"The Celtic Knot"
Before 1650, the potato was primarily a garden crop used mostly as a cattle food in Europe. In Ireland it had already become a staple food for humans. The date of the arrival of the potato in Ireland is unclear. Maybe a member of the Spanish Armada left a few behind. Others give Sir Walter Raleigh credit. Nevertheless, by 1606, potatoes were an accepted crop. Only fifty years following the introduction of the potato, it had become a primary source of nutrition in Ireland.
Ireland's geographical location as an isolated island with limited trade, few natural resources, a small population who based their economy on cattle as wealth and entrenched local customs, contributed to the popularity of the potato. Ireland's cool, windy, damp climate was well suited to potatoes, but poor for growing grain crops. A lack of iron, copper or tin ore limited the production of farming tools needed for grain production. The more primitive, less efficient wooden implements were effective for cultivating potatoes.
Ireland had a unique political and social climate also. The personal relationship of man to soil was lacking, with a long communal cultivation. The English established a tenancy system in Ireland in the sixteenth century whereby farmers worked the land of the absentee landlords in return for enough money to pay the rent and feed themselves. Cromwell's method of enforcing English domination of Ireland was to starve the natives out. The potato was their last resort and saved the half of the Irish population Cromwell failed to exterminate. No other single food would feed a family and its livestock as well as the potato.
A five hundred to eight hundred yard deep‑mulched bed of potatoes could feed a family, with a supplement of milk, pork, cheese and cow's blood. If potatoes were the only food, a longer bed could be planted. A small plot of land could support a family of six, providing hundreds of pounds of potatoes each week, rounded out with relatively tiny amounts of oatmeal, milk and fish.
Between 1760 and 1840, the Irish population increased from 1.5 million to 9 million. On the existing land, if bread had been the staple, only 5 million could have been fed. The Irish soon began to depend almost solely on the potato for subsistence, both on the farms and in the cities. A factory worker's daily ration was twelve pounds of potatoes.
Then a worldwide shortage of affordable grain in the late 1700s doubled its price, and potato diseases started to find potatoes. Botrytis cinerea, a mold, first appeared in Ireland in 1795. Blackleg appeared in 1833 and late blight, phytophythora infestans, on the Isle of Wight in 1845. The earlier diseases caused some small scale potato failures, with some classed as famines. These were interspersed with good years and were mostly local. Blight, however, hit hard and fast. The first winter of the Great Potato Famine was 1845‑1846.
The lack of modern methods of communication delayed widespread knowledge of the scope of the crisis, but through newspapers, word slowly began to spread. By the time public sympathy was aroused, it was too late to prevent disaster. The number of dead was staggering ‑ over one million according to most estimates with a figure of 2.5 million not unrealistic. An estimated additional 1.5 million emigrated.
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Cormere O’Gowyn, Donal M’Gowin and Patrick O’Gowyn were among a group of 21 men who were pardoned by King Henry VIII February 7, 1545 in the 36th year of his reign. The men had been convicted in the murder of Matthew Gibne, a soldier of Castlecor.
Those who received the King’s pardon include:
“Thomas Barnewall, Shean O'Kayly, Cayher O'Rayly, Nicholas Tuite, John Sage, Hubert Savage, Richard Savage, William Savage, James Savage, Hugh O'Lynch, Cormere O'Gowyn, Thady M'Gillyken, Donal M'Gowin, Geffry M'Gillernowe, William O'Rone, James M'Morierde, kerns [soldiers]; Donald O'Lynche, Bernard O’Kelly, Donal O'Kelly, Patrick O'Gowyn, and Gerald O'Kayly, for the murder of Mathew Gibne, of Castlecor, kern.”
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James Gowan was born in Ireland in 1815. His family emigrated to Canada where he became a judge at the age of 27. Sir James Gowan was knighted [K.C.M.G.] in 1909 at the age of 94.
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Philip D'Olier Gowan was born in Ireland about 1770. He was the father of George D'Olier Gowan who was born in Ireland in 1813. George D’Olier Gowan was married June 26, 1838 to Sarah Clementine Bowie, daughter of Thomas Hamilton Bowie and Eliza Ray Bowie. She was born in Maryland in 1819, according to "Across the Years in Prince George's County" by Effie Gwynn Bowie. George D'Olier Gowan became a very successful banker in London.
