(Below are different Going, Goyen, Gowen related sources for those people were in the Virginia, North Carolina, or South Carolina areas in the early 1700’s to early 1800’s)
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From Gowen Manuscript: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gowenrf/Gowenms094.htm
John Gowan was born about 1755, place and parents unknown. He was married about 1879, wife’s name Nancy. They lived near Ashpole Swamp in Marion County, South Carolina. When the border between South and North Carolina was altered, the Gowans found themselves living in Brunswick County, North Carolina. They had not moved to North Carolina‑‑‑North Carolina had moved to them.
Little is known of John Gowan. other than the fact that he made his will at the turn of the century and probably died about 1800. His wife survived him, but nothing more is known of her.
Children born to John Gowan and Nancy Gowan include:
John Gowan, Jr. born about 1780
Hugh M. Gowan born about 1782
John Gowan, Jr, son of John Gowan and Nancy Gowan was born about 1780. About 1802, John Gowan, Jr. was married to Edith Faulk, the daughter of Richard Faulk and Sarah Hinnant Faulk. They remained in Brunswick County and Columbus County for most of their lives. Columbus County was formed from Brunswick County in 1808, and the family found themselves in the new county. The family owned a farm near the present town of Cerro Gordo.
John Gowan, Jr. was not a prosperous man, nor was he a good provider for his family, and early records of Columbus County indicate that he was in “Debtor’s Jail” on more than one occasion. When his wealthy father‑in‑law died about 1808, he left Edith Faulk Gowan’s share of his estate to her children with the stipulation that they not receive their shares until after their parents were deceased. One presumes that this was done to prevent their father from squandering the legacy of Richard Faulk.
John and Edith Faulk Gowan were parents of eight sons and a daughter. These were, in order of birth, Elias, Garrett, Meredith, William, Ada, Jesse, John M, Richard and Alexander. All lived to maturity, and living descendants of all but Garrett, William and Jesse have been located to date. In the 1820s the children began to scatter.
Elias Gowan went to Decatur County, Georgia where he was successful in the Georgia gold lottery. Elias Gowan had become a widower about the time of his parents’ deaths, and he made the decision to return to Columbus County where he lived the rest of his life. He has an enormous list of descendants still living on and near the ancestral homeplace.
Garrett Gowan went to Horry County, South Carolina where he was elected sheriff in the 1840s. Garrett Gowan died in Horry County about 1845, after which his family returned to Columbus County.
Ada Gowan was married, husband’s name Hill, and removed to Georgia. When Ada Gowan Hill’s husband died in Georgia, she brought her family to Sylvarena, Mississippi. Later she moved to Sallis, Mississippi and finally to Nacogdoches, Texas where she died in the 1860s.
But it was Meredith Gowan’s move which would most significantly influence the future of the family. About 1826 he set out alone for Mississippi and made his way to the settlement of Westville in Simpson County. There he was married to Nancy Powell, and they lived most of their life in Copiah County, Mississippi. During the 1830s and 1840s most of the Gowans followed Meredith to Mississippi. At one time or another, all except Garrett Gowan and Elias Gowan lived in Simpson or Smith Counties.
In the late 1830s John and Edith Faulk Gowan also left North Carolina and made their way to what would be their final home‑‑Sylvarena, Mississippi. John apparently died about 1841, and Edith died in 1842. Later that year her children began to lay claim to the estate of their Grandfather Faulk in North Carolina. All in Mississippi sold their inheritance, and none returned to their native state.
Meredith Gowan died in 1838 in Copiah County, Mississippi.
William Gowan and Jesse Gowan were both enumerated in central Mississippi in 1840, but disappeared after that census.
John M. Gowan changed his name to “Gowin,” and his descendants continue to use this spelling to this day. He died in Sylvarena in 1864.
Richard Gowan left Mississippi after the Civil War and became a prosperous cattleman in Navarro County, Texas where he died in 1890.
Alexander Gowan settled near Sallis in Attala County, Mississippi.
Today, descendants of this family live in at least 40 states and several foreign countries with the largest numbers of descendants in North Carolina, Mississippi and Texas. On the first Saturday of even numbered years, descendants of all branches of this family gather in reunion in Kosciusko, Mississippi.
Children born to John Gowan, Jr. and Edith Faulk Gowan include:
Elias Gowan born about 1804
Garrett Gowan born about 1805
Meredith Gowan born about 1806
William Gowan born about 1807
Ada Gowan born about 1808
Jesse Gowan born about 1809
John Gowan born about 1810
Richard Asbury Gowan born about 1813
Alexander Gowan born about 1816
Elias Gowan, son of John Gowan, Jr. and Edith Faulk Gowan, was born about 1804 in Marion County, South Carolina.
Elias Gowan went to Decatur County, Georgia where he was successful in the Georgia gold lottery. Elias Gowan had become a widower about the time of his parents’ deaths, and he made the decision to return to Columbus County where he lived the rest of his life. He has an enormous list of descendants still living on and near the ancestral homeplace.
Garrett Gowan, son of John Gowan, Jr. and Edith Faulk Gowan, was born about 1805, probably in Marion County, South Carolina.
Garrett Gowan went to Horry County, South Carolina where he was elected sheriff in the 1840s. Garrett Gowan died in Horry County about 1845, after which his family returned to Columbus County.
Meredith Gowan, son of John Gowan and Edith Faulk Gowan, was born about 1806, probably in Marion County, South Carolina. About 1822, he set out alone for Mississippi and made his way to the settlement of Westville in Simpson County. There he met Nancy Powell, daughter of James Powell and Patience Powell. When he came calling, the Powells disapproved. When he asked for her hand in marriage, the Powells were appalled—she was only 14! But true love won out, and they were married.
Prior to 1830 Meredith Gowan moved his family to Copiah County, Mississippi where his household appeared in the 1830 census. His household and that of “William Goins,” regarded as his brother, were the only members of the family in Copiah County in 1830.
Meredith Gowan was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1830 census of Copiah County:
“Gowan, Meredith white male 20-40
white female 10-20
white female 0-10
white male 0-10
white female 0-10
white male 0-10
white female 0-10
white male 40-60”
In the 1830 census she, the mother of five, was still under 20 years old!
It is believed that the “white male, 40-60” living in the household of Meredith Gowan was his uncle, Hugh M. Gowan who had probably preceded him to Mississippi. Sometime after 1820, Hugh M. Gowan was a witness for Elizabeth Lott who relinquished her dower rights in nearby Marion County, Mississippi, according to Marion County Deed Book B, page 154.
Meredith Gowan moved his family to Simpson County, Mississippi. He died there in March l835, survived by “widow, Nancy, and children, James, Ann, Rose, John, Henry and Ebenezer Gowan,” according to “Mississippi Court Records, 1799‑1859” by Hendrix.
Nancy Powell Gowan was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1840 census of Simpson County, page 219:
“Gowan, Nancy white female 20-30
white male 15-20
white male 10-15
white male 10-15
white male 5-10
white male 5-10
white female 0-5
white female 50-60”
The “white female, 50-60” is probably Patience Powell, the mother of Nancy Powell Gowan.
Nancy Gowan completed her role as executrix of the estate of Meredith Gowan in l848. A study of her file in Drawer 95, Case 4014, Simpson County records might reveal more genealogical data. She died there in 1855
Children born to Meredith Gowan and Nancy Powell Gowan include:
[daughter] born about 1825
James A. Gowan born January 26, 1826
Rose Gowan born about 1827
John C. Gowan born about 1828
Ann Gowan born about 1830
Ebenezer Jahue Gowan born about 1833
Henry Gowan born about l834
Thomas Robert Gowan born about 1838
A daughter, name unknown, was born to Meredith Gowan and Nancy Powell Gowan about 1825 in Mississippi. She was enumerated in the 1830 census of her father’s household as one of three daughters under 10.
James A. Gowan , second child of Meredith Gowan and Nancy Powell Gowan, was born in Copiah County, January 26, 1826. He removed with other members of his family to Navarro County, Texas. He became a dentist.
Dr. James A. Gowan of Navarro County, Texas received a deed from Lucy Ann Cullum of Navarro County on March 10, 1868 for 320 acres of land located 16 miles south and 10 miles west of Waco, Texas, according to McLennan County deed records, consideration for the land was $640.
On February 1, 1871 Dr. James A. Gowan bought 960 acres of land from the John Shackelford estate in Ellis and Navarro County Deed Book U, page 125. The trade was made with A. E. Shackelford at $1.05 per acre and totaled $1,008. On July 15, 1871 he transferred half of the land to C. P. Kerr, according to Ellis Couny Deed Book K, page 170, and on December 21, 1883 he transferred the remainder to him, according to Ellis County Deed Book 36, page 72.
James A. Gowan was married May 16, l871 to Louise Emily Powell, his first cousin, according to Navarro County Marriage Book A, page 364. She was the daughter of Henry W. Powell and Louise M. Benton Powell, who was born in Texas in 1855, 28 years after the birth of her husband.
On March 10, 1871, Louise Emma Powell Gowan had received a deed from her father, Henry W. Powell to 6 acres of land located one mile north of Corsicana, according to Navarro County Deed Book X, page 433.
For “300 gold dollars” Dr. James A. Gowan received a deed to Lot 13, Block 33, Corsicana, from Baker & Groesbeck October 2, 1871, according to Navarro County Deed Book V, page 457.
On May 18, 1872 he received a deed from J. C. Croom to 19 acres lying 3/4 mile north of Corsicana for $225, according to Navarro County Deed Book W, page 585.
Louise Emma Powell Gowan received a deed from Beall & Bro. December 4, 1872 to a drugstore, saloon and restaurant building located at the corner of Jefferson Street and Beaton Street in Corsicana for $1,920, according to Navarro County Deed Book Y, page 338.
Dr. James A. Gowan received a deed from C. P. Kerr of Navarro County on November 7, 1874 to Kerr’s one-half interest in the 960 acres they purchased on Chambers Creek lying in Navarro and Ellis Counties July 1, 1871, according to Navarro County Deed Book Z, page 505.
Dr. James A. Gowan gave a deed to his uncle, Richard Gowan to 480 acres of land located in Navarro and Ellis County, Texas, located on Chambers Creek. Consideration was $960 in gold, according to Navarro County Deed Book 26, page 15.
Dr James A. Gowan gave a warranty deed to Beal Bros. December 4, 1873 on 320 acres of land in Wise County, Texas, according to Wise County Deed Book A2/page 616.
Dr. James A. Gowan gave a warranty deed to T. J. Beall June 2, 1876 on 120 acres of land in Wise County, Texas, according to Wise County Deed Book N, page 86.
Dr. James A. Gowan went to court on October 20, 1879 to perfect his title to 120 acres of land in Cook County located on Callett’s Creek, 22 miles northwest from Alton Texas. The court decree giving ownership of the disputed title to him is recorded in Wise County Deed Book 5, page 403.
Dr. J. A. Gowan gave a warranty Deed to E. Gowan [believed to be his brother, Ebenezer G. Gowan] of Navarro County for 100 acres of land in Wise County for $200, according to Wise County Deed Book W, page 141.
On January 31, 1883 he provided a new deed to N. C. Read to replace one which had been lost to 100 acres in Wise County, according to Wise County Deed Book Z, page 595.
Dr. James A. Gowan and Louisa Emma Powell Gowan gave a deed to Houston & Texas Central Railroad Company November 30, 1875 to 6.5 acres located one mile north of Corsicanna for $950, according to Navarro County Deed Book 76, page 171.
Louisa Emma Powell Gowen for “$1.00 and the love I bear for my daughter” received the deed of a lot on Church Street, Corsicana from her father, Henry W. Powell June 29, 1876, according to Navarro County Deed Book 26, page 307. She and her husband conveyed the lot to E. H. Townsand January 30, 1877 for $272, according to Navarro County Deed Book 26, page 310.
The household of Dr. James A. Gowan, No. 3994412 was enumerated in the 1880 census of Navarro County, Texas in 1880 in Enumeration District 128, page 46, precinct 1, living on Beaton Street in Corsicana, Texas on June 11, 1880 as:
“Gowan, James A. 53, dentist born in MS, father
born in NC, mother .born
in NC, dentist
Lou E. 25, born in TX, father born in SC
mother born in TN,
disabled
Richard H. 8, born in TX, father born in MS
mother born in TX”
Two boarders, John F. McCommas and Drury B. Hood were shown living in the household of Dr. James A. Gowan. Dr. James A. Gowan died in Corsicana January 6, 1888, according to the “Ft. Worth Daily Gazette,” edition of January 8, 1888, page 4, column 4.
Emma Louise Powell Gowan continued to live in Corsicana. In the 1894-95 city directory, the 1902 edition and in the 1910 Corsicana city directory she was living at 206 East 4th Street with her son. In the 1911 edition the two were living at the same address. In 1913 they moved to 319 West 3rd Avenue. She continued to live there through 1926. In 1928 her address was shown as 418 North 13th Avenue. In the 1931 edition she was shown living at 625 North Commerce.
A legal case styled “Gowan vs. Oliver” which may have involved Dr James A. Gowan was moved from Navarro County to Galveston, Texas according to the “Dallas News”, page 1, column 4, in its March 1884 edition. The Texas Supreme Court in session at Galveston, Texas “took the case under advisement” and transferred it to Austin, Texas. The case was also mention in the “Dallas Herald,” page 6, Column 1 on July 3, 1884 in which it was stated that the Supreme Court refused a rehearing of the case.
Dr. James A Gowan died January 6, 1888, at the age of 62, at Corsicana, Texas. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery.
Louise Emma Powell Gowan was enumerated in 1900 as the head of a household living at 206 Fourth Avenue, Corsicana, Enumeration District 99, page 24. The family as listed as:
“Gowan, Louise E. 43, born January 1856 in TX
Richard H. 26, born April 1874 in TX”
Children born to Dr. James A. Gowan and Louise Emma Powell Gowan include:
Richard Harry Gowan born in April 1874
Richard Harry Gowan, son of Dr. James A. Gowan and Louise Emma Powell Gowan, was born at Corsicana in April 1874, according to his 1900 census return. He was erroneously shown in his father’s household in the 1880 census as an eight-year-old. He appeared in the 1894-95 city directory of Corsicana as “Richard Henry Gowan.” He appeared at age 26 in the 1900 census of his mother’s household.
In the 1902 city directory of Corsicana he was listed as residing in the home of his mother at 206 E. 4th Avenue. He appeared in the 1906 edition of the Dallas, Texas city directory as a student rooming at 211 Royal Lane. He appeared in his mother’s household in the 1910, 1911 and 1913 editions of the Corsicana city directory. In the 1915 edition of the directory he was listed “in real estate,” living at 319 W. Third Avenue, the address of his mother.
Richard Harry Gowan died in 1918 unmarried at Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
Rose Gowan, daughter of Meredith Gowan and Nancy Powell Gowan, was born about 1827 in Copiah County. She was mentioned in the probate records of her father in 1848 in Simpson County, Mississippi.
John C. Gowan, fourth child of Meredith Gowan and his wife, Nancy, was born in Copiah County, about 1828. He was married about 1851 to Mary Patience Gibson, first child of Lewis C. Gibson and and Dolly Powell Gibson. Dolly Powell Gibson was a daughter of Rev. James Powell. Mary Patience Gibson was one of 14 children born to Lewis C. Gibson and Dolly Powell Gibson.
Irene Gibson, sister of Mary Patience Gibson, was married to Judge Thomas R. Gowan, brother to John C. Gowan.
Lewis C. Gibson, a carpenter, was born in 1815 in Darlington South Carolina. He was married second to Carolina S. Murray April 14, 1867 Rose Gowan, daughter of Meredith Gowan and Nancy Powell Gowan, was born about 1827 in Mississippi, and three additional children were born to this union. Lewis C. Gibson built a palatial home in Simpson County, Mississippi requiring three years to construct.
John C. Gowan was a storekeeper at Westville, Mississippi in Simpson County.
“John M. Gowan” held a public office in Mississippi in 1853 and 1854, according to the Mississippi Secretary of State Records, page 639, in the Mississippi State Archives at Jackson.
John C. Gowan was remarried about 1861, wife’s name Liddy, according to Phillip Alan Gowan. John C. Gowan died during the Civil War, and Liddy Gowan died about 1865. It is believed that John C. Gowan, Mary Patience Gibson Gowan and Liddy Gowan were buried in Gibson Cemetery located across the road from the residence of Lewis C. Gibson.
Children born to John C. Gowan and Mary Patience Gibson Gowan are believed to include:
Mary Gowan born about 1853
Susan Gowan born about 1855
Ann Gowan, believed to be the fifth child of Meredith Gowan and his wife, Nancy Powell Gowan, was born about 1830 in Copiah County. She was enumerated in her father’s household in the census of l830 as one of three daughters under 10. She was also mentioned in her father’s probate procedings in 1848. She appeared in the 1850 census of Simpson County, Mississippi.
Ebenezer Jahue Gowan , sixth child of Meredith Gowan and Nancy Powell Gowan, was born in Copiah County in January 1833, according to his 1900 census enumeration. About 1858 he was married in Smith County, Mississippi to Louisa E. Carr a native of Scott County, Mississippi and a daughter of Isaac Carr and Lucretia Coleman Carr. He appeared in the 1850 census of Simpson County, Mississippi. He was enumerated in Smith County, Mississippi in 1860 and 1870.
Corporal Ebenezer Jahue Gowan served in the 27th Mississippi Infantry Regiment in Companies D and G during the Civil War. Company G was organized March 15, 1862 as the Yancey Guards of Smith County. The Yancey Guards were incorporated into the 27th Infantry Regiment when it was organized in Columbus, Mississippi April 28, 1862.
He was captured in the Battle of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863 and was taken to Maryland as a prisoner-of-war. He was later paroled and returned to his home in Sylvarena, Mississippi. He continued there in farming until the reconstruction policies of the North made his residence there unbearable. In 1777 he removed with other members of his family to Navarro County, Texas. He was enumerated in the 1880 census of Ellis County, Texas, Enumeration District 49, page 65:
“Gowan, Ebenezer 40, born in MS, father born in
NC, mother born in NC,
farmer
Lousa 34, born in MS, father born in
MS, mother born in MS
Thomas 18, born in MS, father born in MS
mother born in MS, works on
farm
Meridy 16, born in MS, father born in
MS, mother born in MS,
Annie 13, born in MS, father born in
MS, mother born in MS
Rose 12, born in MS, father born in
MS, mother born in MS
Susan 8, born in MS, father born in
MS, mother born in MS
Asbury 5, born in MS, father born in
MS, mother born in MS
James 2, born in MS, father born in
MS, mother born in MS”
On December 1, 1881, “E. Gowan of Navarro County,” believed to be Ebenezer Jahue Gowan, received a warranty deed to 100 acres of land in Wise County, Texas from his brother, Dr. James A. Gowan for $100, according to Wise County Deed Book W, page 14. On December 20, 1881 “E. Gowan of Ellis County” gave a warranty deed to the property to J. A. & William Renshaw, according to Wise County Deed Book 2, page 129. Consideration again was $100.
On November 3, 1882, “E. Gowan of Navarro County” gave a warranty deed to N. C. Reed to 160 acres, according to Wise
County Deed Book 2, page 593. Dr. James A. Gowan and M. E. Kerr witnessed the transaction.
Ebenezer Jahue Gowan appeared as the head of a household in the 1900 census of Navarro County, Enumeration District 100, page 7, precinct 2:
Gowen, E. 67, born in MS in January 1833
Louisa 56, born in MS in 1844
James 21, born in TX in July 1878
Henry 18, born in TX in December 1881
Nettie 14, born in TX in March 1886
Eveline 12, born in TX in May 1888,
granddaughter
William 8, born in TX in March 1891,
grandson”
Ebenezer Jayue Gowan was engaged in farming in Navarro County at Blooming Grove and Hester communities until his death October 29, 1903. He died at age 71 of nephritis at Hester, according to Navarro County Death Book 1, page 18.
Ebenezer was a “small, thin man with a long white beard who refused ever to have his picture taken, according to “Gowan-Morley” by Phillip Allan Gowan.
He was buried at New Chatfield Cemetery in Navarro County. Louise Carr Gowan survived her husband until November 24, 1919 and was buried beside him.
Children born to Ebenezer Jahue Gowan and Louisa E. Carr Gowan include:
Albert G. Gowan born December 30, 1860
Thomas Isaac Gowan [twin] born March 7, 1862
[twin son] born March 7, 1862
Meredith Gowan born February 4, 1864
Nancy Roseanna Gowan born August 4, 1867
Rosa Altha Gowan born September 6, 1869
Susan C. Gowan born September 4, 1875
Richard Asbury Gowan born September 27, 1876
James Oliver Gowan born July 11, 1878
Henry Harrison Gowan born January 27, 1882
Nettie Loula Gowan born March 18, l886
Albert G. Gowan, first child of Ebenezer Jahue Gowan and Louisa E. Carr Gowan, was born December 30, 1860 at Sylvarena, Mississippi. He removed with his father’s family about 1877 to Blooming Grove.
On January 1, 1888, he was married to Miss S. Emma Beaubieu, age 15, of Navarro County who was born in 1873. In 1889 they received a deed to land located 17 miles northwest of Comanche, Texas, according to Comanche County Deed Book 28, page 250.
On December 17, 1789, they received a release from B. F. Clark on 40 acres of land, according to Comanche County Deed Book 28, page 252. On June 24, 1890, Albert G. Gowan and S. Emma Beaubieu Gowan “of DeLeon, Texas” sold the 40 acres to to J. W. Pittman for $165, according to Comanche County Deed Book 29, page 261.
On August 5, 1890 Albert G. Gowan received a deed to Lots 1, 3 and 4, Block 13 in DeLeon from Texas Central Railway Company, according to Comanche County Deed Book 41, pages 196-198. They sold Lot 4, Block 13 to J. T. Warren for $40, according to Comanche County Deed Book 41, page 195. They also gave a warranty deed to J. R. McAdams December 13, 1890, according to Comanche County Deed Book 41, page 199. In 1890 Albert G. Gowan was described as an “inventor and house builder.”
S. Emma Beaubieu Gowan died about the end of 1890, perhaps in childbirth. A son, unnamed, was born to her December 20, 1890 and died the same day.
Albert G. Goway was married second to Mrs. Naomi Lee Dossett Gill, probably in Shackelford County, Texas August 20, 1891. She was born in Kentucky in August 1869.
Albert G. Gowan purchased 99 acres of land from Mrs. S. F. Harbin, “a feme sole of Dublin, Texas,” according to Comanche CountyDeed Book 53, page 155. He paid $450 for the farm.
Albert G. Gowan appeared as the head of a household in the 1900 census of Comanche County, Enumeration District 27, page 11:
“Gowan, A. G. 40, born in MS in December
1860
Lee 30, born in KY in August 1869
Carrie 8, born in TX in July 1892
Victor 5, born in TX in September
1894
Benjamin 2, born in TX in June 1897”
Albert G. Gowan and NaomI Lee Dossett Gill gave a warranty deed to M. G. Gaines October 17, 1901 to the Harbin land, according to Comanche County Deed Book 53, page 156. He received an affidavit Aujgust 25, 1915 from Fleet Gill attesting to this transaction, according to Comanche County Deed Book 103, page 374.
About 1902, Albert G. Gowan removed to Eastland County, Texas where he resumed farming.
Albert G. Gowan gave a release to property in Dallas County, Texas to Henry Schaerdel January 14, 1927, according to Dallas County Deed Book 1420, page 59.
Albert G. Gowan died July 10, 1927 at Dallas, according to BVS File 22794. He was buried in the DeLeon Cemetery.
On January 20, 1939 Naomi Lee Dossett Gill Gowan sold a lot in Waxahachie, Texas to her son-in-law, Frank Sailing and his wife, Carrie Louise Gowan Sailing, according to Ellis County Deed Book 341, page 346. She gave them a release on the vendor’s lein February 19, 1942. At that time, she lived at 2201 Taft, Ft. Worth, Texas. By 1952, she had returned to Comanche, Texas.
She died September 21, 1959 in Dallas, according to BVS File 49000.
Children born to Albert G. Gowan and Naomi Lee Dossett Gill include:
Carrie Louise Gowan born July 4, 1892
Victor Thomas Gowan born September 2, 1894
Ben Cecil Gowan born June 21, 1897
Albert G. Gowan, Jr. born about 1898
Rufus James Gowan born October 11, 1900
Carr Gowan born July 22, 1903
Vyda Lee Gowen born May 2, 1905
Golder Gotch Gowan born July 7, 1907
Warren Gowan born September 3, 1909
Carrie Louise Gowan, daughter of Albert G. Gowan and Naomi Lee Dossett Gill, was born July 4, 1892, according to Comanche County Birth Book 20, page 434. She was married about 1910, husband’s, name Davis. Later she was remarried to DeWitt Travis.
Move this section below that of Meredith Gowan
William Gowan, son of John Gowan, Jr. and Edith Faulk Gowan, was born about 1807. He was enumerated in the 1830 census of Copiah County, along with his brother, Meredith Gowan. He was enumerated in the 1840 census of Mississippi, but disappeared after that census.
Ada Gowan, daughter of John Gowan, Jr. and Edith Faulk Gowan, was born about 1808. She was married about 1827, husband’s name Hill, and removed to Georgia. When Ada Gowan Hill’s husband died in Georgia, she brought her family to Sylvarena, Mississippi. Later she moved to Sallis, Mississippi and finally to Nacogdoches, Texas where she died in the 1860s.
Jesse Gowan, son of John Gowan, Jr. and Edith Faulk Gowan, was born about 1809. He was enumerated in the 1840 census in Mississippi.
John M. Gowan, son of John Gowan, Jr. and Edith Faulk Gowan, was born about 1810. He removed to Mississippi. He changed his name to “Gowin,” and his descendants continue to use this spelling to this day. He died in Sylvarena in 1864.
Richard Asbury Gowan, son of John Gowan, Jr. and Edith Faulk Gowan, was born about 1813. He removed to Mississippi. He left Mississippi after the Civil War and became a prosperous cattleman in Navarro County, Texas where he died in 1890.
Alexander Gowan, son of John Gowan, Jr. and Edith Faulk Gowan, was born about 1816. He settled in Attala County, Mississippi near Sallis, Mississippi.
Hugh M. Gowan, son of John Gowan and Nancy Gowan, was born about ……..
It is believed that the “white male, 40-60” living in the household of Meredith Gowan was his uncle, Hugh M. Gowan who had probably preceded him to Mississippi. Sometime after 1820, Hugh M. Gowan was a witness for Elizabeth Lott who relinquished her dower rights in nearby Marion County, Mississippi, according to Marion County Deed Book B, page 154.
……………………………………ictor Thomas Gowan born September 2, 1894
Albert G. Gowan, Jr. born about 13nn
Ben Cecil Gowan born about 1901
Golder G. Gowan born about 1910
Roy Gowan born about 1912
Carrie L. Gowan born about 1915
Melvin Lawrence Gowan born about 1916
Agee M. Gowan, Jr. , believed to be the first child of Agee M. Gowan , was born about 1900 at Tupelo (Navarro County~ Texas. About 1920 he was married, wife’s name Parker. Nothing more is known of this couple or descendants.
Ben Cecil Gowan , second known child of Agce M. Gowan was born about 1903, probably at Eastland County, Texas. About 1913 he was married to Ruth Mabel Hayes . In April 1972 Ben Cecil Gowan was living at Corpus Christi, Texas.
Children born to 9en Cecil Gowan and Ruth Mabel Hayes 6Owan include:
Vyda Lee Gowan born March lS, 1919 at Eastland,Tx.
Golder G. Gowan , believed to be the third child of Agee M. Gowan and Lee Dossett Gill Gowan was born about 1910, probably in E~stland County, Texas. In April 1972 he was living in Dallas, Texas. Nothing more is known of this individual or descendants.
Roy Gowan , believed to be the fourth child of Agee M. Gowan and Lee Dossett Gill Gowan , was born about 1912. It is believed that this individual lived at 1427 West First Avenue, Corsicana, Texas [B72‑2357] in April, lg72.
T. A. Gowan, unidentified, also lived at Corsicana in April, 1972 at 312 ‘~est Park Avenue [a74‑‑50a6].
Carrie L. Gowan , believed to be thE fifth child of Agee M. Gowan and Lee Dossett Gill Gowan , was born about l91S, probably in Eastland County, Texas. She was married first to a man by the name of Tevis and second to a man by the name of Kersh. In ~pril 1972 Carrie L. Gowan Tevis Kersh lived at Corpus Christi, Texas.
Melvin Lawrence 6Owan believed to be the sixth child of Agee M. Gowan and Lee Dossett Gill Gowan was born about 1916, probably in Eastland County, Texas. He was married about 1935 to Hazle Dean Huddleston . Nothing more is known of Melvin Lawrence Gowan . Hazle Dean Huddleston Gowan or descendants.
Children born to them include:
Glenda Dean Gowan born January 9, 1937 in Eastland County
Other unidentified members of the familv who lived in Eastland County include: Alberta Gowan who married Hal Robert in 1920, according to Marria~e Book 9, page 469, Lera Gowan who married H. M. Iley in 1922, according to Marriage Book 10, page 387, Jimmie Gowan who married William Harris in 1939 according to Marriage ~ook 16, page 178, Pauline Gowan who married W. L. Tillery in 1944, according to Marriage ~ook 17, page ~ o Nell Gowan who married M. E~don Shipman in 1945, according to Book 17, page 192, and Doris Mari~ Gowan who married William Morrow in l9S9, according to Marriage
Book 20, page a4.
Will Gowan, unidentified, Ellis County, Texas was the father of a child born there January 31, 1919. Martha Gowan, unidentified, died in ~llis County April 16, 1942. James Gowan, Jr., unidentified, died in Ellis County, October 9, 1943.
Raymon L. Gowan, unidentified, lived in Corsicana at 1818 Beverly Drive West [872‑Z394] in Maroh 1972. His adopted daughter, Eeborah Lynn Gowan, ne Ellis, 1954, lived at the same address.
Thomas I. Gowan , second child of Ebenezer G. Gowan and Louisa Carr Gowan was born March 7, 1862 at Sylvarena, Smith County, Mississippi.
