John Gowen, [William3, Thomas2, Mihil1]

John Gowen, [William3, Thomas2, Mihil1] son of William Gowen and Catherine Gowen, was born in Stafford County about 1709. His identity as a son of William Gowen is documented in Fairfax County deed records when he transferred land located on Pope's Head Run which was granted to his father by the proprietors. The land was described as "part of a tract granted to William Gowen, deceased, father to said Gowen, from the Proprietors dated November 12, 1725." This farm was later famous as part of a Civil War battlefield in the Battle of Bull Run.

It was on the farm of John Gowen that Gen. Thomas Jonathan Jackson received the name "Stonewall." Long after John Gowen had removed to the southside of Virginia, the District of Columbia and the city of Washington was created just across the Potomac River in 1801. The Confederate troops were just 30 miles short of the Union capital when they repulsed the Union army in the Battle of Manassas there July 21, 1862. The Federals retreated in panic back to the Potomac.

In the second engagement, the Battle of Bull Run, fought August 29-30 the armies again swept across land that once belonged to John Gowen and his father-in-law.

About 1728 John Gowen was married to Mary Keife, daughter of Cornelius Keife, probably in Stafford County. Cornelius Keife, an Irish emigrant who arrived in Virginia in 1709, was contemporary with William Gowen in Stafford County. He probably lived in the same area since he is shown as holding a patent to land "on the north side of the Occoquan River near Ridgewell."

According to "Southern Lineages" by Adeline Evans Wynn, Cornelius Keife acquired other property. She wrote, "January 11, 1714-15, he was also granted land in Stafford County on the south side of Neapsco Run. Cornelius Keife, in partnership with Richard Kirkland received a grant "of 268 acres 23rd, 11th month, 1714."

Cornelius Keife/Keith appeared in Brunswick County, Virginia March 26, 1736 when he was a witness to the will of John Nipper, Sr. of St. Andrews Parish of Brunswick County, according to Brunswick County Will Book 2, page 31. He, along with Catherine Gowen Patterson and Mary King, was again a witness to the will of Thomas Stroud October 23, 1738, according to Brunswick County Will Book 2, page 1.

At least two children were born to John Gowen and Mary Keife Gowen about 1730, probably in Stafford County. John Gowen was mentioned in a grant to William Ellzey dated November 27, 1743 as living adjacent to the Ellzey property "on Wolf Run and Ox Road, along with Col. Carter, Bond Veale, Thomas Ford and Tillet."

Fairfax County was created in 1742, and John Gowen and his brother, Thomas Gowen found themselves in the new county. John Gowen and Mary Keife Gowen on March 5, 1744 deeded to Thomas Ford the 56 acres of land he had inherited from William Gowen, according to Fairfax County Deed Book A-1, page 551. This land was located on the east side of Pope's Head Run and was part of the 102 acres of land which had been granted to William Gowen November 12, 1725.

Another 50 acres of land was conveyed with another tract of adjoining land which John Gowen had received from the proprietors.

"John Goen, son of William and Mary his wife," sold 44 acres to Thomas Ford March 6, 1744, according to Fairfax County Deed Book A, page 351. John Gowen continued to live on a tract of land he had received from his father-in-law, Cornelius Keife at that time.

On July 6, 1744 John Gowen received Grant No. 368 for 155 acres "on a branch of the Popeshead and Pohick Rivers, adjacent to Thomas Ford and Capt. Connyers," according to "Grants by the Proprietors of the Northern Neck of Virginia." The land lay in Fairfax County, according to Deed Book F, page 187.

On July 10, 1744 John Gowen received Grant No. 371 for 144 acres "in a glade near a branch of North Run Pohick which corners Robert Carter," according to "Grants by the Proprietors of the Northern Neck of Virginia." It was also located in Fairfax County, according to Deed Book F, page 191. The deeds were recorded in "Patents and Northern Neck Grants of Fairfax County, Virginia."

He deeded land which had been granted to him by the proprietors on the east side of Pope's Head Run in July 1744, according to Fairfax County Deed Book A-1, page 551. On July 14, 1746 John Gowen sold 144 acres in Truro Parish he had received from the proprietors to Bond Veale, according to Fairfax County Deed Book B, page 24. Witnesses to the transaction were William Grove, George Dunson and John Duren. Mary Keife Gowen relinquished her dower rights.

"John Goen of Truro Parish and Mary, his wife,” daughter of Cornelius Keife" sold one half of 268 acres “on the north side of Occaquan below the mouth of the North fork of the said Run of Occaquan to the uppermost corner tree of land belonging to Richard Ridgewell & extending thense along sd. Ridgewell’s line . . . to the beginning, it being a tract of land granted to Richard Kirkland. dec’d & Cornelius Keife, father of sd. Goens wife 23 November 1714” to Edward Kirkland for "five shillings sterling and 1,100 pounds of merchanable tobacco," June 10, 1746, according to Deed Book B, page 35, as recorded in "Patents and Northern Neck Grants of Fairfax County, Virginia."

"John Gowen of Truro Parish" sold the grant July 15, 1746 to Bond Veale, also of Truro Parish "for £7:12:6 current money of Virginia plus 500 pounds of Tob." [tobacco], according to Fairfax County Deed Book B, page 26. "Grants by the Proprietors of the Northern Neck of Virginia" records:

"George Veale, one of the legal representatives of Elijah Veale, late of Hyde County, North Carolina, sold one equal undivided sixth part of this tract to George Slacum of Alexandria for "the further sum of $1.00." The deed recites that John Gowen sold the property to Bond Veale July 15, 1746. Bond Veale by his will devised it to his son John who devised it to his son Elijah.

Bond Veale, removing to Carolina, the land was taken up by Ellzey as a piece of vacant land for which he obtained a patent. When Elijah Veale came from Carolina he found Ellzey in possession of it. When Ellzey would not give it up, Elijah Veale brought ejectment to recover and engaged George Slacum to "attend the conduct of it in his absence and by his writing obligatory bearing date the twenty third day of March 1797 bound himself to convey the same to George Slacum upon his recovery.

The ejectment was determined in his favor and possession of it obtained by George Slacum, but before a conveyance was made of it by said Elijah Veale to George Slacum, he departed this life, intestate, leaving six children, George, Sarah, Elizabeth, John, Thomas and Eliphat. George Slacum had paid £55 to Elijah Veale for the property June 16, 1809, according to Fairfax County Deed Book J2, page 229."

Before selling out, John Gowen was a neighbor to Ellzey Thomazin [Thomason?]. On November 6, 1766 Ellzey Thomazin received a grant of 244 acres located "on the south side of the Pohick, adjacent to Walter Griffin," according to "Grants by the Proprietors of the Northern Neck of Virginia." The grant, No. 408, referred to "Walter Griffin's Old Rolling Road, Old Ox Road and Samuel Littlejohn's cleared land," according to Northern Neck Deed Book O, page 156 John Gowen had been associated with 144 acres of this land.

"William Ellzey, of [nearby] Loudoun County, Attorney at Law, and Alice his wife, on January 19, 1777 sold for £130 to Thomas Sangster, Blacksmith, two tracts: 300 acres granted to said William Ellzey and 56 acres, part of patent of John Gowen which William Ellzey purchased from James Ingoe Dozer," according to "Grants by the Proprietors of the Northern Neck of Virginia." and Fairfax County Deed Book M, page 252.

On July 10, 1744 John Gowen received a land grant in Fairfax County on the North Run of Pohick River. Later he leased this property. On June 9, 1746 he sold his homestead in Truro Parish to Edward Kirkland, possibly a son of Richard Kirkland who, along with Cornelius Keife, was the original grantee. The deed is recorded in Fairfax County Deed Book B, page 32. Witnesses to the transaction were Bond Veale, John Bayliss and William King.

This transfer involved 268 acres on the north side of Occoquan Run which had been originally granted jointly to Cornelius Keife and "Richard Kirkland, deceased." Since the Kirkland, Keife and Gowen families owned the same land in repeating succession, a relationship among them is suggested.

John Gowen and Mary Keife Gowen removed to Lunenburg County, Virginia on the North Carolina border about 1747. In 1765 Mecklenburg County was formed with land taken from the south side of Lunenburg County.

John Gowen paid a tax on two tithables in 1748 in the Lunenburg County tax list of Lewis Deloney, according to "Sunlight on the South Side." page 67.

It is possible that John Gowen moved on to adjoining Granville County, North Carolina, located on the Virginia state line, to join his son, William Gowen who owned land there. "John Going" paid tax on one tithable in Granville County, North Carolina on the list of Jonathan White about 1749.

It is believed that John Gowen and Mary Keife Gowen returned to the Northern Neck section of Virginia about 1750.

"John Gown" served in a detachment of militia from Fairfax County under the command of Capt. Bryan Fairfax about 1757 in the French & Indian War, according to "Virginia's Colonial Soldiers."

"John Gowen of Lunenburg County, Virginia" received a deed to "100 acres on Dodson's Branch at Hargrove's old line" from William Stroud February 23, 1760 for £30, according to Granville County Deed Book C. If this were John Gowen, his stay in North Carolina was short. They were soon back in Virginia.

John Gowen was granted 200 acres of land on Reedy Branch of Ruffin's Creek February 14, 1761, according to Lunenburg County deed records. Jack Harold Goins, Foundation member of Rogersville, Tennessee made a trip in September 1995 to Lunenburg County to locate the farm of John Gowen. He wrote, "My best estimation is that the farm of John Gowen was located about 10-15 miles west of present-day Lunenburg, Virginia which is located in the center of the county."

John Gowen and Mary Keife Gowen transferred part of the 200 acres on June 10, 1761 to his two sons.

The first deed, recorded July 7, 1761 in Lunenburg County Deed Book 6, page 379, read:

"To all people to whom this prasement writing shall come, I John Going, Sr. and Mary his wife for and in consideration of the natural affection and love which we have and bear unto our well beloved son, John Going, Jr. of the county aforesaid convey unto said John Going, Jr. land containing 100 acres more or less, bounded by Ruffin, this being part of 400 acres granted by patent bearing date February 14, 1761 which was granted by our Honorable Lt. Gov. Francis Farquhier. The aforesaid 100 acres lying on both sides of the Great Branch and being the land that the aforesaid John Going, Jr. lives on . . .

This 10th day of June the year of our Lord God One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty-one.

The Court held for Lunenburg County the 7th day of July 1761, the written deed of gift now acknowledged by the said John Going, Sr. and the same ordered to be recorded."