Children born to George D'Olier Gowan and Sarah Clementine Bowie Gowan include:
Philip Hamilton Gowan born about 1840
Elizabeth Hyde Gowan born about 1842
Cecilia Gowan born about 1844
James William Hyde Ray Gowan born about 1845
Helen Jane Gowan born about 1846
Bowie Campbell Gowan born July 30, 1848
Bowie Campbell Gowan, son of George D'Olier Gowan and Sarah Clementine Bowie Gowan, was born July 30, 1848. While on a visit to his American relatives in 1870 he was married to his cousin, Lelia Davidson. Children born to Bowie Campbell Gowan and Lelia Davidson Gowan are unknown.
“Muster Rolls of the Ulster Army of 1642” includes the names of some individuals of interest to Gowen researchers.
Portaferry, where a number of these groups mustered is in County Down, near Downpatrick.
muster rolls of the10,000 man Scottish army that was raised to counter the rebellion of the Gaelic Catholics in the north of Ireland who had been displaced by the plantation scheme of King James.
p. 146-147 Regiment of foote company under Alexr Pennycooke, Capt. of Arthur Chichester, Collonell, mustered at Belfast, Co. Antrim, 26 Apr 1642, includes Thomas Gowen, Walter Gowen.
p. 154-155 The regiment of foote company of Sir John Clot-worthy, Knight and Collonell, mustered at Antrim May 4, 1642 includes Alexander M'Gowen.
p. 201-202 Regiment of foote co. under John Cuningham, Capt. Under Sir Wm Stewart, Knt & Collonell mustered at Newtowne, Co. Dunnagall, 20 Aug 1642 includes John M'Gowne.
p. 209-210 Regiment of foote company under Charles Boul-ton, Capt. under Sir Wm. Stewart, Knt & Collonell mustered at Cliford, Aug 22, 1642 includes Donell M'Gowen, Arthur M'Gowen.”
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John Gowan was the master of the “Shamrock” which sailed between Belfast and London, according to the Liverpool “Ships List” of 1825.
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James Gowen, age 37, emigrated from Belfast to New York aboard the "Raleigh" in 1816, according to "New World Immigrants" by Michael Tepper.
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Harry Dodsworth of Ottawa, Ontario wrote:
“Irish emigration was heavy in 1842, and many of the ships were overloaded in the opinion of the Emigration Agent in Quebec, A. C. Buchanan; a dozen significant-ly and four more to the extent that he charged the cap-tains.”
According to the “Montreal Gazette,” the four vessels were:
Gowan “Dumfrieshire” Belfast July 5 600
Payne Bark “Dromahair” Sligo May 25 262
Talbot Bark “Lord Seaton” Sligo July 6 317
M’Cappin “Independence Belfast July 6 503
The prospecution of Capt. James Gowan of the “Dum-frieshire” required 30 handwritten pages and included both the warrant for his arrest and his bail bond. Mr. Buchanan charged him in the Vice-Admiralty Court under the older Passenger Act of 1835-36. The charge was that he had 524 persons on board plus a crew of 26 which was 144 more than allowed. The fine if convict-ed, and his bail bond were both 20 pounds.
There was never any argument about the facts of the case, but Capt. Gowan got a good lawyer and got off. Charges in the Vice-Admiralty Court had to be prose-cuted by the Attorney General. He was in England and the charge was prosecuted by Mr. T. Primrose, Queen's Counsel. Unfortunately he didn't have a formal proxy to act for the Attorney General, and the court held that the charge was not properly prosecuted and was dis-missed.
The opinion of the provincial law officers was taken about an appeal, and the matter was referred to the Colonial Office in London for their views, but the case was dropped. The Quebec lawyers asked London why the ships were allowed to sail overloaded from England or Ireland. London replied that the ships were meas-ured differently in England so most weren't overloaded. In one case where overloading was admitted, the cus-toms officer had used discretion and allowed it since the passengers had travelled a long way and would have suffered hardship if not allowed to board.”
Ballygowan was the name of a hamlet in County Armagh. Its origin and meaning of name is obscure.
