, Dyer & Tally 7.00.00
Amount paid for Whiskey at Sale 3.95.00
Ordinary [Recorder] fees 6.00.0
Paper for Use at Sales 0.75.0
Proven account in favour of
James Gowen 270.50.0
Money laid out for the use of the family 28.73.0
========
$ 3953.88.1
Total Amount Brought up $ 3953.88.1
Proven account of Mr. John Motlow 935.12.0
Money paid for the use of the family 3.25.0
========
$ 4892.25.1
Paid note of James Gowen 205.00.0
========
$ 5097.25.1
Commission on the above
Account in favour of
Jno. Gowen, Admr. 564.10.0
========
$ 5661.25.1
A Return of the debts Paid
for the Estate of Wm. Gowen,
Deceased by Jno. Gowen, Executor, Admr.
$ 3953.88.1
Commissions 197.69
46.75
========
$ 244.44
A List of Cash on hand, Obligations, Book Accounts, Open Accounts, & Open sales & Copardnership Books Due William Gowen at his Decease, May 16, 1804.
Total Cash on Hand $ 5.37.5
One Note Given to Gideon Hester by
John Motlow on Demand
February 21, 1805 for 32.00.0
One Order Given by Elias Earle on
John Motlow July 12, 1803 for 60.00.0
One on James Pennington Due October 1,
1804 to be paid in Horses for 250.00.0
One Note on Robert Cannon due
November 1, 1804 for 65.00.0
One Note on James Gowen, Deceased
Due November 25, 1802 for 100.00.0
One Note on John Vineyard for 8, due
to be paid in goods [Desparate]* for 8.00.0
One Note on Farr due
November 11, 1802 for 100.00.0
Total Amount Due by the Widow Polly Gowen,
Combahee and acknowledged 100.00.0
Total Ballence of an Account in the hands of
Henry Elmore and acknowledged 25.00.0
Total Amount due by
Isom Draudy [Desperate]* 50.00.0
Total Amount due by Edward Herndon 45.00.0
========
$ 940.37.5
Total Amount Brought Forward $ 940.37.5
Total Book Amt. Due by John Motlow 459.64.0
Total Amount of Sugar & Salt Book
at New Market Sale, 12 pounds,
13 shillings, 01 pence, in dollars 55.25.0
Total Amount of Act. Due by
Thomas Brummett for wife 11.25.0
Thomas Wood [Desperate*] due 21.00.0
James Blassingame due 20.00.0
James Galt due 3.00.0
Benjamin Hawkins [Desperate*] due 4.00.0
James Gillison due 15.00.0
Lewis Frazer due .37.0
David Reed due 17.48.5
James Gowen due on a
Temporary Settlement 386.74.0
Total Amount of half the Store acts Kept
at New Market 76 pounds, 2 shillings,
3 pence, in Dollars 326.18.0
Total Amount of half the Tavern Books
Kept at New Market 15 pounds, 7
shillings, 5 1/2 pence, in Dollars 65.87.0
Total Half the Amount of the Goods Sold at
New Market after Gowen decease after
Paying the Sale Expense 109.60.0
Total Amount Due by Stephen C. Wood on the
Close of the Copardnership sale 65.35.5
This of Woods is [Desperate] ========
$ 2501.11.5
Jno. Gowen, Admr.
An account, calculation & reckoning of the Administration of the Estate of William Gowen, deceased as exhibited into the Ordinary’s Office of Greenville District on the 4th day of November, 1806.
Amount of First Sale $ 1683.88.7.5
Amount of Second Sale 1698.37.5
Cash on hand, Obligation Book & Open
Acts. Assumable & Copartnership
Book Debts 2501.11.5
Payment & Expense Turn Over paid
the Estate 387.97.3.5
Commissions Over & Above 264.15.0
========
$ 5935.50.1
Paid as Follows, as per Return filed
Amounting in the whole $ 5661.35
Amount of Ordinary Fees 10.00
Administrator’s Commission 261.15
====.==
$ 5935.50
This exhibit contains on oath the acc’t Calculation & Reckoning of the Administration of the said deceased’s estate.