"John Gowing, Sr. of Lunenburg County, Virginia and Mary, his wife, for the natural love and affection which we bear our beloved son, William Gowing of this county aforesaid--also for divers other causes and considerations, part of 200 acre tract granted by patent aforesaid to John Gowing, Sr., bearing date February 14, 1761 by Gov. Francis Farquier, land on branch called the Great Branch, and the land that the aforesaid William now lives on, bounded by John Ruffin."

John Gowen and Mary Keife Gowen signed the deed in the presence of Pinckney Brown, Susie Hubbard and Sarah Gowen, believed to be their daughter-in-law. Susie Hubbard is regarded as their daughter, Susannah Gowen Hubbard by Jack Harold Goins, Editorial Boardmember of Rogersville, Tennessee. On the same day they conveyed a similar portion of land to their son, John Gowen, Jr, according to Lunenburg County Deed Book 6, page 378-379. Witnesses to the transaction were "Richard Brown, Sarah Going and Elizabeth Going" [believed to be the wife of John Gowen, Jr.].

Jack Harold Goins made a study of the documents signed by John Gowen and Mary Keife Gowen in the Northern Neck counties and in Lunenburg County. Both were illiterate, but each had a distinctive mark used on documents. Mary Keife Gowen used "M" as her signature, and John Gowen used his initials "JG" overprinting the ascenders to form a ligature. These unique marks proved that John Gowen and Mary Keife Gowen of Fairfax County were the same ones who later lived in Lunenburg County, according to Jack Harold Goins.

“Gowin, Cardin, Ragsdale and Ruffin” were mentioned as neighbors in a deed made August 3, 1761 by Seth Moore of Lunenburg County to William Parrish of Charles City County, according to Lunenburg County Deed Book 6, page 414-415. The land also lay on “the Long Branch.” The deed was witnessed by William Russell and David Parrish.

At the end of the French & Indian War, the Crown issued the Proclamation of 1763 which set up a western boundary line for the colony of Virginia. The line ran north-south along/near the New River in the southwest part of the present state. The government in agreement with the Indians formed the boundary to protect the hunting territory of the Indians. No colonist was allowed to settle or improve land west of the boundary, however the colonists disregarded the boundary and began a serious encroachment of Indian territory within 10 years. This helped to drive the Indians into the British camp at the approach of the Revolutionary War.

Just before the Revolution erupted, on April 1, 1772, the Virginia House of Burgesses petitioned King George III for "your Majesty's paternal assistance in averting a Calamity of the most alarming Nature." They sought to have the King outlaw the importation slaves to the colony "which hath long been considered as a Trade of great Inhumanity and might endanger the very Existance of your Majesty's American Dominions."

Slaves from West Africa had allowed Virginia to grow and flourish over the past 150 years during which the trade had troubled few buyers. Now the same slave buyers wanted to cut off further imports. "The reason behind this apparent switch revealed Virginia's ambivalent attitude toward the institution," according to "American Heritage," April 1997. "In general, Virginians thought a little slavery was good, but not too much."

King George, preferring to keep his "gross product and revenues" from Virginia as high as possible, denied their petition. In 1778, a newly freed Virginia, finally outlawed the slave trade, but continued to vacillate over the issue. Two years later, the Virginia Legislature voted to reward Revolutionary War soldiers with 300 acres of land--and a slave!

"John Gowing took the oath of allegiance before James Lyon" in 1777," according to "Virginia Magazine of History and Biography."

Here the curtain of antiquity drops on John Gowen and Mary Keife Gowen. No further records have been located that refer to them. It may be assumed that they died in Lunenburg County and are buried in the vicinity.

John Gowen, Jr, [John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1] son of John Gowen and Mary Keife Gowen, was born about 1730, probably in Stafford County. Joe Payne, Tennessee researcher, states that John Gowen, Jr. was born in Halifax County [part of Brunswick County in 1730].

It is believed that he was married about 1752, wife's name Elizabeth, in Fairfax County, and then moved to southern Virginia in the company of his father and brother.

John Going paid a tax on "two tithes" in 1848, according to "Sunlight on the Southside" by Landon C. Bell. "John Gowen" paid a tax on "two tithes, 12 head and scalps" in 1749. "John Goin" paid a tax one "one tithe" in 1751, and "John Gowen" paid a tax on "one tithe" in 1853.

Other taxpayers of that period in Lunenburg County were: Joseph Goin who paid a tax on "one tithe" in 1752, Thomas Going who paid a tax on "three tithes" in 1751 and William Going, who was living with William Callaway, and who paid a tax on one tithe in 1752.

He was issued Patent No. 34 February 14, 1761, according to "Virginia Patents," page 809. The patent read, "John Gowin, Lunenburg County, 400 acres beginning at William Hill's corner on Reedy Branch, adjacent Ruffin's line." This patent was issued in Lunenburg County before Halifax County was completely organized. When Pittsylvania County was organized in 1766 with land from Halifax County, John Going found himself in the new county. Henry County was formed from Halifax County in 1776, and the property of John Going again lay in the new county. His residence lay about 12 miles from the land of Shadrack Going on Polecat Creek. Shadrack Going is regarded as a kinsman.

Subsequently he appeared in northern North Carolina. "John Gowing" was "sworn chain carrier" February 14, 1755 when two patents were surveyed in St. John's Parish on Jonathan Creek for James Yancey, according to Granville County, North Carolina Surveyor's Book 14, page 107.

"John Going was sued in Granville County June 7, 1757 along with other members of his family.

John Gowen "of Lunenburg County, Virginia" received a deed to "100 acres on Dodson's Branch at Hargrove's old line" from William Stroud February 23, 1760 for £30, according to Granville County Deed Book C. He received a deed to land in Lunenburg County in 1761 from his parents.

From "Virginia Patents," page 809, "John Gowin" was issued Patent No. 34: "Lunenburg County, February 14, 1761, 400 acres beginning at William Hill's corner on Reedy Branch, adjacent Ruffin's line." This patent was issued in Lunenburg County before Halifax County was formed.

On December 1, 1761 “John Goin” deed “200 acres “on both sides of the Long Branch, bounded by William Hill, William Going, John Goin, Jr. and John Ruffin,” according to Lunenburg County Deed Book 7, page 151. Witness were Thomas Norell, John Farrar and Benjamin Burton. “Mary, wife of said John Gowing relinquished her rights of dower.” The deed was recorded February 2, 1762.

Paul Heinegg suggests that John Gowen, Jr. was the "John Going" who was sued in Orange County, North Carolina in May 1764, according to Orange County Court Minutes. Additionally he suggests that John Gowen, Jr. was "John Going" who was verbally excoriated by Col. John Hogan of Orange County. The colonel declared in 1765 that he "knew John Going well and that he was a trifling, contemptible fellow, a gambler, and a mulatto . . . he was then insolvent and probably is so still, if alive," according to "Claims of British Merchants after the Revolutionary War."

John Gowen, Joseph Gowen and William Gowen, regarded as his brothers, were included in a jury panel in May 1765, according to Granville County Court minutes.

"John Gowin" appeared as "one white poll" in the 1771 tax list of Granville County.

"John Gowing and David Gowing" signed the oath of allegiance about 1777, according to "History of Henry County, Virginia" by Judith Parks America Hill. "John Going" took the oath of allegiance August 30, 1777 before Edmund Lynne, Esq, according to "Virginia Magazine of History and Biography," Volume 9. It is believed that he and his sons served as Revolutionary soldiers during the American Revolution.

He appeared on the 1782 tax list with two members in the family and reappeared in the 1785 tax list with four in the family, probably two children born between 1782 and 1785. "John Gowing" was a purchaser at the estate sale of Thomas Bradford, deceased in August 1786, according to Granville County Will Book I, page 515.

"John Goin" was listed as an "insolvent" along with "Edward Goins" in a Granville County list compiled in 1786.

"John Gowing" was mentioned as a purchaser at the estate sale of Thomas Bradford held in August 1786, according to Granville County Deed Book 1, page 515.

"John Going" paid a tax on "one poll" in Henry County, according to "Virginia Taxpayers, 1782-1787." In 1788, "John Going" was recorded as living on the Mayo River on the part of the River that remained in Henry County after Patrick County was formed in 1790. Adjacent to him was Nathan Going who was also taxed. In 1788 and in 1790, "John Going" lived on Blackberry Creek.

When Patrick County was organized in 1790 from Henry County, John Going owned a plantation that lay astride the Henry County-Patrick County line, according to Jack Harold Goins who has made two trips to Henry County to ascertain the location of the property. The land lay on both sides of Blackberry Creek in Henry County and on Polecat Creek in Patrick County.

In 1792, John Going was granted permission in Henry County Chancery Court to construct a gristmill on Blackberry Creek.

"John Going" posted bond in 1792 "for the maintenance of his illegitimate son born to Eleanor Boyse," according to Henry County Order Book 6, page 65. Eleanor Boyse was the daughter of Shadrack Boyse/Boaz, according to the research of Donna V. Gowin Johnston of Casper, Wyoming. She suggests that her ancestor Shadrack Gowin who was born April 17, 1791 was possibly the illegitimate son of John Going.

John Going wrote his will March 17, 1801. The will was transcribed by Lloyd D. Minor from a copy of the original document obtained at the Henry County, Virginia Courthouse. He wrote, "Readers are reminded that, while in the first line of the document, John Going is referred to as Sen. [senior], he is and should continue to be regarded as John Going, Jr. in the pedigree scheme. He may have taken on the Senior status in his own immediate family, as opposed to being Junior in his father's. This is very likely so because of the naming of one of his sons "John."

In the Name of God amen I John Going, Sen., of the County and State of Virginia being sick & weak in body but of sound mind & memory and calling to mind that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament in manner and form following Viz.

First I recommend my Soul unto the hands [of] Almighty God who [gave it] not in the least doubting I shall receive the same at the great day of the Resurrection & as to see the worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with I give as follows:

Item: I give & bequeath unto my well beloved daughter Nancy Goin one Sorrel Horse Coult, one Cow & Calf also one feather bed & furniture to her and her heirs for ever.

Item: I give & bequeath unto my well beloved daughter Sussanna Goin one Roan Mare one Cow & Calf also one feather bed & furniture to her & her heirs forever.

Item: I give and bequeath to my well beloved son Simeon Goin one cow & calf & one feather bed & furniture to him and his heirs for ever.

Item: I give & bequeath unto my well beloved son Zedikiah Goin one cow & calf also one feather bed & furniture to him & his heirs for ever.

Item: I give & bequeath to my well beloved son John Goin one cow & calf & one feather bed & furniture to him & his heirs for ever.

