Tennessee – Montgomery County

Montgomery Co, TN

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Montgomery Co, TN – FamilySearch notes

Wiki Page: https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Montgomery_County,_Tennessee_Genealogy

Catalogue Page: https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=75&placeId=195046&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Tennessee%2C%20Montgomery%22

Middle Tennessee county established in 1796. The eastern half of the county belonged to the pioneer Cumberland Settlements. The county is named after “John Montgomery (c. 1750–1794), leader of the Nickajack Expedition.”

1796–Montgomery County was established 9 April 1796. Originally organized as Tennessee County, North Carolina and the name was susequently changed to Montgomery County when Tennessee became a State.
County seat: Clarksville

From 1788 to 1796 people living in what is now Montgomery County were in extinct Tennessee County. Their records for that period are now found in Robertson County, Tennessee.

LAND:

Deeds, 1786-1962: https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/182323?availability=Family%20History%20Library

Plat books, 1792-1967: https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/262465?availability=Family%20History%20Library

PROBATE:

Will books, 1795-1966: https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/253894?availability=Family%20History%20Library

Wills, inventories, guardian and bond books, 1797-1818, Montgomery County, Tennessee: https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/219219?availability=Family%20History%20Library

Divorce, Probate estate files, 1840-1962: https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/736364?availability=Family%20History%20Library

COURT:

County court minute books 1805-1961: https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/178737?availability=Family%20History%20Library

Minutes, 1840-1967: https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/253813?availability=Family%20History%20Library

FACTS AND SOURCES:  

1803 Jan 15 – John Gowan of Davidson County, and State of Tennessee to Guthridge Lyons 100 acres in Montgomery Co, TN on N side of Cumberland Riv above Blooming Grove, originally granted to Curtis Williams in 1787 bounded . . . (see link for desc). Signed: John Gowen. Wits R McGarock, Ro. Prince. bk B, p 579. Montgomery Co, TN
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS54-3WTY-B?i=580&cat=182323

1815 July 28 – Provup done 1819 Jan 19 – Eli Lockart and Sally Lockart admin of Moses Lockart decd of Montgomery Co, TN to James Going, that James Going paid $400 to Moses Lockart on July 28, 1815, and bound himself to pay another $800 for title to 200 acres in Montgomery Co, TN on the Dry Fork of the Brushy Fork of the Piny Fork of the Little West Fork of Red River at William E Williams corner, Mary Young’s 400 acre tract, Minor’s line, . Registration done in Book I, pg 872 to court. Signed: Eli Lockert admin of Moses Lockert, Sally Lockart admin of Moses Lockart. Wits: C Johnson, Will L Brown. bk J, p. 944. Montgomery Co, TN. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-8924-PR4Y?i=481&cat=182323

1820 US Census – Montgomery Co, TN
Name: James Goyne
Home in 1820 (City, County, State): Montgomery, Tennessee
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons – Males – Under 10: 2
Free White Persons – Males – 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons – Females – Under 10: 2
Free White Persons – Females – 10 thru 15: 1
Free White Persons – Females – 26 thru 44: 1
Slaves – Males – Under 14: 1
Slaves – Females – 14 thru 25: 1
Number of Persons – Engaged in Agriculture: 3
Free White Persons – Under 16: 5
Free White Persons – Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 7
Total Slaves: 2
Total All Persons – White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 9
1820 U S Census; Census Place: Montgomery, Tennessee; Page: 216; NARA Roll: M33_122; Image: 179
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=7734&h=995587&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=kUu3471&_phstart=successSource

1825 July 2 – James Goyne for $395 to David Brodie land on the waters of Piney Fork of the Little West Fork of Red River and bounded by Plantation where Goyne lives, and Benj Wilkins field. Signed: James Goyne. Wits: Lewis C Taylor, Francis Baker, Jacob Garrett. bk L, p. 116. Montgomery Co, TN.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-8924-5VY?i=65&cat=182323