He removed with his father’s family about 1877 to Blooming Goove, Navarro County, Texas. On September 5, 1889 he was married to Willie A. Parker in Navarro County. He was married a secodd time, wife’s name Dora, also in Navarro County. He died there in the Hester Community on ~uly 27, 1931.
Children born to Thomas I. Gowan, Willie A. Parker Gowan and Dora Gowan include:
Thomas Agee Gowan born about 1890
Ida Gowan born about 1~95 first
Thomas Agee Gowan , ~ w~‑child of Thomas I. Gowan was born about 1890 in Navarro County, Texas. About 1920 he was married to Clara Jane Ford at Trinity, Texas. She died in 1965 and he died shortly afterwards.
Children born to Thomas Agee Gowan and Clara Jane Ford Gowan include:
David Earl Gowan born August 27, 1921
MA~ ~EL~ G ~ irJ l~rr ~
David Earl Gowan , ~ n child of Thomas Agee Gowan and Clara Jane Ford Gowan, was born Aggust 27, 1921 at Montfort, Navarro County, Texas. About 1946 he was married, wife’s name Margaret. In November 1971 he operated a Texaco service station at Odessa, T~xas.
Ida Gowan, second known child of Tdomas I. Gowan was born about 1895 in Navarro County, Texas. About 1920 she was married, husband’s name Lewis. In November 1971 Ida Gowan Lewis lived zt Odessa, Texas, and had a collection of ~owan family records, according to her nephew, David Earl Gowan
Unidentified members of the family in Odessa are George Gowan who lived there in June 1970 and Charles Gowan who die~ there June 9, 1970.
~a6 . 1
Mary Nell Gowan, believed to be the second child of Thomas Agee Gowan and Clara Jane Ford Gowan, was born April 19, 1924 in Eastland County. Nothing more is known of this individual or descendants.
Meredith Gowan, third child of Ebenezer G. Gowan and Louise Carr ~owan and a namesake of his grandfather, Meredith Gow~n was born February 4, 1864 at Sylvarene, Smith County, Mississippi.
He removed with hi~ father’s family about 1877 to ~looming Grove, Navarro County, Texas. One June 3, 1886 he was married to Anna Adelina Pickering probably in Navarro County. On December 22, 1894 he was married again to Alice L. Morley, the daughter of Stephen K. Morley in Georgetown, Texas.
Meredith Gowan farmed in Eastland County, Texas for several
years before his death theee at Ranger, Texas on September 13, 1937. Alice
L. Morley Gowan survived her husband until May 14, 1946, age71.
At the time of her death she lived at 200 Plummer Street. She was buried in
Eastland Cemetery.
Children born to Meredith Gowan and Anna Adelina Pickering
~se Gowan are unknown.
Children born to Meredith Gowan and Alice L. Morley Gowan
include:
Leslie Morley Gowan born October 18, 1396
Elaine Gowan born September 19, 1397
daughter, unnamed born in 1399
Emma Louise Gowan born January 10, 1901
Mar~aret Gowan born February 14, 1903
Erma Pauline Gowan born June 2a, 1907
Edward Wood Gowan born March 4, 1905
Theodore Phillip Gowan born September 24, 1910
Ormand Gowan born September 20, 1912
Geneva Gowan born March 18, 1914
Stephen K. Gowan born April 17, 1916
Jimmie Katherine Gowan born May 9, lglB
Leslie Morley~ Gowan , first son of Meredith Gowan and
Alice L. Morley Gowan was born October 18, 1896 at Chatfield,
Navarro County, Texas.
On September 16, 1925 he was married to Arzella Davis in
Navarro County. Nothing more is known of Leslie Morley ~owan a~d
Arzella Davis Gowan or descendants.
Elaine Gowan, second child of Meredith Gowan and
Alice L. Morley Gowan was born September 19, 1397 at Chatfiel~,
Navarro County, Texas. On June 24, 1916 she was married to Robert Lee
388 Jones in Navarro County, Texas. Nothing more is known of Robert Lee Jones, Elaine Gowan Jones or descendants.
The third child of Meredith Gowan and Alice L. Morley Gowan was an unnamed daughter who died in infancy.
Emma Louise Gowan, fourth child of Meredith Gowan and and Alice L. Morley Gowan was born January 10, 1901 at Chatfield, Navarro County, Texas. On March 9, 1920 she was married to Frank Ford Seton in Navarro County. Nothing more is known of Frank Ford Seton Emma Louise Gowan ~eton or descendants.
Margaret Gowan, fifth child of Meredith Gowan and Alice Morley Gowan was born February 14, 1903 at Chatfield, Navarro County, Texas One June 4, 1928 she was married to Charles ~. Vess in Navarro County, Texas. Nothing more is known of Charles B. Vess Margaret Gowan Vess orx descendants.
Erma Pauline Gowan, sixth child of Meredith Gowan and Alice L. Morley Gowan was born March 4, 1905 at Chatfield, Navarro County, Texas~ On Nov~mber 27, 1924 she was married to Clyde M. Kelly in Navarro County, Nothing more is known of Clyde M. Kelly, Erma Pauline Gowan Kelly or descendants.
Edward Wood Gowan, seventh child of Meredith Gowan and Alice L. Morley Gowan, was born June 28, 1907 at Chatfield, Navarro County, Texas. On October 24, 1936 he was married to Leta Hazel Glad~ Cockerell in Navarro County. Edward Wood Gowan died December 26, 1995, according to Phillip Alan Gowan, a nephew. Children born to Edward Wood Gowan and Leta Hazel Gladys Cockerell Gowan are unknown.
Theodore Phillip Gowan, eighth child of Meredith Gowan and Alice Lo Morley Gowan was born September 24, 1910 at Chatfield, Navarro County, Texas. He was married first about 1933 to Willie Brown English. He was married second to Julia Thedia Morris at Corsicana, Texas. She was born November 1, 1920 in Bazette, Texas.
In September 1972 Theodore Phillip Gowan lived at 102 North 3rd Street in Corsicana where he operated a plumbing business.
Julia Thedia Morris died at Corsicana August 22, 1997 of a brain tumor. She was buried beside her husband in Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery near Retreat, Texas. She was survived by her son, Phillip Alan Gowan, a brother Jack H. Morris of Corsicana, sisters-in-law Myrta Morris of Garland, Texas and Mrs. Roy Baggs of Corsicana.
Children born to Theodore Phillip Gowan and Julia Thedia Morris Gowan include:
Phillip Alan Gowan born October 17, 1952
Phillip Alan Gowan, son of Theodore Phillip Gowan and Julia Thedia Morris Gowan, was born October 17, 1952 at Corsidana. He was graduated from Corsicana High School in 1971 and was a freshman in Corsicana Junior College in September 1972. He made a study of the history of his branch of the family, doing intensive genealogical research and correspondence, and has supplied most of the data used in this section.
In 1997 he lived at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where he was a telephone company executive.
OrmandGowan, ninth child of Meredith Gowan and Alice L. Morley Gowan was born September 20, 1912 at Chatfield, Navarro County, Texas. He was married first about 1935, wife’s name unknown. He was mariied second about 1940, wife’s name Carmen. Nothing more is known of Ormand Gpwan, Earmen Gowan, or descendants.
Geneva Gowan, tenth child of Meredith Gowan and Alice L. Morley Gowan was born March 18, 1914 at Chatfield, Navarro County, Texas. On July 14, 1934 she was married to George Finley in Stephens County, Texas. Nothing more is known of George Finley Geneva Gowan Finley or descendants.
Stephen K. Gow~n, eleventh child of Meredith Gowan and Alice K L. Morley Gowan was born April 17, 1916 at Chatfielc, Navarro County, Texas. He was married first in 1937 to Pauli~e Grace . He was married second to Elizabeth von der Lieth on July 8, 1945 in Navarro County, Texas. Nothing more is known of Stephen K. Gowan , Pauline Grace Gowan or Elizabeth von der Lieth or descendants.
Jimmie Katherine Gowan, twelfth child of Meredith Gowan and Alice L. Morley Gowan, was born May 9, l91B at Chatfield, Navarro County, Texas. She was married first to ~ill Harris 390. about 1939. Jimmie Katherine Gowan Harris was married second toRoy ~oggs Novmmber 7, 1942 in Limestone County, Texas. Nothin~ more is known of Roy ~oggs, Jimmie Katherine Gowan Harris Bo~gs or descendants.
Ann~ Gowan, fourth chiid of Ebenezer G. Gowan and Louise Carr Gowan, was born August 4, 1867 in Sylvarena, Smith County, Mississippi.
She was married about 1889 to Noah Douglass. Later the couple lived in Lawton, Oklahoma where she died, date unknown.
Children born to Noah Douglass and Ann Gowan Douglass are unknown.
Ross Altha Gowan, fifth child of Ebenezer G. Gowan and Louise Carr Gowan was born about la70 in Smith County, Missississippi. On January 21, la91 she was married to Lee Mathis in Navarro County, Texas. She died March 15, 1917 and was buried at Sands Chapel in Navarro County. Children born to Lee Mathis and Rose Altha Gowan Mathis are unknown.
5usan C. Gowan, sixth child of Ebenezer G. Gowan and Louise Carr Gowan was born Septmmber 4, 1875 at Sylvarena, Smith County, Mississippi. On October 26, 1892 she was married to Christopher Larene Thomas in Navarro County, Texas. She died October 15, 1924 at Ennis, Texas. Children born to Christopher Larene Thomas and Susan C. Gowan are unknown.
Richard Asbury Gowan, seventh child of Ebenezer G. Gowan Louise Carr 60wan, was born September 27, 1876 at Sylvarena, Smith County, Mississippi. About 1900 he removed to Eastland County, Texas alon~ with his brothers. There he was married to Mary Ella Westmoreland, the daughter of J. P. Westmoreland and Jargie Martindale Westmoreland on Novmmber 17, 1901. lary Ella Westmoreland Gowan was born December 1, 1883 in Arkansas.
391.
Richard Asbury Gowan was a farmer in Eastland County, until his death December 14, 1960, at a~e B4. He was buried at Oaklawn Cemetery, Gorman, Texas.
Mary Ella Westmoreland Gowan died February 24, 1965 from injuries received in a fall as a result of a stove explosion in her home.
Children born to Richard Asbury Gowan and Mary Ella Westmoreland Gowan include:
Zetta Marie Gowan born May 25, 1905
Floyd Gowan born June 14, l90B
Zetta Marie Gowan, believed to be the first child of ~ichard Asbury Gowan and Mary Ella Westmoreland Gowan was born May 25, 1905 in Eastland County, Texas In 1925 she was married to Drville ~attenfield in Eastland County, according to Marriage Book 11, page 446. Nothing more is known of Orville ~attenfield, Zetta Mar~e Gowan or descendants.
Floyd Gowan, believed to be the second child of Richard Asbury Gowan and 0ary Ella Westmoreland Gowan was born June 14, l90a in Eastland County, Texas. In 1926 he was married to Lyda Adcock. In Eastland County, according to Marriage ~ook 12, page 238. Nothing more is known of Floyd Gowan and Lyda Adcock Gowan or descendants.
Audrey Viola Gowan, unidentified, was married to William R. Faubas in 1935 in Eastland County, Texas, according to Marriage Book 14, page 351, and in 1942 Audrey Viola Gowan Faubas was married second to Eugene Pullin ~X in Eastland County, according to ~ook 15, page 464.
James Uliver Gowan, eighth child of Ebenezer G. Gowan and Louise Carr Gowan, was born June 11, lB7B at ~looming Grove Navarro County, Texas. He was married first to Mattie Davis December 22, 1901 in Navarro County. He was married second to Mattie
Inez Griffin, daughter of‑Sam Griffin and Fannie Powell
392 Griffin on March 3, 1907, according to Eastland County Marriage ~ook 5, page 22. Mattie ~nez Griffin was born August lB, 1872.
James Oliver Gowan was a farmer near Gorman, Texas throughout his lifetime. He died there at age B9 on August 23, 1967 and was buried at Oaklawn Cemetery. Mattie Inez Griffin Gowan died there July 24, 1957, age as, at the home of Jim Johnson her son‑in‑lww.
Children born to James Oliver Gowan, Mattie Davis Gowan and Mattie Inez Griffin Gowan are unknown.
One daughter, Willie Gowan was married to Jim Johnson August 22, 1919 at the First Baptist Church in Carbon, Texas. ~othing more is known of the descendants of Willie Gowan Johnson.
Henry H. Gowan ninth ghild of Ebenezer G. Gowan and Louise Carr Gowan was born January 27, 1882 at Hester, Navarro County, Texas. About 1905 he was married to Clara Pearl Box and lived at Lawton, Oklahoma until his death May 17, 1937. Children born to Henry H. Gowan and Clara Pearl ~ox Gowan are unknown, however Lawton residents in June 1972 included Daryl Gowan, Cameron College [357‑3724]; Captain James F. Gowan; Ernest Gowan; and V. T. Gowan, 311 North 5th Street [353‑8871].
Nettie Loula Gowan, tenth child of Ebenezer G. Gowan and Louise Carr Gowan was born March 18, 1886 at Hester, Navarro County, Texas March 18, 1886. She was married July 3, 1904 to Jonathan B. Evans in Navarro County. Nothing more is koown of Jonathan ~. Evans, Nettie Loula Gowan Evans or descendants.
H~nry Gowan, believed to be the seventh child of Meredith Gowan and his wife, Nancy, was born about 1834 in Cppiah or Simpson County, Mississippi. He appeared in the 1850 census of Simpson County, Mississippi. Nothing more is known of this individual.
Thomas Robert Gowan, believed to he the eighth child of Meredith
393. Gowan and his wife, Nancy, was born about 183~ in Copiah or Simpson County, Mississippi. He died at a young age in Simpson County, according to Phillip Allan Gowan. 5ince he was mot mentioned in his father’s probate procedings, he may not have been born prior to his father’s death.
However, a T. R. Gowan later appeared as a public official in Mississippi, I holding various officis in the state government from lB53 to 1895. Several references are made to him in the Mississippi State Archives records: page 249, 250, 3S3, Secretary of State file 18S3‑57; page 9, Secretary of State Register of Commissions, 1871‑lB74; page 278, Secretary of State Register of Commissions, 1878‑lB81; page 302, Secretary of State Register of Commissions, 1887‑1891; and page 295 Secretary of State Register of Commissions 1892‑1~95. T. R. Gowan was chancellor of the 17th District in Mississippi in lB70 and 1874.
Contemporary with T. R. Gowan was William Gowan, also unidentified, who was granted a license by the state of Mississippi to operate a saloon in Corinth, Mississippi in March, 1868.
Ada, Gowan, believed to be second child of John Gowan was born about 1807, probably in North Carolina. She was married about 1827, husband’s name Hill, and shortly afterwards accompanied the family of ~f brother, Meredith Gowan to Mississippi. She later appeared in the 1850 census of Smith County, Mississippi, according to Phillip Alan Gowan. Nothing more is known of Ada Gowan ~ill or descendants.
John Gowan, believed to be the third child of John Gowan was born about lB10 probably in North ~arolina or South Carolina. About 1835 he removed with other members of the family to Copiah County, Mississippi. Later he lived in Smith County, Mississippi.
About 1845 he was married to Mariah Peacock, a sister of 5usan
393. 60wan and his wife, Nancy, was born about lB3~ in Copiah or Simpson County, Mississippi. He died at a young age in Simpson County, according to Phillip Allan Gowan. Since he was mot mentioned in his father’s probate procedings, he may not have been born prior to his father’s death.
However, a T. R. Gowan later appeared as a public official in Mississippi, I holding various officis in the state government from lB53 to 1895. Several references are made to him in the Mississippi State Archives records: page 249, 250, 353, Secretary of State file 18S3‑57; page 9, Secretary of State Register of Commissions, 1871‑lB74; page 278, Secretary of State Register of Commissions, 1878‑1~81; page 302, Secretary of State Re~ister of Commissions, 1887‑1891; and page 295 Secretary of State Register of Commissions 1892‑1~95. T. R. Gowan was chancellor of the 17th District in Mississippi in lB70 and 1874.
Contemporary with T. R. Gowan was William Gowan, also unidentified, who was granted a license by the state of Mississippi to operate a saloon in Corinth, Mississippi in March, 1868.
Ada, Gowan, believed to be second child of John Gowan was born about 1807, probaoly in North Carolina. She was married about 1~27, husband’s name Hill, and shortly afterwards accompanied the family of h~ brother, Meredith Gowan to Mississippi. She later appeared in the 1850 census of Smith County, Mississippi, according to Phillip Alan Gowan. Nothing more is known of Ada Gowan Hill or descendants.
John Gowan tG5/2.3), believed to be the third child of John Gowan was born about lB10 probably in North Carolina or South Carolina. About 1835 he removed with other members of the family to Copiah County, Mississippi. Later he lived in Smith County, Mississippi.
About 1545 he was married to Mariah Peacock, a sister of 5usan
394.
About 1845 he was married to Mariah Peacock, a sister of Susan Peacock who married Richard Gowan.
Children born to John Gowan and Mariah Peacock Gowan ~P5/1.2)
include:
Catharine Gowan born about 1841
Albert Gowan born about 18~6
Cornelia “Pinky” Gowan born about 1854
Ida Gowan born about 1858
Jesse Gowan born about 1860
Catharine Gowan, first known child of John Gowan and Maria Peacock Gowan, was born about 1841 in Smith County, Mississippi. About 1866 she was married to Darius Welch. Of Darius Welch and Catharine Gowan Welch and descendants nothing more is known.
Albert Gowan, second known child of John Gowan and Maria Peacock Gowan, was born about 1846 in Smith County, Mississippi. He died as a child.
Cornelia “Pinky” Gowan, third known child of John Gowan and Maria Peacock Gowan, was born about 1854 in Smith County, Mississippi. She appeared in the 1860 and 1870 census reports of Smith County. Nothing more is known of this individual.
Ida Gowan, fourth known child of
John Gowan and Maria Peacock Gowan, was born about 1858 in 5mith County, Mississippi. Shje died between 1870 and 1880 unmarxie~.
Jesse Gowan, fifth known child of John Gowan and Maria Peacock Gowan, was born about 1860 in Smith County, Mississippi. About 1888 he was married in Clay County, Texas, wife’s name Elliott. Nothing more is known of this individual. Children born to Jesse Gowan include:
39 5 , Boyd Gowan born about 1894
Boyd Gowan, only known child of Jesse Gowan was born in Clay County, Texas about lB94 and in 1972 continued to make his residence in Bellevue, Texas. Nothing more is known of this individual or descendants.
Richard Asbury Gowan, son of John Gowan, was born about 1812 in North Carolina. About 1835, he removed with other members of his family to Simpson County, Mississippi. Later he lived in Smith County, Mississippi . About 1839, he was married in Simpson County to Susan Peacock, a native of Louisiana, according to “History of North & West Texas” published in 1906 by Capt. B. Paddock. She was a sister to Mariah Peacock who was married to John Gowan, brother to Richard Gowan.
Richard Asbury Gowan “had peculiar business ability and tireless energy and soon became one of the wealthiest planters of Smith County, owning many slaves and having a large amount of land and other property,” according to Capt. Paddock. The history further states that he was primarily interested in the breeding of blooded livestock.
The family of Richard Asbury Gowan and Susan Peacock Gowan was enumerated in the 1850 and 1860 census of Smith County, Mississippi. Richard Asbury Gowan lost all of his wealth during the Civil War and elected to “start over” in Navarro County, Texas, moving there about 1866.
Richard Asbury Gowen was enumerated in Navarro County in 1870 as the head of a household:
“Gowan, Richard A. 58, born in NC, farmer
Peacock 50, born in LA, wife
Richard 14, born in MS
John 11, born in MS
Alice 9, born in MS
Melissa 5, born in MS
Hollingsworth, D. Y. 45, born in SC, farmer”
Richard Asbury Gowan died in Navarro County in 1890 at age 77. Susan Peacock Gowan died there at age 83 in 1903.
Children born to Richard Asbury Gowan and Susan Peacock Gowan include:
Matilda “Tillie” Gowan born December 18, 1840
Samantha Gowan born about 1844
Garrett Hubert Gowan born March 29, 1845
William Gowan born about 1847
Terry Gowan born about 1850
Richard R. Gowan born about 1856
John W. Gowan born about 1859
Alice Gowan born about 1861
Melissa [Mississippi?] Gowan born about 1865
Matilda “Tillie” Gowan, first child of Richard Gowan and Susan Peacock Gowan, was born December 18, 1840 in Smith County, Mississippi. She accompanied her father’s family in the move to Navarro County, Texas and there was married to John Young February 2, 1860 at the age of 19. The couple made its residence in the Blooming Grove community. She died in Navarro County August 20, 1908 at the age of 67.
Children born to John Young and Matilda “Tillie” Gowan Young include:
Mary Young born August 31, 1867
Mary Young, daughter of John Young and Matilda “Tillie” Gowan Young, was born in Navarro County August 31, 1867. She was married September 3, 1889 to John Dabney Cunningham, according to Col. John D. Cunningham, a great-grandson of Manassas, Virginia in a message dated February 27, 1999. Mary Young Cunningham died September 28, 1927.
Samantha Gowan, second child of Richard Gowan and Susan Peacock Gowan, was born about 1844 in Smith County, Mississippi. She was still living at home when her father elected to make a new start in Navarro County, Texas. Thcre, about 1868, she was married to G. W. Thomason. She was deceased prior to 1927. Nothing more is known of G. W. Thomason, Samantha Gowan Thomason or descendants.
Garrett Hubert Gowan, third child of Richard Gowan and Susan Peacock Gowan )P4/1.1), was born March 29, 1845 in Smith County, Mississippi. He was a namesake of the family of his great‑grandmother. He appeared in the 1850 and 1860 census reports of that county.
Much biographical material is presented on this individual in “History of North ~ We$t Texas” from which the following is taken:
“~ was a student of Sylvareno Academy in his native county when t~e
war If the rebellion came on, was amon~ the first to enlist there at|the
397. ag~ of 16 and left the county w~h the first company it furnished 1~ the Co~federate army. His was Company H, Sixteenth Infantry, under Cc~tain W.IH. Hardy, Colonel Posey’s regiment, Trimmell’s brigade and, lat~r, in Ja~kson’s brigade and Longstreet’s corps. He went with his compan~ into Vi~ginia, reaching the front just after the first battle of Manass~s. He wa~ detailed there, being so young and immature, on provost guard iuty under Major Payne at Warrenton for six months and then rejoined hi~ company in the valley of Virginia, where under Jackson’s command, the| were engaged in the battle at Cross Keys. The seven days’ fight follow|d and inlthe desperate battle of Malvern Hill he also participated. Whil~e the ar~y was resting up from its hard work Mr. Gowan was discharged fror the arly on an order from the War Department issued in pursuance of an lact oflthe Confederate Congress for the discharge of all soldiers underl18 ye~rs of ags. He remained at home for ten months and having then r~ached th~ required enlistment age, he returned to Virginia and resumed hi~ place in his old company. His first regular engagement after his return ~as at !~pottsylvania Court House, during which he received a severe wou~d in |the leg and was sent to the hospital for treatment. He soon recovered anl, six months later, in a battle on the Weldon and Petersburg RaiLroad in|North Carolina, was taken prisoner and sent to Point Lookout, Marlyland whlre he wa ~ oled the ensuing winter.
He made his home trip by boat and soon thereafter became a member of a~company of the Home Guard and remained out of active service durin~ the relmainder of the war. The work of his father~s farm occupied him th~ r~mainder of his stay in Missi~sippi and early in the year followinglthe d~claration of peace he took the step which established him in Texas a~d identified him with the west
~ay 16, 1866 Mr. 60wan married Mary E. Lyles, a daughter of John T|
Ly~es, a prominent merchant, farmer and man‑of‑affairs, who served w:th dis ~nction during the war in the Twenty‑seventh Mississippi Infantr~; anc wh ~ ied in 1~74, from the effects of a terrible wound in the neck
39 ~ . r ~eived during the Vicksburg siege the day before the surrender~ He was of a family prominent in the state, had creditably filled public~,office i~ Noxubee and Smith Counties, Mississippi, and was universally el teemed. H~s brother, Dr. W. D. Lyles, was surgeon general in the Confeder~te Army a~d was a conspicuous figure in his profession. The wife of JohnlThorp L~les, whose maiden name was Julia A. Davis, was noted not only f~r her alttractive personality and numerous accomplishments, but was dist|nguished by her marked intellectuality, charm of manner and yifted conversalltional pcwers.~
“Mr. and Mrs. Gowan were married of the 16th of Mayat Raleigh, ~ississippi)and on the 20th of the month, having heard of the bett~r opportunities offered in the west, and especially in the newer state of Texas, and being o enterprising and adventurous dispositmon, they determined to remove hither~ and, by rail, departed from Lake s,’ation,lor Vicksburg. [Upon their arrival in Vicksburg they stayed in the S. S. Prentiss Hotel iJntil the Steamboat “Madam Ruth arrived to take them to Little Rock, Arkansas where they joined a sister of Garrett Hubert Gowan, unidentified, and her busband for theremainder of the trip to Texas.] On the Madam Ruth they steamed to Napoleon, Arkansas, and the “Linnie Drown” took thbm on up the Arkansas River to Little Rock. ~rriving there they were only entering the really difficult stage of their journey. Mr. Gowan be~an his repaaration for the overland trip by buying a good yoke of steers and one of the old Illinois wagons and laying in a supply of st!uff for their commissary started bravely forth. ~lessed by favoragie cqnditions and delayed by no untoward incident, he made his tiresome way t~ Milford, Ellis County, Texas, where they halted with a relative, Gqorge Da~is, and there put forth his f~rst act as a citizen of the Lone Star St~te.
‘IShortly after reaching Ellis county he purchased of Mr. Davis the ‘|UD” bra~d of cattle, which the latter had acquired about the beginning of ~he
399. wa~ and had taken no account of them and their increase during al~ that epcch. He paid for them in gold and began a rounding‑up process wlhich resul in~his finding some six hundred head scattered over a wide territory. Befo|r he had really finished his round‑up he began the business o~ d~iving b~nches of them to the New Orleans market and it was while so empl~yed in 1~67‑6a that cattlemen from Kansas and Missouri came down, bought ~attle iI the southern part of the state and drove them north, on their w~y out p~cking up all unguarded animals they could possibly mix with thei~ her~, ald by this system of robbery Mr. Gowan was practically “stolen outll.” It w~s on this account mainly that he decided to seek another locationl. He f~rst moved to Navarro County where he was a ranchman for nearly fi~e yeiars. [Here he built the first wire fence in Navarro County. Mary Eliza L~les Gowan [L4/1.1~ taught the first school organized at Dresden, ~exas in’ Navarro County. They appeared in the 1870 census of Navarro Cou~ty.]
“Energetic and industrious, he was prospering reasonably well wher the opening of those lands to settlemtnt caused an influx of immigration which treatened the curtailment of the cattle range and caused him tb think of removal. He decided to locate at Eufala, Indian Territory ~nd transferred all his interest there, [nine miles north on the North C~nadian River] but after four and one‑half years again came to Texas and;in lB76 found himself beginning his long residence in Clay County. Ret~rning here, he bought a quarter section of land on East Fork, the site of o~d Caimp Wichita, a post erected for the protection of the settlers from hmstile Indians and occupied by a company of Rangers commanded by Captain Ik~ard. When the post was abandoned and preparation was being made to open the land to settlement, this locality was surveyed by Colonel WiLliam Howett and Dr. Eldridge. Then began a wild scramble for cattle ll ra~ge, small farmers, or “nester,” were bought out and wild lands secu~ed.
M~. Gowan devoted himself almost entirely to the handling of stock, ~n whic~ he could rightly claim to be an expert. ~y wise management he ~ ad‑
uall~ increased his holdings, buying up adjoining lands until his real holdings amounted to a princely estate. He was the first to intr~duce wire fences for pastures and thereby keep his cattle in and stran3e cattle out ~f his here. In proof of the success, the result of his unremitting care, and almost faultless system of business it may be stated t~at in 1901, desiring to shift much of his responsioilities to younger ~houlders, he divided among his children his a~ooo‑acre ranch, fence~, cros$‑fenced and supplied with tenements and bas since amused himself with hi little stock ranch of aoo acres within a mile of Henrietta. He has her a ranth‑farm stock with sheep, cattle, hogs and horses and in 1891 when he begcme interested up here, erected a nine‑room brick residence, he only one of ~i its kind in Clay County, and here he and his estimable wife are 3urrounded with all the necessities to make life comfortable and enjo~able.”
In i~ the 1920’s the couple retired and moved to Ft. Worth, Texas
where they lived at 2300 Sixth Street. Garrett Hubert Gowan, Sr.
died there in March 1930.
Children born to Garrett Hubert Gowan, Sr. and Mary Eliza
Liles Gowan include:
Teedo Gowan born ~bout 1867
Robert Sherwood Gowan born August 8, 1869
~ichard Thorp Gowan born December 2, 1873
Maggie Gowan born about 1877
Susan &owan born about 1881
Mary Gowan born about 1886
Garrett Hubert Gowan, Jr. born about 1892
Eddie Gowan born about 1895
Teedo Gowan, first child of Garrett Hubert Gowan, Sr. and Mary Eliza Liles Gowan, was born about 1867 at Milford, Texas. About 1898 she was married to M. L. Putty of Henrietta,
uall~ increased his holdings, buying up adjoining lands until his real holdings amounted to a princely estate. He was the first to intr~duce wire fences for pastures and thereby keep his cattle in and stran3e cattle out ~f his here. In proof of the success, the result of his unremitting care, and almost faultless system of business it may be stated t~at in 1901, desiring to shift much of his responsibilities to younger $houlders, he divided among his children his 8,000‑acre ranch, fenced, cros~‑fenced and supplied with tenements and bas since amused himself with hi little stock ranch of 800 acres within a mile of Henrietta. He has her a ranth‑farm stock with sheep, cattle, hogs and horses and in 1891 when he begcme interestet up here, erected a nine‑room brick resioence, he only one of ~i its kind in Clay County, and here he and his estimable wife are 3urrounded with all the necessities to make life comfortable and enJo~able.”
In ~ the 1920’s the couple retired and moved to Ft. Worth, Texas where they lived at 2300 Sixth Street. 5arrett Hubert Gowan, Sr. died there in March 1930.