Item: I give & bequeath unto my well beloved son Iasiah [sic] Goin one feather bed & furniture to him & his heirs for ever.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my well beloved son Zachariah Goin one feather bed & furniture to him & his heirs for ever.

Item: I give & bequeath unto my well beloved son Littleberry Goin one feather bed and furniture to him & his heirs for ever.

Item: I give & bequeath unto my well beloved son Clabourn Goin one feather bed & furniture to him and his heirs for ever.

Item: I lend unto my well beloved wife Elizabeth Goin during her natural life all my stock of all kind my household & kitchen furniture together with all my land & plantations whereon I now live & after her death my will and desire is that all my land lying in the Countys of Henry and Patrick be sold & the money arising from the said sale to be equally divided amongst all my children that be then living that is to say Zephaniah Goin Nancy Goin Susanna Goin Clabourn Goin Littleberry Goan Elizabeth Minor wife of Hezekiah Minor to them and their heirs for ever & I do hereby appoint my Friend John Stone & John Cox, Jr. my executors of this my last will & testament revoking and disannulling all wills heretofore by me made.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this 17th Day of March One thousand eight hundred and one.

The within Last Will & Testament of John Going dec'd was exhibited in Court and proved by the Oaths of the witnesses thereto to be published & declared as for the sd John Going Last Will & Testament & the same was Ordered to be Recorded and afterward to wit. at a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for the said County on the 27th Day of July 1801, the Executors in the within Will mentioned refusing to take upon themselves the Executorship of the same. On the Motion of Elizabeth Going widow & relict of the said John Going dec'd Administration with the will annexed is granted her who made Oath & with John Cox & Henry Clark her Securitys entered unto Bond & acknowledged the same therefore Certificate was granted her for obtaining Administration thereof in due form.

Abstracted from copy of Original by Lloyd D. Minor, September 9, 1997. [The use of the old conventions sd for said, & for the word and, Exor. for executor(s), and Exorship for Executorship, were for clarity spelled out in the above abstraction. Capitalized words were not always shown as such, as the use of upper case letters did not always denote Capitalization rather they were sometimes simply a technique of pensmanship.]

The will was probated two months later May 25, 1801, suggesting that John Going died between the two dates. Elizabeth Going appeared as a taxpayer in the 1810 tax list of Henry County. She paid a polltax and a tax on five horses, according to "A Supplement to the 1810 Census of Virginia" by Nettie Schreiner-Yantis. The polltax suggests that a grown son was living in his mother's household. Her location was adjacent to that of Simeon Going and Littleberry Going, her sons. Elizabeth Going died in 1816.

The estate of "Elizabeth Going" was inventoried in Henry County March 9, 1816. Insert Inventory Here. [Being forwarded from Lloyd D. Minor when completed]

Claibourne Going [John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of John Gowen, Jr. and Elizabeth Going, was born about 1754, probably in Granville County. He was mentioned in the will of his father, written March 17, 1801 as the recipient of "one feather bed & furniture." Jack Harold Goins stated that Shadrack Goins also had a son named Claiborne Goins," and I have not been able to separate them in the records."

Claiborne Going removed to Indiana shortly after the death of his mother in 1816, along with his brothers Littleberry Going and Simeon Going, according to the research of Dr. G. C. Waldrep III. All three appeared in the 1820 census of Orange County, Indiana.

“Clabourn Goings” was the head of a household in the 1820 census of Orange County, page 128.

It is believed that Claiborne Goings died during the decade. A free colored female believed to be his widow, appeared in the household of Claibourn Gowens, Sr, believed to be his son, in the 1830 census of Jackson County, Indiana, Salt Creek Township, page 219.

Claiborn Going, regarded as a son of Claiborne Going, was born about 1805 in Henry County.

“Claiborne Gowens, Sr,” appeared as the head of a household in the 1830 census of Jackson County, Salt Creek township, page 219:

George Going, regarded as a son of Claiborne Going, was born about 1809 in Henry County, Virginia. He was brought to Indiana by his parents about 1816. He was registered as a “free person of color, born in Henry County, Virginia.”

George Going was married February 8, 1838 to Nancy Dixon, according to "Jennings County, Indiana Marriages, 1801-1867."

“George Goen” and his wife “Nancy Goen” gave a deed to 40 acres to Malachi C. Davis October 11, 1838 for $70, according to Jackson County Deed Book F, page 146.

They were the heads of a household enumerated in the 1850 census of Jackson County:

George Goen and his brother, John Goen, along with their wives are listed on the “Indiana Free Negro Register, 1852-1865.”

The household, minus George Goen, reappeared in the 1860 census of Jackson County in Jackson township, page 679:

“Elizabeth Goen,” perhaps the servant above, was married August 3, 1865, according to Jackson County Marriage Book E, page 144.

William W. Goen, son of George Goings and Nancy Dixon Goings, was born about 1839. He appeared as an 11-year-old in the 1850 census of his father's household. In 1860 he was reported at age 21 as a day laborer.

Charlotte Temple Goen, daughter of George Goings and Nancy Dixon Goings, was born about 1842. She was married February 4, 1858 to Alfred A. Hattaway, according to Jackson County Marriage Book D, page 147.

Upon the death of Alfred A. Hattaway, Charlotte Temple "Lottie" Goen Hattaway was remarried in Benton Harbor, Michigan July 4, 1880 to John Brown, according to Berrien County, Michigan marriage records. A photograph of John Brown presented him with long, straight hair and an Indian appearance.

Children born to Alfred A. Hattaway and Charlotte Temple "Lottie" Goen Hattaway include:

Minnie Etta Hattaway, twin daughter of Alfred A. Hattaway and Charlotte Temple "Lottie" Goen Hattaway, was born in 1870, according to her great-granddaughter, Sherla Alberola of Denver, Colorado. She was married to Franklin Pierce Hughes August 16, 1888 in Niles, Michigan in Berrien County. Later they removed to Misaukee County, Michigan.

"The members of the family of George and Nancy were always described as Mulatto or Colored, but today Charlotte's descendants are white. In Missaukee County they had nine children. One died in infancy. Minnie Etta and all of the children were listed in the 1910 census as "mulatto," but my grandfather, Frank Hughes was listed as white. He had light skin and blue eyes and was born of white parents, but he is listed as "Colored" on his marriage registration. Perhaps it was still illegal for whites to marry coloreds when he married Minnie Etta, so he listed himself as "Colored."

"They lived in a small farming community near Cadillac, Michigan composed mostly of Dutch immigrants. Everybody, except for a few Indian families was white. My grandmother always said that we were part Indian, but she didn't know how much or what kind. However, in later years, her brother told us that they were part Portuguese. Whatever they were, others in the community considered them "mixed." We will probably never know what they really were as all of the children have died of various kinds of cancer. They were always ashamed of their brownish skin, and I remember that my grandmother avoided the sun.

Minnie Etta died of diabetes, but she was also crippled with arthritis. My mother remembers that she had a "club foot" and wore a special shoe. Minnie Etta's twin brother, John married a Mulatto woman, Rachel A. Winburn December 25, 1895 in Berrien County. He died there in 1951. Twins seemed to run in this family. I hope that some of this will tie in with somebody else's family and be helpful to them.

Alexander Goen, son of George Goings and Nancy Dixon Goings, was born about 1843. He appeared in the 1850 census at age seven and as a 17-year-old day laborer in the 1860 enumeration.

"Alexander Goens" was married to Nancy Goens June 24, 1841, according to the Jackson County Marriage Book AB, page 263.

"Alexander Goens and Nancy J. Lamb, negroes" were married July 16, 1868, according to Jackson County Marriage Book F, page 112. Of Alexander Goen and Nancy J. Lamb Goens nothing more is known.

Children born to Alexander Goen, Nancy Goens Goen and Nancy J. Lamb Goen are unknown.

Daniel Goen, son of George Goings and Nancy Dixon Goings, was born about 1845. He appeared as a five-year-old in the 1850 census of Jackson County. He reappeared at age 15 in the 1860 census of Jackson County.

"Daniel Goins" was married to Sophia Mitchell June 20, 1867, according to Jackson County Marriage Book E, page 306. She was born October 25, 1851.

Sophia Mitchell Goen died December 23, 1876. A year later "Daniel W. Goens" was married to Sarah Bass on December 27, 1877. On May 30, 1895, "Daniel Goens" was married to Lethe L. Smallwood. It appears that Daniel W. Goen was remarried for the fourth time to Esther L. Stewart about 1912.

A white female baby was born to "Dan Goens and Sarah Smallwood" May 18, 1902. A white female baby was born to "Daniel Goen & .... Smallwood" March 19, 1907.

A "colored" male baby was born to "D. W. Goen and E. L. Stewart" September 4, 1906. A "colored" female baby was born to "Daniel W. Goens" and Esther L. Stewart January 27, 1914.

Margaret Goen, daughter of George Goings and Nancy Dixon Goings, was born about 1848. She appeared in the 1850 census at age 1. She reappeared in the 1860 census as a 10-year-old. She was married to Dillard Bates October 18, 1870, according to Jackson County Marriage Book F, page 358.

Asbury Goen, son of George Goings and Nancy Dixon Goings, was born about 1849. He appeared at "eight months" in the 1850 census of Jackson County. In the 1860 census he was recorded as "age 13." He was married December 13, 1870 to Isabel Cousins, according to the research of Sherla J. Alberola.

Asbury Goen remained in Seymour, Indiana at 604 W. Tipton Street until his death in the early 1900s, according to Waldrep research.

Children born to Asbury Goen and Isabel Cousins Goen include a "colored" baby boy born January 2, 1893.

E. Susan Goen, daughter of George Goings and Nancy Dixon Goings, was born about 1862. She appeared in the 1860 census as an eight-year-old.

George Goen, possibly a son of George Goings and Nancy Dixon Goings, was born about 1866. "George Goens" was married to Viola Mitchell December 21, 1891.

John Going, regarded as a son of Claiborne Going, was born about 1812. He was brought to Indiana by his parents about 1816. He was registered as a “free person of color, born in Henry County, Virginia.”

“John Goens” was married May 3, 1845 in Jackson County to Phebe Lamb, according to Jackson County Marriage Book AB, page 366. Children born to John Going and Phebe Lamb Going are unknown.

John Going [John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of John Gowen, Jr. and Elizabeth Going, was born about 1756, probably in Granville County. He was mentioned in the will of his father written March 17, 1801 as the recipient of "one cow & calf and one feather bed & furniture."