Jno. Gowen, Admr.”
* Desperate; despairate, Considered uncollectable.
An inventory of the estate was returned to probate court July 30, 1804. A portion of the accounting of the estate of William Gowen was obtained in November 1975 by Frank Maxwell Gowen. The accounting, recorded in dollars, cents and mills, read:
“Total Amt Brought Forward 2,561.22.7
Total Cash paid by James Gowens 175.00.0
Proven accounts in favor of:Elias Earle 289.52.0
Arch Evans 11.18.5
McDowell & Blair 13.17.0
John Horde 4.00.0
John Wilkenson 13.19.5
Jeremiah Brown 96.00.0
Thomas Brummett 20.00.0
John Jameson 14.00.0
William Cannon 16.50.0
Henry Sharp 28.12.0
Jesse Mayfield 27.00.0
Thomas McLain 194.00.0
Jesse Goddlett 20.75.0
A. P. John Corne 36.88.0
Phillemon Bradford 13.73.0
Thomas Covington 15.00.0
Amount paid James Pennell 100.00.0
Amount paid John McChurchmon 4.00.0
Part account of Dyer Tally 7.00.0
Amount paid for whisky at sale 3.95.0
Ordinary fees 6.00.0
Paper for use at Sales 0.75.0
Proven account, James Gowen 279.50.0
Money pd. for use of the family 28.73.0
Proven account of John Motlow 935.12.0
Money pd. for use of the family 3.25.0
===.===
$ 4,892.25.1
Paid Account of James Pennington
vs. deceased 205.00.1
Commissions on the above
Account of John Gowen, admr. 564.10.0
A Return of the Debts paid for the
Estate of William Gowen Deceased
by John Gowen [illegible word]
administrator 3,953.88.1
Commissions 197.69.0
46.75.0
====.=====
$ 244.44.0”
A record of an estate sale of William Gowen held June 22, 1804 showed that many of the effects were purchased by Miriam Earle Gowen:
“Bill of the Sale of the Goods and Chattles of William Gowen, Deceased, June 22, 1804 in dollars, cents and mills:
Thomas Bearden One side of leather 2.62.0
Marium Gowen Axe & file 1.75.0
Marium Gowen One sugar cannister 1.00.0
Samuel Hunt One silver watch 20.00.0
Marium Gowen 4 slays & 2 harness 1.50.0
Major John Gowen 26 hair halters 2.50.0
Phillemon Bradford One jug 1.25.0
Marium Gowen One iron bound cask 1.25.0
Marium Gowen One pair saddle bags 0.50.0
William Anderson One keg & powder 2.25.0
Major John Gowen One pair of linens 0.14.0
James Gowen Shaving box & razor 1.50.0
Samuel Hunt 13 yards black silk 17.00.0
Samuel Hunt One pair slippers 2.00.0
Jonathan Hand Four chairs 0.50.0
Major John Gowen One Waggon Cloth ?.??