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Mrs. Jane Gowan Hamilton was a resident of Armagh, County Armagh in 1776, according to "Irish Records Index, 1500-1920." Following a fire in the Dublin Record Office in 1922, the government appealed to Irish citizens to donate any copies of records that they held. A vast collection of records was donated, and the LDS Church microfilmed the collection in 1960. Many of the records came from County Armagh, made famous as the seat of St. Patrick. The population of the town in 1974 was 12,000.
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Anthony M’Gowan filed suit against John Thornton April 15, 1859, according to Portadown court records published April 30, 1859 in “Portadown Weekly News:”
“John Thornton was charged by Anthony M'Gowan with assault on the 15th of the present month. Two witnesses were examined in support of the charge, after which the defendant was reprimanded by the Court and ordered to find sureties to keep the peace for six months, himself in £10, and two sureties in £5 each.”
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Patrick M'Gowan was sentenced to 30 days in jail for theft committed April 22, 1859, according to Portadown court rec-ords published April 30, 1859 in “Portadown Weekly News:”
”Patrick M’Gowan was charged with stealing four silk handkerchiefs, value 10s, from the shop of Mr. Averell Shillington, on Saturday, the 22nd instant. The prison-er pleaded guilty by the advice of his attorney, Mr. At-kinson, and was sentenced to one month imprisonment in Armagh gaol.”
Philip Goen was born in County Cork in 1826 and came to Clinton, Missouri in October 1878. He died at home March 7, 1901 leaving a wife and four children, according to "Annals of Henry County, Missouri" by Kathleen White Miles. He was "buried at Englewood with his daughter, Sister M. Florentine of Franciscan Sisters at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Utica, New York in attendance."
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Susanna Going Laurence married George Cashel in 1836 in County Cork, Ireland, according to County Cork marriage records
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Michael Duggan Gowen was born in 1840 at Lisheen, County Cork, according to James Gowen Boatner, a great-grandson. He emigrated to the United States as a young man. He was married about 1866 to Elizabeth O'Connell, also an Irish emigre. She was born in 1841 in Ballyhooley, County Cork. Although both were from the same vicinity, it is unknown if they were acquainted before they arrived in the United States.
Two sisters, Margaret Gowen and Katherine Gowen emigrated with Michael Duggan Gowan. Elizabeth O'Connell had a sister, Martha O'Connell who accompanied her from Ireland, according to Boatner.
Margaret Gowen was married about 1870, husband's name Harris. They lived in Brooklyn and Jamaica, Long Island. Katherine Gowen did not marry. Martha O'Connell was married about the same time, husband's name Albert. They also lived in Brooklyn.
Michael Duggan Gowen and Elizabeth O'Connell were residents of New York City in 1872. They were the parents of:
James Bartholemew Gowen born September 25, 1872
James Bartholomew Gowen, son of Michael Duggan Gowen and Elizabeth O'Connell Gowen, was born in New York September 25, 1872, according to "Biographical Register of Officers and Graduates of U. S. Military Academy" by George W. Cullum.
He was appointed to West Point from New York State in 1894 and was graduated from the military academy in 1898, according to "Who's Who in America."
Spain had declared war on the United States April 24, 1898 while Gowen was still a cadet, and the class of 1898 was graduated early because of the war. Second Lieutenant Gowen joined the Sixteenth Infantry Regiment in Tampa, Florida one week later and sailed with it immediately to Cuba, according to his obituary published in "The Assembly," a publication of the U. S. Military Academy.
In a company commanded by a Civil War veteran, he fought in the Battle of San Juan Hill in which he saw his West Point roommate killed in action. Also fighting up San Juan Hill that day was a lieutenant-colonel by the name of Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. "Teddy" Roosevelt was in command of the 1st Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, the "Rough Riders" who led the charge July 1, 1898. The popular hero was nominated for governor of New York two weeks after returning home and won the election. Two years later he was nominated for vice-president on the Republican ticket with William McKinley. When the president was assassinated in September 1901, Roosevelt took the oath as his successor.
Following this battle, Lt. Gowen participated in the siege of Santiago. At the end of hostilities and after recovering from severe malaria, he sailed for the Philippines in 1899 and served three years there with the Sixteenth Infantry Regiment at the height of the of the Insurrection.