Nancy Going [John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], daughter of John Gowen, Jr. and Elizabeth Going, was born about 1757, probably in Granville County. She was mentioned in the will of her father, written March 17, 1801, as the recipient of "one Sorrell horse coult, one cow & calf and one feather bed & furniture."

Zephaniah Going [John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of John Gowen, Jr. and Elizabeth Going, was born about 1758, in Halifax County, according to the research of Donna Gowin Johnston. In 1777 he enlisted as a Revolutionary soldier in Henry County.

Jack Harold Goins, Foundation Editorial Boardmember of Rogersville, Tennessee, and a descendant of Zephaniah Going wrote:

"Zephaniah Goins, son of John Going and Elizabeth Going, and my seventh-generation grandfather, was born about 1758 in Halifax County, Virginia. He enlisted in the Virginia troops during the American Revolution and was present at the Battle of Yorktown when Cornwallis surrendered in October 1781.

Zephaniah Goins, a Melungeon, was married to Elizabeth Thompson June 20, 1790 by Rev. Joseph Anthony of Henry County, Virginia. She was born there about 1765 to William Thompson and Mary Estes Thompson. Mary Estes Thompson was the daughter of Elisha Estes of Lunenburg County.

About that time "Zaph[aniah?] Going" and David Going signed a petition opposing higher taxes in Henry County.

"Zephaniah Going" was a resident of Rockingham County, North Carolina in 1795, according to the research of Pamela R. Lawson Jenkins, family researcher of Franklin, Tennessee. He appeared as the head of a household in the 1810 census of the county. Soon afterward he removed to Tennessee, according to the research of Wanda Aldridge of Dyer, Arkansas.

Learning that Zephaniah Goins and Elizabeth Thompson Goins had joined Blackwater Primitive Baptist Church by dismission letter from another church which was unnamed, I began trying to locate this church. In the Blackwater minutes, 1816 to 1834, I found four seventh-generation grandfathers who served in the Revolutionary War: Thomas Bledsoe, Henry Fisher, John England and Zephaniah Goins.

While searching in the public library in Kingsport, Tennessee, I found the minutes of neighboring Stoney Creek Primitive Baptist Church at Ft. Blackmore, Virginia, just across the state line. They contained some very interesting Melungeon references in the minutes recorded in 1813. The term "Melungeon" was probably in common usage long before then, but this is the first time I have found it recorded.

After learning my seventh-generation grandfather Zephaniah Goins, a Melungeon, had joined Blackwater Primitive Baptist Church by dismission letter from another church which was unnamed, I began trying to locate this church. While searching through records in the public library in Kingsport, Tennessee, I found the minutes of Stoney Creek Primitive Baptist Church at Ft. Blackmore, Virginia, just across the state line from Tennessee.

These minute books had been in the possession of Scott Boatright of Coeburn, Virginia whose Grandfather was once a minister there. They were copied from the original by Emory L. Hamilton in 1966, and transcribed again in 1970 by Bobbie Baldin. Other copies were sent to Clinch Valley College and Virginia State Library in Richmond.

Ft. Blackmore was built at Stoney Creek, in Washington County, Virginia before the Revolutionary War by Capt. John Blackmore to protect the settlers from Indian attacks. Ft. Blackmore was located about eight miles southwest of present day Dungannon, Virginia in Scott County. In 1780 Capt. Blackmore's militiamen participated in the victory over the Cherokees in the Battle of Boyd's Creek. Zephaniah Goins was a militiaman in Capt. Blackmore's company and responded regularly to Indian alarms.

While driving through this small town trying to form a picture of what this place looked like 200 years ago, I stopped at a church called Pine Grove Primitive Baptist Church. Residents told me that this site was where old Stoney Creek Primitive Baptist Church had been located. I learned that the old building had been washed away in a flood. I was told the old fort was about where Stoney Creek flows into the Clinch River and tried to visualize this place where my forebears were stationed during the Revolutionary War.

Grandfather Thomas Bledsoe was in Capt. Blackmore's command. He filed his Revolutionary War pension application in Hawkins County April 24, 1834. He was born in March 1760 in North Carolina and moved with his parents to the new territory, about seven miles from Long Islands of the Holston River, on Reedy Creek. It is now the site of present day Kingsport, Tennessee. After the Battle of Kings Mountain, peace returned to the Clinch River valley briefly.

Capt. Blackmore's company was preparing to march to the upcoming Battle of King's Mountain when orders came for them to remain at Ft. Blackmore to protect the community against Indian incursions. In 1780 Capt. Blackmore's militiamen participated in the victory over the Cherokees in the Battle of Boyd's Creek.

Another of my seventh-generation grandfathers was Thomas Bledsoe, also in Capt. Blackmore's command. He filed his Revolutionary War pension application in Hawkins County, Tennessee April 24, 1834. He was born in March 1760 in North Carolina and moved with his parents to the new territory, about seven miles from Long Islands of the Holston River, on Reedy Creek. It is now the site of present day Kingsport, Tennessee. And from 1778 until 1783 he was in almost continual service guarding the settlers from Indian attacks. He tells about fighting Indians up and down the Clinch River and once pursuing them to the Ohio River because they had broken into the white settlements and taken prisoners.

One of their prisoners was the brother of Thomas Bledsoe. They were unable to rescue his brother, and he was not heard from again until he was exchanged at the Falls of the Ohio months later.

When Thomas Bledsoe first enlisted, Col. Isaac Shelby was commander of the county militia. Most of his other terms of duty was under Capt. John Sawyers. He also recalled serving under Col. Sevier and Col. William Campbell.

Reference has been made in the Foundation Newsletter earlier to a letter written by Capt. John Sevier in which he describes the physical appearance of the Melungeons upon first encountering them. He patrolled in the Trans-Appalachian area of Virginia and Tennessee during Lord Dunmore's War in 1774.

John Murray Lord Dunmore, the Earl of Dunmore, was appointed governor of Virginia in 1771, and an Indian war erupted during the third year of his tenure which was thereafter called Lord Dunmore's War.

A band of white marauders led by a desperado named Greathouse attacked an Indian village and killed several of the tribesmen. An Indian chieftain, John Logan, known to the tribe as Tahgahjute, took to the warpath to avenge the death of his sister and other kinsmen in the raid. John Logan, son of Shikellamy, was born in 1725. Shikellamy was a white man who had been captured by the Cuyugas while a child. He grew up in the tribe, married an Indian woman and became a chief.

Believing that the troops of Capt. Michael Cresap were responsible for the raid and the murders, John Logan sent him a declaration of hostilities. This was the beginning of Lord Dunmore's War which saw the frontier become a blazing battleground. Gov. Dunmore did his utmost to restore peace and was able to bring the Shawnee Chief Cornstalk to a parley after the Battle of Point Pleasant, but Logan shunned the peace talks and continued the fighting which was a prelude to the Revolutionary War.

When the Revolution began, Logan served the British cause and wreaked havoc on the frontier settlements. In addition to Cuyugas, the Mingoes, Cherokees, Shawnees, Chickasaws, Creeks and Chickamaugas went on the warpath from time to time, all supplied and encouraged by the British. During the Revolution, Logan led a charmed life and did not receive a scratch, but was killed in 1780 near Lake Erie by a nephew that he had attacked.

Lord Dunmore fared little better. In April 1775 Patrick Henry at the head of the Hanover Minute Men forced Dunmore to flee his office and take refuge on a British war vessel lying off Yorktown. In retaliation, Dunmore ordered Norfolk, the largest town in Virginia at that time, to be burned. This outrage united the Virginians in their resolve, and the British quickly ordered Dunmore out of the colony in 1776.

Lord Dunmore's War was not the last time that John Sevier was associated with the Melungeons. He was born in New Market, Virginia in Rockingham County in 1745. In 1776, he was one of the first to settle on the Watauga River west of the Appalachians when Tennessee was opened for settlement. Melungeons on the Watauga were then his neighbors.

Col. Sevier was one of the commanders in the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780, and Melungeon militiamen were included in his command. This victory was the opening wedge of the end of the war and contributed largely to the success of Gen. Nathanael Greene's campaign against Charles Lord Cornwallis.

Later in that year, Col. Sevier led an expedition against the Cherokee Indians. Included in his command was the militia company of Capt. Blackmore and its Melungeons.

He helped to organize the Free State of Franklin [which embraced the Melungeons] and became its governor in 1784. Feeling that he was leading an insurrection, the officials of North Carolina arrested Sevier and convicted him of high treason. Later he was pardoned. Ten years later he was elected the first governor of Tennessee.

The Stoney Creek minutes are complete from 1801 to 1811. Then from 1811 to 1814 there are intermittent skips. The first minutes dated February 21, 1801 reveal that it was an existing church and adding new members rapidly. Meetings were held on the second Saturday of each month.

The minutes reveal that the congregation was composed of whites, Melungeons, free Negroes and slaves. During the next four years, 88 new members were added; 33 of these were persons bearing familiar Melungeon names: Gibson, Collins, More [Moore], Bolin, Bolling, Sexton, Osborne and Maner.

James Kitchen was a member before the minutes began; he first appears in them September 22, 1802. Also Susanna Stallard and others bearing Melungeon names were early members. On a torn partial list of members are James Kitchen and his wife, Sarah Kitchen.

The congregation made an effort to overcome the prejudice against dark-skinned people prevalent in that period, but reading between the lines, it was apparent that the whites were greatly relieved when the Melungeons began an exodus to Tennessee. According to the minutes, by 1807 most Melungeon families were gone; eight had received letters of dismission, and five others had been excommunicated for various unrepented sins.

The word "Melungins" was recorded in the minutes of the church dated September 26, 1813 and is the oldest written reference to them that I have found:

The original book is in the possession of Scott Boatright of Coeburn, Virginia. It was bound in homespun cloth. In August 1966, Emory L. Hamilton, Wise, Virginia copied the material and submitted it to the Archives of Southwest Virginia Historical Society at Clinch Valley College and to the Virginia State Library.

An index to the members of Stoney Creek Primitive Baptist Church was created by Teresa Martin Klaiber April 29, 1997 and made available on the Internet by Phillip Roberts. Individuals named include:

“’September 26, 1813. Church sat in love. Bro. Kilgore, Moderator. Then came forward Sis. Kitchen and complained to the Church against Susanna Stallard for saying she harbored them Melungins. Sis. Sook said she was hurt with her for believing her child and not believing her, and she won't talk to her to get satisfaction, and both is pigedish [pig-headedish] one against the other. Sis. Sook lays it down and the church forgives her.'"