Obadiah Woodson Boxes & Hub Irons 8.25.0
Major John Gowen One chain & harness 46.00.0
Marium Gowen Fire dogs, shovel, tongs 4.00.0
Marium Gowen One looking glass 0.50.0
Marium Gowen Crockary ware 2.00.0
Marium Gowen Two decanters, tumbler 1.50.0
Marium Gowen Coffee mill, Candle mould
& snuffer, two quart
bottles & one Gimblet 1.75.0
Marium Gowen Two pair cards &
Coffee Pot 1.50.0
Marium Gowen One woman’s saddle 15.00.0
Major John Gowen One Saddle & fixings 15.50.0
James Gowen One Brace Pistols 25.00.0
Jeremiah Brown Bed, Bedstead & furniture 35.50.0
Major John Gowen Bed, Bedstead & furniture 33.00.0
Marium Gowen Bed, Bedstead & furniture 10.00.0
Marium Gowen Bed, Bedstead & furniture 25.00.0
Marium Gowen Bed, Bedstead & furniture 35.00.0
Phillemon Bradford One trunk 5.56.2
Marium Gowen One churn 2.50.0
William Ker One table 1.93.7
Marium Gowen One table 1.50.0
James Gowen One grindstone 2.00.0
Jonathan Hand Two kegs 1.87.5
James Gowen One Cutting Box 0.75.0
Marium Gowen One Table 0.50.0
John Carlin One Table 0.50.0
John Carlin One Table 0.50.0
Lewis Frazer One Cubbord 3.00.0
Marium Gowen One Curry Comb & Bit 0.62.5
Lewis Frazer One Loom 5.50.0
Marium Gowen Bag Sifter & Tray 3.75.0
John B. Elkin Two Fire Bucketts 0.25.0
Marium Gowen Two Kegs 0.50.0
Lewis Frazer One Cask 0.50.0
Marium Gowen Cask & Hogshead 2.35.7
Marium Gowen One Large Wheel 1.35.7
James Gowen One Small Wheel 1.00.0
Marium Gowen One Small Wheel 0.75.0
Marium Gowen One Reel 0.62.5
Major John Gowen One Large Wheel 1.00.0
James Gowen One Large Wheel 0.75.0
Marium Gowen One Churn 0.50.0
James Gowen One pair, Bushel 0.50.0
Marium Gowen Piggins [wooden vessels] 5.00.0
Marium Gowen Pewter & Tin Ware 10.75.0
Marium Gowen Crocks & Pans 0.85.7
Col. Henry M. Wood One Grid Iron 2.50.0
James Gowen One Frying Pan 2.12.5
Col. Henry M. Wood Ladles & Fork 2.00.0
Marium Gowen One Pot & Hooks 2.00.0
Thomas Cantrell One Pot & Hooks 1.68.7
Major John Gowen One Skillet 0.75.0
Marium Gowen Smoothing Irons 1.87.7
Marium Gowen Ovens 3.12.5
William Ker Ovens 0.56.2
Major John Gowen Mattock 1.25.0
William Ker Two Axes 2.00.0
Phillemon Bradford One Plow & fixings 2.50.0
Samuel McJunkin Doubletrees 1.75.0
Archabald Ellett Seven augers 2.18.7
Thomas Cantrell Saw, Drawing knife
& Hammer 1.31.2
James Gowen Cup Hoods & Wedges 6.62.5
Major John Gowen Bridle Bitts 1.25.0
James Gowen Frizens [?] & Bolts & C. 1.25.0
William Ker One bunch irons 1.42.2.5
James Gowen One lot bills [?] 1.50.0
Baylis E. Elkin Lot Hogs 150.25.0
Major John Gowen Lot Hogs 30.50.0
William Cannon Geese 6.37.5
James Gowen One Cow & Calf 11.75.0
James Gowen One Cow & Calf 10.25.0
James Gowen Cow, Yearling & Bull 10.25.0
Ransom Powell One Cow 9.25.0
Jeremiah Brown One Cow 10.50.0
Baylis E. Elkin Two Steers 19.27.0
Baylis E. Elkin One Steer & Bull 20.75.0
James Gowen One Steer & Heifer 11.25.0
John Gowen One Steer 2.25.0
Thomas Wood One Steer 4.75.5
Jesse Mayfield One Steer 3.00.0
James Gowen One Steer & Heifer 6.00.0
James Gowen One Horse 77.75.0
William Cannon One Horse 125.00.0
Alex’r McKinney One Horse 103.25.0
Col. Browne One Horse 132. 00.0
Jeremiah Browne One Horse 46.00.0
Col. Browne One Horse 137.12.5
Alex’r McKinney One Horse 179.00.0
Major John Gowen One Horse 172.00.0
========.===
Total $ 1,683.88.7.5
Signed this Second Day of September, 1804
John Gowen, Administrator”
Another sale of the “Goods and Chattels” of William Gowen was held January 15, 1805 and the total of “monies and accounts” of $1,098.37.5 [dollars-cents-mills] was reported by John “Buck” Gowen May 22, 1805:
“Bill of the Second Sale of the goods and Chattles of William Gowen, Deceased, on the 15th day of January, 1805.