Children born to Garrett Hubert Gowan, Sr. and Mary Eliza Liles Gowan include:
Teedo Gowan born ~bout 1~67
Robert Sherwood Gowan born August 8, 1869
Richard Thorp Gowan born December 2, 1873
Maggie Gowan born about 1877
Susan &owan born about 1881
Mary Gowan born abou~ 1886
Garrett Hubert Gowan, Jr. born about 1892
Eddie Gowan born about 1895
Teedo Gowan, first child of Garrett Hubert Gowan, Sr. and Mary Eliza Liles Gowan, was born about 1867 at ~ilford, Texas. About 1893 she was married to M. L. Putty of Henrietta, Texas. Children born to M. L. Putty and Teedo Gowan Putty include:
Rose Putty born about 1900
Gowan Putty born about 1902
Cecil Putty born about 1905
Malcomb Putty born about 1908
Rob ett Sherwood Gowan, second child of Garrett Hubert Gowan and Mary Eliza Liles Gowan was born Aggust 8, 1869 in Navarro County, Texas. Two years later his father moved his fa~ily to Eufala, Indian Territory, and in 1876 moved again to Clay County, Texas.
Robert Sherwood Gowan inherited 1,819 acres of ranchland from his father and he owned a home in the village of ~ellevue, Texas.
Robert Sherwood Gowan was educated at Methodist College at Georgetown, Texas and Mahanls ~usiness College at Sherman, Texas.
On October 15, 1891 he was married to Hettie Harbison, a daughter of S. ~. Harbison and M. E. Smith Harbison who in 1905 lived at Hereford, Texas. Hettie Harbison Gowan was born October 17, 1872.
Children born to Robert Sherwood Gowan and Hettie Harbison
Gnwan include:
Clifton ~rentz Gowan born September 17, 1892
Robert Elmer Gowan born March 14, 1396
Lewis Buford Gowan born December 22, 1598
Edna May Gowan born November 1, 1900
Frances Josephine Gowan born February 23, 19054
Edd Gowan born about 1907
Clifton ~rentz Gowan, fi~st child of Robert Sherwood Gowan and Hettie Harbison Gowan, was born September 17, 1~92 in Clay County, Texas. Nothing more is known of this individual or descendants.
Robert Elmer Gowan, second child of Robert Sherwood Gowan and Hattie Harbison Gowan was born March 14, 1696 in Clay County, Texas. Nothing more is known of thi~ individual or descendants.
Lewis Buford Gowan, third child of Robert Sherwood Gowan and Hattie Harbison Gowan was born December 22, 1898 in Clay County, Texas. Nothing more is known of this individual or descendants.
Edna May ~owan, fourth child of Robert Sherwood Gowan and Hettie Harbison Gowan, was born November 1, 1900 in Clay County, Texas. Nothing more is known of this individual or descendants.
Frances Josephine Gowan, fifth child of Robert Sherwood Gowan and Hettie Harbison Gowan was born February 23, 1904 in Clay County, Texas. Nothing more is known of this individual or descendants.
Edd Gowan, sixth child of ~obert Sherwood Gowan and Hettie Harbison Gowan was born about 1907 in Clay County, Texas. In May 1972 he was living at 3004 Speedway, Wichita Falls, Texas [766‑1549.] An Eddie Gowan, believed to be a son of Edd Gowan li~ed at 900 Chance in Wichita Falls [766‑1289.~
Richar~ Thorp Gowan, third child of Garrett Hubert Gowan and Mary Eliza Liles Gowan, was bnrn December 2, 1873, on the North Canadian River, nine miles from Eufala, Indian Territory.
In October lB76 he was brought to Clay County to his new home on the East Fork of the Little Wichita River. He attended school at ~ellevue, Texas and college at Marmaduke Academy, Sweet Springs, Missouri where he was graduated in 1893.
On December 2, 1896 he was mariied in Grinesville, Texas to Mary Myrtle Crozier, a daughter of Andrew Crozier and Arona Matthew Corzier. Mary Myrtle Crozier Gowan ~C3/1.1) was oorn in Collin County, Texas ~anuary 16, 1876.
Children born to Richard Thorp Gowan and Mary Myrtle Crozier Gowan include:
William Crozier Gowan born April 22, 1898
Robert E. Lee Gowan born January 22, 1900
Hattie Lucille Gowan born November 11, 1903
Of William Crozier Gowan, first child of Richard Thorp Gowan and Mary Myrtle Crozier Gowan, born April 22, 1898 at ~ellevue, Texas nothing more is known.
Robert E. Lee Gowan, second child of Richard Thorp Gowan and Mary Myrtle Crozier Gowan, was born at ~ellevue, Texas January 2Z, 1900. For many years he was a physician at Graham, Texas, bur r~tired about 1970 and removed to Houston, Texas where he lived in September 1972 at 541 Pinehaven [688‑3380.]
A son, Dr. Robert E. Lee Gowan, Jr., a dentist also resided in Houston at that time at 22 Willowron [46B‑3391~.
Hattie Lucille Gowan, third child of Richard Thorp Gowan and Mary Myrtle Crozier Gowan, was born November 11, 1902 at Bellevue, Texas. Nothing more is known of this individual or descendants.
Maggie Gowan, fourth child of Garrett Hubert Gowan and Mary Eliza Liles Gowan, was born about 1877 in Clay County. Texas. About 1900 she was married to Ed Kerr and in 1905 was a widow living a~ Corsicana, Texas. One child Marguerite Kerr was born to Ed Kerr and Maggie Gowan Kerr .
Susan Gowan , fifth child of Garrett Hubert Gowan and Mary ~liza Liles Gowan, was born about 1881 in Clay County, Texas. About 1900 she was married to John L. Cecil. To the~ was born a daughter, Mary Vivian Cecil.
Mary Gowan, sixth child of Garrett Hubert 60wan, ~ and Mary Eliza Liles Gowan, was born about 1886 in Clay County,
~xas. In 1905 she was living in her parents home. Nothing more is known of this individual.
Garrett Hubert Gowan, Jr., seventh child of Garrett Hubert
Gowan, was born in 1892 in Olay County, Texas. In 1916 he was
married to Hallie Moody May. In 1923 the couple was living in
Ft. Worth, Texas. He died there May 10, 1960.
Children born to Garrett Hubert Gowan, Jr. and Hallie Moody May include:
Garrett Hubert Gowan III born ~e~‑lg June ~, 1923
Moody Gowan born about 1925
Maggie Gowan born about 1927
Garrett Hubert Gowan III, first child of Garrett Hubert Gowan Jr. and Hallie Moody May Gowan was born June 3, 1923 in F~ Worth, Texas. He was married about 1946, wife’s name ~illie. Later the couple moved to Abilene, Texas where he died in 1963. Children born
to Garrett Hubert 60wan III include:
Janice Gowan born about 194~
Deborah G~wan born about 1953
W William Hubert 60wan born in 1955
Janice Gowan, first child of Garrett Hubert Gowan III was born about 1948 probably in Abilene, Texas. About 196~ she was married to Bryan Vaughn. Nothing more is known of ~ryan Vaughn,
Janice Gowan Vauglln or descendants.
Deborah Gowan, second child of Garrett Hubert Gowan III
was born about 1953, probably in Abilene. About 1970 she was ~arried to Charles Pruitt and lived at Pleasanton, Texas. Nothing more is known of Charles Pruitt, Deborah Gowan Pruitt or descendanis. William Hubert Gowan, third child of Garrett Hubert Gowan III
was born in 1955 probably in Abilene. In 1971 he was a ~high school student there.
Moody Gowan, second child of Garrett Hubert Gowan, Jr. and Hallie Moody May Gowan was born about 1925, probably in Ft. Worth, Texas. In 1972 he was living in Arlington, Texas. Nothing more is
known of this individual or descendsnts.
Maggie Gowan, third child of Garrett Hubert Gowan, Jr. and Hallie Moody May Gowan, was born about 1927, probably at Ft. Worth, Texas. About 1946 she was married, husband’s name Carter. Nothing
more is known of Maggie Gowan Carter or descendants.
Eddie Gowan eighth child of Garrett Hubert Gowan and
Mary Eliza Lyles Gowan was born about 1895 in Clay County, Texas
and died as an infant.
William Gowan, fourth child of Richard Gowan and Susan
47 Peacock Gowan was born about lB~ in Smith County, Mississippi.
Nothing more is known of this individual. According To t’History of North and West Texas~ published in 1906 William 60wan died young.
Terry Gowan, fifth child of Richard Gowan and Susan Peacock Gowan was born about 1850 in Smith County, Mississippi. Her father brought her to Navarro County, Texas in 1866 and there she was married about la72 to Ca~tain J. V. Hodges of Blooming Grove, Texas. Nothin~ more is known of Captain J. V. Hodges, Terry
Gowan Hodges or descendants.
Richard R. Gowan, sixth child of Richard Gowan and Susan Peacock Gowan |P5/1.1) was born about 1852 in Smith County, Mississippm. He moved to Navarro County, Texas with his father’s family in 1866.
In 1905 he was living in Seattle, Washington. Nothing more is known of this individual or descendants.
John W. Gowan), seventh child of Richard Gowan and Susan Peacock Gowan ,was born about 1855 in Smith County, Mississippi. He was brought to Navarro County, Texas in 1866. In 1~ 1905 he was living near Lawton, Dklahoma. Nothing more is known of this individual or descendants.
A John W. Gowan died February 17, 1933 and was buried at Pawhuska, Oklahoma in Section a, Lot 4, according to the cemetery sexton’s record. The cemetery is located at the west edge of Pahuska in Osage Cou~ty.
A George,Gowan, unidentified, possibly a son of John W. Gowan appeared in the legal records of 6rady County, Oklahoma about 1900 when he was sued by John Morris on Grady County Court Dockett No. 1103.
Ernest Gowan, unidentified, who in 1972 lived at 1307 Dearborn, Lawton,
[284‑1466] and ~thel Q. Gowan, also of Lawton, are possible descendants of
John W. Gowan .
GS
Alice Gowan, eighth child of Richard Gowan and Susan Peacock Gowan, was born about 1~57 in Smith County, Mississippi. She accompanied her parents to Navarro County, Texas in 1866. Gnly July 30, la7s she was married to Professor Jonathan ~3una Jones. In 1905 Professor Jonathan ~una Jones and Alice Gowan Jones were livmng at Georgetown, Texas. He lived in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1933. She died about 1955. Names of descendants are unknown.
Mississippi Gowan, ninth child of Richard Gowan and Susan Peacock 60wan w~s born about 1860 in Smith County, Mississippi. She died in her childhood.
Alexander Gowan, believed to be the seventh child of John Gowan, was born in North Carolina in 1816, according to Phillip Alan Gowen. Isaac Gowan stated that his parents were born in North Carolina in the 1800 census enumeration. However the American Historical Society in its “History of Alabama,” page 672, states that “Alexander Gowan was a native of South Carolina,” probably quoting Dr. Jesse Earl Gowan, a grandson, a less reliable source.
Alexander Gowan was married about 1835 in South Carolina to Martha McCarter, according to “History of Alabama.” According to Phillip Alan Gowan he was married about 1834 in Attala County, to Martha Samantha Nichols. She was born in Georgia in 1817.
Alexander Gowan, a farmer, was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1840 census of Attala County, page 10.
The family was enumerated as:
“Gowin, Alexander white male 20-30
white female 20-30
white female 20-30
white male 5-10
white female 0-5
white male 0-5”
The household of Alexander Gowan was also enumerated in the 1850 and 1860 census returns of Attala County near Sallis, He died there April 28, 1969 and was buried in the Ellington Cemetary near Sallis.
Children born to Alexander Gowan and Martha Samantha Nichols Gowan include:
Edith Elizabeth Gowan born June 20, 1835
Lott Gowan born about 1837
Sarah “Sally” Gowan born May 20, 1839
Garrett CrawfordGowan born July 2, 1841
Isaac Gowan born January 10, 1844
Jesse Cledy Gowan born September 24, 1846
Mary “Polly” Gowan born August 4, 1849
Richard Gowen born May 24, 1852
Martha Ann Gowan born July 2, 1854
Alexander Gowan, Jr. born September 28, 1859
Edith Elizabeth Gowan, first child of Alexander Gowan and Martha Samantha Nichols Gowan, was born June 20, 1835 in Attala County. She appeared in the 1840, 1850, 1860 census returns in her father’s household.
[***consequently, Attala County is named after an Indian Princess named “Attala.”**** ]
Edith Elizabeth Gowan Crittenden Dickens died January 27, 1899 and was buried in Attala County.
[For details on the descendants of Edith Elizabeth Gowan see “Gowan-Morley” by Phillip Alan Gowan.
Lott Gowan, second child of Alexander Gowan and Martha Samantha Nichols Gowan was born about 1837. He was married about 1866 to Johnnie Teague. He died about 1868.
Children born to Lott Gowan and Johnnie Teague Gowan include:
Lottie Gowan born about 1867
Lottie Gowan, only known child of Lott Gowan and Johhnie Teague Gowan, was born about 1867, probably in Attala County.
Sarah “Sally” Gowan, third child of Alexander Gowan and Martha Samantha Nichols Gowen, was born May 20, 1839. She was married 1866 to Samuel Davis Teague, a nephew of Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy. Samuel Davis Teague died in 1895, and Sarah “Sally” Gowan Teague died January 8, 1915.
Children born to Samuel Davis Teague and Sarah “Sally” Gowan Teague include:
Charles Gowan Teague born May, 1868
Ped B. Teague born November 26, 1869
Mary Nichols “Dittie” Teague born January 23, 1873
Zelda Jabez Teague born March 2, 1875
Otho Singleton Teague born April 15, 1877
Gilliland Davis Teague born August 17, 1879
[For details on descendants of Sarah “Sally” Gowan Teague see “Gowan-Morley” by Phillip Alan Gowan.]
Garrett Crawford Gowan, fourth child of Alexander Gowan and Martha Samantha Nichols Gowan, was born July 2, 1841 in Attala County. He appeared in his father’s household in the 1850, 1860 and 1870 census returns of Attala County.
In 1880 was enumerated in Grayson County, Texas, Enumeration District 115, page 31, Precinct 7, as:
“Gowan, Garrett C. 29, born in MS
Mattie L. 19, born in Texas
Allen A. 2, born in Texas”
Upon his death the body of Garrett C. Gowan was returned to Sallis for burial.
Children born to Garrett C. Gowan and Mattie L. Gowan include:
Allen A. Gowan born in 1878
Allen A. Gowan, only known son of Garrett C. Gowan and Mattie L. Gowan, was born in 1878, probably in Grayson County.
Alexander Gowan, fifth known child of Alexander Gowan and Martha McCarter Gowan, was born in Attala County.
About 1875 he was married to Mattie Lurania Trousdale in Attala County. She was born in 1860. Garrett Crawford Gowan died October 20, 1888 in Attala County and Mattie Lurania Trousdale Gowan died in 1895.
Children born to them include:
Allen Alexander Gowan born December 7, 1877
Robert Isaac Gowan born June 26, 1879
Lillie May Gowan born February 3, 1883
Nellie Samantha Gowan born September 26, 1886
William Garrett Gowan born May 7, 1888
Allen Alexander Gowan, first child of Garrett Crawford Gowan and Mattie Lurania Gowan, was born December 7, 1877 in Attala County. About 1897 he was married to Stella Ann Guthrie. He died January 29, 1954.
Children born to Allen Alexander Gowan and Stella Ann Guthrie Gowan include:
Robert Gowan born in 1905
Ruby Lorena Gowan born January 4, 1907
Evelyn Gowan born about 1909
Leon Gowan born about 1912
Roy Gowan born about 1915
Allen Alexander Gowan, Jr. born about 1918
E.B. Gowan born about 1920
Robert Gowan, first child of Allen Alexander Gowan and Stella Ann Guthrie Gowan, was born in 1905, probably in Attala County. He was married about 1940, wife’s name unknown. In 1975 Robert Gowan lived in Sulphur, Oklahoma.
Children born to Robert Gowan include:
Bobbie Gowan born about 1948
Bobbie Gowan, only known child of Robert Gowan, was born about 1948.
Ruby Lorena Gowan, second child of Allen Alexander Gowan and Stella Ann Guthrie Gowan, was born January 14, 1907. She was married October 7, 1931 to Glen Edwards. In 1975 Glen Edwards and Ruby Lorena Gowan Edwards lived in Shafter, California.
Children born to them include:
Bernard Darrell Edwards born July 30, 1932
Erma Collene Edwards born December 12, 1934
Evelyn Gowan, third child of Allen Alexander Gowan and Stella Ann Guthrie Gowan, was born about 1909.
Leon Gowan, fourth child of Allen Alexande Gowan and Stella Ann Guthrie Gowan, was born about 1912.
Roy Gowan, fifth child of Allen Alexander Gowan and Stella Ann Guthrie Gowan, was born about 1915.
Allen Alexander Gowan, Jr., sixth child of Allen Alexander Gowan and Stella Ann Guthrie Gowan, was born about 1918.
E.B. Gowan, seventh child of Allen Alexander Gowan and Stella Ann Guthrie Gowan, was born about 1920.
==O==
Robert Isaac Gowan, second child of Garrett Crawford Gowan and Mattie Lurania Trousdale Gowan, was born June 26, 1879, probably in Attala County. He was married September 22, 1907 to Dovie Pearl Hudson, who was born in 1885. Dovie Pearl Hudson Gowan died in 1932. Robert Isaac Gowan, a resident of Missouri, died December 16, 1945.
Children born to them include:
Milton Clayton Gowan born June 17, 1908
Garrett Truitt Gowan born May 17, 1910
James Robert Gowan born March 25, 1912
Clarence Griffin Gowan born December 8, 1914
Mary Lorraine Gowan born July 19, 1919
Martha Louise Gowan born April 19, 1925
Mildred Joyce Gowan born August 27, 1926
Milton Clayton Gowan, first child of Robert Isaac Gowan and Dovie Pearl Hudson Gowan, was born June 17, 1908. He was married about 1929 to Mary Detchmendy. Milton Clayton Gowan died August 28, 1973.
No children were born to Milton Clayton Gowan and Mary Detchmendy Gowan.
Garrett Truitt Gowan, second child of Robert Isaac Gowan and Dovie Pearl Hudson Gowan, was born May 17, 1910. He was married about 1931 to Marguerite Laymond. In 1975 Garrett Truitt Gowan and Marguerite Laymond Gowan were residing in Laramie, Wyoming.
Children born to them include:
Barbara Sue Gowan born in 1937
Barbara Sue Gowan, only child of Garrett Truitt Gowan and Marguerite Laymond Gowan, was born in 1937. About 1955 she was married to Lester L. Samford.
Children born to Lester L. Samford and Barbara Sue Gowan Samford include:
Lisa Lynn Samford born in 1956
Kimberly Ann Samford born in 1958
Kent Gowan Samford born in 1960
Christopher Garrett Samford born in 1969
James Robert Gowan, third child of Robert Isaac Gowen and Dovie Pearl Hudson Gowan, was born March 25, 1912. He was married Dcember 31, 1931, to Ruth Meusner. In 1975 James Robert Gowan and Ruth Meusner Gowan lived in Boonville Missouri.
Children born to them include:
James Robert Gowan II born February 8, 1934
Dorothy Pearl Gowan born October 23, 1935
Jerome Dean Gowan born January 23, 1937
Susan Dianne Gowan born February 26, 1943
James Robert Gowan II, first child of James Robert Gowan and Ruth Meusner Gowan, was born February 8, 1934. He was married June 3, 1957 to Ramona Flaspholer.
Children born to James Robert Gowan II and Ramona Flaspholer Gowan include:
Dianne Katherine Gowan born May 11, 1958
Tracy Lea Gowan born December 28, 1959
James Robert Gowan III born April 9, 1960
Paul Bryan Gowan born October 31, 1962
==O==
Dorothy Pearl Gowan, second child of James Robert Gowan and Ruth Meusner Gowan, was born October 23, 1935. She was married February 28, 1954 to Wilbur Reuben Clark.
Children born to Wilbur Reuben Clark and Dorothy Pearl Gowan include:
Mark Gowan Clark born December 3, 1955
Cynthia Kay CLark born March 10, 1962
Stuart Dean Clark born March 14, 1964
Jerome Dean Gowan, third child of James Robert Gowan and Ruth Meusner Gowan, was born January 23, 1937. In May of 1957 he was married to Marjorie Ann Jones.
Children born to Jerome Dean Gowan and Marjorie Ann Jones Gowan include:
Anthony James Gowan born May 27, 1964
Troy Dean Gowan born June 29, 1966
[child] born January 1975
Susan Dianne Gowan, fourth child of James Robert Gowan and Ruth Meusner Gowan, was born February 26, 1943. She was married November 26, 1962 to Billie Joe Brooks.
Children born to Billie Joe Brooks and Susan Dianne Gowan include:
Blake Jay Brooks born September 29, 1964
Belinda Jayne Brooks born July 1, 1966
Bradley Jon Brooks born March 12, 1969
Clarence Griffin Gowan, fourth child of Robert Isaac Gowan and Dovie Pearl Hudson Gowan, was born December 8, 1914. He was married May 26, 1942 to Hellen L. Haller. In 1975 they lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Children born to Clarence Griffin Gowan and Hellen L. Haller Gowan include:
James G. Gowan born April 29, 1943
Robert D. Gowan born August 12, 1953
John G. Gowan, first child of Clarence Grriffin Gowan and Halen L. Haller Gowan, was born April 29, 1943. He was married February 10, 1968 to Ann E. Stewart.
Children born to John G. Gowan and Ann E. Stewart Gowan include:
Sharon L. Gowan born December 17, 1968
Matthew P. Gowan born October 10, 1970
==O==
Robert D. Gowan, fifth child of Robert Isaac Gowan and Dovie Pearl Hudson Gowan, was born July 19, 1919. She was married first about 1940 to Harold Cook, and second to Jack Downs. In 1975 Jack Downs and Mary Lorraine Gowan Cook Downs lived in Jacksinville, Florida.
Children born to Harold Cok and Mary Lorraine Gowan Cook include:
Bill Cook born about 1941
Tom Cook born about 1943
Children born to Jack Downs and Mary Lorraine Gowan Cook Downs include:
Timothy Downs born about 1950
[child ] born about 1953
Martha Louise Gowan, sixth child of Robert Isaac Gowan and Dovie Pearl Hudson Gowan, was born April 19, 1925. She was married February 10, 1945 to George Edward Neale. In 1975 George Edward Neale and Martha Louise Gowan Neale lived in Kansas City, Missouri.
Children born to them include:
Barbara Lynn Neale born October 29, 1949
Richard Allen Neale born December 17, 1951
Deborah Anne Neale born July 14, 1954
David Hudson Neale born May 11, 1959
John Steven Neale born December 5, 1960
Mildred Joyce Gowan, seventh child of Robert Isaac Gowan and Dovie Pearl Hudson Gowan, was born August 27, 1926. She was married in January 1945 to Dr. William A. Abele. In 1975, Dr. William A. Abele and Mildred Joyce Gowan Abele lived in Boonville, Missouri.
Children born to them include:
Douglas Abele born about 1947
Bruce Abele born about 1949
Christopher Abele born about 1951
Andrew Abele born about 1954
Lillie May Gowan, third child of Garrett Crawford Gowan and Mattie Gurania Trousadle Gowan, was born February 3, 1883, probably in Attala County. She was married to John Otto Auwen about 1903. Later Lillie May Gowan Auwen was remarried to William Potter. Lillie May Gowan Auwen Potter died September 10, 1965.
Children born to John Otto Auwen and Lillie May Gowan Auwen include:
Otto Auwen born June 26, 1904
Mattie Catherine Auwen born June 22, 1909
Children born to William Potter and Lllie May Gowan Auwen Potter include:
Lena Potter born about 1915
Frank Potter born about 1917
Florence Potter born about 1920
Melvin Potter born about 1922
For additional information regarding the descendants of Lillie May Gowan Auwen Potter see “Gowan-Morley” by Phillip Allen Gowan.
Nellie Samantha Gowan, fourth hild of Garrett Crawford Gowan and Mattie Lurania Trousdale, was born September 26, 1886. She was married April 14, 1903 to Montie Montell Hagar. Nellie Samantha Gowan Hagar died January 28, 1942.
Children born to them include:
Jennie Winifred Hagar born January 19, 1904
Robert Henry Hagar born December 6, 1905
Eugene Montell Hagar born June 8, 1909
Elsie Margaret Hagar born November 6, 1911
Lander Thomas Hagar born May 9, 1914
Montie Montell Hagar, Jr. born October 13, 1919
Alene Marie Hagar born May 26, 1924
Theran Leroy Hagar born May 20, 1927
W.G. Hagar born March 15, 1931
[For more information regarding the descendants of Nellie Samantha Gowan see “Gowan-Morley” by Phillip Alan Gowan. ]
William Garrett Gowan, fifth child of Garrett Craford Gowan and Mattie Lurania Trousdale, was born May 7, 1888, probably in Attala County. He was married in June, 1929 to Laura Salois. He died December 27, 1971 in Irving, Texas.
Children born to William Garrett Gowan and Laura Salois Gowan include:
Robert Gowan born March 28, 1930
Walter Gowan born August 19, 1932
William Edward Gowan born March 8, 1934
James Gowan born August 17, 1935
Ruby Gowan born July 9, 1937
Eva Gowan born December 29, 1939
Joyce Gowan born April 27, 1941
June Gowan born June 20, 1943
Roy Gowan born February 4, 1945
Bettie Gowan born January 6, 1947
Arnold Gowan born June 29, 1951
Robert Gowan, first child of William Garrett Gowan and Laura Salois Gowan, was born March 28, 1930. He was married about 1950 to Pauline Lamere. Robert Gowan died in July, 1960, probably in Irving, Texas.
Children born to Robert Gowan and Pauline Lamere Gowan include:
William John Gowan born about 1951
Joyce Gowan born about 1952
Allen Gowan born about 1954
Laurie Gowan born about 1956
Debbie Gowan born about 1958
Robert Gowan born about 1960
William John Gowan, first child of Robert Gowan and Pualine Lamere Gowan, was born about 1951, probably in Irving, Texas. He was married about 1971, wife’s name Cathy. Nothing is known of the descendants of William John Gowan and Cathy Gowan.
Joyce Gowan, second child of Robert Gowan and Pauline Lamere Gowan, was born about 1952, probably in Irving, Texas. She was married about 1973 to Kenneth Morris. In 1975 Kenneth Morris and Joyce Gowan Morris lived in Irving, Texas.
Children born to them include:
Christopher Cain Morris born about 1974
Allen Gowan born about 1954
Allen Gowan, third child of Robert Gowan and Pauline Lamere Gowan, was born about 1954, probably in Irving, Texas. In 1975 he was living in Seattle, Washington in the home of Percy Fabel.
Laurie Gowan, fourth child of Robert Gowan and Pauline Lamere Gowan, was born about 1956, probably in Irving, Texas. In 1975, she was living in Seattle, Washington in the home of Percy Fabel.
Debbie Gowan, fifth child of Robert Gowan and Pauline Lamere Gowan, was born about 1958, probably in Irving, Texas. In 1975, she was living in Seattle Washington in the home of Percy Fabel.
Robert Gowan, sixth child of Robert Gowan and Pauline Lamere Gowan, was born in 1960, probably in Irving, Texas. In 1975 he was living in Seattle, Washington in the home of Percy Fabel.
Walter Gowan, second child of William Garrett Gowan and Laura Salois Gowan, was born August 19, 1932. He was married about 1953 to Shirley Denny. In 1975 Walter Gowan and Shirley Denny Gowan lived in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Children born to Walter Gowan and Shirley Denny Gowan include:
Wally Gowan born about 1956
Darrell Gowan born about 1959
Wayne Gowan born about 1962
William Edward Gowan, third child of William Garrett Gowan and Laura Salois Gowan, was born March 8, 1934. He was married March 9, 1954 to Ima Jean Franks. In 1975 they lived in Irving, Texas.
Children born to William Edward Gowan and Ima Jean Franks Gowan include:
William Edward Gowan II born January 9, 1956
James Roy Gowan born January 22, 1957
Laura Jean Gowan born March 18, 1961
James Gowan, fourth child of William Garrett Gowan and Laura Salois Gowan, was born August 17, 1935. He was married about 1955 to Margaret Cordis. In 1975 they lived in Irving, Texas.
Children born to James Gowan and Margaret Cordis Gowan include:
Carla Renee Gowan born about 1957
Edward Gowan born about 1960
Ruby Gowan, fifth child of William Garrett Gowan and Laura Salois Gowan, was born July 9, 1937. She was married about 1957, husband’s name McBryde. In 1975 Ruby Gowan McBryde lived in Montana.
Children born to Ruby Gowan McBryde include:
Charlotte McBryde born about 1959
Linda McBryde born about 1961
Melody McBride born about 1963
Merlin McBryde born about 1965
Richard McBryde born about 1970
Eva Gowan, sixth child of William Garrett Gowan and Laura Salois Gowan, was born December 29, 1939. She was married about 1960, husband’s name Evans. In 1975 Eva Gowan Evans lived in Washington state. Two children were born to her.
Joyce Gowan, seventh child of William Garrett Gowan and Laura Salois Gowan, was born April 27, 1941. About 1961 she was married to Frank Nordglen.
Children born to Frank Nordglen and Joyce Gowan Nordglen:
Glen Nordglen born about 1963
Everett Nordglen born about 1964
James Nordglen born about 1966
Jody Nordglen born about 1969
Velvet Nordglen born about 1972
June Gowan, eigth child of William Garrett Gowan and Laura Salois Gowan, was born June 20, 1943. She died at the age of three on June 10, 1946.
Roy Gowan, ninth child of William Garrett Gowan and Laura Salois Gowan, was born February 4, 1945, probably at Irving, Texas. He was married about 1965 to Dovie Glen. In 1975 they lived in Irving, Texas.
Children born to Roy Gowan and Dovie Glenn Gowan include:
Robert Gowan born about 1967
Roger Gowan born about 1970
Bettie Gowan, tenth child of William Garrett Gowan and Laura Salois Gowan, was born January 6, 1947, probably in Irving, Texas. About 1967 she was married to David Moore. In 1975 they lived in Parrish, Alabama.