Sis. Susanna Kitchen was provoked with Susanna "Sookie" Stallard for reporting that the Melungeons were visiting in her home. Sis. Susan "Sook" Kitchens joined the church September 26, 1812. Her child told Susanna Stallard the Melungeons had been staying there. The church forgave her upon her repentance, but the furor appeared to continue at the next meeting. Stoney Creek was happy to see the Melungeons remove to Tennessee, and some were chagrinned to have them return on visits to Virginia. Some did not request dismissions, but simply returned to Stoney Creek to worship upon occasions.

Lloyd D. "Lou" Minor arrived at a slightly different interpretation of the passage and wrote:

"Sarah Kitchens joined the church September 26, 1812, according to the minutes of the meeting of that date. In the entry for Sept. 26, 1813, Sister Sarah Kitchen, provoked with Susanna "Sister Sook" Stallard for accusing her of having Melungeons staying in her home, complained to the church accordingly. While denying having made such an accusation, Stallard apparently expressed her own innocence, saying that she was hurt with Sister Sarah for believing she could have said such a thing. She then implied that her child had been the culprit and not her. Stallard apparently would have had them believe that her child had rumored to Sister Kitchen that her mother believed Melungeons were being harbored in the Kitchen home. Sister Sook then let the matter rest, and the church forgave her for any part in contributing to the allegation. It is unclear whether there was really any reprimand for the alleged harboring of them Melungins, or whether the church felt that Sister Kitchen was in fact guilty of such activity."

The closest ones lived near Kyle's Ford, Tennessee 40 miles downstream on the Clinch. With their primitive roads it would be impossible for them to attend services at Stoney Creek and return in one day. Someone had to be "harboring" them for perhaps for more than one night at a time. Some members of Stoney Creek may have sought a resolution to encourage the Melungeons to attend church in Tennessee:

"'October 23, 1813. Church sat and found in love. Bro. Cox puts a question to the Church: 'Whether it is in order to live in the bounds of one church and to belong to another church.' The assembly determined 'it not good to bind any member in such cases.'"

Several blacks were members at Stoney Creek, Rhoda [Cox's black], William George and his two blacks; Luke Stallard's black." "Feb. 26, 1809, 'Can blacks testify against whites?' The church voted 'yes.'

Concerning the use of the word Melungeon in these minutes, it is obvious it was a common word well known to this community. From the minutes, the following were the first people to join Stoney Creek Primitive Baptist Church bearing Melungeon related names:

"'December 1801 "Nancy Gibson, received by letter. Valentine Collins received by experience and baptised. May the 22nd day 1802: Church meeting held at Stoney Creek. Received by experance Nancy Brikey, Riley Collins, Mary Large. Rachel Gibson, Thomas Gibson, Beter Gibson, George Gibson, John Stuart and baptised.'"

Three members of Stoney Creek are on the 1755 tax list of Orange County, North Carolina. Listed were "mulattoes" Thomas Gibson, George Gibson and Charles Gibson.

Four members of Stoney Creek reappeared on the 1810 tax list of Hawkins County, Tennessee: Thomas Gibson, George Gibson, Charles Gibson and Valentine Collins.

Using the minutes of Stoney Creek, you can note when Valentine Collins and Charles Gibson left for Hawkins County.

Shortly afterward the minutes reveal, "May the 22nd day 1802: Church meeting held at Stoney Creek. Received by experance Nancy Brikey, Riley Collins, Mary Large. Rachel Gibson, Thomas Gibson, Peter Gibson, George Gibson, John Stuart and baptised."

"Nov 25, 1802 Br. Tiny Collins on Censure till next meeting." Then , "Dec. 23, 1802 Brother Tiny Collins restored."

Letters of dismission were obtained by someone almost every meeting day. If they left for another church, they had to have a letter of dismission and the same is true today. Using the minutes of Stoney Creek, you can note when Valentine Collins and Charles Gibson left for Hawkins County.

"'April the 21 day 1803, Bro. Valentine Collins and wife to receive a letter of dismission, also Bro. Charles Gibson and wife.'"

Blackwater Primitive Baptist Church was located at Kyles Ford, Tennessee in Hawkins County [present day Hancock County] on the bank of the Clinch River. Organized in 1801, it was the first church established in this section. The earliest minutes found begin in 1816. We know by the minutes of Stoney Creek who some of its members were.

"'February the 26th day 1802. Thomas Gibson Excommunicated. Sis. Vina Gibson obtained a letter of dismission by letter of recommendation from Blackwater Church. Sis. Mary Gibson obtained a letter of dismission. Clary More received by experiance and baptised. Dismissed in order.'"

Thomas Gibson, listed as one of the Kings Mountain militiamen, and George Gibson are distant grandparents in the family research of Ruth Johnson, a member of Gowen Research Foundation who lives in Kingsport. She is completing a book about her life on Newman's Ridge.

Charles Gibson, born in Virginia, moved to North Carolina and later joined Stoney Creek Primitive Baptist Church June 26, 1802, then removed to Blackwater Primitive Baptist Church.

"September 22nd day 1804 Rubin Gibson is excluded from membership of this church [joined July 23, 1802]. He lives at Blackwater congregation and has received a letter from this church [letter of dismission March 26, 1803] and keeps it and has joined another church."

"Charles Gibson and wife, Rubin Gibson and wife, and Valentine Collins and wife" received dismission to go down to Blackwater Church. The earliest minutes found there begin in 1816, but none of these people are found in them, probably because Greasy Rock Primitive Baptist Church had been subsequently established at Sneedville, Tennessee.

Some of these families who were asking for letters of dismission to leave and go into another church did not appear in the minutes previously. Since no children were mentioned as members, and assuming that all these people were adults with children, the congregation probably exceeded 100 people.

That number would be the ones belonging to the church. How many lived there that had nothing to do with the church?

Other churches mentioned in the minutes of Stoney Creek include Glade Hollow Primitive Baptist Church, Deep Springs Primitive Baptist Church at 3 forks of the Powell River mentioned Aug. 1806 probably near Jonesville, Virginia and Moccasin Primitive Baptist Church.

When the minutes of these sister congregations are found, they may contain additional information about the Melungeons."

In the minutes of Blackwater Primitive Baptist Church, 1816 to 1834 I found four seventh-generation grandfathers who served in the Revolutionary War: Thomas Bledsoe, Henry Fisher, John England and Zephaniah Goins.

Without any embellishment, my Melungeon grandfather simply declared, "I was at the siege and present at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown."

“After the formative period along the North Carolina – Virginia border, there were many movements and different groups formed. Some have always been called Melungeon, like the community in Hancock, Hawkins and Grainger counties of Tennessee and the one in Wise, Scott and Lee counties of Virginia and the one in Letcher county, Kentucky. The one in Person County, North Carolina, has been called the Person County Indians (they are somewhat organized under that name) and earlier the Cubans. The group in Rockingham, Stokes and Surry counties, North Carolina, has been called the Goinstown Indians. The group in Rhea, Roane and Hamilton counties, Tennessee, are called the Goins locally, but have long been identified as Melungeons by people from the rest of Tennessee. The group in Magoffin and Floyd counties, Kentucky, and Highland county, Ohio, has been called the Magoffin County People in Kentucky and the Carmel Indians in Ohio. The group in western Louisiana and adjacent Texas is known as the Redbones [not to be confused with the Red Bones of South Carolina] or the Louisiana Melungeons.

The group in Gulf and Calhoun counties, Florida, was called Melungeon as long as they were identified as a separate group but was also known as the Dead Lake People. This last group does not trace back to the North Carolina-Virginia border, but to a very similar mixed race group in South Carolina, probably the Brass Ankles or the Red Bones.

Each group has its own history and its own special mix of new additions. Ulster Scots [Scots-Irish)] is a large addition to many. Cherokees and part Cherokee people have joined some groups. Individual families have married to introduce many different elements to the Melungeon mix. Black Dutch and Black Irish were sometimes just euphemisms for Melungeon and sometimes describe people joining the Melungeons.

Welsh, English, Scots, Irish, Jewish, Tzigane, Dutch, German and French are claimed by many. The unifying factor is a history of someone in the family who was too dark to be accepted as White without some doubts.”

Zephaniah Going did not receive any property in the terms of the will of his father written March 17, 1801, but he was stipulated to participate in the property division at the death of his mother.

"Zephaniah and family removed from Rockingham County, North Carolina to Lee County, Virginia about 1814, together with his brother-in-law, Hezekiah Minor and Elizabeth Going Minor. There probably were others who made the move, some of whom may have stopped for brief periods in places like Grayson, Wythe, and Scott County, Virginia before finally arriving and settling in the Blackwater Valley of Lee County. Lee County Surveyors Book indicates a purchase of two hundred acres on Wallens Creek by Hezekiah Minor and Elizabeth Going Minor in 1818. Their presence is also proven by an 1815 Lee County Court Case which alleges an attempt by "Hezekiah Miner, a freeman of colour," and six of his apparent close neighbors, against a county road crew assigned to perform some type of duties on or near the property of Hezekiah Minor and the others. The case was continued or postponed several times, until finally being dismissed in August 1818, according to Minute Book A.

Zephaniah Going and Hezekiah Minor were enumerated as heads of household in 1820 census of Lee County.

"Zephaniah Goans, free person of color" was recorded as the head of a "free colored" household in the 1830 census of Roane County, Tennessee, page 47.

In 1834, "Zephaniah Going" was a justice in Hawkins County, Tennessee. He filed his Revolutionary pension application there December 18, 1834. He was included in "Pension List of 1818" published in Washington in 1820. "Elizabeth Goings" who was born in 1768, applied for a widow's pension July 7, 1838 at age 70.

Fourteen children, 10 daughters and four sons, were born to Zephaniah Goins and Elizabeth Thompson Goins, including

John Goins, [Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], was born in 1792.

Isaiah Goins, [Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1] son of Zephaniah Goins and Elizabeth Thompson Goins, was born in 1795 in Rockingham County, North Carolina, according to Pamela R. Lawson Jenkins. . He was married in Tennessee to Arminta "Minta" Lindsay who was born there in 1810. About 1833 they were living in Roane County and removed to Hancock County, Tennessee about 1845.

On November 27, 1850 the household of "Isiah Going" was enumerated in Hancock County, Tennessee, Household 268-268, 33rd subdivision, east part, as:

“Isaac Goins” [Isaiah Goins] was enumerated as the head of household in the 1870 census of Lee County, Virginia, page 279, Line 9:

The 1870 census was begun on 1 June 1870. The enumeration was to be completed within five months.