One Negroe Wench & Child 400.00.0
One Negroe Fellow 430.00.0
One Bay Gelding 60.00.0
One Bay Gelding 100.00.0
5 2/3 bbls. Corn 15.00.0
5 bbls. Corn 15.00.0
5 bbls. Corn 15.00.0
5 bbls. Corn 15.37.5
5 bbls. Corn 16.00.0
One Cow & Calf 8.00.0
One Cow & Calf 8.00.0
One Cow & Calf 8.00.0
One pair Drawing Chains 2.50.0
One pair Drawing Chains 1.50.0
One Shovel Plow 1.00.0
One Lot Iron Clevises 0.75.0
One Lot Iron Chains 2.25.0
=====.====
$ 1,098.37.5
Signed this 22nd day of May 1805
John Gowen, Administrator”
A third sale of the property of William Gowen held May 5, 1806 produced proceeds amounting to $5,361.75, according to the probate records.
Children born to William Gowen and Miriam Earle Gowen include:
Mahala Gowen born about 1797
John Gowen born about 1798
Matilda Gowen born about 1799
Letitia “Letty” Gowen born about 1800
Mahulda Gowen born about 1801
William Gowen Died a Wealthy
Young Merchant in 1804
William Gowen, son of Maj. John “Buck” Gowen and Lettice
“Letty” Winn Bearden Gowen, was born about 1762, probably
in Granville County, North Carolina where his parents lived at
the time. It suggested by Adeline Evans Wynn in “Southern
Lineages” that his family lived in Craven County, South Carolina
in 1770. “John Gowing” received a land grant of 200
acres there May 16, 1770, according to Craven County Deed
Book 2, page 267.
In 1778 the family moved to District 96 in the western extremity
of South Carolina where John “Buck” Gowen had received
a land grant four years earlier, probably for militia services
in the Charleston, South Carolina area.
William Gowen was married to Miriam Earle, ninth child of
Lt. Col. Bayliss John Earle and Mary Berry Prince Earle January
28, 1796. Miriam Earle was born November 24, 1775 in
Frederick County, Virginia. She was a granddaughter of
Samuel Earle, high sheriff and member of the House of
Burgesses from Frederick County and Anna Sorrell Earle.
William Gowen was described as a “Revolutionary soldier” by
Joseph Earle Birnie in “The Earles and the Birnes,” however it
is believed that he did not see revolutionary service because of
his youth. His grandfather, William Gowen served as a
Revolutionary soldier under the command of his son, Maj.
John “Buck” Gowen, and the author may have confused them.
William Gowen appeared as head of a household in the 1800
census of Greenville District, page 6, No. 227. He made his
home in Greenville County until his death in 1804. His father
was appointed administrator of his estate which was appraised
and administered between 1804 and 1806. A Warrant of
Appraisement was issued to Thomas Brummet, Jesse Mayfield,
John Motlow, Arch Elliot and John Goodlett in 1804 and
certified by Robert Cook, justice. They were directed to
“repair to William Gowen’s house and appraise his estate.”
Apparently William Gowen owned half interest in a “store at
New Market” and half interest in a tavern there. Stephen C.
Woods was mentioned in the accounting as a defaulting copartner.
Despite some “desperate” accounts which the administrator
“despaired” of collecting and which were written
off, the estate was a large one for that era, suggesting that
William Gowen would be considered a wealthy man.
It is unlikely that William Gowen died a sudden death. Three
different doctors were brought in to treat him, according to the
probate record. The three doctor bills totaled $25.34.
Maj. John “Buck” Gowen reported to the court on every item
of expense in connection with administering the estate. He
listed “$7 to Dyer & Talley for funeral expense, $3.95 for
whiskey at estate sale, 75c for paper used at sale, and $28.78
money laid out for the use of the family.”