Children born to David Moore and Bettie Gowan include:
Tammy Moore born about 1969
Trenton Lee Moore born about 1971
Arnold Gowan, eleventh child of William Garrett Gowan and Laura Salois Gowan, was born June 29, 1951, probably in Irving, Texas. He was married about 1972, wife’s name Patricia.
Children born to Arnold Gowan and Patricia Gowan include:
Misty Gowan born about 1974
==O==
Isaac Gowan, fifth child of Alexander Gowan and Martha Samantha Nichols Gowan, was born January 10, 1844 in Attala County. He appeared in the 1850, 1860 and 1870 census enumerations of that county, living in his father’s household. About 1873, he was married to Sarah E. Shelley.
He appeared in the 1880 census of Attala County, Enumeration District 13, Page 16, as the head of a household enumerated as:
“Gowen, Isaac 37, born in Miss, father born in N.C., mother born in N.C., farmer
S.E. 30, born in MS, father born in TN, mother born in MS
Lewis 1, born in MS, father born in MS, mother born in MS
Isaac 5, born in MS, father born in MS mother born in MS”
Included in the household was one servant, a negro, age 16.
After 1800, Isaac Gowan was remarried to Frances Sudduth who was born in 1861, 17 years his junior. Isaac Gowan died February 23, 1914 and was probably in Attala County. Frances Sudduth Gowan died in 1942.
Children born to Isaac Gowan and Sarah E. Shelley Gowan include:
Richard Isaac Gowan born July 21, 1874
Louis Gowan born October 30, 1878
Children born to Isaac Gowan and Frances Sudduth Gowan include:
Fenton Ethelyn Gowan born September 30, 1886
Julia Isabella Gowan born July 20, 1889
Ruth Gowan born March 27, 1892
Sally Melissa Gowan born June 8, 1898
Richard Isaac Gowan, first child of Isaac Gowan and Sarah E. Shelley Gowan, was born July 21, 1874, probably in Attala County. He appeared in the 1880 census in his father’s household as a five-year-old in the census of that county. He was married at age 41 to Estelle McAdams on April10, 1915. Richard Isaac Gowan died December 28, 1958.
Chidren born to Richard Isaac Gowan and Estelle McAdams Gowan include:
Jessie Loyce Gowan born February 24, 1917
James Isaac Gowan born February 6, 1919
Frederick Austin Gowan born June 12, 1921
Jessie Loyce Gowan, first child of Richard Isaac Gowan and Estelle McAdams Gowan, was born February 24, 1917. She was married April 10, 1939 to Robert W. Goss. Jessie Loyce Gowan Goss died February 1, 1967.
Children born to them include:
Lydia Ann Goss born November 24, 1943
James Isaac Gowan, second child of Richard Isaac Gowan andd Estelle McAdams Gowan, was born February 6, 1919. In April 1940 he was married to Hattie Maude Payne. In 1975 James Isaac Gowan and Hattie Maude Payne Gowan lived in McAdams, Mississippi.
Children born to them:
Richard Isaac Gowan born January 1941
Louis Payne Gowan born August 1945
Marion Francis Gowan born July 14, 1953
Richard Isaac Gowan, first child of James Isaac Gowan and Hattie Maude Payne Gowan, was born in January, 1941. He was married in January 1962 to Susan Sanders.
Children born to Richard Isaac Gowan and Susan Sanders Gowan include:
Richard Marcus Gowan born January 1970
Suzanne Gowan born August 18, 1973
Louis Payne Gowan, second child of James Isaac Gowan and Hattie Maude Payne Gowan, was born in August 1945. He was married in February, 1966 to Janice Burrell.
Children born to Louis Payne Gowan and Janice Burrell Gowan include:
Jeffrey Gowan born December 1967
Michael Louis Gowan born June 1969
Marion Francis Gowan, third child of James Isaac Gwan and Hattie Maude Payne Gowan, was born July 14, 1953. He was married June 8, 1974 to Joyce Boutwell. A child, name unknown, was born to them January 19, 1975.
Louis Gowan, second child of Isaac Gowan and Sarah E. Shelly Gowan, was born October 30, 1878. He appeared in the household of his father in the 1880 census as a one-year-old. About 1905 he was married to Patricia Sudduth. Louis Gowan died September 6, 1945.
Children born to Louis Gowan and Patricia Sudduth include:
Louis Lamar Gowan born November 7, 1907
Frank Young Gowan born May 4, 1909
Louis Lamar Gowan, the first child of Louis Gowan and Patricia Sudduth Gowan, was born November 7, 1907. He was married May 1934 to Carrie Ellen Mitchell. In 1975 Louis Lamar Gowan and Carrie Ellen Mitchell lived in McAdams. No children were born to them.
Frank Young Gowan, second child of Louis Gowan and Patricia Sudduth Gowan, was born May 4, 1909, probably in Attala County. He was married August 1, 1939 to Inez Gunter Gowan. In 1975 they lived at McAdams.
Children born to Frank Young Gowan and Inez Gunter Gowan include:
Patsy Inez Gowan born July 4, 1939
Ellen Ivylyn Gowan born June 6, 1940
Frank Young Gowan, Jr. born February 17, 1942
Edna Catherine Gowan born May 8, 1943
Mary Beth Gowan born August 4, 1945
Gloria Nell Gowan born October 10, 1946
Timothy Lamar Gowan born July 24, 1951
Patsy Inez Gowan, first child of Frank Young Gowan and Inez Gunter Gowan, was born July 4, 1939. She was married November 8, 1958 to Richard Leonard Carroll. In 1975 Richard Leonard Carroll and Patsy Inez Gowan Carroll lived n Memphis, Tennessee.
Children born to them include:
Richard Duane Carroll born July 21, 1960
Jane Kimberly Carroll born June 15, 1964
Ellen IvyLyn Gowan, second child of Frank Young Gowan and Inez Gunter Gowan, was born June 6, 1940. She was married June 2, 1962 to George Leon Long. In 1975 they lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Children born to George Leon Long and Ellen Ivylyn include:
Terri Lynn Long born February 20, 1963
Tonia Beth Long born June 29, 1967
Frank Ronald Long born September 7, 1971
Frank Young Gowan, Jr., third child of Frank Young Gowan and Inez Gunter Gowan, was born February 17, 1941 in Attala County. He was married to Shirley Ann Horne on May 17, 1962, who was born April 6, 1942 at Durant, Attala County, according to Holmes County, Mississippi, Marriage Book 8, page 228. After their wedding they made their home in McAdams.Frank Young Gowan, Jr. and Shirley Ann Horne Gowan continued to live in McAdams in 1975.
Children born to them include:
Stephen Lamar Gowan born January 16, 1964
Louis Gunter Gowan born January 25, 1973
Edna Catherine Gowan, fourth child of Frank Young Gowan and Inez Gunter Gowan, was born May 8, 1943. She was married June 1, 1963 to David Emmett Bozone, Jr. [Ub k8 ] IN 1975 they lived in Winona, Mississippi.
Children born to David Emmett Bozone, Jr. and Edna Catherine Gowan include:
David Martin Bozone born January 4, 1964
Robert Gowan Bozone born October 21, 1966
Leta Kay Bozone born November 6, 1969
Mary Beth Gowan, fifth child of Frank Young Gowan and Inez Gunter Gowan, was born August 4, 1945. She was married August 27, 1966 to Louis Bennett Burghard. In 1975 they lived in Crystal Springs Mississippi.
Children born to Louis Bennett Burghard and Mary Beth Gowan include:
Angelica Celeste Burghard born September 1, 1967
Louis Ivan Burghard born July 20, 1969
Mary Kathryn Burghard born November 3, 1972
Gloria Nell Gowan, sixth child of Frank Young Gowan and Inez Gunter Gowan, was born October 10, 1946. She was married in January 1966 to Richard Leonard Cain. In 1975 they lived in Jackson, Mississippi.
Children born to Richard Leonard Cain and Gloria Nell Gowan Cain include:
Christi Carol Cain born May 8, 1969
Richard Bradley Cain born March 12, 1973
Timothy Lamar Gowan, seventh child of Frank Young Gowan and Inez Gunter Gowan, was born July 24, 1951. He was married December 26, 1974 to Nancy Jones. In 1975 Timothy Lamar Gowan and Nacy Jones Gowan lived in Jackson.
Fenton Ethelyn Gowan, third child of Isaac Gowan and the first of his marriage to Frances Sudduth Gowan, was born September 30, 1886 in Attala County. She was married December 17, 1905 to Harvey Little Adcock, who was born in 1880. Fenton Ethelyn Gowan died September 5, 1924, and Harvey Little Adcock died in 1945.
Children born to them include:
Harold Isaac Adcock born October 8, 1906
Mary Belle Adcock born February 11, 1908
Frances Elizabeth Adcock born January 17, 1910
Louise Ruth Adcock born March 3, 1912
Harvey Little Adcock born December 15, 1913
Vera Webb Adcock born January 12, 1919
[For details on descendants of Fenton Ethelyn Gowan, see “Gowan-Morley” by Phillip Alan Gowan. ]
Julia Isabella Gowan, fourth child of Isaac Gowan and the second of his marriage with Frances Sudduth Gowan, was born July 20, 1889 in Attala County. She was married to Arthur Luther Adcock December 20, 1908. In 1975 Julia Isabella Gowan lived in Huntsville, Alabama.
Children born to Arthur Luther Adcock and Julia Isabella Gowan include:
Pauline Adcock born June 27, 1911
Vivian Ethelyn Adcock born May 17, 1924
[For details on the descendants of Julia Isabella Gowan Adcock see “Gowan-Morley” by Phillip Alan Gowan. ]
Ruth Gowan, fifth child of Isaac GOwan and the third of his marriage with Frances Sudduth Gowan, was born March 27, 1892 in Attala County. She was married to Abram Lampkin Greer February 7, 1915.
Children born to Abram Lampkin Greer and Ruth Gowan Greer include:
Mary Ethelyn Greer born October 16, 1917
Joe Gowan Greer born June 25, 1920
[For details on the descendants of Ruth Gowan Greer, see “Gowan-Morley” by Phillip Alan Gowan. ]
Sallie Melissa Gowan, sixth child of Isaac Gowan and the fourth of his marriage with Frances Sudduth Gowan, was born June 8, 1898. She was married July 20, 1921 to Frank Benjamin Mitchell. Sallie Melissa Gowan Mitchell died August 28, 1971.
Children born to them include:
Franklin Davis Mitchell born Februray 8, 1923
Zelda Gowan Mitchell born February 25, 1925
Ellander Mitchell born August 5, 1927
Auris Frances Mitchell born September 2, 1930
[For details on the descendants of Sallie Melissa Gowan Mitchell, see “Gowan-Morley” by Phillip Alan Gowan. ]
==O==
Jesse Cledy Gowan, sixth child of Alexander Gowan and Martha Samantha Nichols Gowan, was born September 24, 1846 in Attala County, , according to his tombstone.
He was married in January, 1870 to Francis Rogers [“Fannie” Dodd ], age 15. She was the daughter of William W. Dodd and Martha F. Teague Dodd. Frances Roger “Fannie” Dodd was born November20, 1855. The American Historical Society’s “History of Alabama” gives her mother’s name as Mary Teague, however her tombstone inscription renders it correctly as “Martha F. Dodd.” The volume also shows Jesse Clecy Gowan to be Jesse D. Gowan.
Martha F. Teague Dodd was born August 6, 1823 and died August 7, 1879. William W. Dodd was born March 6, 1806 in Kentucky, the son of a Revolutionary War soldier, and died August 12, 1874.
Jesse Cledy Gowan and Frances Rogers “Fannie” Dodd Gowan maintained their home in Kosciusko, throughout their lifetimes.
In 1880 the household of Jesse Cledy Gowan was enumerated in the census of Attala County, Enumeration District 17, page 15, Newport District as:
“Gowan, Jesse 32, born in MS, father born in NC, mother born in N.C, farmer
F. R. 24, born in MS, father born in KY,
mother born in AL, wife
J. C. 9, born in MS, father born in MS,
mother born in MS
G. E. 7, born in MS, father born in MS,
mother born in MS, son
M. M. 5, born in MS, father born in MS,
mother born in MS, son
W. A. 3, born in MS, father bborn in MS,
mother born in MS, son
Jesse 1, born in MS, father born in MS,
mother born in MS, son
Dodd, E. C. 14, born in MS, father born in MS,
mother born in MS, brother-
in-law”
Jesse Cledy Gowan was a farmer and a realtor in Kosciusko, according to the American Historical Society’s “History of Alabama” in 1927 when the volume was published. He died February 6, 1928. Frances Rogers “Fannie” Dodd Gowan died January 30, 1937. Both were buried in the Gowan-Dodd Cemetery five miles south, one mile west of Kosciusko.
The Mississippi Geneaological Society transcribed the tombstone inscription in the cemetery in its “Mississippi Cemetery and Bible Records,” Volume 7 as:
“William F. Dodd, born March 16, 1806, died August 12, 1874, son of a Revolutionary soldier.
Martha F. Dodd, born March 16, 1823, died August 7, 1879, daughter of M. Teague and Jane Davis Teague.”
Son, George A. Dodd, born May 4, 1839, died December 29, 1849.”
Daughter, Fannie D. Dodd, born November 20, 1855, died January 30, 1937, wife of Jesse C. Gowan.”
Son-in-law Jesse C. Gowan, born September 24, 1846, died February 26, 1928.”
Granddaughter, Mary D. Gowan, born August 5, 1895, died September 12, 1895.”
Granddaughter, Mattie M. Gowan, born March 29, 1875, died October 11, 1890.”
Nine children were born to Jesse Cledy Gowan and Frances Rogers “Fannie” Dodd Gowan:
Jennie Coffey Gowan born May 13, 1871
Garrett Everett Gowan born January 26, 1873
Matilda Rose Gowan born March 29, 1875
William Alexander Gowan born February 24, 1877
Jesse Earl Gowan born February 20, 1879
Luther Morris Gowan born October 11, 1881
Amzi Meek Gowan born February 16, 1885
Eleanor Fannie “Nell” Gowan
born June 29, 1892
Mary Dodd Gowan born August 5, 1895
Jennie Coffey Gowan, first child of Jesse Cledy Gowan and Frances Rogers “fannie” Dodd Gowan, was born May 13, 1871 at Kosciusko. She was married December 27, 1893 to Richard Ephrain Dickens. Jennie Coffey Gowan Dickens died January 18, 1946.
Children born to them include:
Martha Eva Dickens born May 3, 1895
Fannie Dodd Dickens born September 30, 1898
Jesse Gowan Dickens born December 15, 1903
[For details on the descendants of Jennie Coffey Gowan Dickens see “Gowan-Morley” by Phillip Alan Gowan.]
Garrett Everett Gowan, second child of Jesse Cledy Gowan and Frances Rogers “Fannie” Dodd Gowan, was born January 26, 1873 at Kosciusko. He appeared in the 1880 census as a seven-year-old living in the household of his father in Attala County.
He was married in 1896 to Alice Wooten, who was born in 1878. Alice Wooten Gowan died August 28, 1921 and was buried at County Line Baptist Church in Leakes County. County Line Baptist Church Cemetery is located south of Kosciusko, 1/4 mile south of the Leake County Line.
In 1926 Garrett Everett Gowan was remarried to Edith Brower. Garrett Everett Gowan died January 18, 1945. In 1975 Edith Brower Gowan continued to lived in Kosciuscko.
Children born to Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan include:
Richard Everett Gowan born January 5, 1897
Jesse Thomas Gowan born October 2, 1898
Joseph Veto Gowan born April 16, 1900
Samuel Teague Gowan born August 20, 1902
Bedford Rand Gowan born August 20, 1902
William Travis Gowan born August 5, 1904
Albert Earl Gowan born September 12, 1906
Coleman Louis Gowan born Jamuary 9, 1910
Johnson J. Gowan born March 14, 1911
Jane Gowan born May 11, 1913
Ruth Gowan born about 1915
Paul Chatman Gowan born August 3. 1917
George McClain Gowan born about 1920
Children born to Garrett Everett Gowan and Edith Brower Gowan include:
Marvin Glenn Gowan born July 6, 1923
Richard Everett Gowan, first child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born January 5, 1897. He was married to Sammie Allie Jones June 1, 1921. He was remarried to Lois Waugh May 19, 1929. Richard Everett Gowan died October 14, 1959.
Children born to Richard Everett Gowan and Sammie Allie Jones Gowan include:
Dixie Azalea Gowan born November 21, 1923
Dixie Azalea Gowan, only child of Richard Everett Gowan and Sammie Allie Jones Gowan, was born November 21, 1923. She was married February 11, 1944 to John Haywood Reat. In 1975, they lived in Lexington, Texas.
Children born to Johnm Hayword Reat and Dixie Azalea Gowan include:
Richard Arvel Reat born February 23, 1946
Samye Jane Reat born November 7, 1947
Jesse Thomas Gowan, second child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born October 2, 1898, probably in Kosciusko. He was married, at age 49, to Johnnye Kate Miller. In 1974 Jesse Thomas Gowan and Johnnye Kate Miller lived at Delhi, Louisiana.
Children born to Jesse Thomas Gowan and Johnnye Kate Miller Gowan include:
Edith Stanhope Gowen born July 7, 1948
Ellen Thomas Gowan born September 3, 1951
Edith Stanhope Gowan, first child of Jesse Thomas Gowan and Johnnye Kate Miller Gowan, was born July 7, 1948. She was married August 24, 1969 to Daniel Howard Bachmon. In 1975 Daniel Howard Bachmon and Edith Stanhope Gowan lived in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.
Ellen Thomas Gowan, second child of Jesse Thomas Gowan and Johnnye Kate Miller Gowan, was born July 20, 1973 to Gary Wayne McKay. In 1975 Gary Wayne McKay and Ellen Thomas Gowan, lived in Delhi, Louisiana.
Joseph Veto Gowan, third child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born April 16, 1900. On February 13, 1929, he was married to Dura Elizabeth Holt. Joseph Veto Gowan died September 14, 1967.
Children born to Joseph Veto Gowan and Dura Elizabeth include:
Betty Jane Gowan born May 6, 1935
Betty Jane Gowan, only child of Joseph Veto Gowan and Dura Elizabeth Holt Gowan, was born May 6, 1935. She was married January5, 1964 to James O. Pierce. In 1975 they lived in Huntington Beach, California.
Children born to James O. Pierce and Betty Jane Gowan Pierce include:
Susan Charlene Pierce born September 3, 1966
Samuel Teague Gowan, fourth child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born August 20, 1902. He was married June 2, 1927 to Mary Alice Gray. Samuel Teague Gowan died May 26, 1955.
Children born to Samuel Teague Gowan and Mary Alice Gray Gowan include:
Claude Everett Gowan born July 21, 1931
Alice Clare Gowan born February 15, 1936
Claude Everette Gowan, first child of Samuel Teague Gowan and Mary Alice Gray Gowan, was born July 21, 1931. He was married November 1, 1958 to Joanne Audry Bennett. In 1975 they lived in Lexington, Virginia.
Children born to Claude Everett Gowan and Joanne Audry Bennett Gowan include:
Daniel Rand Gowan born October 21, 1959
Claude Samuel Gowan born April2, 1963
Jennifer Nell Gowan born September 6, 1970
Alice Clare Gowan, second child of Samuel Teague Gowan and Mary Alice Gray Gowan, was born February 15, 1936. She was married August 30, 1957 to Gordon Bard Martin. In 1975 Gordon Gard Martin and Alic Clare Gowan Martin lived in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Children born to them include:
Mary Teague Martin born September 23, 1959
Alice Ashley Martin born April 29, 1964
Bedford Rand Gowan, fifth child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born August 20, 1902 probably in Kosciuscko. He was married Janaury 24, 1934 to Estelle Gates. In 1975 Bedford Rand Gowan and Estelle Gates Gowan were living in Pioneer, Louisiana. No children were born to this union.
William Travis Gowan, sixth child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born August 5, 1904 probably in Kosciuscko. He died unmarried November 9, 1930 and was buried in County Line Baptist Church Cemetery south of Kosciusko in an adjacent grave to his parents.
Albert Earl Gowan, seventh child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born September 12, 1906. He was married August 14, 1932 to Mildred B. Taylor. In 1975 Albert Earl Gowan and Mildred B. Taylor Gowan lived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. No children were born to this union.
Coleman Louis Gowan, eighth child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born January 9, 1910, probably at Kosciuscko. He was married April 22, 1939 to Katherine Robinson, who was born in 1916. Katherine Robinson Gowan died in 1960. Coleman Louis Gowan was remarried January 27, 1965 to Nannie Lee Madison. In 1975 Coleman Louis Gowan and Nannie Lee Madison Gowan lived in Delhi, Louisiana.
Children born to Coleman Louis Gowan and Katherine Robinson Gowan include:
George Everett Gowan born December 22, 1939
Alice Jane Gowan born January 5, 1946
George Everett Gowan and Katherine Robinson Gowan, first child of Coleman Louis Gowan, was born December 22, 1939. He was married in July 1962 to Carolyn Kay Grice. In 1975 George Everett Gowan and Carolyn Kay Grice Gowan, lived in Winnsboro, Louisiana.
Children born to George Everett Gowan and Carolyn Kay Grice Gowan include:
James Coleman Gowan born May 3, 1963
William Garner Gowan born June 2, 1965
John Quitman Gowan born March 19, 1968
Katherine Lanier Gowan born September 7, 1970
Alice Jane Gowan, second child of Coleman Louis Gowan and Katherine Robinson Gowan, was born January 5, 1946.
Johnson J. Gowan, ninth child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born March 14, 1911, probably in Kosciusko. He was married September 2, 1940 to Laura Margrite Bertram. In 1975 they lived in Delhi, Louisiana.
Children born to Johnson J. Gowan and Laura Margrite Bertram include:
John David Gowan born August 7, 1941
John David Gowan, only child of Johnson J. Gowan and Laura Margrite Bertram Gowan, was born August 7, 1941. He was married March 14, 1963 to Elizabeth Lambert.
Children born to John David Gowan and Elizabeth Lambert include:
John Mark Gowan born about 1966
Jane Gowan, tenth child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born May 11, 1913. She was married August 14, 1938 to William Jackson Cole. In 1975 William Jackson Cole and Jane Gowan cole were living in Delhi, Louisiana. No children were born to them.
Ruth Gowan, eleventh child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born about 1915. She was married about 1935 to Joseph Paul O’Neal. In 1975 Joseph Paul O’Neal and Ruth Gowan O’Neal.
Alice Clare Gowan, second child of Samuel Teague Gowan and Mary Alice Gray Gowan, was born February 15, 1936. She was married August 30, 1957 to Gordon Bard Martin. In 1975 Gordon Gard Martin and Alic Clare Gowan Martin lived in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Children born to them include:
Mary Teague Martin born September 23, 1959
Alice Ashley Martin born April 29, 1964
Bedford Rand Gowan, fifth child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born August 20, 1902 probably in Kosciuscko. He was married Janaury 24, 1934 to Estelle Gates. In 1975 Bedford Rand Gowan and Estelle Gates Gowan were lving in Pioneer, Louisiana. No children were born to this union.
William Travis Gowan, sixth child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born August 5, 1904 probably in Kosciuscko. He died unmarried November 9, 1930 and was buried in County Line Baptist Church Cemetery South of Kosciusko in an adjacent grave to his parents.
Albert Earl Gowan, seventh child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born September 12, 1906. He was married August 14, 1932 to Mildred B. Taylor. In 1975 Albert Earl Gowan and Mildred B. Taylor Gowan lived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. No children were born to this union.
Coleman Louis Gowan, eighth child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born January 9, 1910, probably at Kosciuscko. He was married April 22, 1939 to Katherine Robinson, who was born in 1916. Katherine Robinson Gowan died in 1960. Coleman Louis Gowan was remarried January 27, 1965 to Nannie Lee Madison. In 1975 Coleman Louis Gowan and Nannie Lee Madison Gowan lived in Delhi, Louisiana.
Children born to Coleman Louis Gowan and Katherine Robinson Gowan include:
George Everett Gowan born December 22, 1939
Alice Jane Gowan born January 5, 1946
George Everett Gowan and Katherine Robinson Gowan, first child of Coleman Louis Gowan, was born December 22, 1939. He was married in July 1962 to Carolyn Kay Grice. In 1975 George Everett Gowan and Carolyn Kay Grice Gowan, lived in Winnsboro, Louisiana.
Children born to George Everett Gowan and Carolyn Kay Grice Gowan include:
James Coleman Gowan born May 3, 1963
William Garner Gowan born June 2, 1965
John Quitman Gowan born March 19, 1968
Katherine Lanier Gowan born September 7, 1970
Alice Jane Gowan, second child of Coleman Louis Gowan and Katherine Robinson Gowan, was born January 5, 1946.
Johnson J. Gowan, ninth child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born March 14, 1911, probably in Kosciusko. He was married September 2, 1940 to Laura Margrite Bertram. In 1975 they lived in Delhi, Louisiana.
Children born to Johnson J. Gowan and Laura Margrite Bertram include:
John David Gowan born August 7, 1941
John David Gowan, only child of Johnson J. Gowan and Laura Margrite Bertram Gowan, was born August 7, 1941. He was married March 14, 1963 to Elizabeth Lambert.
Children born to John David Gowan and Elizabeth Lambert include:
John Mark Gowan born about 1966
Jane Gowan, tenth child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born May 11, 1913. She was married August 14, 1938 to William Jackson Cole. In 1975 William Jackson Cole and Jane Gowan Cole were living in Delhi, Louisiana. No children were born to them.
Ruth Gowan, eleventh child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born about 1915. She was married about 1935 to Joseph Paul O’Neal. In 1975 Joseph Paul O’Neal and Ruth Gowan O’Neal were living in Delhi, Louisiana.
Children born to them include:
Joe Mack O’Neal born December 8, 1941
William Fred O’Neal born October 15, 1958
Paul Chatman Gowan, twelvth child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born August 3, 1917, probably to Kosciuscko. He was married January 25, 1945 to Norma Faye Marsh. In 1975 Paul Chatman Gowan and Norma Faye Marsh Gowan, were living in Epps, Louisiana.
Children born to Paul Chatman Gowan and Norma Faye Marsh Gowan include:
Paul Chatman Gowan II born January 8, 1949
James Earl Gowan born October 17, 1952
Paul Chatman Gowan II, first child of Paul Chatman Gowan and Norma Faye Marsh Gowan, was born January 8, 1949. He was married September 5, 1970 to Donna Dean LaPrairie.
Children born to Paul Chatman Gowan II and Donna Dean LaPrairie include:
Kathryn Michele Gowan born September 14, 1972
George McClain Gowan, thirteenth child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born about 1920, probably in Kosciuscko. He was married to Maxine Boutwell in 1947. In 1975 George McClain Gowan and Maxine Boutwell lived in Epps, Louisiana.
Children born to them include:
Sandra Alice Gowan born about 1946
Janice Gowan born about 1949
Marvin Glen Gowan, fourteenth child of Garrett Everett Gowan and Alice Wooten Gowan, was born July 6, 1923. He was married about 1948 to Juanita Elizabeth Smith. In 1975 Marvin Glenn Gowan and Juanita Elizabeth Smith lived in Epps, Louisiana.
Children born to Marvin Glenn Gowan and Juanita Elizabeth Smith Gowan include:
Stephen Lynn Gowan born November 15, 1955
==O==
Matilda Rose “Mattie” Gowan, third child of Jesse Cledy Gowan and Frances Rogers “Fannie” Dodd Gowan, was born March 29, 1875. She appeared as “M. M. Gowan, a five-year-old, in the household of her father in the 1880 census of Attala County. She died October 11, 1890 unmarried.
She was buried in the Gowan-Dodd Cemetery located five miles south, one mile west of Kosciuscko, near the graves of her parents.
William Alexander Gowan, fourth child of Jesse Cledy Gowan and Frances Rogers “Fannie” Dodd Gowan, was born February 24, 1877 in Kosciuscko. He appeared as a three-year-old in the household of his father in the 1880 census of Attala County.
He was married to Rose Harget Harkens December 29, 1909. She was born in 1887. William Alexander Gowan died January 14, 1936, and Rosa Margaret Harkins Gowan died in 1971.
Children born to them include:
Martha Theresa Gowan born October 31, 1911
William Alexander Gowan born January 3, 1915
Hugh Lee Gowan born August 29, 1929
Martha Theresa Gowan, first child of William Alexander Gowan and Rosa Margaret Harkins Gowan, was born October 31, 1911. She was married June 30, 1935 to Alexander Morriss Warwick. No children were born to Alexander Morriss Warwick and Martha Theresa Gowan Warwick.
William Alexander Gowan, Second child of William Alexander Gowan and Rosa Margaret Harkns Gowan, was born January 3, 1915. He was married November 25, 1935 to Mary Elizabeth Wright. Mary Elizabeth Wright Gowan was born in 1916 and died in 1961. William Alexander Gowan was married second to Lynnie S. Smith November 30, 1962. In 1975 William Alexander Gowan and Lynnie S. Smith Gowan lived in Jackson.
Children born to William Alexander Gowan and Mary Elizbeth Wright Gowan include:
Rosemary Gowan born August 21, 1938
William Alexander Gowan born December 2, 1942
Elizabeth Ann Gowan born May 13, 1950
Rosemary Gowan, first child of William Alexander Gowan and Mary Elizabeth Wright Gowan, was born August 21, 1938. She was married June 11, 1960 to James Thomas Guglielmo.
Children born to James Thomas Guglielmo and Rosemary Gowan Guglielmo include:
Elizabeth Lea Guglielmo born June 6, 1963
James Thomas Guglielmo, Jr. born September 10, 1969
William Alexander Gowan, second child of William Alexander Gowan and Mary Elizabeth Wright Gowan , was born December 2, 1942. He was married June 4, 1966 to Donna Louise Brawley. In 1975 William Alexander Gowan and Mary Elizabeth Gowan were living in Jackson.
Children born to them include:
Lauren Elizabeth Gowan born January 29, 1967
William Alexander Gowan born August 8, 1969
Elizabeth Ann Gowan, third child of William Alexander Gowan and Mary Elizabeth Wright Gowan, was born May 13, 1950. On May 1, 1972 she was married to Guy Gurnbow, Jr.