The 1870 census form called for dwelling houses to be num-bered in the order of visitation; families numbered in order of visitation; and the name of every person whose place of abode on the first day of June 1870 was with the family. The census further asked the age of each individual at the last birthday. If a child was under one year of age, months of age were to be stated in fractions, such as 1/12. Additionally, the census ask-ed the sex, color, profession, and occupation or trade of every male and female. There were also columns for disclosure of value of real estate and personal property. The 1870 census asked for the place of birth, specifically in which state or ter-ritory of the United States, or in which country if foreign born (including the province if born in Germany). The schedule provided space to indicate whether or not the father and the mother of the individual was foreign born, and if an individual was born or married within the year, the month in which the event occurred was to be entered. The census also asked for those who had attended school within the year; those who could not read; those who could not write; and the deaf and dumb, blind, insane and the “idiotic” to be identified. Finally, the schedules had space to identify any male citizen of the United States of age twenty-one and older, and any male cit-izen of the United States age twenty-one and older whose right to vote was denied or abridged on grounds other than rebellion or other crime.

The 1870 census may identify survivors of the Civil War, thus suggesting that military records may be found. Conversely, if an individual does not appear in the 1870 census as expected, it may be a clue that the person was a casualty of the war. In the absence of so many other records from the South for this era, information from the 1870 census can be especially im-portant.

The 1870 census is the first census in which parents of foreign birth are indicated—a real boon in identifying immigrant an-cestors. Immigrants who were naturalized and eligible to vote are identified, suggesting follow-up in court and naturalization sources. Indications of a person’s color that were intended to be more precise—white (W), black (B), Chinese (C), Indian (I), mulatto (M)—may be helpful in determining individuals’ origins.

The Isaiah Goins family lived at Flower Gap about one mile from the Hancock County line, near Kyles Ford, Tennessee, according to Jack Harold Goins.

According to the research of Jack Cecil Goins, children born to Isaiah Goins and Arminta "Minta" Lindsay Goins include:

Mary Anne "Polly" Goins, [Isaiah7, Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], daughter of Isaiah Goins and Arminta "Minta" Lindsay Goins, was born about 1833. She appeared there as a 17-year-old in the 1850 census of her father's household. She was married January 8, 1854 on a license issued January 3, 1854 to Guilford Minor in Hawkins County, Tennessee. He was a son of Zachariah Minor and Agness "Aggie" Sizemore Minor. It is believed that four children were born to her before her death about 1860. Zachariah Minor was the son of John Minor and Susan Goins Minor [unidentified], according to Margaret Mabrey.

He was remarried to Ursula Roberts September 19, 1861, according to the research of Sam Adams, a great-great-grandson. Ursula Roberts had appeared in the 1850 census of Scott County, Virginia "living in a McMillion household," according to Adams research. Guilford Minor died December 26, 1903 and was buried in the Minor family cemetery.

Daniel Goins, [Isaiah7, Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of Isaiah Goins and Arminta "Minta" Lindsay Goins, was born about 1834. It is believed that he died in infancy.

William Goins, [Isaiah7, Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of Isaiah Goins and Arminta "Minta" Lindsay Goins, was born in May 1836 near Lenoir City, Tennessee in Roane County, according to Jack Cecil Goins. He appeared in the 1850 census of Hancock County as a 15-year-old. He was married about 1856 to Susan Minor, believed to be a daughter of Zachariah Minor. In 1857 they lived at Kyle's Ford, Tennessee. William Goins is reported to have died about 1864 at Dungannon, Virginia.

Jack Harold Goins wrote of a hanging which happened toward the end of the Civil War:

“This hanging was handed down through my mothers Lawson Family and by my Great Grandfather Hezekiah Goins who was only 9 years old at the time. He was guarding the house while his dad ate supper when he saw several men approching on horseback. They were dressed in gray uniforms; he ran inside and told his dad who went out the back and jumped a rail fence trying to get to his horse, but they were waiting for him.

One of the men hung with grandpa was Stokely Law-son who was a brother to my mother’s grandfather Enoch. From this side of my family I knew there was 5 men captured. After they captured these men they rode over to a Lewis families house in adjoining Scott County, Virginia for supplies and eat supper at this Lewis home, they then rode back and crossed the North Fork at Indicuts Gap to Rebel Hollow in Hancock County, from this Lewis family to this Hollow where their camp site was located was approximately 4 miles. According to this story the five were hung the next day all on the same limb of a huge Oak tree. I know by Stokely Lawson military record this hanging occurred in late December 1864 or early January 1865 because at the time Stokely was home on approved furlough from the Union when killed by the enemy. All these men except one had something in common with Zach-ariah and Aggy Sizemore Minor. Harvey Anderson was married to their daughter Sarah; Stokely Lawson was married to their daughter Elizabeth; William Goins was married to their daughter Susan.

Christopher “Kit” Sizemore was Aggy's nephew. Kit Sizemore was only 15 years old and his brother the no-torious Wild Bill Sizemore vowed to kill a rebel soldier for every hair on kits head and according to this family he did just that. After this hanging that area has always been known by the locals as Rebel Hollow, and it's haunted. John Estel Goins swore he came by late one night and saw 5 men hanging from that same ole tree where these men were hung 25 years prior to this vis-ion by John Estel Goins. I went up in this Hollow about 4 years ago by myself and took a photo of Rebel Spring, when I had this film developed there was a monster starring up at me from the spring. Several who have seen this picture have accused me of doc-toring it.”

Susan Minor Goins was remarried to George Washington Goins, unidentified, about 1865. He was born in North Carolina January 25, 1835. Susan Minor Goins Goins died in 1916 in Hancock County and was buried in Goins Cemetery in an unmarked grave.

George Washington Goins built the school building at Walnut Grove community, near Kyles Ford in Hancock County, according to Jack Harold Goins. He had come to his area during the Civil War to teach school.

“Susan was the widow of my gg grandfather William Goins who was hung about a mile from the present location of the old Walnut Grove School. I have looked at the possibility that the original Walnut Grove school and the teacher described by Dromgoole [Arena page 178] might have been George Washington Goins. The Clinch flowing below and the cemetery does fit the possibility that it could have been this school.”

My father, McKinley Goins and his brothers and sisters all attended Walnut Grove, grades 1 thought 8; most never made it through the 8th grade. Other teachers at Walnut Grove were William Goins son of George Washington Goins and Susan Minor Goins Goins, Isom Moore, and Zack Goins. I believe a man last name Johnson was the last teacher. The school closed in 1943. A Walnut Grove School reunion has been a long time event there, which is usually held the 2nd Sunday in September.”

William Goins, son of Isaiah Goins and Arminta "Minta" Lindsay Goins, was born in May 1836 in Tennessee, according to the research of Jon Lee Goins, a descendant of Austin, Texas.

Children born to George Washington Goins and Susan Minor Goins Goins are unknown.

Hezekiah "Kiah, [Karr]" Goins, [William8, Isaiah7, Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], and Susan Minor Goins, was born in July 1857. He was married about 1877 to Sarah Hurd, daughter of Elijah Hurd and Sally Hurd. Sarah Hurd Goins died June 21, 1932 at Kyle's Ford, and Hezekiah Goins died there December 13, 1943 at age 86.

Paralee Goins, [Hezekiah⁹, William8, Isaiah7, Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of Hezekiah Goins and Sarah Hurd Goins, was born in 1878. He did about 1889.

Henry Harrison Goins, , [Hezekiah⁹, William8, Isaiah7, Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of Hezekiah Goins and Sarah Hurd Goins, was born August 21, 1880 at Kyle's Ford. He was married about 1903 to Martha Bledsoe who was born in 1880. It is believed that she died about 1918. He was remarried about 1919 to Lillie Victoria Bledsoe who was born February 11, 1884 in Scott County, Virginia to James M. Bledsoe and Serena M. Bledsoe. In 1922 Henry Harrison Goins lived at Kyle's Ford. Henry Harrison Goins died July 16, 1954 at Rogersville, Tennessee, and Lillie Victoria Bledsoe Goins died June 27, 1962 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Children born to Henry Harrison Goins and Lillie Victoria Bledsoe Goins include:

Bessie Goins, daughter of Henry Harrison Goins and Martha Bledsoe Goins, was born in 1905. She was married about 1930 to Lawrence Ellis Arrington who was born in 1893.

Hugh Arrington, son of Lawrence Ellis Arrington and Bessie Goins Arrington, was born in 1936. He was married about 1962 to Mabel Kearn who was born in 1941.

Cornie J. Arrington, daughter of Lawrence Ellis Arrington and Bessie Goins Arrington, was born in 1938. She was married about 1958 to Ennis Carmack. Children born to them include:

Douglas Arrington, son of Lawrence Ellis Arrington and Bessie Goins Arrington, was born in 1940. He was married about 1963 to Brenda Cradic. Children born to them include:

Luther Arrington, son of Lawrence Ellis Arrington and Bessie Goins Arrington, was born in 1944. He was married about 1972 to Brenda Catron.

Cornie Goins, daughter of Henry Harrison Goins and Martha Bledsoe Goins, was born in 1907.

Ray Goins, son of Henry Harrison Goins and Martha Bledsoe Goins, was born in 1909. He died January 8, 1918.

William McKinley Goins, son of Henry Harrison Goins and Martha Bledsoe Goins, was born in 1911. He was married about 1933 to Ona Mae Arrington who was born in 1913. In 1988 they continued in Rogersville.

William Harrison Goins, son of William McKinley Goins and Ona Mae Arrington Goins, was born in 1935. He was married about 1960 to Nancy McGinnis. In 1988 they lived in Rogersville.

Jack Harold Goins, son of William McKinley Goins and Ona Mae Arrington Goins, was born in 1937. He was married about 1960 to Betty A. Mayo. In 1993 and in 2001, they lived in Rogersville.

Scott Ray Goins, son of Jack Harold Goins and Betty A. Mayo Goins, was born in 1961. In 1991 he lived in Georgia.

Lori Suzanne Goins, daughter of Jack Harold Goins and Betty A. Mayo Goins, was born in 1963. She was married about 1983 to Rodney Farmer. Children born to them include:

John Kevin Goins, son of Jack Harold Goins and Betty A. Mayo Goins, was born in 1970.

Joyce Ann Goins, daughter of William McKinley Goins and Ona Mae Arrington Goins, was born in 1945. She was married about 1963 to Ray Newberry who was born in 1944. She was remarried about 1980 to Gene Manis.

Hezekiah Goins, son of Henry Harrison Goins and Martha Bledsoe Goins, was born in 1913 in Tennessee. He was married about 1936 to Elsie McMillan. He died in Emmett, Idaho.