“An account, calculation & reckoning of the Administration of
the Estate of William Gowen, deceased as exhibited into the
Ordinary’s Office of Greenville District on the 4th day of
November, 1806” totaled $5,935.50.1, estimated at over a half
million dollars in 1992 values.
Additionally the administrator prepared a list of cash assets
and notes “due William Gowen at his Decease, May 16,
1804:”
Total Cash on Hand $ 5.37.5
One Note Given to Gideon Hester by
John Motlow on Demand February
21, 1805 for 32.00.0
One Order Given by Elias Earle on
John Motlow July 12, 1803 for 60.00.0
One on James Pennington Due October 1,
1804 to be paid in Horses for 250.00.0
One Note on Robert Cannon due
November 1, 1804 for 65.00.0
One Note on James Gowen, Deceased
Due November 25, 1802 for 100.00.0
One Note on John Vineyard for 8, due
to be paid in goods (Desparate) for 8.00.0
One Note on Farr due
November 11, 1802 for 100.00.0
Total Amount Due by the Widow Polly
Gowen, Combahee, acknowledged 100.00.0
Total Ballence of an Account in the hands
of Henry Elmore and acknowledged 25.00.0
Total Amount due by
Isom Draudy (Desperate) 50.00.0
Total Amount due by Edward Herndon 45.00.0
Total Book Amt. Due by John Motlow 459.64.0
Total Amount of Sugar & Salt Book
at New Market Sale, 12 pounds,
13 shillings, 01 pence, in dollars 55.25.0
Total Amount of Act. Due by
Thomas Brummett for wife 11.25.0
Thomas Wood (Desperate) due 21.00.0
James Blassingame due 20.00.0
James Galt due 3.00.0
Benjamin Hawkins (Desperate) due 4.00.0
James Gillison due 15.00.0
Lewis Frazer due .37.0
David Reed due 17.48.5
James Gowen due on a
Temporary Settlement 386.74.0
Total Amount of half the Store acts Kept
at New Market 76 pounds, 2 shillings,
3 pence, in Dollars 326.18.0
Total Amount of half the Tavern Books
Kept at New Market 15 pounds, 7
shillings, 5 1/2 pence, in Dollars 65.87.0
Total Half the Amount of the Goods Sold
at New Market after Gowen decease
after Paying the Sale Expense 109.60.0
Total Amount Due by Stephen C. Wood
on the Close of the Copardnership 65.35.5
sale. This of Woods is (Desperate)”
The record of the estate sale showed that many of the effects
were purchased by the widow, Miriam Earle Gowen. In that
era, all personal property of the deceased were sold at auction
for the benefit of the estate. Should the widow desire to keep
certain items from her household, she would have to be the
high bidder to retain them.
Record of the auction held June 22, 1804 revealed many of the
items found on a Carolina farmstead during that period and the
value of them in dollars, cents and mills:
“Thomas Bearden One side of leather 2.62.0
Marium Gowen Axe & file 1.75.0
Marium Gowen One sugar cannister 1.00.0
Samuel Hunt One silver watch 20.00.0
Marium Gowen 4 slays & 2 harness 1.50.0
Major John Gowen 26 hair halters 2.50.0
Phillemon Bradford One jug 1.25.0
Marium Gowen One iron bound cask 1.25.0
Marium Gowen One pair saddle bags 0.50.0
William Anderson One keg & powder 2.25.0
Major John Gowen One pair of linens 0.14.0
James Gowen Shaving box & razor 1.50.0
Samuel Hunt 13 yards black silk 17.00.0