He fought in the San Miguel de Mayumo campaign, and for many months his company was deep in the jungles of the Cagayan Valley, far from the headquarters and supply base at Aparri on the coast.
When communications failed he led a small patrol across the mountains of northern Luzon to Baguio City and thence to Manila where he was called in by Gen. Leonard Wood for a full report on the arduous 220-mile journey. He was promoted to first lieutenant March 2, 1899. He was recommended for a brevet captaincy for gallantry in action at San Ildefonso in December 1899. He won the Purple Heart in that action and was appointed military governor in Nueva Viscava in 1900. He, a Catholic, was popular with the Filipinos.
By 1900, his fiance since cadet days, Helene Lily Burlinson of New York City, despaired of his returned to the United States. With the help of Sen. Chancey M. Depew, who took the problem to Secretary of War Elihu Root, she obtained passage on the S.S. Logan, a transport bound for the Philippines. Duly chaperoned by a married sister who was to join her husband there, she reached Manila in January 1901. They were married immediately and established a home at Aparri. She was one of four Burlinson sisters who married army officers. Nancy Burlinson Finnegan wrote October 4, 1997, "Members of my Burlinson family came from Chester, England in the mid-to-late 1800s to settle in New York state."
Lt. Gowen was reassigned to the 10th Infantry Regiment and promoted to captain in 1902, according to "List of Officers of the U.S. Army." He remained with the 10th until the outbreak of the World War I. He was stationed at Ft. Benjamin Harrison from July 1908 until March 3, 1911. He was stationed at San Antonio, Texas July 5, 1911 and at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas where he was an honor graduate from the U.S. Army School of the Line in 1912. He served two tours in Panama from January 26, 1913 to December 2, 1914 and October 24, 1916 to January 11, 1917. Maj. Gowen was then stationed at Plattsbury, N. Y. where he was graduated from the Army Staff College.
In World War I, Lt. Col. Gowen commanded the Officers' Training Camp at Ft. Roots, Arkansas. On August 15, 1917 he was chief of staff of the 38th Infantry Division at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. The division went overseas to France. He later served with the 78th Division in the Meuse-Argonne offensive in France.
Later he was attached to the headquarters of Gen. John L. "Black Jack" Pershing where he was promoted to colonel February 9, 1918. There he was awarded the Purple Heart and the French Order of the Black Star.
After the war he served as executive officer of the Army War College in 1919. He received the Meritorious Service citation May 19, 1919 and the Panamanian Medal August 30, 1919. Col. Gowen was named president of the Infantry Board at the Infantry Training Center, Ft. Benning, Georgia from August 15, 1923 to June 30, 1925, where he later commanded the 29th Infantry Division July 1, 1925 through June 30, 1927.
He was graduated from the Army War College and promoted to brigadier general May 3, 1929 while serving as chief of staff of the Fifth Army Area. Later that year he served as the commanding officer of the First Field Artillery Brigade at Ft. Hoyle, Maryland.
In 1932 he was transferred to Hawaii. "Gen. Gowen and his wife of Schofield Barracks" were listed in the 1933 "Blue Book of Hawaii" where he commanded the 11th Field Artillery Brigade. He retired September 30, 1936 and lived in Arlington, Virginia. He died August 10, 1958, at age 85, in Walter Reed Hospital, according to the "New York Times" which carried his photograph and obituary in its edition of August 11, 1958. His survivors were listed in the account:
"Surviving are his widow, the former Helene Burlinson, and six daughters, Mrs. Hayton I. Boatner of Ft. McNair, Washington, Mrs. Richard C. Prather of Ft. Holabird, Maryland, Mrs. James M. Worthington of Ft. Lewis, Washington, Mrs. W. S. Rockwell of Savannah, Georgia, Mrs. Robert H. Sanders of Falls Church, Virginia and Miss Helene Gowen of Schofield Barracks. He also leaves fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren."