1825 Dec 27 – Heirs of Isaac Garrett including – James Bonduvant and wife Cloe, Edmund Garrett, William Casey and wife Elizabeth, Thomas Thomas and his wife Polly, Isaac Garrett, Edwin Killebrew and wife Susan, Ashail Sally and wife Nancy, Jacob Garrett, Joshua Killebrew and wife Virginia, Pleasant Garrett of on part, and James Goyne of the other part, convey to James Goyne 148 acres in exch for $660, land bounded on the Barron Fortk of the Little West Fork of Red River, and bounded crossing the Barron Fork, Asahail Sally’s line, Jacob Garretts corner, being part of a tract conveyed by James Lockert to Isaac Garrett decd. Signed: Virginia A Killebrue, Cloe Bondurant, Elizabeth Cager, Isaac Garrett, Joshua R Killebrue, Pleasant B Garrett, Jacob Garrett, Edwin L Killebrue, James Bondurant, WIlliam Cayer, Asahail Salley, Thomas Thomas, Polly Thomas, Susan Killebrue, Nancy Salley. bk L, p. 139 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-8924-52Z?i=76&cat=182323

1828 March 20 – Elisha H Palmer and Lewis D Palmer of Christian Kentucky sell to James Goynes a negro woman named Anurca and her child Henry for $375. Signed: W H Palmer, Lewis D Palmer. Wit: Jacob Garret. Will Bk. E, pg 276. Montgomery Co, TN. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:2:77TK-93NM?i=479&cc=1909088&cat=253894

1829 March 23 – John Blakeny to James Goyne for $240 James Goyne a tract of land on both sides of Barrin Fork adj Abrose Davis, John Wilson, Goynes line, Burgess Pools line, containing 63 acres. Signed: John Blakeney. Wits: Wm Dann, John W Harrell, Kendal Dann. bk L , p 543. Montgomery Co, TN. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-8924-5ZS?i=282&cat=182323

1830 US Census – Montgomery Co, TN
Name: James Goyne
Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Montgomery, Tennessee
Free White Persons – Males – Under 5: 1
Free White Persons – Males – 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons – Males – 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons – Males – 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons – Males – 50 thru 59: 1
Free White Persons – Females – 5 thru 9: 2
Free White Persons – Females – 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons – Females – 40 thru 49: 1
Slaves – Males – Under 10: 3
Slaves – Males – 10 thru 23: 2
Slaves – Males – 24 thru 35: 1
Slaves – Females – Under 10: 3
Slaves – Females – 10 thru 23: 1
Slaves – Females – 36 thru 54: 1
Free White Persons – Under 20: 7
Free White Persons – 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 9
Total Slaves: 11
Total – All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 20
1830; Census Place: Montgomery, Tennessee; Series: M19; Roll: 179; Family History Library Film: 0024537
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=8058&h=2267268&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=kUu3476&_phstart=successSource

1830 Apr 19 – John Gowans decd estate adm bond posted by Willie B Johnson, William Gowans, George C Boyd and N A Allen of Montgomery Co, TN. Will Bk F, pg 93. Montgomery Co, TN.  https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:2:77TK-9QSL?i=80&cc=1909088&cat=253894

1831 Feb 15 – James Goyne to Tobias Blakeney for $294, conveys land in Montgomery Co, TN on West side of the Barrin Fork of the Little West Fork of Red River bounded by John Wilson’s line, Ambrose Daniel’s line, near Goyen’s house, estimation of 48 acres. Signed: James Goyne. Wit: Wm Dane, David McMonny. bk M, p 343. Montgomery Co, TN. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-8924-57N?i=486&cat=182323

1833 Oct 11 – James Goyne for $41 conveyed to Beverly Averett land on both sides of Barron Fork of Little West Fork of Red River adj John Wilson, Avery’s corner, containing 11 acres. Signed: James Goyne. Wits Wm Davis, Robert Reeves. bk N, p 332. Montgomery Co, TN.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L924-59BY?i=171&cat=182323

1833 Oct 11 – James Goyne for $104 conveyed to Harvey Dennis land on the Barron Fork of Little West Fork of Red Reiver adj Ambrose Davis, Asahel Salley, and Beverly Awbry, containing 31 and 1/4 acres. Signed: James Goyne. Wits: Wm Davie, Robert Reeves. bk N, p 333. Montgomery Co, TN.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L924-59BY?i=171&cat=182323