Nothing more is known of Guy Gurnbow, Jr, Elizabeth Ann Gowan or descendants.
Hugh Lee Gowan, third child of William Alexander Gowan and Rosa Margaret Jarloms Gowan, was born August 29, 1929. He was married August 18, 1951, wife’s name unknown. In 1975 Hugh Lee Gowan lived in Pickens, Mississippi.
Children born to Hugh Lee Gowan include:
Hugh Gowan born August 21, 1957
Meredith Ann Gowan born July 23, 1961
Jesse Earl Gowan, fifth child of Jesse Cledy Gowan and Frances Rogers “Fannie” Dodd Gowan, was born February 20, 1879. He appeared in the 1880 census of Attala County as a one-year-old living in the household of his father. After attending public school at Kosciuscko he enrolled at Birmingham Dental College and was graduated there in 1906 as a doctor of dental surgery. In 1906 he opened a dental office in Clanton, Alabama.
On April 20, 1908 he was married to Ruth Johnson, daughter of Dr. Joseph S. Johnson and Sallie Strock Johnson, according to “History of Alabama.” Phillip Alan Gowan records the date as April 23, 1909.
In “History of Alabama,” page 672, appears the following paragraph:
“Dr. Gowan is properly proud of his ancestral records, which shows loyal and patriotic service on both sides of the family in the American Revolution. His grandfather, Alexander Gowan, was a native of South Carolina, and the first name of the grandmother was Martha, and they were married in South Carolina, from which state they later moved to Mississippi. The paternal great-grandfather, Gen. John Gowan, served as an officer in the American Revolution. The maternal grandfather was William W. Dodd, born in Kentucky in 1806, and he married Meary Teague, born at Montgomery Alabama.”
Dr. Jesse Earl Gowan died September 23, 1957, probably at Clanton, Alabama.
Children born to Dr. Jesse Earl Gowan and Ruth Johnson Gowan include:
Jesse Samuel Gowan born April 30, 1910
Joe Earl Gowan born July 6, 1914
Ruth Johnson Gowan born January 18, 1919
Paul Martins Gowan born January 15, 1923
Sallie Dodd Gowan born September 23,1930
Jesse Samuel Gowan, first child of Dr, Jesse Earl Gowan and Ruth Johnson Gowan, was born April 30, 1910, probably in Clanton.
He was married April 23, 1939 to Miriam Baker Dunn. In 1940, Dr. Jesse Samuel Gowan, a dentist, like his father, and Miriam Baker Dunn Gowan were living at 613 Locust Avenue, Huntsville, Alabama. His office was located at 601 Times Building. Miriam Baker Dunn Gowan was employed by the Department of Public Welfare at that time.
The Huntsville city directory carried listings for the couple in its 1940, 1943, 1947, 1951, 1953, 1955, 1961 and 1971 editions. In the 1971 edition Miriam Baker Dunn Gowan, a teacher at the Huntsville High School, residing at 1016 McClung Avenue SE, was listed alone.
In 1975 Dr. Jesse Samuel Gowan and Miriam Baker Dunn Gowan continued to live in Huntsville, Alabama.
Children born to Dr. Jesse Samuel Gowan and Miriam Baker Dunn Gowan include:
JoAnna Gowan born January 23, 1941
Jesse Paul Gowan born October 6, 1943
Joe Perry Gowan born June 13, 1945
JoAnna Gowan, first child of Dr. Jesse Samuel Gowan and Miriam Baker Dunn Gowan, was born January 23, 1941 at Huntsville, Alabama. She was married November 7, 1959 to William LaVern Burkett.
Children born to William LaVern Burkett and JoAnna Gowan Burkett include:
William Earl Burkett born November 19, 1961
Martha Ann Burkett born May 19, 1968
Jessie Paul Gowan, second child of Dr. Jesse Samuel Gowan and Miriam Baker Dunn Gowan, was born January 23, 1941, at Huntsville, Alabama. He was married in May 1965 to Yolanda Lee. He was employed as a technician at Brown Engineering Company, Huntsville. He died May 15, 1969.
Children born to Jessie Paul Gowan and Yolanda Lee Gowan include:
Paul Alan Gowan born April 14, 1966
Audra Elizabeth Gowan born December 26, 1967
Michael David Gowan born October 1, 1969
Yolanda Lee Gowan in 1971 continued to live at 1010 McClung Avenue SE in the same block with her husband’s parents.
Joe Pery Gowan, third child of Dr. Jesse Samuel Gowan and Miriam Baker Dunn Gowan, was born June 13, 1945 at Huntsville, Alabama. In 1971 he was shown in the city directory as a student living at the home of his mother at 1016 McClung Avenue S.E. in Huntsville.
He was married to Sarah Clark May 2, 1973. Nothing more is known of Joe Perry Gowan, Sarah Clark Gowan or descendants.
Joe Earl Gowan, second child of Dr. Jesse Earl Gowan and Ruth Johnson Gowan, was born July 6, 1914, probably at Clanton. He was married February 11, 1942 to Elizabeth Warrick, who was born in 1918. Elizabeth Warrick Gowan died in 1971, and Joe Earl Gowan, a dentist, was remarried to Lucylle Nelson Lolley. In 1975 Joe Earl Gowan and Lucylle Nelson Lolley Gowan lived on Gowan Road in Clanton.
Children born to Dr. Joe Earl Gowan and Elizabeth Warrick include:
Walter Earl Gowan born December 2, 1945
Barnette Dodd Gowan born April 23, 1950
Walter Earl Gowan, first child of Dr. Joe Earl Gowan and Elizabeth Warrick Gowan, was born December 2, 1945, probably in Clanton. He was married September 2, 1972 to Carole Frances Railey. Names of children born to Walter Earl Gowan and Carole Frances Railey Gowan are unknown.
Barnett Dodd Gowan, second child of Dr. Joe Earl Gowan and Elizabeth Warrick Gowan, was born April 23, 1950 in Clanton.
Ruth Johnson Gowan, third child of Dr. Jesse Earl Gowan and Ruth Johnson Gowan, was born January 18, 1919, probably at Clanton. She was married January 1, 1939 to John Manning Higgins. In 1975 they lived in Clanton.
Children born to John Manning Higgins and Ruth Johnson Gowan include:
Ruth Mary Higgins born February 13, 1955
Sallie Juliet Higgins born April 6, 1959
Paul Mertins Gowan, fourth child of Dr. Jesse Earl Gowan and Ruth John Gowan, was born January 15, 1923 at Clanton. He was married January 8, 1949 to Ellen Shiff.
Children born to Paul Mertins Gowan and Ellen Shiff Gowan include:
Earl Harrington Gowan born July 13, 1950
Paul Mertins Gowan, Jr. born March 5, 1953
Karl Strock Gowan born September 24, 1956
Earl Harrington Gowan, first child of Paul Mertins Gowan and Ellen Shiff Gowan, was born July 13, 1950. He was married July 1, 1972 to Diana Ruth Driver. Names of children born to Earl Harrington Gowan and Diana Ruth Driver Gowan are unknown.
Paul Mertins Gowan, Jr., second child of Paul Mertins Gowan and Ellen Shiff Gowan, was born March 5, 1953.
Karl Strock Gowan, third child of Paul Mertins Gowan and Ellen Shiff Gowan, was born September 24, 1956.
Sallie Dodd Gowan, fifth child of Dr. Jess Earl Gowan and Ruth Johnson Gowan, was born September 23, 1930.
She was married January 29, 1949 to Francis William Speaks. In 1975 Francis William Speaks and Sallie Dodd Gowan Speaks lived in Clanton.
Children born to them include:
Susan Leigh Speaks born December 16, 1950
Francis William Speaks born August 12, 1952
Christopher Gowan Speaks born March 7, 1965
Ellen Dodd Speaks born April 28, 1971
Luther Morris Gowan, sixth child of Jesse Cledy Gowan and Frances Rogers “Fannie” Dodd Gowan, was born October 11, 1881, at Kosciusko. He was married to Leila Ann Biggs December 13, 1903.
In 1975 Luther Morris Gowan at age 93 lived in Weir, Mississippi. Children born to Luther Morris Gowan and Leila Ann Biggs Gowan include:
Willie Andrew Gowan born February 26, 1905
Myrven Everett Gowan born December 27, 1906
Morris Biggs Gowan born September 2, 1910
Jesse Meek Gowan born June 5, 1921
Willie Andrew Gowan, first child of Luthr Morris Gowan and Leila Ann Biggs Gowan, was born February 26, 1905. He was married March 1, 1937 to Katherine Farish.
Children born to Willie Andrew Gowan and Katherine Farish Gowan include:
Daphine Gowan born February 2, 1930
Daphine Gowan, only child of Willie Andrew Gowan and Katherine Farish, was born February 2, 1930. She was married about 1951 to C. P. Strong, Jr.
Children born to C. P. Strong, Jr. and Daphine Gowan Strong include:
Vickey Strong born August 3, 1953
Myrven Everett Gowan, second child of Luther Morris Gowan and Leila Ann Biggs Gowan, was born December 27, 1906. In 1975 he lived in Weir.
Morris Biggs Gowan, third child of Luther Morris Gowan and Leila Ann Biggs Gowan, was born September 2, 1910. He was married June 15, 1963, at age 53 to Pauline Gilbert Cook. In 1975 Morris Biggs Gowan and Pauline Gilbert Cook Gowan lived in Weir. No children were born to them.
Jesse Meek Gowan, fourth child of Luther Morris Gowan and Leila Ann Biggs Gowan, was born June 5, 1921. He was married March 15, 1947 to Elizabeth Jinkins. In 1975 they lived in Edwards, Mississippi.
Children born to Jesse Meek Gowan and Elizabeth Jinkins Gowan include:
Billy Morris Gowan born July 14, 1948
Billy Morris Gowan, only child of Jesse Meek Gowan and Elizabeth Jinkins Gowan, was born July 14, 1948.
Amzi Meek Gowan, seventh child of Jesse Cledy Gowan and Frances Rogers “Fannie” Dodd Gowan, was born February 16, 1885 at Kosciuscko. He was married September 20, 1911 to Kathryn Nell Mullins. Amzi Meek Gowan died July 31, 1965.
Children born to Amzi Meek Gowan and Kathryn Nell Mullins Gowan include:
William Amzi Gowan born July 11, 1913
Mildred Nell Gowan born July 11, 1913
Sarah Frances Gowan born October 14, 1929
William Amzi Gowan, first child of Amzi Meek Gowan and Kathryn Nell Mullins Gowan, was born July 11, 1913. He died July 18, 1934 unmarried.
Alexander Gowan, believed to be the fifth child of John Gowan was born in North Carolina in lB16, according to Phillip Alan Gowan. However the American Historic al Society in its “History of Alabama,” page 672, states that “Alexander Gowan was a native of South Carolina,” probably quoting Dr. Jesse Earl Gowan, a grandson.
Alexander Gowan was married about 133$ in South Carolina to Martha McCarter, according to “History of Ala~ama.” According to Phillip
4U~ . Alan Gowan they were married in Attala County, Mississippi.
Alexander Gowan appeared in Attala County, Mississippi in the late la30’s. His family was enumerated in the 1840, lB50 and 1260 census reports of that county. He died there April 28, 1869.
Children born to Ale~ander Gowan and Martha McCarter Gowan
include:
Eda Gowan born in 1835
Garrett Gowan born July 2, 1841
Isaac Gowan born January 10, 1844
Dr. Jesse D. Gowan born in 1845
Alexander Gowan born September 28, 1859
Eda Gowan, believed to be the first child of Alexander Gowan
was born in either South Carolina or Attala County, Mississippi
in 1835. She appeared in the 1850 and 1860 census reports of Attala
County, according to Phillip Alan Gowan. About 1860 she was
married, husband’s name Dic~ens, Nothing more is known of Eda Gowan
Dicens or descendants.
Garrett Gowan, second known child of Alexander Gowan and Martha McCarter Gowan and apparently a namesake of his grandmother’s family, was born July 2, 1841 in Attala County, Mississippi.
He appeared in the Attala County, Mississippi census returns of 1850, 1860 and 1870, and was enumerated in Grayson County, Texas in 188~0. Upon his death, his body was returned to Sallis, Attala County, Mississippi for burial. Names of descendants are unknown.
Isaac Gowan, third known child of Alexander Gowan and Martha McCarter Gowan was born in Attala County, Mississippi January 10, 1844. About 1866 he was married to Sarah Shelly and later was married to Frances Sudduth. He appeared in the 1850 and 1860 census reports of Attala CountyO He died February 23, 1914, place unknown.
Children born to Isaac Gowan include:
R. Isaac “Ike” Gowan born in 1874
R. Isaac “Ike” Gowan, only known child of Isaac Gowan and Sarah Shelly Gowan, was born in la74, probably in Attala, County, Mississippi. He died in 1958, place unknown.
Children born to R. Isaac “Ike~ Gowan include:
Austin Gowan born about 1904
Austin Gowan, only known child of R. Isaac ~Ike” Gowan was born about 1904. Nothing more is known of this individual or descendants.
Jesse D. Gowan, fourth known child of Alexander Gowan and Martha McCa~ter Gowan, was born about 1~45 in Attala County, ~lississippi.
About 1869 he was married to Fannie Dodd, daughter of William Dodd and Mary Teague ~odd at Kosciusko, Mississippi, where they maintained their home thooughout their lif~times.
Jesse D. Gowan was a farmer and a realtor there, according to the American Historical Society,” “History of Alabama,” in 1927 when the volume was published.
Nine children were born to Jesse D. Gowan and Fannie Dodd
Gowan:
Jennie Gowan born about 1871
Everett Gowan born about 1873
Mattie Gowan born about 1875
Will Ellis Gowan born about 1877
Jesse Earl Gowan born February 20, 187g
Amzi Gowan born about la82
Nell Gowan born about 1886
Mary Gowan born about 1899
Morris Gowan born about 1892
Jennie Gowan, first child of Jesse D. Gowan and Fannie Dodd Gowan, was born about 1871 at Kosciusko, Mississippi.
409 . Abput 1895 she was married to Dr. R. E. Dickens. Three children, names unknown were born to Dr. R. E. Dickens and Jennie 60wan Dickens.
Everett Gowan, second child of Jesse D. Gowan and Fannie Dodd Gowan, was born about 1~73 at Kosciusko, Mississippi. About 1895 he was married to Alice Wooten. Fourteen children, names unknown, were born to Everett Gowan and AlicE Wotten Gowan.
Mattie Gowan, third child of Jesse D. Gowan and Fannie Dodd Gowan, was born about 1~75 at Kosciusko, Mississippi. He died at age 16.
Will Ellis Gowan, fourth child of Jesse ~. Gowan and Fannie Dodd Gowan, was born about 1~77 at Kosciusko, Mississippi.
About 1900 he was married to Ros~ Harkins. Four children, names unknown, were born to Will Ellis Gowan and Rosa Harkins Gowan.
Dr. Jesse Earl Gowan, fifth child of Jesse D. Gowan and Fannie Dodd Gowan, was born February 20, 18~79 at Kosciusko, Mississippi.
After attending public schools at Kosciusko he enrolled at the ~rrmingham Dental College and was graduated in 1906 as a doctor of dental surgery. In 1906 he opened a dental office at Clanton, Mississippi.
On April 20, 1906 he was married to Ruth Johnson J3/1.1), daughter of ~r. Joseph 5. Johnson and Sallie Strock Johnson.
In “History of Alabama, page g 672, appears the following paragraph:
“Dr. Gowan is properly proud of his ancestral records, which shows loyal and patriotic service on both sides of the family in the American Revolution. His grandfather, Alexander Gowan, was a native of South Carolina, and the first name of the grandmother ~v was Martha, and they were married in South Carolina, from which state they later moved to Mississippi. The paternal great‑grandfather, General John Gowan, served ae an officer in the American Revolution. The maternal grandfather was William Dodd, a native of Kentucky, and he married Mary Teague, Montgomery, Alabama.”
Nothing more is known of Dr. Jesse Earl Gowan and Ruth Johnson Gowan. Children born to them include:
Jesse Sam Gowan born about 1910
Joe Earl Gowan born about 1912
Ruth Gowan born about 1915
Paul Mertins Gowan born about 1918
Amzi Gowan, sixth child of Jesse D. Gowan and Fannie
. Dodd Gowan, was born about 1382 at Kosciusko, Mississippi.
About 1905 he was married to Nell Mullins. Two children, names unknown, were born to Amzi Gowan and Nell Mullins Gowan. Nothing more is known of this couple or descendants.
Nell Gowan, seventh child of Jesse D. Gowan and Fannie Dodd Gowan was born about 1866 at Kosciusko, Mississippi. About 1906 she was married to Ross Mullins, believed to be a brother to Nell Mullins Gowan. Two children, names unknown, were born to this union before the untimely death of Ross Mullins. Later ~ell Gowan Mullins was m~ried to Oscar Jones and one son was born to this union before 1927. Nothing more is known of Oscar Jones, Nell Gowan Mullins Jones or descendants.
Mary Gowan, eighth child of Jesse D. Gowan and Fannie Dodd Gowan, was born about 1889 at Kosciusko, Mississippi. She died at nine months.
Morris Gowan, ninth child of Jesse D. Gowan and Fannie Dodd Gowan was born about 1892 at Kosciusko, Mississippi. He was married to Lela Biggs about 1912. Four children, names unknown, were born to Morris Gowan and Lela Biggs Gowan Alexander Gowan, fifth known child of Alexander Gowan and Martha McCarter Gowan, was born in Attala County, Mississippi
411 . September 2a, 1859. On April 11, 1894 he was married to Sallie ~ood in Attala County, Mississippi. He died ~xe November 2Z, 1904, place unknown. Children born to Alexander 60wan and Sallie Wood Gowan are unknown.
A Frank Young Gowan, a son of Lewis Gowan, both unidentified, but possibly a son and grandson of Alexander Gowan, were living in Kosciusko, Mississippi in 1972. m Hugh M. Gowan, believed to be third child of John Gowan was born about 1785 probably in Orange County, North Carolina. He appeared in Rutherford County, North Carolina in 1820 where he received land from Abraham Brandon, according to Deed ~ook 32‑3~, page 19~.
On February 23, lBl~ he witnessed the transfer of 200 acres of land in Rutherford County from Alexander ~owan, believed to be his brother, Alexander Gowan, to Robert Wells~ Hugh M. Gowan signed his name with an “X”, indicating illiteracy.
Hugh M. Gowan next appears in ~arion County, Mississippi in 1826 where he witnessed a legal instrument for Elizabeth Lott, according to ~ook ~, page 154.
He did not appear as the head of a household in the census of Mississippi for either 1~20 ~ or 1830, indicating perhaps that he did not marry. In the 1830 census of Copiah County, Mississippi a “white male, age 40‑60” appearea in the household of Meredith Gowan, a ne~phew of Hugh M. Gowan and this individual is believed to be Hugh M. Gowan ~56/3.3).
Nothing more is known of this individual or descendants.
Daniel Gowen, believed to be the fourth child of Alexander Gowen was born about 1757 probably in Virginia. He removed with his father to Orange County, North Carolina about 1770.
He appeared in the 1790 census of Fairfield County, Camden District, South Carolina as the head of a household composed of “one male over 16 years,
412. three males under 16 and two females.”
Notheng more is known of this individual or descendants.
Henry Gowen, believed to be the fifth child of Alexander Eowen was born about 1760, probably in Virginia. He ~ removed with his father to Orange County, North Carolina about 1770.
He appeared in the 1790 census of Fairfield County, Camden Di~trict, South Carolina as “Henry Gowin” head of household composed of “one male over 16, one male under 16 addthree females.”
Nothing more is known of this individual or descendants.
Alexander Gowen is believed to have been born in Virginia about 1720 of parents unknown. He was married about 1745, wife’s name unknown, and shortly afterwards removed to Orange Couuntyt North Carolina
Alexander Gowen appeared in the legal records of tkrtx~u Orange County when he and his son, Alexander Gowen, Jr. ~iqx signed a petition requesting thtt Orange C~ nty be divided and the boundarie ~ early defined!~according to “Colonial Records of North Carolina~by Clarke, Volume 9, page 80~. Since the petition was granted and
Count~was carved from Orange County in 1771, it is believed that the Gowen signatures were affi~ed about 1770. The ~etition was addressed to the last royal governor of the colony.
Other signors included John 60wen Daniel Gowen and Enas Gowen, unidentified.
Chatham ) ~ount~,
_hildrr‑rl 1~3rn to i;lrxandtr ~owen are belitvr~tJ to incluo’s:
Alt‑~xandL~r ‘,olJ~rn, Jr. hf7rn a’~out 175C
Jesse O~c~ n ~ born about 17’‑2
~_ ~ horn abou t 1754
ani. 1 . o wc n (~,7/1‑4) b o rn about 1757
Hcnry .~owcr ( ‘~7/1. 5 ) born 2.00U t 1761J
.ilc~xandcr ‘,ol~c~n, ~r. (~7/1.1), l~clii_ved to bc~ thc first child of al.~xan~ r Ju~c~n ( ,r~’/l.lJ ~,~a/i barn abou‑t 1753, probably ir ‘~ir~inia. I‑~r rf~movec’ ~ his fa~h~r’r f2mily to i~range _ounty, ”orth ~ olin2 .!~hcrr ‘.sit‑Jfilc~c’ thc~ ‑)c‑’‑i‑ ion for par’Lit‑’on. Foll~win~ tnQ .’~.f~volu’i3n~ry .ar h~ rernov .d alorln wi th his bro‑thcrs to ~ar7df n ii~‑trict~ . outh Carnl.’ na, .~rhaps to land rrcc7 vcd for r.7ilitary sc~rvicn.s.
Hc app.n2r ~d ~n thc 17~30 ccnsus of f‑Lirfif lc‑l ~;ounty as “i~1clX ~3W~ .ns ~ale ovc 1′, ~an~ m~le undcr lG, ‑threc frr7alt‑s, n3 ~lavrs and n;~ f‑ !C’ co1or~J · r..~ s ns . ”
.’il_x2nr 3~‑rn, ~Ir. (:~7/l.L) app~arcd in July 17~31 in thc ‘ DS ~
~=‑.’2~ Hf. receiv d Z lan.’ f3rant from ‘tfSE /t2tn ~ r Tenrl.~sscc~ i n
1~314, an~l i.t i ~ nawn ‑tr7at this rt~cipir‑~nt harl Torr7r~rly 1~ vcl’ in Lrc~nnc~
_ount~, ~o‑th .~arclin2. I’iothin~ mor~ is known of this inc~iv. c’uzl r ‘ his
descendants.
Jesse ~owen, helieved to be the second child of Alexandr Gowen, was born about 1752 probably in Virginia. He removed w*th his father’s family to Orange County, North Carolina. Following the ~evolutionary War he re~oved along with his brothers to Camden District, Fairfield County, South Carolina. His household was enumerab ted in the 1790 census of that county as “Je~se Goin, one male over 16, two males under 16, one female, no slaves and no free colored persons.”
It is believed that among the children born to Jesse Go~en wass
Jesse Gowen s born about 1772.
Jesse 60wen, assumed to be the son of Jesse Gowen was born about 1772 probably in Orange County, North Carolina. Later he lived in C~mden District, Fairfield County, South Carolina when his ~atherls household was snumerated in the 1790 census.
/ It i8 believed that he removed to Mississippi in the 15305 along with other members of the family. A”Je ~ ~ en~’l appeared in then
4 \ 1840 census of Smith County, adjoining the ouseholds of John M. G~ \ e~c~ an ~ and Richard Gowan, assumed to he his \ first cousins once‑removed.
The household was enumerated in the 1840 census of Smith County, page 228 as:
“Gowens, Jesse white male 60‑70 white female 60‑70 white male 20‑30 white male 5‑10”
Jesse Gowen, a farmer, owned two slaves at the time of the 1840 census.
John Gowen believed to be the third son of Alexander Gowen, was born about 1754, probably in Virginia. He removed with his father’s family to Orange County, North Carolina, living there about 1770. It is believed that he served in the Revolutiona War as a North Carolina soldier. During the Revolutionary War the spelling of his name was changed from Gowen to Gowan. Following the war he removed with his brothers to Camden District, Fairfield County, South Carolina. His household W.IS 1 scad in ~he 1790 census of that county as: “Goin, John white male over 16 white male under 16 three females No slaves and no free colored persons were members of the household. It is believed that children born to John Gowan include:
Alexander Gowan born about 1775
John Gowan born about 1780
Hugh M. Gowan born about 1785
Garrett Gowan born about 1790
The following article was wntten Phillip Gowan, a former Corsicana resident now living in Hermitage, Tenn. The reading class referred to by Gowan in the piece was at Drane Junior E [igh School in Corsicana, and the teacher was Mrs. Ella Fultun. Derek Rogers, who is referred to in the article, spent his first week in America in 1979 in Corsicana. Gowan grew up in Corsicana and graduated from Corsicana High School in 1971.
Like so many things in life, the voyage was the result of happenstance. It was a stormy afternoon in the 1960s and tornado warnings had been issued for northeastern Texas. Our reading teacher had a difficult time keeping her class under control and in exasperation she sentenced each of us to write a report based on Nationa~ Geographic Magazine articles. ~y eyes fell randomly on the story of a small group of people returning to an island called Trist;an da Cunha after a volcanic eruption had forced their exile in 1961. The destination was described as the ~41i~ i61and in the world.” Thus began my deep and enduring interest in a tiny speck in the South Atlantic Ocean.
For nearly 30 years I entertained the hope of someday walking on the soil of Tristan da Cunha and for 20 of those years made serious inquiries in an attempt to secure passage. But this island is unlike any other in the world. There are no regularly scheduled ships traveling to this remote outpost, located 1,800 miles southwest of Cape Town, South Africa. The distance and topography of the island make air travel impossible. On occasion fishing boats venture out in search of spiny lobsters which thrive in Tristan waters, but the owners of these vessels were difficult to identify, and when I did make contact, they ~latly refused to consider transporting me. Even worse, the 320 souls on Tristan comprise a society closed to tourism and permission is required (and routinely denied) ~o would‑be visitors.
But for many years I had nur~ured an ace in my deck of cards. As a child I established a friend$hip with a little island boy named ~ereck Rogers. We corresponded as best we could as mail takes as long as six months to arrive on Tristan. After reaching adulthood I managed to bring him him to Nashville to visit on several occa‑
:jIUI~ ~IU vve Uel;~lle Llle vel~ ue:: L
of friends. ~e was the first person from Tristan da Cunha ever to come to America.
In November of 1992 I discovered that a fishing boat would be leaving Cape Town for Tristan in January. A British mailboat would also be making a brief call on the island late in the same month and would continue on to South Africa. A flurry of calls, letters and telegrams to that country and to England finally yielded permission to travel. And my longtime friend intervened and secured permission from the Tristan island council for an outsider to visit. I would be the first person ever to be allowed to vacation on Tristan da Cunha.
On a sunny summer day in the southern hemisphere, I am an oddity among the rough South African crew of a small fishing vessel sailing through the backwaters of Nowhere. After a 29hour flight from Nashville to Cape Town, I had watched the city slip away on the horizon and for seven endless days there was nothing to see but he swells and valleys of a treacherous span of ocean known as the Roaring ~orties. By the fourth day ou$ ~here was not a single sea bird to be seen. The fishing vessel was small, dark, damp and dirty. I was provided with one towel and no washcloth to last the week and the water from the taps of the shower was rusty.
Near to Tristan a huge body of air flows to the northeast over a body of water running down to the southwest. This produces “abnormal waves” resulting in the violent waters and dreaded anchorage of Tristan da Cunha. The ocean grew progressively worse the final three days of the trip and we feared we wouldn’t be able to get ashore even after arriving. But a rare calm spread across the waters during the early moming of January 21 and by daybreak Tristan lay just ahead, lush and inviting.
Glancing across the water to the little island settlement, my consciousness surrendered to a single sight and wordless emotion. I did not think of the 30 years of dreaming of this moment. What remained of them was a quiet and solemn feeling. The feeling was a sum, and I did not have to count the parts that had gone to make it.
The sight was its own meaning and pur~pose with no further end to reach.
It was not a town, only a cluster of houses scattered at random
ol tne mountain a~ove thelr roo~. The mountain was a stretch of rocks ground against one another with boulders hanging in precarious formations, with long dark crevices and other contorted shapes. The cliffs were blanketed with lush green grass, fern and moss. The coastline was a wall of sheer and jagged black cliffs patterned with vast lumps of broken stone and wildly raging foam blown into sheets by down draughts and whipped up to lash towards the albatrosses that glided smoothly overhead.
To the east of the settlement my eyes fell on an ominous, black protrusion from the green earth– the volcano. It looked like a puffed, venomous mushroom with sloppy, unspecific fingers groveling toward the ocean. It was ugly, but coupled with my disdain for the sight was the realization that if this thing did not exist, I would never have heard of Tristan da Cunha.
Tristan was settled first in 1816 by a British garrison to prevent loyalists of Napoleon from a rescue attempt. Over the years various sailors shipwrecked in the waters and at one time five “duskie women” volunteered to come from St. Helena Island to become wives. The present population is a mixture of Dutch, British, Scottish, American, Italian and “duskie” ancestry. There are only eight family names–Glass, Green, Hagan, Lavarelio, Patterson, Repetto, Rogers and Swain, and everyone is related through intermarriage. There is no mental retardation, no childhood diseases and until sugar became more available in recent years, many
onginai teetn–witn no cavities. Life expectancy is 80 and even islanders in their 90s retain their original hair color.
The people speak an oddly Victorian form of English with a number of peculiar aspects. All words beginning with vowels are pronounced beginning with an ~h” sound. It was good to know this in advance as I heard a baby referred to as h’ugly, an old woman addressed as h’Agnes, and my friend’s little daughter was admonished to h’eat her h’eggs. and no question of morals was involved when a little boy accused another of stealing his h’oar.
The population has a reputation of being shy and unfriendly to outsiders. But from the moment of my arrival I was treated like royalty. Tristan seems to be a microcosm of the outside world. They have an island gvssip, an island hypochondriac, an island drunk and an island “scary womanr (known to the children as ~Old Boo”). “Old Boo” is terrified of cameras and as I had mine around my neck most of the time, she avoided me like smallpox. My father provided Tristan with its first Polaroid in the 1970s snd many of the elderly people (including a br~vther of ~Old Boo”) thought it to be magic and fled whenever they saw it.