He was buried with full military honors in Arlington Cemetery. Children born to James Bartholomew Gowen and Helene Lilly Burlinson include:
Dorothy Aline Gowen born about 1902
Helene Burlinson Gowen born about 1905
Mildred Muriel Gowen born about 1907
Elizabeth Lucille Gowen born about 1910
Mary Marjorie Gowen born about 1913
Kathleen Constance Gowen born about 1916
"Four sons-in-law [one killed in action in Holland in World War II], two grandsons and a great-grandson are West Point graduates," according to "The Assembly."
Dorothy Aline Gowen, daughter of James Bartholomew Gowen and Helene Lilly Burlinson Gowen, was born about 1902. She was married to Hayton I. Boatner, U.S. Army about 1922. In 1958 they lived at Ft. McNair.
Helene Burlinson Gowen, daughter of James Bartholomew Gowen and Helene Lilly Burlinson Gowen, was born about 1905. She became an army librarian. In 1958 she was single and living at Schofield Barracks.
Mildred Muriel Gowen, daughter of James Bartholomew Gowen and Helene Lilly Burlinson Gowen, was born about 1907. About 1927 she was married to W. S. Rockwell. In 1958 they lived at Savannah.
Elizabeth Lucille Gowen, daughter of James Bartholomew Gowen and Helene Lilly Burlinson Gowen, was born about 1910. About 1930 she was married to Richard G. Prather, U.S. Army. In 1958 they lived at Ft. Holabird.
Mary Marjorie Gowen, daughter of James Bartholomew Gowen and Helen Lilly Burlinson Gowen, was born about 1913. About 1934 she was married to Robert H. Sanders, U.S. Army. In 1958, they were living at Falls Church.
Kathleen Constance Gowen, daughter of James Bartholomew Gowen and Helen Lilly Burlinson Gowen, was born about 1916. She was married to James M. Worthington about 1936. In 1958 they were living at Ft. Lewis, Washington.
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William Gowen was born June 5, 1894 at Ballyhindon, Fermoy, County Cork, according to U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization records. William Gowen arrived in New York City August 22, 1927. He was naturalized May 1, 1933 at the District Court of New York, Southern District. At that time William Gowen was residing at 75 W. 92nd Street, New York.
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Matthew A. McGowan was “raised to the priesthood” in September 1890, according to an article in “The Cork Examiner,” of September 29, 1890:
“RAISED TO THE PRIESTHOOD
SIX members of the Order of Friars' Preachers were raised to the priesthood on Thursday morning in the Church of St. Mary's, Pope's Quay, by the Most Rev Dr O'Callaghan, O. P. His Lordship was assisted by the Rev. Father Magrath of the Cathedral. The following are the names of those who were ordained—Revs. Maurice J O'Kelly, Michael D. Sheehan, John H Jones, Joseph A. M'Conville, Matthew A. M'Gowan, and James J. M'Govern. Besides the community of St. Mary's, there were also present--The Very Rev. Father Paul, the Provincial of the Capuchin Order in Ireland; the Very Rev. Father Browne, O. S. F; the Very Rev. Father Begley, O. S. F, and Very Rev. James J. Ban-non, O. P, Dundalk. A number of relatives of the newly-ordained likewise assisted at the solemn cere-monies, as well as a large congregation of devout persons, who were attracted by the impressive and sacred occurrence.”
Clotworthy Gowan was appointed a chaplain to Col. John Michelburne's Regiment, Irish troops, January 11, 1700. He was appointed a chaplain to Col. Henry Conyingham's Regiment of Irish Dragoons December 19, 1700. His commission was renewed in 1702.
A younger Rev. Clotworthy Gowan was rector of Inverness, County Derry. Children born to him include:
Clotworthy Gowan born about 1750
Clotworthy Gowan, son of Rev. Clotworthy Gowan, was born about 1750. Clotworthy Gowan, Esquire “of Bessingby, near Bridlington and of the East India Service,” was married to Anne Mauleverer, daughter of Thomas Mauleverer September 14 1780 at Ingleby Arncliffe, according to “Transactions of Yorkshire Antiquities Society,” Vol. XVI. Thomas Mauleverer died in 1785, according to "Landed Gentry." Col. Clotworthy Gowan died September 25, 1809 and was buried at Weston near Bath.
Anne Mauleverer Gowan died June 1, 1832 and was buried at St. Martin-in-the-Fields.