1833 Nov 30 – John Gowens decd estate accounting report submitted by admin Willie B Johnson. Com Report Will Bk F. p. 513-516. Montgomery Co, TN
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:2:77TK-9QCG?i=291&cc=1909088&cat=253894

1834 Sept 30 – Harvey Dennis for $150 conveys to John C Goyne land on both sides of Barron Fork of the Little West Fork of Red River adj William Davis, Asahel Salley, and others – bounded by William Davie’s, Sally’s line, containing 31 and 1/4 acres of land. Signed: Harvey Dennis. Wit: Wm Davie, Jacob Garrett. bk O, p225 Montgomery Co, TN. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L924-5SZG?i=400&cat=182323

1834 Nov 21 – Margaret Johnson of first part, William Gowan of second part, and Bingham Luce of third part. Margaret Johnson conveys her father’s estate Henry Williams decd land and personal property, sells unto Bingham Luce. The purpose being to prevent William Gowan from disposing of any part or portion of the property listed. William Gowans agreeing not to dispose of any portion of the property. Signed: William Gowans, Margaret Johnson. Wit: Jordan Williams, William Holloway. bk S, p. 43 Montgomery Co, TN.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L924-5XS6?i=25&cat=182323

1836 Jan 2 – John C Goynes for $150.00 conveyed to William Davis 31 and 1/4 acres, on both sides of Barron Fork of the Little West Fork of Red River adj William Davis, Asahel Salley, and others – bounded by William Davie’s, Sally’s line. Signed: John C Goyne. Wits: Jacob Garrett, Asahel Sallie. bk P, p. 173. Montgomery Co, TN.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G924-5DJZ?i=90&cat=182323

1837 March 12 – James Goyne’s will written and later filed in Montgomery County, TN – Will Bk H, pg 93. Montgomery Co, TN.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:2:77TK-97XW?i=425&cc=1909088&cat=253894

1837 Oct 12 – James Goyne conveyed to Wm M Briggs for $1144.00, land adj William Davie, Asahel Sallie, and other on the Barren Fork or the Little West Fork of Red River, containing 143 acres, on Jeffries’ line, Edward Rives line, Lallie’s line, William Davie’s line, Burgess Pool’s line. Signed: James Goyne. Wits: John Burnham, Thos Rives. bk R, p. 152. Montgomery Co, TN. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G924-56MP?i=363&cat=182323

1840 US Census – Montgomery Co, TN
Name: Nancy Goin
Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Montgomery, Tennessee
Free White Persons – Males – 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons – Females – 15 thru 19: 2
Free White Persons – Females – 30 thru 39: 1
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 1
No. White Persons over 20 Who Cannot Read and Write: 1
Free White Persons – Under 20: 3
Free White Persons – 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 4
Total All Persons – Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 4
Year: 1840; Census Place: Montgomery, Tennessee; Roll: 532; Page: 250; Family History Library Film: 0024548
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=8057&h=3017814&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=kUu3483&_phstart=successSource

1840 US Census – Montgomery Co, TN
Name: Margaret Gowens
Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Montgomery, Tennessee
Free White Persons – Males – 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons – Males – 10 thru 14: 2
Free White Persons – Females – Under 5: 1
Free White Persons – Females – 5 thru 9: 2
Free White Persons – Females – 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons – Females – 30 thru 39: 1
Slaves – Females – 10 thru 23: 1
Free White Persons – Under 20: 7
Free White Persons – 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 8
Total Slaves: 1
Total All Persons – Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 9
Year: 1840; Census Place: Montgomery, Tennessee; Roll: 532; Page: 270; Family History Library Film: 0024548
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=8057&h=3018340&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=kUu3485&_phstart=successSource

1840 Dec 31 William Gowans’ files his ear mark with court. Will Bk I, p 30. Montgomery Co, TN. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:2:77TK-9W9N?i=45&cc=1909088&cat=253894