In 1961 the entire population of Tristan was exiled to England when a “flaming bubble” arose at the side of the settlement. The emergency evacuation of the island left the people with little more than the clothes they could witn tne ommous ~DuDDIe Deicning lava they shed no tears and their faces tightened into retaining walls against the agony they felt. Upon arrival in South Africa they saw television, skyscrapers, horses and many other marvels as they drank in the sights of civilization in stunned amazement. But after 18 months of exile in England, they handed the modern world a profound rebuke and voted almost unanimously to return to Tristan.
Prior to the volcano, Tristan da Cunha was largely ignored by the world. Women washed clothes in the island stream and dried them on boulders. There was no electricity and bird fat was used in lamps. If one ventured out at night a firebrand was heated and waved in front of the feet to provide some meager light.
Today there is electricity [from 7 a.m. to midnight] and one finds most homes furnished with many modern conveniences. there are no telephones, only three motor vehicles, and televisions are worthless unless one owns a VC~ The people show little interest in events of the outside world or politics although there is at least one Rush Limbaugh fan on the island and some of the people refer to Hillary Clinton as “America’s Cookie Monster.”
There has never been a divorce on Tristan and the doors of the homes are never locked. Although there is a jail, it has never been used. During my stay a violent gale blew in from the east with howling winds unll any I had
sanK ana ~ne ~nree people aDoara made it to shore bnnging along a squirrel monlcey. As Tristan is a disease‑free island an order was issued to destroy the monkey. The owners resisted and were arrested. Theirs was the first cnme in the history of the island. They were sent directly offthe idand to a mailboat (which brou~ht the first mail since June) so the jail’s record of non‑use is intact.
My final day on Tnstan am~ed all too soon. The chief islanter, Lewis Glass, came to tell me I’d always be welcome back on Tristan. “Old Boo” stayed behint closed doors, safely away from my Minolta. Numerous i81anders came to give me presonts and Hilary Rogers boiled a bowl full of lobster tails for me. I thought about the long days I faced on the ocean and how far away my home was. But even the loneliest i~landon the globe boasts proof that it is a small world–via the mailboat someone had sent two fruitcakes to the island council from my hometown of Corsicana, Texaa ·
I departed for Cape Town on January 28 in the lab aften~n. As Tristan became a va~ dladow in the distance I wa~ pictur~ the people settling down to read their long‑awaited mail, gossiping about the arrest of the
key people,” and baskin~ in the silence broken only by the occasional crow of a rooster. And ~ I reached for my camera to take one final shot of the honzon, I fdt ca~ tain that a sigh of relief was echoing through the cotta~ze of ~OId Boo.”
carry as ~ney were wmsKea away to Cape Town. Fewer than a dozen had ever seen the outside world
Alexander Gowan, assumed to be the first child of John Gowen was born in North Carolina, proably Orange (or Chatham) County about 1775. Later his father’s family removed to Fairfield County, South Carolina. Later he returned to his native state, purchased land in Rutberford County, North Carolina in 1796. Th is transaction was recorded in Rutherford County Deed Book M‑Q, page 330 as “Alexander Going, grantee” of land from “James Huddleston, grantor.”
Garrett Hubert Gowan Needed
Elbowroom as He Moved West
Garrett Hubert Gowan, son of Richard Gowan and Susan Peacock Gowan, was born March 29, 1845 in Smith County, Mississippi. He was a student at Sylvarena Academy there at the outbreak of the Civil War, and at the age of 16 immediately volunteered in the first Confederate company raised in Smith County for the Sixteenth Mississippi Infantry Regiment.
His regiment quickly moved to Virginia and reported to Gen. Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson just in time to participate in the Battle of Cross Keys in June 1862. This engagement was followed in quick succession by the Battle of Seven Days, and the desperate Battle of Malvern Hill. During the battle, Pvt. Gowan was ordered to the rear and handed a discharge–the army had become aware that he was underage.
Garrett Hubert Gowan was sent home where he stewed in impatience until his eighteenth birthday. On March 18, 1863 he re-enlisted, and because of the spirit of this eager young volunteer, he was allowed to return to Virginia to resume his place in his old company in the Sixteenth. Because of his youth, he was assigned to provost guard duty upon his return, but was finally allowed into combat in the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse. Here in May 1864 the armies of Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant grappled with each other for two weeks in hand-to-hand combat.
Young Gowan received a severe leg wound in the battle and was sent to the hospital. Six months later, after recovering from his wound, he was retreating with his regiment.
He was taken prisoner in North Carolina in a battle on the Weldon & Petersburg Railroad. He was confined in Pt. Lookout, Maryland where he was paroled and exchanged in the following winter.
Garrett Hubert Gowan returned home and was married May 16, 1866 to Mary Elizabeth Lyles, his classmate and childhood sweetheart. She was born June 6, 1849 to John Tharp Lyles and Julia A. Davis Lyles. John Tharp Lyles was an outstanding citizen, according to “History of North & West Texas,” published in 1906 by Capt. B. B. Paddock:
“He was a prominent merchant, farmer and man-of-affairs who served with distinction in the Twenty-seventh Mississippi Infantry. He died in 1874 from the effects of a terrible wound in the neck received during the Vicksburg siege the day before the surrender. He had creditably filled public office in Noxobee and Smith Counties. His brother, Dr. W. D. Lyles was Surgeon General of the Confederate Army. Mrs. Julia A. Davis Lyles was noted not only for her attractive personality and numerous accomplishments, but was distinguished by her marked intellectuality, charm of manner and gifted conversational powers.”
Immediately, the young couple left for Texas, hoping to rid themselves of the oppression of the carpetbaggers who were flooding into Mississippi.
“Being of enterprising and adventurous disposition, they removed thither, and departed by rail for Vicksburg. Upon their arrival there, they boarded the Steamship “Madam Ruth” for Little Rock where they joined his sister and her husband for the difficult part of the journey to Texas. Mr. Gowan began his preparation for the overland trip by buying a good yoke of oxen and an old Illinois wagon. Dressed in homespun but each with a belt of $20 gold pieces around the waist, they started bravely forth.”
He began ranching in Ellis County and Navarro County, Texas and drove his herds to New Orleans when ready for sale. Ranchers allowed their cattle to roam on the open range making them easy prey for rustlers and horsethieves in the lawless post-war period. To reduce his losses to theft, Garrett Hubert Gowan strung the first barbed-wire fences in Navarro County about 1872. Settlers began pouring into Navarro County and breaking out the land for cultivation. Feeling crowded, he removed to Eufala, Indian Territory and started over in ranching amidst the Choctaws and Cherokees.
The threat of Sooners and Oklahoma land rushes convinced him that his future lay farther west. In 1876, he resettled in Clay County, Texas near the site of old Camp Wichita, a post erected for the protection of settlers from the Indians. Here he acquired 8,000 acres of grassland.
Thirty years after he arrived in Clay County, Garrett Hubert Gowan found himself again surrounded by “sodbusters.” His 8,000 acres had become an oasis of grass surrounded on all sides by sod and settlers, and he again felt the pressures of civilization. At that time his family convinced him that a 63-year-old cowboy had no business in moving and starting over again farther west. They prevailed up him to buy a home in Ft. Worth and become a “city dude.” The women in his family enjoyed the cultural advantages that “Cowtown,” a metropolitan city with 27,000 inhabitants, streetcars and an opera house could provide. Garrett Hubert Gowan stewed and longed for the open range.
In 1912, when he could stand it no more, he bought a three-section ranch in Gaines County, Texas, on the New Mexico line for $12,000 cash. Garrett Hubert Gowan and Mary Elizabeth Liles Gowan were influenced by their children to return to Ft. Worth frequently. They observed their golden wedding anniversary there in 1916 and came back again in 1924 for their 58th wedding anniversary.
In 1918, Garrett Hubert Gowan became a pioneer again. He applied for a federal land grant on New Mexico ranchland. After four years of “proving up” on his claim, Pres. Woodrow Wilson signed a land patent in 1922 to the 76-year-old settler. Through all the years, Garrett Hubert Gowan had retained a small ranch just south of Henrietta, the county seat of Clay County. Whenever he began to feel “hemmed in,” he could recapture the pioneering spirit by returning to Henrietta.
He died there May 10, 1930, according to Clay County Death Book 2, page 23. He was buried in Bellevue Cemetery, according to “Cemeteries of Clay County, Texas” by Walter Speakman. His widow died in the same year and was buried beside her husband.
Children born to them include:
Terrie Eudora “Teedo” Gowan born January 17, 1868
Robert Sherwood Gowan born August 8, 1869
Edward Elexandria Gowan born March 9, 1871
Richard Tharp Gowan born December 2, 1873
Maggie Julia Gowan born January 1, 1876
Susan Maude Gowan born March 18, 1878
Mary Eolian Gowan born October 8, 1881
Garrett Hubert Gowan, Jr. born September 13, 1893
By Col. Michael O. Beck
On June 13, 1865, Wayne Gowin took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, while a prisoner of Federal soldiers at Point Lookout, Maryland. He had been a prisoner of war less than two months then, having been captured along with 250 other men of his unit, the Sixteenth Mississippi Volunteer Infantry Regiment at Battery Gregg in the gallant defense of Petersburg, Virginia. There he had fought his last battle of the war to buy Robert E. Lee and his shadow of an army, 28,000 men, precious time in their final withdrawal toward a meeting with destiny at Appomattox April 9, 1865.
His military service was distinguished by many of the greatest battles of that tragic civil war–Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, to name a few. His record shows he served his cause continuously over four years, except for one brief furlough. The fact that he survived continuous battle for that long is remarkable. On June 23 he was released from prison for “Transportation to Jackson, Mississippi.”
Wayne’s first priority after the war was to resume a relationship with Cornelia Agee, 24 years old and new to the community when he joined the Confederate army.
In the first of 10 love letters of Wayne and Cornelia that survive, he wrote from his home in Smith County in October 1866:
“I respectfully ask for an interview next Saturday morning. In justice to you and alsow [sic] to my self wee [sic] should come to a tacit understanding owing to the impresion [sic] that is prevalent in the county that we will marry. I hope you will grant the desired interview when I hope to know my fate.”
Seven months later, May 19, 1867, Wayne wrote again to his sweetheart, a student at Sylvarena Female Institute in Sylvarena, Mississippi reiterating an earlier marriage proposal:
“Miss Cornie,
After compliments the undersigned would respectfully ask the pleasure of an interview for next Saturday, the 26th at 5 pm.
Miss Cornie, I hope you have given my interrogatories sufficient thought to give me an answer or at least to give me some data from which I may form some idea of your intentions. This I assure you is no matter of secondary importance but one that has caused great anxiety. Indeed my future happiness depends on it to a greater or less extent. And I hope you will weigh the matter well in all of its lights and shades, and if I should be the happy recipient of your love, I will excert [sic] my humble ability to make you happy in the position.
Yours as ever,
Wayne Gowin”
Cornelia was graduated from the Institute and delivered the valedictorian address there in July of 1867. In December 1867, Wayne wrote from Shubuta, Mississippi:
“My Dear Miss Cornie,
I write you a few lines this morning to inform you that I have reached home in good health and with whole bones. Times were very dull here during Christmas. Nothing but egg nogs and turkey dinners though we are anticipating quite a nice time here New Years night. The Shubuta Cowbellions are all gowing [sic] to turne [sic] out in mask or disquise [sic] and march all over town with a band of music and transparent lights. At twelve o’clock they will throw off their masks and welcome New Year in and have a nice supper to which every body is invited. After supper is over they will spend the night in dancing or any other way they see right and proper. I wish you could be here to witness it.
May Heaven’s blessing attend you. Come, come, soon.
Your devoted Wayne”
Wayne was still courting Cornelia in March of 1868, but the relationship was upon rocky shoals at his writing on the 19th:
“Dear friend,
Your letter notifying me of your change of mind was received on the return of Mr. and Mrs. Welch [sister of Cornelia] from Smith.
In reply I will say your will bee don [sic]. I have lived for a different state of things but it has bin [sic] to no purpose. In the future we will meet only as friends. I think I understand the whole. In conclusion, I will say if you love mee [sic] you will marry and risk the consequence. May the lamp of heaven guide you through this life and finally bring you safely to the Haven of Eternal Rest is the prare [sic] of a friend.
Wayne”
The relationship was patched up by the start of the New Year for they were married shortly afterward. Their first child, Charlie V. Gowin was born December 11, 1869 in Shubuta. A second son was born to them July 25, 1872, according to the family bible.
Wayne Gowin died January 2, 1873 at age 32. The second son died shortly afterward while Cornelia was living with her parents, X Joseph Agee and Elizabeth Kate McRae Agee. They were from Montgomery County, South Carolina. Cornelia and Charlie continued with her father when he removed to Arkansas about 1875 seeking to escape the carpetbaggers who had bankrupted his lumber business. The move was made by steamboat up the Arkansas River to Little Rock and then by wagontrain to Logan County where they bought land. Later Cornelia and Charlie removed with family members to Haskell, Texas where she died in 1887. Charlie V. Gowin went on to marry and father 10 children. His surviving children now live in the Texas towns of Kyle, Sealy, Shamrock and Andrews.
Thanks to Edna Gowin of Kyle, daughter of Charlie V. Gowin, for preserving the love letters and giving them to a fourth-generation descendant of Wayne Gowin, patriot and star-crossed lover.
J. Lafayette Gowin, fifth child of John M. Gowan and Mariah J. Peacock Gowan was born at Brandon (Rankin County), Mississippi in 1847, according to family records. Hill County Probate Birth Book 27, page 556, records that he was born in Jasper County, Mississippi. The 1900 census of Hill County, Texas records his birth as “September 1851 in Mississippi.”
He came to Texas in 1873 and to Hillsboro, Texas in 1877 along with his brother, Wilson Walter Gowin. He was elected county clerk of Hill County about 1880. Another source states that he appeared in the 1880 census of Navarro County, Texas.
J. Lafayette Gowin purchased Lot 12, Block 6, Hillsboro from S. E. Carter January 7, 1881, according to Hill County Deed Book 4, page 169. He purchased a lot on the east side of the court house square in Hillsboro, the county seat August 25, 1881 from E. O. Call, giving him a note for $1OO, according to Hill County Deed Book 1, page 574.
He gave a deed to William B. Robinson to the west half of Lot 1, Block 6 December 2, 1881 for $475, according to Hill County Deed Book 4, page 82. On December 17, 1881 he received a deed to seven and one‑half acres of land on Hackberry Creek in Lunsford Survey for $550 from John Barfield, according to Hill County Deed Book 4, page 1O4.
On the same day, he received a deed from W. C. Newman to Lots 1 & 6, Block 6, Hillsboro for $1,600, paying S600 in cash, according to Hill County Deed Book 4, page 116.
J. Lafayette Gowin received an agreement from W. R. Robinson December 26, 1881 to build a “brick store house” on the west half of Lot 1, Block 6, according to Hill County Deed Book 5, page 32. He gave a deed to J. Maddox and Napoleon Stroud December 31, 1881 to the east half of Lot 6, Block 6 for $525, according to Deed Book 4, page 134.
He gave a deed to J. R. Thompson April 15, 1882 to the west half of Lot 2, Block 6, Hillsboro for $400, according to Hill County Deed Book 4, page 560. He gave a deed to J. R. Thompson May 16, 1882 to a strip of land six inches wide and eighty feet long on which to construct a brick wall for a store building, according to Hill County Deed Book 5, page 234.
J. Lafayette Gowin gave a deed to 0. Stroud January 5, 1883 to Lot 2, Block 6, on Ellen Street, Hillsboro, for $3,000, according to Hill County Deed Book 7, page 339.
On February 10, 1883 he received a deed to a lot in McMullen Addition, Hillsboro from S. C. Upshaw for $200, according to Hill County Deed Book 7, page 464. On the same day he transferred this property to his mother, Mrs. Mariah J. Peacock Gowan.
J. Lafayette Gowin was married to Ada Marie Thompson, his second cousin, November 9, 1885, according to Bosque County Marriage Book E, page 10. She, the daughter of Joe Thompson and Lou Vick Thompson, both natives of Mississippi, was born in Jasper County.
In 1886 J. Lafayette Gowin was listed as a real estate agent. On September 8, 1886 he gave a deed to S. E. Carter to a lot in Hillsboro for $250, according to Hill County Deed Book 15, page 271. He received a deed from S. A. Reavis September 15, 1886 to Lot 3, Steiner Addition, Hillsboro for $125, according to Hill County Deed Book 16, page 163.
In 1888 J. Lafayette Gowin was listed as a grocery merchant in Hillsboro. On April 28, 1888 J. Lafayette Gowin and Ada Marie Thompson Gowin gave a deed to Hillsboro property to J. T. Kirksey for $2,250, according to Hill County Deed Book 20, page 270. J. Lafayette Gowin and Ada Marie Thompson Gowin gave a deed to Hillsboro property to G. B. Hays, according to Hill County Deed Book 23, page 166.
On March 3, 1889 he received a deed to Survey 187, Block 2, Hudson Addition, Amarillo, Texas from George B. Hudson of Logan County, Illinois for $150, according to Potter
County Deed Book 4, page 538. On March 7, 1889 he received a deed from W. V. Newlin of to Lot 6, Block 6 in the town of Amarillo, according to Potter County deed records. Consideration was $175.
J. Lafayette Gowin “of Hill County” received a deed to Lot 2, Block B, Millers Addition, Seymour, Texas, from H. C. Bowman, according to Baylor Count, Texas Deed Book 10, page 590. Consideration was $150. In 1891 J. Lafayette Gowin received a deed to 640 acres located 10 miles south of Seymour on Millers Creek for $3,040, according to Baylor County Deed Book 12, page 32. This land had been granted originally to Texas & New Orleans Railroad. In 1890 he and Ada Marie Thompson Gowin removed to Seymour.
On January 3, 1891 J. Lafayette Gowin sold his equity in Section 33 to G. H. Smith for $832, according to Baylor County Deed Book 13, page 482.
On January 25, 1891 J. Lafayette Gowin received a deed from Texas & New Orleans Railroad to 532 acres located on Pony Creek, six miles north and four miles east of Seymour in Survey 19 for $1,998, according to Baylor County Deed Book 14, page 135.
J. Lafayette Gowin received a deed from H. D. Isenburg January 12, 1892 to a section of land in the Bailey Survey for $2,000, according to Baylor County Deed Book 16, page 172. On June 6, 1892 J. Lafayette Gowin “of Baylor County” sold his equity in the property to J. I. Isenburg and Preston Perrill of Tazewell County, Illinois, according to Baylor County Deed Book 16, page 593.
On February 23, 1891 J. Lafayette Gowin and Ada Marie Thompson Gowin received a deed from G. C. Orenbaun to property in Hillsboro, according to Hill County Deed Book 28, page 596.
On April 17, 1893 J. Lafayette Gowin “of Seymour, Texas” gave a warranty deed to Preston Perrill, Tazewell County, Illinois to the property he received from George B. Hudson, according to Potter County Deed Book 8, page 158.
On March 6, 1894; J. Lafayette Gowin “of Hill County, gave a deed to W. A. Bennett to Lots 1&2, Block B, Millers Addition, Seymour, according to Baylor County Deed Book 17, page 375.
J. Lafayette Gowin received a deed from A. E. Harris June 8, 1895 to property in Hillsboro, according to Hill County Deed Book 48, page 81. On November 5 he received a deed from E. B. Stroud to Lot 1, McMullen Addition, on Franklin Street, Hillsboro, according to Hill County Deed Book 48, page 481.
On March 23, 1896 J. Lafayette Gowin “of Hill County” gave a deed to his equity in Baylor County land to J. A. Nabers for $10, according to Baylor County Deed Book 19, page 42.
On February 4, 1898, J. Lafayette Gowin “of Hill County” received a deed from D. F. Welch to Lot 5, Block 13, Harris Addition, Hillsboro for $400, according to Hill County Deed Book 55, page 416.
In a judgement dated May 13, 1898 the Baylor County sheriff gave a deed to the property on Miller Creek purchased by J. Lafayette Gowin from Texas & New Orleans Railroad back to the railroad, according to Baylor County Deed Book 21, page 296. The railroad’s judgement against J. Lafayette Gowin and J. N. Porter, amounted to $2,756.66, according to Baylor County Deed Book 31, page 304.
J. Lafayette Gowin “of Hill County” received a deed to 20 acres of land located seven miles south of Hillsboro in the Maxwell Survey from 0. S. Carroll on January 2, 1900 for $25, according to Hill County Deed Book 58, page 151. On July 2, 1900 he received a sheriff’s deed from Glover Earbee to Lot 6, Block 40, Harris Addition, Hillsboro for $50, according to Hill County Deed Book 64, page 292.
He appeared as the head of a household in the 1900 census of Hill County, Texas, Enumeration District 38, page 5, precinct 1, living at 137 Line Street, Hillsboro, Texas:
“Gowin, Lafayette 48, born in Mis
sissippi in
September 1851
Ada M. 32, born in Mississippi in
November 1867
John I. 14, born in Texas in
February 1886
Blanche 12, born in Texas in
February 1888
Lo 10, born in Texas in
February 1890
Lafayette, Jr. 8, born in Texas in August
1891”
J. Lafayette Gowin moved his family to Ft. Worth, Texas in 1904. On October 14, 1905 J. Lafayette Gowin and Ada Marie Thompson Gowin “of Potter County,” executed a deed of trust in the purchase of property in Amarillo, according to Potter County Deed of Trust Book 5, page 490. On June 10, 1912 they received a release on the property from Standard Savings & Loan, according to Potter County Deed Book 50, page 599.
J. Lafayette Gowin “of Potter County” received a deed from J. T. Montgomery of Wichita County, Texas to Lot 189, Block 2, in Amarillo December 4, 1906, according to Potter County Deed Book 31, page 432. On December 29, 1906 Albert C. Perrill of Chicago, Illinois also conveyed his interest in the property to J. Lafayette Gowin, according to Potter County Deed Book 31, page 433.
J. Lafayette Gowin “of Potter County” was joined by his wife, Ada Marie Thompson Gowin in deeding this property July 29, 1907 to Lee Bivins, according to Potter County Deed Book 35, page 70. Consideration was $325. Wilson Walter Gowin, Amarillo attorney and notary public, bother to J. Lafayette Gowin took the acknowledgements in the transaction.
About 1908 J. Lafayette Gowin moved his family to Ft. Worth. On September 19, 1908 he joined his brothers and sister, “W. W. Gowin of Potter County; Mrs. Pinkie Gowin Denham and P.F. Denham of Scott County, Mississippi and J. C. Gowin of Clay County, Texas, sole heirs of Mrs. Mariah Gowin, late of Hill County, Texas” in giving a quit claim deed to Lot 48, McMullen Addition, Hillsboro to B. B. Cochran, according to Hill County Deed Book 112, page 76.
In the 1909‑1910 city directory of Ft. Worth J. Lafayette Gowin and Ada Marie Thompson Gowin were listed at 808 West Leuda. Eight other members of their family lived with them at the time. In 1911 J. Lafayette Gowin was listed in the city directory as a grain dealer continuing to live at 808 West Leuda with three other members of his family.
On June 29, 1912 J. Lafayette Gowin and Ada Marie Thompson Gowin “of Tarrant County” gave a warranty deed to Leachman & McKinley to Lot 4, Block 178, Plemons Addition, located on Pierce Street in Amarillo for $2,500, according to Potter County Deed Book 49, page 278. They later gave a warranty deed on the same property to E. E. Shell according to Potter County Deed Book 52, page 114.
In the 1912‑1913 edition of the Ft. Worth city directory J. Lafayette Gowin showed his residence at 525 West Terrell Avenue, telephone number 2683.
Apparently J. Lafayette Gowin died in 1913. He was 63 at the time of his death in Ft. Worth. His body was returned to Hillsboro for burial. According to a faded clipping from a Hillsboro newspaper found in the family bible, the funeral party which accompanied the casket from Ft. Worth to Hillsboro was composed of the widow, Ada Marie Thompson Gowin, Jesse Cledy Gowin, a brother; D. F. Welch, an uncle of Cleburne, Texas; Lucille Vick Gowin, Jack Duke “Johnny” Gowin, and J. Lafayette Gowin, Jr, three of his four children.
Ada Marie Thompson Gowin, “widow of J. Gowin,” was listed in the city directories of Ft. Worth from 1914 to 1920 continuing to live at 525 West Terrell. She and her son, Jack Duke “Johnny” Gowin received a warranty deed from Lee L. Russell and L. B. Comer to a residence in Ft. Worth Addition May 14, 1914, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 446, page 108.
Ada Marie Thompson Gowin received a warranty deed from Pearl F. Garth September 10, 1915 to a lot in Ft. Worth Addition, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 463, page 406.
Ada Marie Thompson Gowin gave an agreement to J. E. Tansey January 26, 1920 regarding Lot 10, Block 3, in the Field‑Welch Addition of Ft. Worth, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 640, page 81.
On November 23, 1920 she gave a sheriff’s deed to L. B. Comer et al to the property described as Lot 10, Block 3, Field‑Welch Addition, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 422, page 420. She received a warranty deed from Russell & Comer November on the same day, to a lot in Ft. Worth Addition, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 686, page 443.
Ada Marie Thompson Gowin received a warranty deed from Pauline F. Bock January 7, 1921 to a residence in Field-Hillside Addition, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 612, page 50. She sold the property to J. P. Barcroft January 25, 1921, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 667, page 209.
Ada Marie Thompson Gowin gave a transfer of vendor’s lien to T. P. Wilkes March 17, 1921 to Lot 4, Block 6, South Main Addition of Ft. Worth, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 501, page 589. In the transaction she received a warranty deed from Wilkes to a residence in Forest Park Addition, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 692, page 532.
In 1923, Ada Marie Thompson Gowin, a saleslady, lived at 1407 Denver Avenue, according to the Ft. Worth city directory.
On February 2, she received a warranty deed from F. W. McCray to a lot in North Ft. Worth Addition, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 688, page 554. In 1928 she was living at 1307 Lipscomb, according to the Ft. Worth city directory.
On September 1, 1928 she was married to Walter Gilliam, according to Tarrant County Marriage Book 67, page 348. Fol owing the death of Walter Gilliam, Ada Marie Thompson Gowin Gilliam resumed her former name.
From 1936 to 1945, she lived at 3245 Townsend Drive. In the 1941 city directory she was shown as an employee of Ft. Worth Linen Service.
On May 16, 1944 “Ada Marie Gowin, a widow, formerly Ada Marie Gowin Gilliam” received a warranty deed to Lot 12, Block 18, Byers & McCart Addition from her children: J. Lafayette Gowin, Jr. and his wife, Marie B. Gowin; from Jack Duke “Johnny” Gowin and his wife, Lura Johnston Gowin; from R. D. Smith and his wife, Blanche Smith; and from Lucille Kinard, a widow, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 1641, pages 110 and 112. On the same day she sold the property to Henry Ozro Goyne and Maude Mae Wilson Goyne.
Ada Marie Thompson Gowin appeared in the 1945 city directory at 3245 Townsend Drive.
She died August 24, 1948, according to Tarrant County Death Book 48, page 1841. She had a book on the genealogy of the Gowin family, according to her niece, Cornelia Elizabeth Gowin Allison of Amarillo, Texas, however descendants in 1974 knew nothing of such a volume.
Children born to J. Lafayette Gowin and Ada Marie Thompson Gowin include:
Jack Duke “Johnny” Gowin born February 22, 1886
Blanche Mariah “Marie” Gowin born February 22, 1888
Lucille Vick Gowin born February 1, 1890
J. Lafayette Gowin, Jr. born August 10, 1891
Jack Duke “Johnny” Gowin, first child of J. Lafayette Gowin and Ada Marie Thompson Gowin was born in Hill County, February 22, 1886, according to Texas Bureau of Vital Statistics File No. 880525.
In the 1911 city directory of Ft. Worth he was listed as a travelling freight agent for Frisco Lines and lived at 808 West Louda, the address of his father.
In 1912 he was listed in the city directory of Dallas, Texas as a commercial agent for Ft. Worth & Denver City Railway Company living at 612 North Marsaillis. He continued in the same capacity in 1913 and was listed at 336 Lancaster Avenue in the city directory for that year. In 1914 he was listed in the Ft. Worth city directory in an advertisement as the commercial agent for Ft. Worth & Denver Railroad. His residence was in the Westbrook Hotel.
Jack Duke “Johnny” Gowin was married to Lura Johnston, daughter of Dr. E. A. Johnston in Amarillo, Texas August 10, 1910. Lura Johnston was born in Mulberry, Arkansas May 10, 1886. Jack Duke “Johnny” Gowin and Lura Johnston Gowin were the parents of Jack Duke Gowin, Jr. born in Amarillo April 10, 1917, according to Potter County Birth Book 3, page 562. Jack Duke “Johnny” Gowin and Lura Johnston Gowin were residents of Kansas City, Missouri at the time of the birth of their son. Lura Johnston Gowin had come to Amarillo to have her baby because her father Dr. E. A. Johnston was practicing there at that time.
Jack Duke “Johnny” Gowin and Lura Johnston Gowin were residents of Harris County, Texas July 10, 1918 when they gave a warranty deed to J. E. Tansey to Lot 10, Block 3, Field-Welch Addition in Ft. Worth for $3,900, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 582, page 14.
Jack Duke “Johnny” Gowin was a resident of Houston July 9, 1942 when he gave an affidavit regarding the birth of Jack Duke Gowin, Jr. Jack Duke “Johnny” Gowin died in Anderson County, Texas August 10, 1964, according to Texas Bureau of Vital Statistics File No. 54197.
Children born to Jack Duke “Johnny” Gowin and Lura Johnston Gowin include:
Jack Duke Gowin, Jr. born April 10, 1917
Jack Duke Gowin, Jr., only child of Jack Duke “Johnny” Gowin and Lura Johnston Gowin, was born in Amarillo April 10, 1917, according to Potter County Probate Birth Book 3, page 562.
He was married about 1937 to June Ardis [Ardin?] Schlee. They received a deed from Carl E. Swenson March 3, 1959 to Lot 34, Block 6, Green Acres Addition in Austin, Texas, according to Travis County Deed Book 2012, page 449.