Hustler Lee Goins, son of Henry Harrison Goins and Lillie Victoria Bledsoe Goins, was born in 1921. He was married about 1948 to Helen Marie Gentry who was born in Indiana. In 1991 he and his second wife Ruth Goins lived in Bell, Florida.

Paul Lee Goins, son of Hustler Lee Goins and Helen Marie Gentry Goins, was born in 1951. He was married about 1974, wife's name Lora. In 1988 Paul Lee Goins and Lora Goins lived in Tampa, Florida.

Diane Marie Goins, daughter of Hustler Lee Goins and Helen Marie Gentry Goins, was born about 1954. She was married about 1976 to Don Martin. In 1988 they lived in Florida.

Esley Lee Goins, son of Henry Harrison Goins and Lillie Victoria Bledsoe Goins, was born May 26, 1922 at Kyle's Ford. He was married September 20, 1947 to Paulina Jeanette Cooper who was born August 3, 1928 in Spencer County, Indiana to Monte Cornelius Cooper and Pearl Marie Cooper.

Jon Lee Goins, son of Esley Lee Goins and Paulina Jeanette Cooper Goins, was born January 20, 1949 in Indianapolis. He was married April 10, 1971 to Sandra Lee Hawkins. In 1992 Jon Lee Goins and Sandra Lee Hawkins Goins lived in Austin, Texas.

Jimmy Alan Goins, son of Esley Lee Goins and Paulina Jeanette Cooper Goins, was born in 1951. He was married August 3, 1983 to Deloris Jean D. Harris who was born in 1960. In 1988 they lived in Indianapolis, Indiana..

Judy Lynn Goins, daughter of Esley Lee Goins and Paulina Jeanette Cooper Goins, was born in 1952. She was married November 1, 1970 to Anthony Lovell T. Jones who was born in 1941. She was remarried about 1978 to Clinton Earl Jarrett. In 1988 they continued in Indianapolis..

Jerry Dale Goins, son of Esley Lee Goins and Paulina Jeanette Cooper Goins, was born in 1956. He was married December 18, 1976 to Regina Darlene Wiley who was born in 1959. He was remarried July 6, 1985 to Rhonda Jean Haskin. In 1988 Jerry Dale Goins and Rhonda Jean Haskin Goins lived in Texas. In 1992 he began a three-year tour of duty in Germany with the U.S. Air Force.

Jackie Ann Goins, twin daughter of Esley Lee Goins and Paulina Jeanette Cooper Goins, was born in 1962. She was married April 19, 1986 to Kenneth James Joyce who was also born in 1962. He died in November 1989. In 1992 she lived in Indianapolis.

Joanie Kay Goins, twin daughter of Esley Lee Goins and Paulina Jeanette Cooper Goins, was born in 1962. She was married May 10, 1986 to Lorne Duane Pickens who was born in 1965. In 1992 they lived at Pittsboro, Indiana.

William Wesley Goins, son of Henry Harrison Goins and Lillie Victoria Bledsoe Goins, was born in 1924. He was married about 1945 to Ida Lesley Cottongin. In 1992 they lived in Plainview, Indiana.

Children born to William Wesley W. Goins and Ida Lesley Cottongin Goins include:

Elaine Kay Goins, daughter of William Wesley Goins and Ida Lesley Cottongin Goins, was born in 1961. She was married about 1985 to William Nelson. In 1992 they lived in Muncie, Indiana.

Martha M. "Mattie" Goins, daughter of Hezekiah Goins and Sarah Hurd Goins, was born in 1886. She was married to Taylor Willis about 1904.

Kizzie Bell Goins, twin daughter of Hezekiah Goins and Sarah Hurd Goins, was born in 1888. She was married about 1907 to Robert McMillan who was born in 1872. Children born to them include:

Vina Elizabeth L. Goins, twin daughter of Hezekiah Goins and Sarah Hurd Goins, was born in 1888. She was married about 1909 to Sam Parsons. Children born to them include:

Zachariah "Zack" Goins, son of Hezekiah Goins and Sarah Hurd Goins, was born in 1890. He was married about 1913 to Octavia Manis.

Susan Goins, daughter of Hezekiah Goins and Sarah Hurd Goins, was born in 1892. She was married about 1911 to Harrison Rogers. Children born to them include:

Huston Goins, son of Hezekiah Goins and Sarah Hurd Goins, was born in 1894 in Tennessee. He was married about 1918 to Margaret Jane “Mag” Roach, daughter of James K. Polk Roach and Barbara Jane Bishop Roach. She was born in 1904 in Scott County, Virginia. Huston Goins died in Idaho about 1964.

James Albert Goins, son of Huston Goins and Mag Roach Goins, was born about 1920. He was married about 1946 to Irene Blessinger. In 1988 they lived in Idaho.

Ben Hubert Goins, son of Huston Goins and Mag Roach Goins, was born about 1923. He was married about 1947 to Velma Burgstrom. In 1988 they lived in Washington.

Jack Cecil Goins, son of Huston Goins and Mag Roach Goins, was born July 7, 1931 in Wise County. He was married about 1949, wife's name Cora. He was later remarried, wife’s name Lois. He died August 1, 2001 in Hoodsport, Washington.

Huston Goins, [Hezekiah8, Isaiah7, Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of Hezekiah Goins, was born October 1, 1894. He was married about 1918 to Margaret Jane Roach.

James Albert Goins, [Huston9, Hezekiah8, Isaiah7, Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of Huston Goins and Margaret Jane Roach Goins, was born March 17, 1920. He was married July 25, 1945 to Irene Blessinger of Weiser, Idaho.

James Albert Goins, Jr, [James Albert10, Huston9, Hezekiah8, Isaiah7, Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of James Albert Goins and Irene Blessinger Goins, was born July 15, 1951. He was married about 1971 to Wanda Kay Baker of Weiser, Idaho.

Benjamin Hubert Goins, [Huston9, Hezekiah8, Isaiah7, Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of Huston Goins and Margaret Jane Roach Goins, was born July 12, 1923. He was married to Velma Ruth Bergstrom September 17, 1953.

Jack Cecil Goins, [Huston9, Hezekiah8, Isaiah7, Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of Huston Goins and Margaret Jane Roach Goins, was born July 7, 1931. He was married about 1962 to Cora Lou List. He was remarried about 1962 to Joyce Elaine Huhs. In 1997 they lived in Washington where he, a Foundation member, was active in the research of his branch of the family

Robert Huston Goins, [Jack Cecil10, Hezekiah8, Isaiah7, Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of Jack Cecil Goins and Cora Lou List Goins, was born July 18, 1950, place unknown.

Elizabeth Jane Goins, [Jack Cecil10, Hezekiah8, Isaiah7, Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], daughter of Jack Cecil Goins and Cora Lou List Goins, was born March 1, 1954, place unknown.

Christine Lee Goins, [Jack Cecil10, Hezekiah8, Isaiah7, Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], daughter of Jack Cecil Goins and Joyce Elaine Huhs Goins, was born June 28, 1964, place unknown.

Thomas Adam Goins [Jack Cecil10, Hezekiah8, Isaiah7, Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of Jack Cecil Goins and Joyce Elaine Huhs Goins, was born November 28, 1965, place unknown. He was married about 1988 to Dawn Bankemper of Pasco, Washington.

Ephriam Goins, son of William Goins and Susan Minor Goins, was born about 1858. He was married 1888 to Mary Hurd.

Piney Goins, daughter of Ephriam Goins and Mary Hurd Goins, was born November 22, 1889 in Hancock County, according to Debra Gilley, a descendant. Piney Goins was married about 1906 to Sherman A. Carroll who was born May 19, 1889. Piney Goins Carroll died November 2, 1963 and was buried in the Carroll family cemetery located on Highway 3 in Western Wise County, Virginia. Sherman A. Carroll died December 23, 1976 and was buried beside his wife. Buried with them was Eugene G. Carroll who was born August 23, 1927.

James Nelson Goins, son of Ephriam Goins and Mary Hurd Goins, was born in 1898. He was married about 1921, wife's name Viola.

Sarah Goins, daughter of William Goins and Susan Minor Goins, was born about 1861.

Martha Jane Goins, daughter of William Goins and Susan Minor Goins, was born about 1863. “Martha Jane Goins” was married about 1888 to Isaac Moore who was born about 1865 in Hancock County, Tennessee to Isaac Moore, according to the research of Walt Rivers.

Zachariah Goins, son of Isaiah Goins and Arminta "Minta" Lindsay Goins, was born June 13, 1837 in Roane County near Lenoir City, Tennessee. He appeared as a 13-year-old in the 1850 census of Hancock County. He was married about 1861 to Selah Minor. Following her death, he was remarried to Mrs. Elizabeth Minor Lawson. She was a daughter of Zachariah Minor and Agnes "Aggie" Sizemore Minor and a widow of Stokely Lawson. She was also a sister of Guilford Minor and a granddaughter of Elizabeth Goins Minor, according to Tari Adams.

"Zachariah Goins" enlisted in Company E, First Tennessee Cavalary Regiment December 1, 1862, showing Kyle's Ford, Tennessee as his residence. He was married for the third time September 16, 1889 to Nancy Catherine England. He died December 20, 1913 in Hancock County and was buried in Goins-Hurd Cemetery, according to Pamela R. Lawson Jenkins. Children born to Zachariah Goins, Elizabeth Minor Lawson Goins and Nancy Catherine England Goins are unknown.

Lydia Jane Goins, daughter of Isaiah Goins and Arminta "Minta" Lindsay Goins, was born about 1839 in Roane County. She appeared as an 11-year-old in the 1850 census of Hancock County. She did not marry, but, according to Pamela R. Lawson Jenkins, two sons were born to her:

John Goins, son of Isaiah Goins and Arminta "Minta" Lindsay Goins, was born in 1841 in Roane County. He appeared as a nine-year-old in the 1850 census of Hancock County.

Fielder Goins, son of Isaiah Goins and Arminta "Minta" Lindsay Goins, was born in February 1843 in Roane County, Tennessee. He was married about 1868 to Isabella Fisher in Hancock County. They were enumerated in the 1870 census of Lee County, Virginia living in the household of his parents:

Six children were born to Fielder Goins and Isabella Fisher Goins, according to Pamela R. Lawson Jenkins:

William H. Goins, son of Fielder Goins and Isabella Fisher Goins, was born in March 1870, according to his enumeration in his grandfather’s household in the 1870 census of Lee County, Virginia.

George Goins, son of John Goins, was born about 1876. He was married about 1899, wife's name Ennie.