1841 May 24 – William Gowans fr Henry Williams bk S, pl 164, 165, Montgomery Co, TN.
Deed:... consideration of $500 … sold to William Gowan … land on the Little West Fork of Red River … near Robert Nelson’s beg corner … bank of said creek … to Grizzel Jordan’s line … containing 45 acres … Signed: Henry Williams.
Bill of Sale: … Henry Williams of Montgomery Co, TN … sold to William Gowan …. the following property … bay horst, 1 black filly, 1 white filly, 2 cows, 2 calves, 30 head of hogs, 18 sheep, 2 beds and bedsteads, 1 cupboard and ware, 2 saddles, 1 mans and 1 womans, 1 two-horse wagon, 15 barrels of corn, 1 canoe, 2 hives of beens, 14 (sp?), 11 geese, 1000 dug doughhill fords, 1 loom, 2 weeding hoes … consideration of 250 dollars … Signed: Henry Williams.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L924-561K?i=86&cat=182323

1842 March 10 – Andrew Gowans fr William Gowans bk S, p 384, Montgomery Co, TN.
… I William Gowans … in consideration of the sum of 1 dollar to me in hand paid … unto my brother Andrew Gowans late of Indiana, the following articles … 2 pair of bed blankets, 3 sheets, 1 trunk, 1 large pine chest, 1 set of boot ties, 1 pair of crimping brands, 35 or 40 last, different sizes, in size stich and measuring strap and a lot of boot and shoe patterns, with a full apartment of tools for shoemaking, two large baskets, one log chain, one mattock, one chopping axe, 2 aughers, 1 gray horse about 12 years of age, …. Signed: William Gowan.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L924-561G?i=197&cat=182323

1844 July 12 – Andrew Gowans fr Henry Williams bk T, p 541. Montgomery Co, TN.
… to Andrew Gowans … a parcel of land … in Montgomery County, TN … on the Little West Fork of Red River …. Robert Nelson’s beginning corner … 228 acres on the bank of said creek … to Grizell Jordan’s line … to Dr. James Whateley’s line … containing 45 acres … Signed: Henry Williams.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L924-P5Z8?i=275&cat=182323

1841 Aug 4 – William Gowan to Henry Williams bk Y, p 305, Montgomery Co, TN
… William Gowen of the first part and Henry Williams of the second part, both of Montgomery County and State of Tennessee … William Gowan for and in consideration of the sum of 500 dollars … confirmed unto him the said Henry Williams … land situate lying and being in the County of Montgomery and State of Tennessee … on the Little West Fork of Red River abt 1 mile below Whealy Mill … begining at three beaches, one with the name of Robert Nelson markt thereon …. on bank of said creek up center … on SE corner of Jordan’s tract … South with Dr. Wheatley’s line … containing 45 acres … Signed: William Gowan.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-9924-5CGB?i=198&cat=182323

1850 US Census – Montgomery Co, TN
Name: Elizabeth Gowans
Age: 30
Birth Year: abt 1820
Birthplace: Tennessee
Home in 1850: Districts 1-4, Montgomery , Tennessee, USA
Gender: Female
Family Number: 77
Household Members:
Name Age
William Gowans 40
Elizabeth Gowans 30
Sarah A Gowans 2
Frances Vanhook 19
Year: 1850; Census Place: Districts 1-4, Montgomery, Tennessee; Roll: M432_891; Page: 252A; Image: 506
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?_phsrc=kUu3488&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true&indiv=1&dbid=8054&gsln=Gowan&cp=12&msypn__ftp=montgomery,%20tennessee,%20usa&msypn__ftp_x=1&msypn=2088&msypn_x=1&qh=qXsnPA5MCgDIZQkpxM9xLA%3D%3D&new=1&rank=1&uidh=m37&redir=false&gss=angs-d&pcat=35&fh=0&h=6449888&recoff=&ml_rpos=1

1850 US Census – Montgomery Co, TN
Name: Andrew Gowans
Age: 45
Birth Year: abt 1805
Birthplace: Scotland
Home in 1850: Districts 1-4, Montgomery, Tennessee, USA
Gender: Male
Family Number: 78
Household Members:
Name Age
Andrew Gowans 45
Ann Gowans 38
Margaret McLean 12
Mary J McLean 5
Helen W McLean 3
Year: 1850; Census Place: Districts 1-4, Montgomery, Tennessee; Roll: M432_891; Page: 252A; Image: 506
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1850usfedcenancestry&indiv=try&h=6449891