They lived in Austin in 1972. They received a deed January 18, 1973 to Lot 11, Block 1, Travis Landing from James Doss, according to Travis County Deed Book 4540, page 1354. On February 21, 1973 they gave a mechanic’s lien on the property to their son, Gary Lynn Gowin, according to Travis County Deed Book 4620, page 624.
Three sons were born to Jack Duke Gowin, Jr. and June Ardin Schlee Gowin:
Scott E. Gowin born January 22, 1946
Gary Lynn Gowin born November 12, 1948
Ted Atchison Gowin born February 6, 1953
Scott E. Gowin, son of Jack Duke Gowin, Jr. and June Ardin Schlee Gowin, was born January 22, 1946. He was married January 24, 1970 to DeLois Cline.
Children born to Scott E. Gowin and DeLois Cline include:
Alexander Duke Gowin born November 12, 1973
Gary Lynn Gowin, son of Jack Duke Gowin, Jr. and June Ardin Schlee Gowin was born November 12, 1948 in Houston. He enlisted in the U.S. Army March 27, 1969, showing his home address as 6820 Vine Street, Austin, After two years service as a typewriter repairman, he was discharged March 5, 1971, according to Travis County Discharge Book 39, page 208.
Ted Atchison Gowin, son of Jack Duke Gowin, Jr. and June Ardin Schlee Gowin, was born February 6, 1953.
Blanche Mariah “Marie” Gowin, second child of J. Lafayette Gowin and Ada Marie Thompson Gowin, was born February 22, 1886 at Hillsboro. She was married to Ralph D. Smith April 26, 1910 at Ft. Worth, according to Tarrant County Marriage Book 24, page 1.
Ralph D. Smith and Blanche Mariah “Marie” Gowin Smith joined her brothers and sister May 16, 1944 in deeding property her mother, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 1541, pages 110 and 112. Blanche Mariah “Marie” Gowin Smith lived in Ft. Worth in 1962 at the time of the funeral of her sister, Lucille Vick Gowin Kinard. She died about 1966.
One child was born to Ralph D. Smith and Blanche Mariah “Marie” Gowin Smith:
Ada Marie Smith born May 27, 1911
Ada Marie Smith, only child of Ralph D. Smith and Blanche Mariah “Marie” Gowin Smith, was born May 27, 1911 in Ft. Worth. She was married January 27, 1937 to James Ragsdale Stratton. In 1974 James Ragsdale Stratton and Ada Marie Smith Stratton lived in Ft. Worth. No children were born to them. She died about 1981.
Lucille Vick Gowin, a namesake of her grandmother and third child of J. Lafayette Gowin and Ada Marie Thompson Gowin, was born February 1, 1890 at Hillsboro.
She was married September 19, 1913 to William Richard Kinnard. She appeared in the 1914 city directory of Ft. Worth “boarding” in the home of her mother at 523 West Terrell Avenue.
The Kinnards lived in New York City and West Palm Beach, Florida later. They were active in the Florida land boom during the 1920s. Lucille Vick Gowin Kinnard was an interior decorator with Arnold Constable Company in New York City for 20 years. She moved back to Ft. Worth in 1935, after an absence from her home town of 30 years.
Lucille Vick Gowin Kinnard, “a widow” joined her sister and her brothers May 16, 1944 in deeding property to her mother, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 1641, pages 110-112.
Lucille Vick Gowin Kinnard died in Ft. Worth November 6, 1962. Her body was cremated at Laurel Land Cemetery. Survivors included one child, 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
One child was born to William Richard Kinnard and Lucille Vick Gowin Kinnard:
Blanche Ann Kinnard born July 6, 1919
Blanche Ann Kinnard, daughter of William Richard Kinnard and Lucille Vick Gowin Kinnard, was born July 6, 1919 in New York City. She accompanied her mother on her return to Ft. Worth in 1935. She was married to John M. Scott, an attorney July 2, 1937. In 1975 they continued in Ft. Worth. He died there July 2, 1985. She continued in Ft. Worth in December 1992.
Children born to John M. Scott and Blanche Ann Kinnard Scott include:
James Frederick Scott born February 13, 1940
Celia Ann Scott born September 7, 1942
Rebecca Kathryn Scott born November 9, 1949
James Frederick Scott, son of John M. Scott and Blanche Ann Kinnard Scott, was born February 13, 1940, according to “Gowan-Morley” by Phillip Alan Gowan. James Frederick Scott was married February 14, 1961 to Susan Shattuck. Following a divorce, he was remarried to Sue Johnson of Elgin, Illinois. In 1992 they lived in Ft. Worth.1
Children born to them include:
Louisa Ann Scott born October 10, 1962
Susan Kristin Scott born March 1, 1964
John Morris Scott born March 17, 1966
Louisa Ann Scott, daughter of John M. Scott and Blanche Ann Kinnard Scott, was born October 10, 1962. She was married February 3, 1980 to William Joseph Powers. In 1984 they lived in Ft. Worth, and in 1990 they lives in Mesa, Arizona.
Children born to them include:
William Christopher Powers born March 26, 1984
John Scott Powers born September 11, 1990
Susan Kristin Scott, daughter of John M. Powers and Blanche Ann Kinnard Scott, was born March 1, 1964. She was married in 1982 to Dan Dixon. They were divorced by 1992.
One son was born to them:
Boyd Lee Dixon born August 22, 1982
Celia Ann Scott, daughter of John M. Scott and Blanche Ann Kinnard Scott, was born September 7, 1942. She was graduated from the University of Texas, Austin in 1964. She was married July 1, 1964 to George Timothy Boswell, an attorney. He was graduated from University of Texas and Baylor University Law School. They lived in Waco from 1972 to 1985. In 1987 they removed to Mineola, Texas where she in 1992 was a member of Gowen Research Foundation.
Children born to them include:
Marjory Ann Boswell born October 8, 1966
John Frederick Boswell [twin] born December 15, 1968
David Scott Boswell [twin] born about 197
Marjory Ann Boswell, daughter of George Timothy Boswell and Celia Ann Scott Boswell, was born October 8, 1966. She was graduated in 1989 from A&M University. In 1992 she lived in Houston where she was employed as a claims consultant for a commercial insurance firm.
John Frederick Boswell, twin son of George Timothy Boswell and Celia Ann Scott Boswell, was born December 13, 1968. In 1992 he was a senior student at Stephen F. Austin University at Nacogdoches, Texas.
David Scott Boswell, twin son of George Timothy Boswell and Celia Ann Scott Boswell, was born December 13, 1968. In 1992 he was graduated from Baylor University. Later that year he lived in Ft. Worth where he was employed by Small Business Administration as a loan officer.
Rebecca Kathryn Scott, daughter of John M. Scott and Blanche Ann Kinnard Scott, was born November 9, 1949. Of this individual nothing more is known.
J. Lafayette Gowin, Jr, fourth child of J. Lafayette Gowin and Ada Marie Thompson Gowin, was born at Seymour, Texas August 10, 1891.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army August 22, 1918 at Ft. Worth and served as a private in the Quartermaster Corps. When he enlisted he was 27 and single. He was commissioned as a first lieutenant May 27, 1918. He was discharged December 3, 1918 at Camp Joseph E. Johnston in Florida, according to Tarrant County Discharge Book 2, page 390. His military record showed no battle service.
He was listed in the 1909‑1910 city directory of Ft. Worth as a clerk at the Fair Store, living in the home of his parents at 808 West Leuda. In 1911 he was a shipping clerk at Washing Brothers, continuing to live at 808 West Leuda. In 1918 he was listed as a travelling salesman living in the home of his mother at 525 West Terrell.
On March 29, 1919 J. Lafayette Gowin, Jr. received a mineral assignment on 200 acres of land in Jack County, Texas from J. S. Coe, according to Jack County Deed Book E‑15, page 80. J. Lafayette Gowen, Jr. was listed in the 1919 city directory of Dallas as a special representative of Murphy‑Bodanz Land & Loan Company living in the Adolphus Hotel.
He received a deed to 77 acres of land in Jack County from T. F. Bray, according to Jack County Deed Book E‑18, page 41. On January 29, 1920 he was living in New York city with his sister, Lucille Vick Gowin Kinnard.
J. Lafayette Gowin, Jr. was married April 30, 1921 to Jennie Marie Betts who was born at Mountain Grove, Missouri August 26, 1897. The marriage was performed at Mineral Wells, Texas. In 1922 J. Lafayette Gowin, Jr. was listed in the Ft. Worth city directory residing at 616 Hemphill.
On March 30, 1923 he received a transfer of a vendor’s lien from G. W. Key to a lot in Rosen Heights of Ft. Worth, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 703, page 525.
J. Lafayette Gowin received a warranty deed from Edward Laird April 6, 1923 to a residence in Ft. Worth Addition for $4,500, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 694, page 603. On April 11, 1923 he received a transfer of a vendor’s lien from P. H. Reaves to a lot in Rosen Heights Addition, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 715, page 222.
In the 1924 edition J. Lafayette Gowin Jr, a salesman for Percy Garrett Motor Company, and Jennie Marie Betts Gowin were living at 1307 Lipscomb, the address of his mother, Ada Marie Thompson Gowin. They continued living at this address through 1930.
J. Lafayette Gowin, Jr. gave a warranty deed to Guy Jones March 7, 1924 to a residence, Lot 18, Block 123, Rosen Heights Addition, for $2,951.27, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 818, page 411.
J. Lafayette Gowin gave a release of a vendor’s lien to E. M. Sessom March 4, 1924, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 810, page 110.
In 1925 J. Lafayette Gowen continued as a salesman for Percy Garrett Motor Company and lived at 1307 Lipscomb Avenue. On February 3, 1325 he received a warranty deed from W. W. Wharton to a lot in Ft. Worth, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 845, page 212.
J. Lafayette Gowin and Jennie Marie Betts Gowin gave a warranty deed to H. M. Cummings June 1, 1925 to Lot 3, Block 1, Greenwood Addition for $5,000,
according to Tarrant County Deed Book 877, page 64.
J. Lafayette Gowin and Jennie Marie Betts Gowin gave a warranty deed tn Jesse M. Williamson June 17, 1925 to a lot in the Field‑West Addition, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 877, page 153. At the same time he received a warranty deed from Williamson for another lot in Field‑West Addition, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 877, page 153. He was living in West Palm Beach in the latter part of 1925 and was associated with his brother-in-law William Richard Kinnard in real estate during the Florida land boom.
J. Lafayette Gowin and Henry L. Cagle gave a sheriff’s deed to the Commissioner of Banking of Texas March 2, 1926 to Lot 14, Block 1 of Provine & Maple Addition, Ft. Worth. Compensation was $50, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 758, page 265.
In 1927 J. Lafayette Gowin a salesman for Globe Laboratories, and Jennie Marie Betts Gowin continued to live at 1307 Lipscomb. He was listed as a salesman in the 1928 and 1929 city directories of Ft. Worth.
In 1930 he was listed as a salesman for H. H. Roberts & Company, continuing at 1307 Lipscomb. J. Lafayette Gowin and Jennie Marie Betts Gowin gave a warranty deed to Mrs. Nellie Hanson September 29, 1930 to a residence in the Field‑West Addition of Ft. Worth, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 1102, page 301. They received a warranty deed from W. L. Wilkes September 14, 1934 to 30 acres of land in Tarrant County, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 1221, page 65.
J. Lafayette Gowin, Jr. and Lee L. Pandres received a deed from Charles Stanley to land in Parker County, Texas December 6, 1934, according to Parker County Deed Book 150, page 478. On April 18, 1936 J. Lafayette Gowin and Jennie Marie Betts Gowin received a warranty deed from Claude A. Arthur to 20 acres of land in Tarrant County, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 1289, page 441.
J. Lafayette Gowin, Jr. appeared in the 1935-36 edition of the Ft. Worth city directory as “tax supervisor, state comptroller’s district office. ” He maintained that capacity in 1936‑1937 and showed residence at Haltom City, Texas. From 1937 to 1939 he continued with the state comptroller’s office and his residence was shown as Route 1, Box 194.
In 1941 J. Lafayette Gowin and Jennie Marie Betts Gowin were listed as Lafayette Gowin Company, Birdville, Texas and also at 120 South Main Street, Ft. Worth. In 1943 the city directory listed Gowin Tractor Company, owned by J. Lafayette Gowin, Jr, Route 1, Ft. Worth. In 1945, 1946 and 1947 the tractor company was located at 2125 North Main Street, Ft. Worth, and
they continued living on Route 1.
J. Lafayette Gowin, Jennie Marie Betts Gowin and J Lee Pardres, “all of Tarrant County,” deeded land on Highway 80 in Parker County to Dan Phelps on August 8, 1944, according to Parker County Deed Book 194, page 533.
J. Lafayette Gowin received a warranty deed from William Cameron & Company to a residence in North Ft. Worth June 30, 1945, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 1716, page 591.
J. Lafayette Gowin and Jennie Marie Betts Gowin were listed as the owners of Gowin Tractor Company located at 2125 North Main Street in Ft. Worth from 1947 through 1952.
J. Lafayette Gowin and Jennie Marie Betts Gowin showed an address as Rt. 1, Box 228 in 1947 through 1951. The address was also given as Midway Road.
J. Lafayette Gowin, Jr. died of a stroke August 30, 1953 in Des Moines, Iowa, according to Tarrant County probate records. He was shown as a resident of Tarrant County at the time of his death with an estate valued at $127,395.93. His property consisted of 60 acres of land in Tarrant County [on East 28th Street in Birdville], eight lots in North Ft. Worth Addition [Gowin Tractor Co.] and 61 Shetland ponies. His widow lived at Apt. 530, Westchester House, Ft. Worth at that time.
Jennie Marie Betts Gowin and her children gave a warranty deed to Grady M. Coker to the eight lots in North Ft. Worth Addition June 11, 1958, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 3215, page 194. They also gave a deed to E. F. Abott August 12, 1960 to 60.4 acres of land in the Akers Survey of Tarrant County for $55,000, according to Tarrant County Deed Book 3472, page 340. They gave him a release on the property April 28, 1964, according to Tarrant County Decd Book 3925, page 156.
Jennie Marie Betts Gowin was listed in the Ft. Worth city directory from 1969 through 1974 as “retired” and living at 1810 Rockbridge Terrace in Ft. Worth,
Children born to J. Lafayette Gowin and Jennie Marie Betts Gowin include:
Laura Fay Gowin born September 2, 1922
Dixie Bob Gowin born December 11, 1925
Laura Fay Gowin, first child of J. Lafayette Gowin and Jennie Marie Betts Gowin, was born at Ft. Worth September 2, 1922.
She attended North Texas Agricultural College at Arlington, Texas in 1940 and 1941. She was listed in the 1942 student directory of the University of Texas, living in the Scottish Dormitory in Austin. She was graduated there in 1943.
Laura Faye Gowin was married to Walter E. Nixon February 19, 1944 in Dallas, according to Dallas County Marriage Book 52, page 546. They were residents of Harlingen, Texas, living at 1205 Bowie Avenue August 6, 1954. Later the couple was divorced.
Laura Fay Gowin Nixon “a femme sole of Dallas County” joined her mother and brother in deeding property to Grady M. Coker June 11, 1958. She was remarried May 4, 1962 to William Furlow Seitz, Jr. She was later an account executive and an analyst with Goodbody & Company in Dallas, where they lived in 1974.
Children born to Walter E. Nixon and Laura Fay Gowin Nixon include:
Lawrence Walter Nixon born April 11, 1949
Randolph Nixon born February 19, 1952
Children born to William Furlow Seitz, Jr. and Laura Fay Gowin Nixon Seitz include:
Pamela Seitz born about 1964
Dixie Bob Gowin, second child of J. Lafayette Gowin, Jr. and Jennie Marie Betts Gowin was born December 11, 1925 at West Palm Beach, Florida. He was single and a pre‑med student when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy September 14, 1944, showing his mail address as 2125 North Main Street, Ft. Worth, the address of Gowin Tractor Company.
He was discharged from the U.S. Navy July 2, 1946 as a pharmacist’s mate third class having served on the USS Okaloosa, APA‑219, according to Tarrant County Discharge Book 61, page 385. In 1947 he was listed in the Austin, Texas city directory as a student at the University of Texas, living at 2804 White Street.
He was a graduate student at Stanford University when he was married August 5, 1950 to Dorothy Gifford Vancroft, daughter of a physician who resided on Long Island, New York.
On August 5, 1954 Dixie Bob Gowin and Dorothy Gifford Vancroft Gowin lived at 224A Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut where he received his PhD. degree at Yale University. In 1974 he was a member of the faculty at Cornell University at Ithica, New York.
JesseCledy
Gowin, sixth child of John M. Gowan and Mariah J. Peacock Gowan, was born June 12, 1849 in Smith County Mississippi, according to Phillip Alan Gowan. His tombstone records his date of birth as October 22, 1865, according to “Cemeteries of Clay County, Texas” by Walter Speakman. He removed to Texas in the 1870s with members of his family
Jesse Cledy Gowin, a single man, applied to the State of Texas for a land grant of 20 acres in Clay County July 30, 1879. The application, No. 2324 in the Fannin District, was granted according to the Texas Land Office Records, with the provision that Jesse Cledy Gowin improve the place and homestead it for three years.
Since he did not prove up on his claim located 15 miles southeast of Henrietta, Texas it was later carried on the land office records as “abandoned.” In the meantime Jesse Cledy Gowan sold his 20 acres to Mrs. Lucy Sanzenbacher, a widow. Mary Elizabeth Lyles Gowan was a witness to the transaction. The state refused to acknowledge the Gowin claim to the land, and after several exchanges of correspondence between her attorney and Jesse Cledy Gowin, Lucy Sanzenbacher concluded that she had been “took.”‘
Jesse Cledy Gowin was married to Miss Lorena I. Elliot January 8, 1884, according to Clay County Marriage Book 1, page 168. She was born in Texas August 8, 1861.
Jesse Cledy Gowin appeared as the head of a household in the 1900 census of Clay County, Enumeration District 16, page 10, precinct 5:
“Gowin, Jesse 51, born in Mississippi in June 1849
Lorena I. 34, born in Texas in October 1865
Ida K. 15, born in Texas in October 1884
Birdie F. 13, born in Texas in July 1886
Tulie H. 12, born in Texas in January 1888
Lukie L. 9, born in Texas in August 1890
Lorena 4, born in Texas in December 1895
Mima 3, born in Texas in May 1897
John C. 2, born in Texas in April 1898
Jessee 7, born in Texas in January 1893,
daughter”
Jesse Cledy Gowin of “Clay County” bought a lot in Paris, Texas from 0. S. Hitchcock of Clay County for $600 March 27, 1900, according to Lamar County, Texas Deed Book 93, page 58. He sold the lot for $700 October 27, 1902 to C. H. Stiff of Lamar County. The lot was located on the south side of Pine Bluff Street, according to Lamar County Deed Book 103, page 495.
Jesse Cledy Gowin “of Clay County” gave a quit claim deed to C. E. Latham to 142 acres in Foard County, Texas February 11, 1907 for $800, according to Foard County Deed Book 15, page 447.
Lorena I. Elliott Gowin died January 10, 1915 at age 55 at Bellvue, according to “Cemeteries of Clay County” by Walter Speakman. She had written her will April 7, 1914, naming Jesse Cledy Gowin as executor, according to Clay County Probate Book 5, page 313. The community estate consisted of “1,645 acres of land in Clay County, Lots 13‑18, Block 25, Bellvue, Texas, 70 horses and 15 shares of stock in First National Bank.”,
Jesse Cledy Gowin lived all of his adult life at Bellevue, Texas and died there in October 1927, according to Phillip Alan Gowan in “Gowan-Morley.” His date of death was shown as December 13, 1930 in “Cemeteries of Clay County.” which erroneously showed his date of birth as October 22, 1865.
Jesse Cledy Gowin and Lorena I. Elliott Gowin were the parents of two sons and eight daughters:
Ida Catherine Gowin born October 12, 1884
Birdye F. Gowin born July 5, 1886
Tulia H. Gowin born January 1, 1888
Lukie “Luke” Gowin born July 13, 1889
Jessie Mozelle Gowin born January 17, 1892
Lorena Gowin born December 25, 1894
Mima “Dick” Gowin born May 9, 1896
John Cledy Gowin born April 4, 1898
Thomas Boyd Gowin born November 22, 1900
Daisy B. Gowin born May 3, 1903
Ida Catherine Gowin, first child of Jesse Cledy Gowin and Lorena I. Elliott Gowin, was born at Bellvue October 12, 1884. She was married to Sept Burnett Arnold April 29, 1903. Ida Catherine Gowin Arnold died May 1, 1955.
Children born to Sept Burnett Arnold and Ida Catherine Gowin Arnold include:
Flossie Inez Arnold born January 31, 1904
Joe Cecil Arnold born May 1, 1905
Nina Lorena Arnold born November 20, 1909
Frances Kathryn Arnold born March 15, 1918
Flossie Inez Arnold, first child of Sept Burnett Arnold and Ida Catherine Gowin Arnold, was born January 31, 1904. She was married about 1924 to Homer W. Raney. Flossie Inez Arnold Raney, after 19 years the wife of Homer W. Raney, was remarried to Ray Smith. No children were born to either
union. She died May 1, 1955.
Joe Cecil Arnold, second child of Sept Burnett Arnold and Ida Catherine Gowin Arnold, was born May 1, 1905. He was married to Miss Kathleen Ann Hall December 16, 1925. In 1974 they lived in Grants Pass, Oregon.
One child was born to them:
Clinton H. Arnold born March 25, 1922
Clinton H. Arnold only child of Joe Cecil Arnold and Kathleen Ann Hall Arnold, was born March 25, 1922. He was married to Miss Joanne Harris in May 1949.
Children born to Clinton H. Arnold and Joanne Harris Arnold include:
Timothy Clinton Arnold born April 10, 1950
Jody Colleen Arnold born December 6, 1957
Nina Lorena Arnold, third child of Sept Burnett Arnold and Ida Catharine Gowin Arnold, was born November 20, 1903. In her early years she was employed by the telephone company. She was married about 1924 to Glenn E. Valentine. In 1974 Glenn E. Valentine and Nina Lorena Arnold Valentine lived at Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The only child of Glenn E. Valentine and Nina Lorena Arnold Valentine is:
Jo Ann Valentine born June 3, 1937
Jo Ann Valentine, only child of Glenn E. Valentine and Nina Lorena Arnold Valentine, was born June 3, 1937. She was married to Robert J. Tinkle July 21 1957.
Children born to Robert J. Tinkle and Jo Ann Valentine Tinkle include:
Robert Scott Tinkle born May 9, 1958
Jacqueline Tinkle born May 19, 1960
Kerry Lenette Tingle born November 12, 1969
Robert Scott Tinkle, first child of Robert J. Tinkle and Jo Ann Valentine Tinkle, was born May 9, 1958. He was killed by a hit‑and-run driver June 10, 1971.
Frances Kathryn Arnold, fourth child of Sept Burnett Arnold and Ida Catharine Gowin Arnold, was born March 15, 1918. She was married to Ted Schreivogel about 1938. She died August 3, 1963.
One child was born to Ted Schreivogel and Frances Kathryn Arnold Schreivogel:
Kathryn Frances Schreivogel born April 4, 1945
Kathryn Frances Schreivogel, only child of Ted Schreivogel and Frances Kathryn Arnold Schreivogel, was born April 4, 1945. About 1965 she was married to Derrell Stovall.
Children born to Derrell Stovall and Kathryn Frances Schreivogel Stovall include:
Sean Stovall born about 1967
Shan Stovall born about 1969
Phil Stovall born about 1971
Birdye Gowin, second child of Jesse Cledy Gowin and Lorena I. Elliott Gowin, was born at Buffalo Springs, Texas July 5, 1886. She was married to Forrest Luther Wright March 4, 1909, according to Clay County Marriage Book 3, page 346. Birdye Gowin Wright died May 2, 1964. No children were born to the couple.
Tulia Gowin, third child of Jesse Cledy Gowin and Lorena I. Elliott Gowin, was born at Buffalo Springs January 1, 1888. She was married to Homer Davis about 1908. Tulia Gowin Davis died in 1926. No children were born to this union.
Lukie Lee “Luke” Gowin, fourth child of Jesse Cledy Gowin and Lorena I. Elliott Gowin, was born at Buffalo Springs, July 13, 1889. On January 22, 1909 she was married to Raymond Wiley, according to Clay County Marriage Book 3, page 338. Lukie Lee “Luke” Gowin Wiley died September 2, 1970 at age 81.
Children born to Raymond Wiley and Lukie Lee “Luke” Gowin Wiley include:
Don Wiley born about 1910
Kell Wiley born about 1912
Pat Wiley born about 1915
Jessie Mozelle Gowin, fifth child of Jesse Cledy Gowin and Lorena I. Elliott Gowin, was born at Buffalo Springs January 17, 1892. She was married July 18, 1916 to Arch J. McNeill. In 1942 and in 1974 they lived in Seymour, Texas.
Children born to them include:
Edwin Loyd McNeill born November 9, 1921
William McNeill born November 12, 1924
Kenneth McNeill born in 1932
Lorena Gowin, sixth child of Jesse Cledy Gowin and Lorena I. Elliott Gowin, was born at Buffalo Springs December 25, 1894. She did not marry.
In 1930 she was living at 713 Baylor Avenue, Wichita Falls, Texas with her sister, Daisy B. Gowin. In the 1970 and 1971 editions of the city directory she lived at 1501 7th Street and was listed as retired. In 1974 she lived in a convalescent home in Wichita Falls.
Mima “Dick” Gowin, seventh child of Jesse Cledy Gowin and Lorena I. Elliott Gowin, was born at Buffalo Springs May 9, 1896. She was married to Rex Odice Davis October 12, 1920, according to Clay County Marriage Book 5, page 129. In 1974 Rex Odice Davis and Mima “Dick” Gowin Davis lived in Bellvue, Texas.
Children born to Rex Odice Davis and Mima “Dick” Gowin include:
Harry Rex Davis born November 9, 1921
Nell Davis born November 12, 1924
Ann Davis born in 1932
Charles Gowin Davis born July 25, 1929
Harry Rex Davis, first child of Rex Odice Davis and Mima “Dick” Gowin Davis, was born November 9, 1921, probably in Clay County. Hew was married September 6, 1947 to Ruth Elizabeth Greenlee. In 1974 he lived in Beloit, Wisconsin.
Children born to them include:
Peter Gowin Davis born April 26, 1950
Scott Andrew Davis born February 25, 1952
Martha Greenlee Davis born July 14, 19545
Nell Davis, second child of Rex Odice Davis and Mima “Dick” Gowin Davis, was born November 12, 1924, probably in Clay County. In 1974 she lived at Denton, Texas.
Charles Gowin Davis, third child of Rex Odice Davis and Mima “Dick” Gowin Davis, was born July 25, 1929, probably in Clay County. He was married about 1951 to Dawn Echols. In January 1975 he was an attorney living in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Children born to them include:
Rebecca Dawn Davis born in July 1954
Amy Davis born about 1956
Ann Davis, fourth child of Rex Odice Davis and Mima “Dick” Gowin Davis, was born in 1932, probably in Clay County. She was married about 1950 to John Powell. In 1974 they lived in Austin, Texas.
John Cledy Gowin, eighth child of Jesse Cledy Gowin and Lorena I. Elliott Gowin, was born April 4, 1898 at Buffalo Springs, according to Clay County Birth Book 4, page 44.
He enlisted in the U. S. Army at Austin while a student there at the University of Texas October 2, 1918. He showed his civilian occupation as a “stockyardman.” Since his military career lasted only two months, it is believed that he did not leave the university campus. He was discharged as a private November 26, 1918, according to Baylor County, Texas Discharge Book 1, page 219.
He was married January 9, 1924 to Lucille Gray, according to Baylor County Marriage Book 5, page 188. He was employed as a banker in Seymour, Texas in 1925 and in 1928.
He received a deed from Arch J. McNeill and his wife, Jessie Mozell Gowin, his sister and brother-in-law, to Lot 10, Block 8, Morris Addition, Seymour August 19, 1924, according to Baylor County Deed Book 68, page 23. He paid $2,350 for the house and lot.
John Cledy Gowin and Lucille Gray Gowin “of San Diego County, California” sold the property 20 years later, November 15, 1944 for $3,500 to E. H. Balch, according to Baylor County Deed Book 104, page 212. John Cledy Gowin died January 8, 1971.
Children born to John Cledy Gowin and Lucille Gray Gowin include:
Jack Donald Gowin born October 2, 1925
Dorothy Helen Gowin born January 19, 1928
Jack Donald Gowin, first child of John Cledy Gowin and Lucille Gray Gowin was born October 2, 1925 in Baylor County, according to Baylor County Birth Book 7, page 280.
He was married to Beverly Enola Mattala December 20, 1947. In 1974 they lived at Hector, Arkansas where he was principal of Hector Elementary School. Jack Donald Gowin, a realtor and a member of Gowen Research Foundation continued there in 1992.
Children born to Jack Donald Gowin and Beverly Enola Mattala Gowin include:
Cathy Lou Gowin born March 11, 1949
Marjorie Enola Gowin born September 24, 1951
John Walter Gowin born October 13, 1956
Philip Wayne Gowin born September 27, 1961
Cathy Lou Gowin, first child of Jack Donald Gowin and Beverly Enola Mattala Gowin, was born March 11, 1949. She was married to Jerry W. Hurley in May, 1966.
Children born to Jerry W. Hurley and Cathy Lou Gowin Hurley include:
Michael John Hurley born May 23, 1967
Bryan Scott Hurley born December 24, 1969
Marjorie Lou Hurley born May 29, 1971
Michael John Hurley, son of Jerry W. Hurley and Cathey Lou Gowin Hurley, was born May 23, 1967. He was married about 1987 to Carrie Ann Frawley.
Children born to them include:
Lauren Victoria Hurley born May 31, 1988
Marjorie Enola Gowin, second child of Jack Donald Gowin and Beverly Enola Mattala Gowin, was born September 24, 1951. She was married to Frank L. Gilbert December 20, 1969.