Samuel Hunt One pair slippers 2.00.0
Jonathan Hand Four chairs 0.50.0
Major John Gowen One Waggon Cloth 4.50.0
Obadiah Woodson Boxes & Hub Irons 8.25.0
Major John Gowen One chain & harness 46.00.0
Marium Gowen Fire dogs, shovel, tongs 4.00.0
Marium Gowen One looking glass 0.50.0
Marium Gowen Crockary ware 2.00.0
Marium Gowen Two decanters, tumbler 1.50.0
Marium Gowen Coffee mill, Candle mould
& snuffer, two quart
bottles & one Gimblet 1.75.0
Marium Gowen Two pair cards &
Coffee Pot 1.50.0
Marium Gowen One woman’s saddle 15.00.0
James Gowen One Brace Pistols 25.00.0
Jeremiah Brown Bed, Bedstead & furn. 35.50.0
Marium Gowen Bed, Bedstead & furn. 35.00.0
Phillemon Bradford One trunk 5.56.2
Marium Gowen One churn 2.50.0
Marium Gowen One table 1.50.0
James Gowen One grindstone 2.00.0
Jonathan Hand Two kegs 1.87.5
James Gowen One Cutting Box 0.75.0
Marium Gowen One Table 0.50.0
John Carlin One Table 0.50.0
Lewis Frazer One Cubbord 3.00.0
Marium Gowen One Curry Comb & Bit 0.62.5
Lewis Frazer One Loom 5.50.0
Marium Gowen Bag Sifter & Tray 3.75.0
John B. Elkin Two Fire Bucketts 0.25.0
Marium Gowen Two Kegs 0.50.0
Marium Gowen Cask & Hogshead 2.35.7
Marium Gowen One Large Wheel 1.35.7
James Gowen One Small Wheel 1.00.0
Marium Gowen One Small Wheel 0.75.0
Marium Gowen One Reel 0.62.5
Mjr. John Gowen One Large Wheel 1.00.0
James Gowen One Large Wheel 0.75.0
Marium Gowen One Churn 0.50.0
James Gowen One pair, Bushel 0.50.0
Marium Gowen Piggins [wooden vessels] 5.00.0
Marium Gowen Pewter & Tin Ware 10.75.0
Marium Gowen Crocks & Pans 0.85.7
Col. Henry M. Wood One Grid Iron 2.50.0
James Gowen One Frying Pan 2.12.5
Col. Henry M. Wood Ladles & Fork 2.00.0
Thomas Cantrell One Pot & Hooks 1.68.7
Major John Gowen One Skillet 0.75.0
Marium Gowen Smoothing Irons 1.87.7
Marium Gowen Ovens 3.12.5
William Ker Ovens 0.56.2
Major John Gowen Mattock 1.25.0
William Ker Two Axes 2.00.0
Phillemon Bradford One Plow & fixings 2.50.0
Samuel McJunkin Doubletrees 1.75.0
Archabald Ellett Seven augers 2.18.7
Thomas Cantrell Saw, Drawing knife
& Hammer 1.31.2
James Gowen Cup Hoods & Wedges 6.62.5
Major John Gowen Bridle Bitts 1.25.0
James Gowen Frizens [?] & Bolts & C. 1.25.0
Baylis E. Elkin Lot Hogs 150.25
Major John Gowen Lot Hogs ..30.50
William Cannon Geese 6.38
James Gowen One Cow & Calf 11.75.0
James Gowen One Cow & Calf 10.25.0
James Gowen Cow, Yearling & Bull 10.25.0
Ransom Powell One Cow 9.25.0
Jeremiah Brown One Cow 10.50.0
Baylis E. Elkin Two Steers 19.27.0
Baylis E. Elkin One Steer & Bull 20.75.0
James Gowen One Steer & Heifer 11.25.0
John Gowen One Steer 2.25.0
Thomas Wood One Steer 4.75.5
James Gowen One Steer & Heifer 6.00.0
James Gowen One Horse 77.75.0
Alex’r McKinney One Horse 103.25.0
Col. Browne One Horse 132.00.0
Jeremiah Browne One Horse 46.00.0
Alex’r McKinney One Horse 179.00.0
Major John Gowen Negroe wench & child 400.00.0
Major John Gowen One Negroe Fellow 430.00.0
Children born to William Gowen and Miri am Earle Gowen
include:
Mahala Gowen born about 1797
John Gowen born about 1800
Matilda Gowen born about 1801
Letitia “Letty” Gowen born about 1802
Mahulda Gowen born about 1803