1850 Jan 7 – Andrew Gowan fr Nancy L Posten bk Z, p 347, Montgomery Co, TN
… 131 and 1/2 acres to Andrew Gowan fr Nancy L Posten – executrix of John H Posten decd’s estate … contract for sale was made April 20, 1848 … land in Dist No 3 of Montgomery Co, TN. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G924-5NBR?i=225&cat=182323

1850 Apr 8 – Ann Gowans fr Robert Cooper bk Z, p 483, Montgomery Co, TN
… 5 and 1/2 acres… along Andrew Gowan’s line.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G924-5NP5?i=292&cat=182323

1851 Sept 16 – Andrew Gowan to John K Wilson bk 1, p 162, Montgomery Co, TN.
… 131 and 1/2 acres to John K Wilson … https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-8924-5HTH?i=109&cat=182323

From Gowen Manuscript:  http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gowenrf/Gowenms114.htm

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TENNESSEE

Andrew Gowans and William Gowans, natives of Scotland, and believed to be brothers, were residents of Montgomery County in the late 1840s.

Andrew Gowans was born in Scotland in 1805. He was mar­ried to Mrs. Ann McLane March 27, 1850, according to Mont­gomery County marriage records.

They appeared in the 1850 census of Montgomery County, Household 78-503 as:

“Gowans, Andrew 45, born in Scotland, $1,200 real
estate
Ann 38, born in Scotland
McLeon,
Margaret 12, born in New Jersey, step-daughter
Mary J. 5
Helen W. 3”

William Gowans was born in 1810 in Scotland. William Gowans was married November 21, 1839 to Margarette Johnson. He was remarried to Elizabeth S. Van Hook May 16, 1848, according to “Montgomery County, Tennessee Marriages, 1802-1850.”. “William McLean,” probably related to Ann McLane, was the bondsman.

William Gowans appeared in the 1850 census of Montgomery County as the head of Household 77-503, adjoining the resi­dence of Andrew Gowans:

“Gowans, William 40, farmer, born in Scotland
Elizabeth 30, born in TN
Sarah J. 2, born in TN
Van Hook, Frances 19, born in TN”

The household of William Gowans reappeared in the 1860 cen­sus of Montgomery County in the “district north and east of Cumberland River”, Household No. 885-885. The family was recorded as:

“Gowans, William 50, born in Scotland, shoemaker,
$1,250 real estate, $250
personal property
E. S. 40, born in TN
S. J. 11, born in TN, female
J. W. 9, born in TN, son
P. C. 7, born in TN, son
Lizzie 4, born in TN, daughter”

When William Gowans and Elizabeth S. Van Hooser Gowans died they were buried in Gowans Cemetery located near Ring­gold, Tennessee.

Children born to William Gowans and Elizabeth S. Van Hooser Gowans include:

Sarah Jane Gowans born in 1848
John W. Gowans born August 31, 1850
P. C. Gowans born in 1853
Lizzie Gowans born in 1856

Sarah Jane Gowans, daughter of William Gowans and Eliza­beth S. Van Hooser Gowans, was born in 1848. She ap­peared in the household of her father in the 1850 census of Montgomery County as a two-year-old and reappeared there in the 1860 cen­sus as an 11-year-old. She was married De­cember 13, 1871 to William H. Matthews. When Sarah Jane Gowans Matthews died she was buried in Matthews Ceme­tery, Civil District 7, Montgomery County, Tennessee.

John Gowans, son of William Gowans and Elizabeth S. Van Hooser Gowans, was born August 31, 1850 in Montgomery, County. He appeared in the 1860 census of Montgomery County as a nine-year-old living in the household of his fa­ther. He was married about 1870 to Tennessee Trice.

John W. Gowans died June 8, 1877 and was buried in Gowans Cemetery near Ringgold. Tennessee Trice Gowans died June 20, 1883, about age 50, and was buried in Gowans Cemetery. Two small children of John W. Gowans and Ten­nessee Trice Gowans were also buried in Gowans Cemetery.
==O==
David Gowen appeared as the head of a household in the 1850 census of Montgomery County. The family was recorded as:

“Gowen, David 49, born in Virginia, farmer
Sophie 41, born in North Carolina
Robert 20, born in TN
Nancy 17, born in TN
Harvey 14, born in TN”

Harvey Gowen, age 25, appeared in the 1860 census of Lin­coln County, Tennessee.
==O==

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