Children born to them include:
Luke Cyrus Gilbert born October 24, 1971
Leah Enola Gilbert born January 10, 1977
John Walter Gowin, third child of Jack Donald Gowin and Beverly Enola Mattala Gowin, was born December 13, 1956. He was married March 7, 1981 to Cynthia Jane Howell.
Children born to John Walter Gowin and Cynthia Jane Howell Gowin include:
Travis Howell Gowin born May 27, 1979
Ashley Lynn Gowin born August 9, 1982
Phillip Wayne Gowin, fourth child of Jack Donald Gowin and Beverly Enola Mattala Gowin, was born September 27, 1961. of this individual nothing more is known.
Dorothy Helen Gowin, second child of John Cledy Gowin and Lucille Gray Gowin, was born January 19, 1928 in Baylor County, according to Baylor County Birth Book 7, page 281. She was married about 1948 to James Bruce Wilson. She was remarried to Edward F. Shannon September 27, 1958. He died in 1965. Dorothy Helen Gowin Wilson Shannon in 1974 lived in Hector, Arkansas.
Children born to them include:
Karen Yvonne Wilson born November 10, 1950
Eileen Ann Wilson born February 19, 1953
Karen Yvonne Wilson, first child of James Bruce Wilson and Dorothy Helen Gowin Wilson, was born November 10, 1950. She was married about 1973 to Berley Steele Snider.
Children born to them include:
Allison Yvonne Snider born June 8, 1975
Zane Snider born December 3, 1979
Eileen Ann Wilson, second child of James Bruce Wilson and Dorothy Helen Gowin Wilson, was born February 19, 1953. She was married Michael James Davis August 2, 1969. She was remarried about 1978 to Jeral Edward Coffman.
Children born to Michael James Davis and Eileen Ann Wilson Davis include:
Edward James Davis born December 22, 1969
Joshua James Davis born July 1, 1974
Children born to Jeral Edward Coffman and Eileen Ann Wilson Davis Coffman include:
Bethany Ann Coffman born May 26, 1979
Megan Eileen Coffman born October 13, 1982.
Thomas Boyd Gowin, ninth child of Jesse Cledy Gowin and Lorena I. Elliott Gowin, was born at Buffalo Springs November 22, 1900, according to Clay County Birth Book 4, page 44. He was married to Genevieve Coffield about 1930. They lived at 1514 Polk Street, Wichita Falls, Texas, according to the 1935 city directory. In 1938 and 1939 he was listed as an oilfield worker and lived on Iowa Park Road in Wichita Falls. In 1972 they lived in Bellvue, Texas, and in 1974 they lived in Edinburg, Texas. No children were born to Thomas Boyd Gowin and Genevieve Coffield Gowin.
Daisy B. Gowin, tenth child of Jesse Cledy Gowin and Lorena I. Elliott Gowin, was born May 3, 1903 at Buffalo Springs, according to Clay County Birth Book 4, page 45. She appeared in the 1925 city directory of Wichita Falls living at 1107 Polk Street. She was listed as a student at Cline’s Commercial College at that time. In 1929 and 1930 editions she was a bookkeeper for Wichita Falls Radio Supply and lived at 713 Baylor with her sister Lorena Gowin.
Daisy B. Gowin was married to Thomas Jefferson Hooser August 1, 1943. He died in 1961. No children were born to this couple. Daisy B. Gowin Hooser in 1974 continued in Wichita Falls.
Wilson Walter Gowin seventh child of John M. Gowan and Mariah J. Peacock Gowan, was born in March 1853, probably in Smith County, Mississippi.
Descendants state that he related to them that he was born on a plantation located between Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi. His daughter, Cornelia Elizabeth Gowin Allison stated that he was graduated from Harvard Law School, the first law school to be established in the United States. He was a great admirer of Charles William Eliot who served as the university’s president from 1869 to 1909. Following the Civil War, Wilson Walter Gowin removed to Hillsboro, Texas.
On July 29, 1889 he received a quit claim deed to 640 acres of land located four miles east of Amarillo, Texas, from J. W. Davidson, according to Potter County Deed Book 5, page 509. Consideration for the section of land was $400. W. B. Plemons was listed as a co-signor with Wilson Walter Gowin in the purchase.
Wilson Walter Gowin was a taxpayer in Potter County from 1890 to 1895 and was listed as a notary public in Amarillo on March 3, 1890.
On November 9, 1894 Wilson Walter Gowin received a quit claim deed from W. W. Wetsel to Lot 3, Block 126, Plemons Addition, Amarillo, according to Potter County Deed Book 11, page 557. Consideration was $75.
On September 18, 1899 Wilson Walter Gowin received a warranty deed from W. H. Bush of Cook County, Illinois to three lots in Block 30 in Glidden & Sanborn Addition, Amarillo for $150 cash.
On January 16, 1900 Wilson Walter Gowin was married, at age 46, to Lillie May Klahr, age 22, who was born near Columbus, Ohio May 27, 1878. She became the first bride in Potter County in the 20th century.
Wilson Walter Gowin was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1900 census of Potter County, Enumeration District 80, page 3, Precinct 1:
“Gowan, W. W. 47, born in Mississippi in March 1853
Lillie M. 22, born in Ohio in May 1878
On April 5, 1901 Wilson Walter Gowin received a warranty deed to five acres of land in Potter County for $100, according to Potter County Deed Book 13, page 605. They sold property in Amarillo for $1,500 on August 2, 1902, according to Potter County Deed Book 15, page 337.
Wilson Walter Gowin and Lillie May Klahr Gowin gave a quit claim deed to Frank T. French to Lot 1, Block 16, Plemons Addition, Amarillo, according to Potter County Deed Book 21, page 312. Consideration was $15.
On May 31, 1906 Wilson Walter Gowin and Lillie May Klahr Gowin received $1,000 from A. Davidson for Survey 170, Block 2, Amarillo, according to Potter County Deed Book 24, page 352. On March 30, 1907 Wilson Walter Gowin received a deed to Lot 171, Block 2, located on 22nd Street in Amarillo, according to Potter County Deed Book 31, page 38.
Wilson Walter Gowin wrote the first charter for the City of Amarillo and in 1907 ran for Potter County Judge. Among his friends and legal clients was Col. Charles Goodnight who owned a large cattle ranch in Palo Duro Canyon. This pioneer rancher and Indian-fighter was well known and respected throughout the county, and when he threw his influence behind his friend, his election was assured.
In the 1908 city directory of Amarillo Wilson Walter Gowin was listed as an attorney with “office in the courthouse, residence at 505 Fillmore.”
Wilson Walter Gowin and Lillie May Klahr Gowin sold Lot 171, Block 2, located at Van Buren and 22nd Street, Amarillo to Mrs. Kate Veach of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania for $2,6OO September 29, 1908, according to Potter County Deed Book 17, page 388.
He received a deed from W. M. Warren and wife to Lot 2, Block 226, Holland Addition, Amarillo for $1,350, according to Potter County Deed Book 36, page 644.
In the city directory of 1909 and 1910 Wilson Walter Gowin was listed as “attorney and notary” with his office in his residence at 505 Fillmore.
Wilson Walter Gowin died January 6, 1911 “of Brights disease,” at age 57. He was buried in Block 11‑6, Llano Cemetery, Hays Avenue and East 27th Street in Amarillo.
Lillie May Klahr Gowin continued to live at 505 Fillmore, according to the Amarillo city directory. On September 22, 1914 she received a warranty deed from S. D. Crittenden and wife to Lot 7, Block 117, Plemons Addition, Amarillo, according to Potter County Deed Book 55, page 190. On September 19, 1918 Lillie May Klahr Gowin, “femme sole,” gave a warranty deed to this property to J. H. Langford for $2,650, according to Potter County Deed Book 67, page 386.
In 1921 Lillie Mae Klahr Gowin was listed in the city directory offering “furnished rooms” at 505 Fillmore. She operated a rooming house in her residence at this address which was located across the street from the Potter County Courthouse.
In September 1921 Lillie May Klahr Gowin was remarried to Thomas Jefferson Scott, a traveling salesman. They continued to live at 505 Filmore, according to the 1924, 1925 and 1926 city directory.
On June 8, 1942 Lillie May Klahr Gowin Scott signed an affidavit to enable Wilson Wilks Gowin, her son to obtain a birth certificate, according to Potter County Probate Birth records.
Lillie May Klahr Gowin Scott died July 1, 1957, after 58 years of residence in Amarillo. At the time of her death her residence was located at 1101 Buchanan.
Children born to Wilson Walter Gowin and Lillie May Klahr Gowin include:
Wilson Wilks Gowin born November 6, 1900
Cornelia Elizabeth Gowin born September 4, 1904
Wilson Wilks Gowin, first child of Wilson Walter Gowin and Lillie May Klahr Gowin, was born November 6, 1900, according to Potter County Probate Birth Book 3, page 307.
Wilson Wilks Gowin was listed in the Amarillo City Directory for the first time in its edition of 1916, living at the home of his mother. In 1917 he was shown as a clerk for City Light & Water Company. In 1918, 1919, 1920, and 1921 he was shown as a salesman for City Light & Water Company, residing at 505 Fillmore. In the 1922 edition he was shown as an electrical engineer. In 1923 he was listed as an electrician’s helper employed by City Light & Water Company. He was still living at 505 Fillmore, the residence of Thomas Jefferson Scott and Lillie May Klahr Gowin Scott. In 1924 he was “rooming” with the Scotts.
In the 1927, 1928 and 1929 edition of the directory he was shown as an engineer with Southwestern Public Service Company, still residing at 505 Fillmore. He was transferred by his company to Roswell, New Mexico about this time.
On June 19, 1932 Wilson Wilks Gowin, “age 31, Box 677, Roswell, New Mexico,” filed in the Potter County Clerk’s a “Notice of Intention to Marry” with Louise Emily Townes. “age 20,” of Amarillo. They were later married in Amarillo, according to Potter County Marriage Book 9, page 415.
Louise Emily Townes Gowin died on October 25, 1940 and was buried beside her father‑in‑law in Llano Cemetery. Her tombstone inscription reads “born June 24, 1911‑‑died October 25, 1940.
Wilson Wilks Gowin did not remarry after the death of his wife. He later retired from Southwestern Public Service Company at Roswell and continued to make his home there at 305 North Michigan Avenue in July, 1974. Later he removed to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he died April 3, 1976.
Children born to Wilson Wilks Gowin and Louise Emily Townes Gowin include:
Wilson Wilks “Pat” Gowin, Jr. born June 1, 1934
Charles Allen Gowin born about 1936
Wilson Wilks “Pat” Gowin, first child of Wilson Wilks Gowin and Louise Emily Townes Gowin, was born about 1934, probably in Roswell. On December 27, 1955 he was married to Annie Anastasia Lucero “of Roswell,” according to Chavez County Marriage Book 33, page 19243. He became a draftsman.
Two years later Wilson Wilks “Pat” Gowin, Jr. was drowned in a “bottomless lake” near Roswell June 22, 1957. Annie Anastasia Lucero Gowin was later remarried to Bob Wegener and in July 1974 lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
One daughter was born to Wilson Wilks “Pat” Gowin, Jr. and Annie Anastasia Lucero Gowin:
Carla Marie Gowin born March 5, 1957
Carla Marie Gowin, child of Wilson Wilks “Pat” Gowin, and Annie Anastasia Lucero Gowin, was born March 5, 1957 at Roswell, according to Chavez County birth records. She was married June 16, 1979 to Tim W. Brooks. In 1993 they lived in Albuquerque.
Children born to them include:
Jenna Leanna Brooks born December 29, 1982
Kaylie Lauren Brooks born December 2, 1986
Charles Allen Gowin, second child of Wilson Wilks “Pat” Gowin, Jr. and Louise Emily Townes Gowin, was born about 1936, probably in Roswell. About 1955, he was married, wife’s name Martha. In July 1974 they were living in Etowah, Tennessee where he was employed as a draftsman.
Children born to Charles Gowin and Martha Gowin include:
Patricia Ann Gowin born in June 1956
Wilks Michael Eugene Gowin born in 1957
Mark Allen Gowin born in August 1959
Nanette Louise Gowin born in October 1960
Cornelia Elizabeth Gowin, second child of Wilson Walter Gowin and Lillie May Klahr Gowin, was born in Amarillo September 4, 1904. She recalled, in an interview with Arlee Claud Gowen in July 1974, running errands for her mother on Taylor Street in Amarillo as a child and seeing Indians from the nearby reservation sitting crosslegged on the Taylor Street boardwalk wrapped in their blankets.
She appeared in the 1918, 1919 and 1920 city directories of Amarillo living at 505 Fillmore, the family residence. She was married to James Elmer Allison at Polk Street Methodist Church May 9, 1921, according to Potter County Marriage Book 5, page 402.
James Elmer Allison operated the first drive‑in service station in Amarillo following return from his service in the U.S. Navy following World War I. He later went into the oil leasing business in Amarillo. He died there June 6, 1963.
In July 1974 Cornelia Elizabeth Gowin Allison, a widow, lived at 2301 South Austin, Apartment 106, Amarillo. Later she lived at 2004 South Lipscomb. She, a member of Gowen Research Foundation, died there February 7, 1991.
Children born to James Elmer Allison and Cornelia Elizabeth Gowin Allison include:
Ada Cornelia Allison born April 07, 1922
James Wilson Allison born March 26, 1925
Betty Jean Allison born January 11, 1928
Frances Lillian Allison born February 12, 1930
Ada Cornelia Allison, first child of James Elmer Allison and Cornelia Elizabeth Gowin Allison, was born in Amarillo April 17, 1922. She remained unmarried, living at 2004 South Lipscomb, Amarillo in July 1974. She was an employee of Diamond Shamrock Corporation. She died March 26, 1992 in Amarillo.
James Wilson Allison, second child of James Elmer Allison and Cornelia Elizabeth Gowin Allison, was born in Amarillo March 27, 1925. On December 31, 1953 he was married to Margaret Pettit. They lived in Moriarity, New Mexico. He died April 27, 1989.
Children born to James Wilson Allison and Margaret Pettit Allison include:
Virginia Elizabeth Allison born October 11, 1954
James Hastings Allison born March 17, 1957
Virginia Elizabeth Allison, daughter of James Wilson Allison and Margaret Pettit Allison, was born October 11, 1954. She was married August 23, 1982. In January 1993 they lived in Yuma, Arizona.
James Hastings Allison, son of James Wilson Allison and Margeret Pettit Allison, was born March 17, 1957. In 1993 he was employed in the African nation of Nigeria. Later he was in Indonesia.
Betty Jean Allison, third child of James Elmer Allison and Cornelia Elizabeth Gowin Allison, was born in Amarillo January 11, 1928. In 1959 she was married to Wilber Jones. No children were born to this union. In July 1974 they made their home in Houston, Texas where she was employed by National Gas Pipeline Company. In December 1992, she, a member of Gowen Research Foundation, again lived in Amarillo at 2004 South Lipscomb.
Frances Lillian Allison, fourth child of James Elmer Allison and Cornelia Elizabeth Gowin Allison, was born in Amarillo February 12, 1930. On May 27, 1955 she was married to Don D. Krabbe. In 1974 and in 1993 they lived in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Children born to them include:
Cynthia Dean Krabbe born November 3, 1956
Michael Eugene Krabbe born October 23, 1958
Cynthia Dean Krabbe, daughter of Don D. Krabbe and Frances Lillian Allison Krabbe, was born November 3, 1956. She was married June 15, 1973 to Michael Fordyce. In 1993 they lived in Buyckeye, Arizona.
Children born to Michael Fordyce and Cunthia Dean Krabbe Fordyce include:
Sandra D. Fordyce born January 17, 1974
Michael Eugene Krabbe, son of Don D. Krabbe and Frances Lillian Allison Krabbe, was born October 23, 1958. He was married to Teri Watson April 30, 1983. In 1993 they lived in Chandler, Arizona.
Cornelia “Pinkie” Gowin, eighth child of John M. Gowan and Mariah J. Peacock Gowan, was born about 1858, probably in
Smith County, Mississippi. She appeared there in the 1860 and 1870 census enumerations.
Cornelia “Pinkie” Gowin was married to P. F. Denham about 1875. In 1908 P. F. Denham and Cornelia “Pinkie” Gowin Denham were living in Scott County, Mississippi.
She joined her brothers in giving a quit claim deed to her mother’s homestead in Hillsboro, Texas to B. B. Cochran September 19, 1908, according to Hill County Deed Book 112, page 76. “Mrs. Pinkie Denham and P. F. Denham of Scott County, Mississippi; L. Gowin, Tarrant County, Texas; W. W. Gowin of Potter County, Texas; and J. C. Gowin of Clay County, Texas, sole heirs of Mrs. Mariah Gowin, late of Hill County, Texas” deeded Lot 48, McMullen Addition to B. B. Cochran.
Horace Denham who later lived at Bellvue, Texas is believed to be the son of P. F. Denham and Cornelia “Pinkie” Gowin Denham. Of other descendants nothing more is known.
Ida Gowan, ninth child of John M. Gowan and Mariah J. Peacock Gowan, was born about 1860, probably in Smith County, Mississippi. She died between 1870 and 1880 unmarried.
Descendant Researchers:
Leah Putty Albers, 8320 Glenwood, Oklahoma City, OK, 73114, 405/848-0861
Col. Michael O. Beck, 824 Holbrook Circle, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, 32549, 904/862-1464
Celia Ann Scott Boswell, 413 N. Pacific, Mineola, TX, 75773, 903/569-6968
Phillip Alan Gowan, Box 5777, Nashville, TN, 37208, 615/834-0910
Jack Donald Gowin, Route 1, Box 361, Hector, AR, 72843, 581/284-2902
Betty Allison Jones, 2004 S. Lipscomb, Amarillo, TX, 79109
Phyllis J. Poe, 15406 Ashburton, Houston, TX, 77040, 713/466-4149.
Richard Gowan, believed to be the sixth child of John Gowan was born March 6, 1813 in North Carolina. When he was 16 years old, he moved to Louisiana to work on a plantation. About 1835 he removed with other members of his family to Simpson County, Mississippi.
He was married February 2, 1840 to Susan Peacock in Simpson County. Susan Peacockc was born in Louisiana in 1817, according to “History of North & West Texas” published in 1906 by Capt. B. B. Paddock. She was a sister to Mariah Peacock was married John Gowan, a brother to Richard Gowan. John Peacock, the father of Susan Peacock had emigrated to Louisiana with his parents from Ireland. John Peacock married a French woman and they were the parents of four children‑‑two sons and two daughters.
Richard Gowan, a farmer, appeared as the head of a household in the 1840 census of Simpson County, page 228:
“Gowens, Richard white male 20‑30
white female 15‑20”
Richard Gowan owned one female slave at that time. His enumeration was in adjacent entries to “John M. Gowens and Jesse Gowens.” These individuals are believed to be John M. Gowan, his brother and Jesse Gowan, his cousin.
Richard Gowan “had peculiar business ability and tireless energy and soon became one of the wealthiest planters of Smith County, owning many slaves and having a large amount of land and other property,” according to Captain Paddock. The history further shows that he was primarily interested in the breeding of blooded livestock.
The family of Richard Gowan and Susan Peacock Gowan was enumerated in the 1850 and 1860 census returns of Smith County. Richard Gowan lost all of his wealth at the close of the Civil War and elected to “start over” in Navarro County, Texas, moving there in 1867. His family was enumerated there in the 1870 federal census.
Richard Gowan received a deed from J. A. Davis February 5, 1870 to 26 acras located 13 miles west of Corsicana on Rusk Creek for $170, according to Navarro County Deed Book T, page 136.
He purchased additional land from B. F. Cummings located 12 miles west of Corsicana on Richland Creek for $100, according to Navarro County Deed Book T, page 239. The deed was filed in May of 1870.
He purchased additional land from W. B. Thompson October 1, 1870 on Cottonwood Creek, located 11 miles south and five miles west of Corsicana. Purchase price was $389.40, according to Navarro County Deed Book U, page 467.
Richard Gowan gave a bill of sale to D. W. Pierce October 26, 1870 for 11 head of cattle “branded U.D.”, according to Navarro County Deed Book T, page 615. Richard Gowan received a deed from W. B. Thompson and Elizabeth Jane Thompson to 135 acres of land located on Cottonwood Creek, 11 miles south of Corsicana, according to Navarro County Deed Book X, page 481. Consideration was $2,400.
Richard Gowan received a deed from his nephew, James A. Gowan July 16, 1874 to 480 acres located in Navarro and Ellis County, Texas. Consideration was $960 in gold, according to Navarro County Deed Book 26, page 15.
On January 10, 1876 he deeded land located 12 miles west of Corsicanna to J. W. Simpson for $1,276, according to Navarro County Deed Book 27, page 631.
~
In the September 1, 1877 edition of the “Dallas Herald” on page 3, column 1 appeared a news item regarding the death of a daughter of Richard Gowan. The article stated simply that “Miss Gowan, [Mississippi Gowan] a young lady about 14, the daughter of Richard Gowan near Dresden, died very suddenly last Saturday night. [8/15/1877].”
On January 1, 1887 Richard Gowan gave a deed of trust to J. S. Doughterty for seven acres of land in Ellis County, Texas, according to Ellis County Deed Book J, page 338. On April 12, 1888, he gave a deed of trust to R. M. and Bettie Burris for 100 acres of land in Ellis County, according to Deed Book L, page 289.
On January 17, 1889 he gave a deed of trust to Prof. Jonathan Buna Jones, his son‑in‑law for 100 acres in Ellis County, according to Deed Book M, page 533. On July 29, 1890 he deeded 100 acres in Ellis County to James T. Calvin, according Deed Book 68, page 174.
He died in Navarro County December 21, 1890 at age 77. His Ellis County estate was settled in 1891, accordigg to Ellis County Deed Book 65, page 447. In that year Susan Peacock Gowan “of Navarro County, Texas” joined her children in sellins her interest in 960 acres of land in Ellis County to her sons, Garrett Hubert Gowan and John W. Gowan.
Susan Peacock Gowan died at the age of 83, January 28, 1900 and was buried in White Church Cemetery beside her husband.
Children born to Richard Gowan and Susan Peacock Gowan include:
Matilda Gowan born December 18, 1840
Samantha Jen Gowan born December 1, 1843
Garrett Hubert Gowan born March 29, 1845
William Thomas “Bud” Gowan born March 9, 1847
Terry Edith Gowan born June 10, 1849
Mary Ann Gowan born born in 1852 d1854
Richard R. Gowan born July 13, 1856
John Wyeatt Gowan born about 1858
Rose Alice Gowan born August 16, 1860
Lula Mississippi “Missie”Gowan
born May 31, 1865, d1877
Matilda Gowan, first child of Richard Gowan and Susan Pealcock Gowan, was born about 1842 in Smith County. She was married to John Young February 2, 1860, probably in Smith County. They accompanied her father’s family in the move to Navarro County, living in Blooming Grove community.
John Young died in 1888. About 1891 Matilda Gowan Young “of Navarro County” sold her interest in her father’s estate of 960 acres in Ellis County, Texas toher brothers Garrett Hubert Gowan and John Wyeatt Gowan, according to Ellis County Deed Book 65, page 447.
Children born to John Young and Matilda Gowan Young include:
Emmar Rosalie Young born March 24, 1861
Matthew Garrett Young born November 5, 1864
Mary “May” Young born August 31, 1867
Susa Fannie Young born March 14, 1870
Tillie Mae Young born May 13, 1873
Terrie Pearl Young born October 27, 1875
Frank Richard Young born November 7, 1878
(((For information on above children, consult “Gowan-Morley”))
Samantha Jane Gowan, second child of Richard Gowan and Susan Peacock Gowan, was born December 1, 1843 in Smith County, Mississippi. She was married, probably in Smith County, to George Washington Thomason who was born in 1835. They accompanied her father in his move to Navarro County.
George Washington Thomason and Samantha Jane Gowan Thomason, joined by their son William Henry Thomason, entered into the transaction to sell her part of 960 acres of land in Ellis County, Texas that she inherited from her father’s estate to her brothers, Garrett Hubert Gowan and John Wyeatt Gowan about 1891, according to Ellis County Deed Book 65, page 447.
Samantha Jane Gowan Thomason died February 19, 1893 in Navarro County, and he survived until 1910.
Children born to them include:
Richard Obadiah Thomason born February 19, 1843
William Henry Thomason born May 1, 1869
Mattie Alice Thomason born November 3, 1871
Alexander Gowan Thomason born March 22, 1874
Joshua Elliott Thomason born January 28, 1876
Fleta Mae Thomason born January 8, 1878
Susan Eullina Thomason born June 30, 1880
(((For information on above children, see Gowen-Morley Mattie Alice Thompson was born November 3, 1871 in Lonoke County, Arkansas)))
Garrett Hubert Gowan, son of Richard Gowan and Susan Peacock Gowan, was born March 29, 1845 in Smith County, Mississippi. He was a student at Sylvarena Academy there at the outbreak of the Civil War, and at the age of 16 immediately volunteered in the first Confederate company raised in Smith County for the Sixteenth Mississippi Infantry Regiment.
His regiment quickly moved to Virginia and reported to Gen. Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson just in time to participate in the Battle of Cross Keys in June 1862. This engagement was followed in quick succession by the Battle of Seven Days, and the desperate Battle of Malvern Hill. During the battle, Pvt. Gowan was ordered to the rear and handed a discharge–the army had become aware that he was underage.
Garrett Hubert Gowan was sent home where he stewed in impatience until his eighteenth birthday. On March 18, 1863 he re-enlisted, and because of the spirit of this eager young volunteer, he was allowed to return to Virginia to resume his place in his old company in the Sixteenth. Because of his youth, he was assigned to provost guard duty upon his return, but was finally allowed into combat in the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse. Here in May 1864 the armies of Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant grappled with each other for two weeks in hand-to-hand combat.
Young Gowan received a severe leg wound in the battle and was sent to the hospital. Six months later, after recovering from his wound, he was retreating with his regiment.
He was taken prisoner in North Carolina in a battle on the Weldon & Petersburg Railroad. He was confined in Pt. Lookout, Maryland where he was paroled and exchanged in the following winter.
Garrett Hubert Gowan returned home and was married May 16, 1866 to Mary Elizabeth Lyles, his classmate and childhood sweetheart. She was born June 6, 1849 to John Tharp Lyles and Julia A. Davis Lyles. John Tharp Lyles was an outstanding citizen, according to “History of North & West Texas,” published in 1906 by Capt. B. B. Paddock:
“He was a prominent merchant, farmer and man-of-affairs who served with distinction in the Twenty-seventh Mississippi Infantry. He died in 1874 from the effects of a terrible wound in the neck received during the Vicksburg siege the day before the surrender. He had creditably filled public office in Noxobee and Smith Counties. His brother, Dr. W. D. Lyles was Surgeon General of the Confederate Army. Mrs. Julia A. Davis Lyles was noted not only for her attractive personality and numerous accomplishments, but was distinguished by her marked intellectuality, charm of manner and gifted conversational powers.”
Immediately, the young couple left for Texas, hoping to rid themselves of the oppression of the carpetbaggers who were flooding into Mississippi.
“Being of enterprising and adventurous disposition, they removed thither, and departed by rail for Vicksburg. Upon their arrival there, they boarded the Steamship “Madam Ruth” for Little Rock where they joined his sister and her husband for the difficult part of the journey to Texas. Mr. Gowan began his preparation for the overland trip by buying a good yoke of oxen and an old Illinois wagon. Dressed in homespun but each with a belt of $20 gold pieces around the waist, they started bravely forth.”
He began ranching in Ellis County and Navarro County, Texas and drove his herds to New Orleans when ready for sale. Ranchers allowed their cattle to roam on the open range making them easy prey for rustlers and horsethieves in the lawless post-war period. To reduce his losses to theft, Garrett Hubert Gowan strung the first barbed-wire fences in Navarro County about 1872. Settlers began pouring into Navarro County and breaking out the land for cultivation. Feeling crowded, he removed to Eufala, Indian Territory and started over in ranching amidst the Choctaws and Cherokees.
The threat of Sooners and Oklahoma land rushes convinced him that his future lay farther west. In 1876, he resettled in Clay County, Texas near the site of old Camp Wichita, a post erected for the protection of settlers from the Indians. Here he acquired 8,000 acres of grassland.
Thirty years after he arrived in Clay County, Garrett Hubert Gowan found himself again surrounded by “sodbusters.” His 8,000 acres had become an oasis of grass surrounded on all sides by sod and settlers, and he again felt the pressures of civilization. At that time his family convinced him that a 63-year-old cowboy had no business in moving and starting over again farther west. They prevailed up him to buy a home in Ft. Worth and become a “city dude.” The women in his family enjoyed the cultural advantages that “Cowtown,” a metropolitan city with 27,000 inhabitants, streetcars and an opera house could provide. Garrett Hubert Gowan stewed and longed for the open range.
In 1912, when he could stand it no more, he bought a three-section ranch in Gaines County, Texas, on the New Mexico line for $12,000 cash. Garrett Hubert Gowan and Mary Elizabeth Liles Gowan were influenced by their children to return to Ft. Worth frequently. They observed their golden wedding anniversary there in 1916 and came back again in 1924 for their 58th wedding anniversary.
In 1918, Garrett Hubert Gowan became a pioneer again. He applied for a federal land grant on New Mexico ranchland. After four years of “proving up” on his claim, Pres. Woodrow Wilson signed a land patent in 1922 to the 76-year-old settler. Through all the years, Garrett Hubert Gowan had retained a small ranch just south of Henrietta, the county seat of Clay County. Whenever he began to feel “hemmed in,” he could recapture the pioneering spirit by returning to Henrietta.
He died there May 10, 1930, according to Clay County Death Book 2, page 23. He was buried in Bellevue Cemetery, according to “Cemeteries of Clay County, Texas” by Walter Speakman. His widow died in the same year and was buried beside her husband.
Children born to them include:
Terrie Eudora “Teedo” Gowan born January 17, 1868
Robert Sherwood Gowan born August 8, 1869
Edward Elexandria Gowan born March 9, 1871
Richard Tharp Gowan born December 2, 1873
Maggie Julia Gowan born January 1, 1876
Susan Maude Gowan born March 18, 1878
Mary Eolian Gowan born October 8, 1881
Garrett Hubert Gowan, Jr. born September 13, 1893
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