Letha Kathern Goins, daughter of George Goins and Ennie Goins, was born in 1913. She was married about 1932 to Willard Bledsoe.

Hezekiah "Carr" [Kiah] Goins, son of Isaiah Goins and Arminta "Minta" Lindsay Goins, was born in 1845 in Hancock County. He was married there about 1869 to Rebecca J. Belcher. He died in 1926 in Sullivan County. Five children were born to Hezekiah "Carr" Goins and Rebecca J. Belcher Goins.

Oliver Floyd Goins, son of Isaiah Goins and Arminta "Minta" Lindsay Goins, was born about 1848. He appeared as a one-year-old in the 1850 census of his father's household. He was recorded as a 17-year-old farm worker in the 1870 census of his parents’ household in Lee County, Virginia.

He was married to Rebecca Cole, daughter of Eliza Cole, May 25, 1893 in Harlan County, Kentucky, according to Jack Harold Goins. They were enumeration on the 1900 and 1910 census of Harlan County.

Margaret Goins, daughter of Isaiah Goins and Arminta "Minta" Lindsay Goins, was born in 1850. She was enumerated at age 15 in the 1870 census of her father’s household in Lee County. She was married about 1872, husband's name unknown. Seven children are reported to have been born to her.

Susannah Goins, [Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], daughter of Zephaniah Goins and Elizabeth Thompson Goins, was born in 1800. She was married to her cousin John Minor, son of Hezekiah Minor and Elizabeth Going Minor.

William Goins, [Zephaniah6, John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of Zephaniah Goins and Elizabeth Thompson Goins, was born about 1805.

Isaiah Going [John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of John Gowen, Jr. and Elizabeth Going, was born about 1761, probably in Granville County. He was mentioned in the will of his father, written March 17, 1801, as the recipient of "one feather bed & furniture."

John Going, Jr, [John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of John Going and Elizabeth Going, was born about 1763. Of this individual nothing more is known.

Littleberry Going [John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of John Gowen, Jr. and Elizabeth Going, was born about 1764, probably in Granville County. He was mentioned in the will of his father, written March 17, 1801, as the recipient of "one feather bed & furniture."

"Berry Going" appeared in the 1810 census in a location adjoining his mother and his brother, Simeon Going. He paid a polltax and a tax on two horses. He had a deed accepted by Henry County Chancery Court in 1818, according to Jack Harold Goins.

Littleberry Going joined his brothers, Claiborne Going and Simeon Going in removing from Henry County to Orange County, Indiana about 1816, shortly after the death of their mother. He was enumerated in the 1830 census of Jackson County, Indiana in Salt Creek township, along with Claiborne Going, regarded as a nephew. The household of “Berry Gowens” which appeared on page 219 was composed of seven people, assumed to be free colored, since they were not identified.

Isaiah Going, [John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of John Going and Elizabeth Going, was born about 1774 in Henry County. Of this individual nothing more is known.

Susanna Going [John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], daughter of John Gowen, Jr. and Elizabeth Going, was born about 1767, probably in Henry County. She was named in the will of her father, written March 17, 1801 as the recipient of "one roan mare, one cow & calf and one feather bed and furniture."

Simeon Going [John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of John Gowen, Jr. and Elizabeth Going, was born about 1768, probably in Granville County. He was named in the will of his father, written March 17, 1801 as the recipient of "one cow & calf and one feather bed & furniture."

He was married September 2, 1801 to Keziah Tabb, according to "Henry County Marriage Bonds, 1778-1849" by Virginia Adderton Dodd. His brother-in-law, Hezekiah Minor, was surety for the marriage. He was listed as a taxpayer in the 1810 tax list of Henry County. He paid a tax on "one poll and two horses," according to "A Supplement to the 1810 Cen-sus of Virginia" by Nettie Schreiner-Yantis.

Recorded in the 1810 Henry County tax list in an adjoining location with Sim-eon Going were his mother and his brother, "Berry Going." He continued in Henry County until about 1816 when he joined his brothers, Claiborne Going and Simeon Going in removing to Indiana where all three were enumerated.

Simeon Goings, one of the trio of brothers which appeared in the 1820 census of Orange County, was listed as the head of a household which appeared on page 128 as:

Simeon Goings reappeared in the 1830 census of Monroe County, [which was formed from Orange County] page 334, as the head of a family enumerated as:

Simeon Goings, regarded as the son of Simeon Going and Keziah Tabb Going, was born in Henry County about 1803. He was brought to Indiana by his parents about 1816.

“Simeon Gowens” appeared as the head of an extended family in the 1830 census of Jackson County, Salt Creek township, page 219:

John Goings, regarded as a son of Simeon Going and Keziah Tabb Going, was born about 1805 in Henry County, Virginia. He was brought to Indiana by his parents about 1816. He was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1830 census of Monroe County, Indiana, page 334, adjoining his father’s household:

Claiborne Goings, regarded as a son of Simeon Going and Keziah Tabb Going, was born about 1810 in Henry County.

“Claibourn Goyon” was enumerated in 1830 as the head of a household in Jackson County, Salt Creek township, page 219:

Zedekiah Going [John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of John Gowen, Jr. and Elizabeth Going, was born about 1770, probably in Granville County. He was mentioned in the will of his father, written March 17, 1801 as the recipient of "one cow & calf and one feather bed & furniture."

Zackariah Going [John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], son of John Gowen, Jr. and Elizabeth Going, was born about 1773, probably in Granville County. He was named in the will of his father, written March 17, 1801 as the recipient of one cow & calf and one feather bed & furniture."

Elizabeth Going [John Jr.5, John4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], daughter of John Gowen, Jr. and Elizabeth Going, was born about 1776, probably in Granville County. She was married in Henry County September 19, 1795 to Hezekiah Miner, according to "Henry County Marriage Bonds, 1778-1849." The marriage was also mentioned in "Some Virginia Marriages" by Cecil D. McDonald.

Elizabeth Going Minor did not receive a property distribution in her father's will written March 17, 1801. She may have received something at the time of her marriage. She was mentioned to receive an equal inheritance upon the death of her mother.

Minor was a family name associated with the Gowen family in Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Prof. Henry Price of the University of Tennessee noted that Minor was a Melungeon name. Hezekiah Minor removed to Rockingham County, North Carolina in late 1800, according to Lloyd D. "Lou" Minor. He wrote:

"In about 1813-14 they moved to Lee County, Virginia where the bought 200 acres on Wallens Creek in Blackwater Valley. Hezekiah Minor and Zephaniah Going, his brother-in-law, were enumerated as heads of household in 1820 census of Lee County. Between 1820 and 1824, probably closer to 1824, Hezekiah Minor removed to Hawkins [later Hancock] County, Tennessee, "settling along the Kyle Ford on the Clinch River," according to the family bible. 'Ezekiar Miner' joined the Blackwater Baptist Church 'on May the second Saterday 1824.' It has been stated that Elizabeth Going Minor also joined Blackwater Church at the same time her husband did, but her name does not appear on any of the membership rolls or meeting minutes, and certainly not on the same day Hezekiah was received and baptized. She may have been deceased before Hezekiah removed from Lee County."

John Minor, son of Hezekiah Minor and Elizabeth Going Minor, was born about 1798 in Henry County. He was married about 1823 to his cousin, Susannah Going, daughter of Zephaniah Going and Elizabeth Thompson Going. A daughter, name unknown, was born to John Minor and Susannah Going Minor.

A daughter, name unknown, was born to Hezekiah Minor and Elizabeth Going Minor in Henry County in 1799.

Zachariah Minor, son of Hezekiah Minor and Elizabeth Going Minor, was born in 1801 in Rockingham County, North Carolina, according to Lloyd D. "Lou" Minor, a descendant. He was married October 18, 1824 in Hawkins County to Agnes "Aggie" Sizemore, according to Jack Harold Goins, a descendant.

On November 27, 1850, the household of "Zachariah Miner," No. 269-269, adjoining that of Isaiah Going, was enumerated in the 1850 census of Hancock County, Tennessee, 33rd subdivision, east part:

Zachariah Minor died in 1872 in Hancock County, Tennessee and is believed to have been buried in Goins-Hurd Cemetery.

Gilford Minor, son of Zachariah Minor and Agnes “Aggie” Sizemore Minor, was born about 1832 in Tennessee. He appeared as an 18-year-old in the 1850 census of his father’s household in Hancock County.

Lewis Minor, son of Hezekiah Minor and Elizabeth Going Minor, was born December 24, 1807 at Roane, North Carolina, in Rockingham County, according to a descendant, Marilyn Minor Ledford in correspondence dated September 23, 1997. He was married about 1823 to Sarah "Sally" Fields, daughter of Anderson Fields and Elizabeth Manis Fields. Later Lewis Minor was remarried to Lucy Winstead.

Hiram Lee Minor, son of Lewis Minor and Sarah "Sally" Fields, was born October 11, 1847 in Hawkins County, Tennessee. He was married about 1870 to Jennie Ann Robinson, daughter of William H. Robinson and Nancy Stamps Robinson of White County, Tennessee. She was born October 30, 1854 in Putman County, Tennessee.

They removed to Fayetteville, Arkansas about 1869. He died there January 18, 1889. Jennie Ann Robinson Minor died January 15, 1936 in Wilmington, California.

William Andrew Minor, son of Hiram Lee Minor and Jennie Ann Robinson Minor, was born February 19, 1884. He was married about 1907 to Bertha Pearl Guthrie.

Granville Zack Minor, son of William Andrew Minor and Bertha Pearl Guthrie Minor, was born August 10, 1913 in Washington County, Arkansas. He died June 12, 1992.

A daughter, name unknown, was born about 1809 to Hezekiah Minor and Elizabeth Going Minor was born about 1809 in Rockingham County and appeared on the 1810 census there.

Dr. G. C. Waldrep III, Box 687, Yanceyville, NC, 27379, gcwaldrepiii@hotmail.com

Gowen Research Foundation 806/795-8758 or 795-9694

5708 Gary Avenue E-mail: gowen@llano.net

Lubbock, Texas, 79413

Website: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~gowenrf

I enclose payment as indicated below for

[ ] New Membership,

[ ] Renewal Membership

in Gowen Research Foundation.

$15 [ ] Member

$25 [ ] Contributing Member

$100 [ ] Sustaining Member

[ ] Please E-mail a sample copy of the Electronic Newsletter to the family

researcher(s) listed on sheet attached.

[ ] Please send Gift Membership(s) as indicated above to individual(s)

listed on sheet attached.

Name(s)_________________________________________

Address______________________Phone_______________

City________________State_____Zip________[+4]______