Children born to Clotworthy Gowan and Anne Mauleverer Gowan include:
William Gowan born about 1783
William Gowan, eldest son of Col. Clotworthy Gowan and Anne Mauleverer Gowan, was born about 1783. He was married about 1813 to Helen Abercrombie.
Later his name was changed to Mauleverer by an act of Parliament, enabling him to succeed to the Arncliffe property on the death of his aunt in 1833. Details of the Arncliffe manor is described in “Ingleby Arncliffe and Its Owners” by William Brown, F.S.A.
He died in 1857, according to "History of Yorkshire-North Riding."
Two daughters were born to William [Gowan] Mauleverer and Helen Abercrombie including:
Georgina Helen Mauleverer born about 1818
Georgina Helen Mauleverer, younger daughter of William [Gowan] Mauleverer and Helen Abercrombie Mauleverer, was born about 1818. She was married about 1835 to Douglas Brown. Their descendants eventually succeeded to the Mauleverer property.
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George Gowan, Esquire lived in Arncliffe in 1835, according to "Irish Records Index, 1500-1920," Box T15743, Order 29.
James Emmett Gowen, an Irish emigrant, landed in Philadelphia at the age 15 and by enterprise and dedication, became eminently successful. He guided his nine children into successful businesses and successful marriages. Each generation in turn, built on the financial foundation laid down by James Emmett Gowen, and an empire was created.
His descendants became bankers, lawyers, railroad presidents, coal mine owners, steel mill owners, manufacturers, financiers, career diplomats, politicians and philanthropists. Their marriages were to some of the most successful "main line" families in the Philadelphia social register including Innes, du Pont, Disston, Firestone, Drexel, Coleman, Goodyear, and others.
The Gowen family of Philadelphia, generally admired and envied, became financially the most successful branch of the family in America.
It all started in the impoverished community of NewtonStewart in County Donegal, the northernmost county of Northern Ireland. James Emmett Gowen was born there March 17, 1787, according to "Descendants of Grandpa Gowen," author unknown. He emigrated to the United States in 1802, and upon his arrival in Philadelphia, secured a job working for "Mr. McKane, Importer of Portuguese Fine Wines." Later he became a partner with McKane, and upon the death of his employer, took over the business.
In 1815, while serving as best man at the wedding of his friend, Mr. I. Thorp to Catherine Miller, he met his bride-to-be. When teased by the bridesmaids for being "an old bachelor," he put his hand on the arm of the youngest sister of the bride, Mary Miller, and declared, "I'm waiting for this little girl." About the end of the year 1829, they were married.
She was descended from Sebastian Muller [later Miller] who, with his brother Baltus Muller came from Germany with Francis Daniel Pastorius in 1683. Pastorius, a German lawyer, became a religious leader and brought a colony of Quakers and Mennonites to Pennsylvania, settling northwest of Philadelphia. He laid out his settlement and named it Germantown, Pennsylvania. It continues today as a section of Philadelphia.
Pastorius delivered a protest against Negro slavery in America at the Yearly Meeting of the Friends, the first protest of its kind by a religious leader in colonies. Two hundred years later, the abolitionist poet John Greenleaf Whittier made Pastorius' address the subject of his poem, "The Pennsylvania Pilgrim." His preface to the poem contained a translation of Pastorius' Latin prologue to the Germantown book of records.
James Emmett Gowen was married at the age of 42 in Germantown to "this little girl," Mary Miller, daughter of James Miller of Mt. Airy, Pennsylvania. When whiskey became legalized in Philadelphia, James Emmett Gowen declared that the business was no longer a proper vocation for a gentleman and retired to farming at Mt. Airy, a wealthy man. He became known throughout the state as a foremost breeder of shorthorn cattle.
John Gowen, "a brother to James Gowen," was a candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania about 1828. He died October 4, 1832, according to the "National Genealogical Society Quarterly," June 1964. After his brother's death, James Emmett Gowen became interested in politics and considerably irritated "the establishment."
In an Irish anti-Jackson meeting held in Philadelphia August 6, 1832 James Emmett Gowen and "Mr. Haly" spoke on Irish eloquence. Their speeches were printed and were listed in the National Union Catalogue.
James Gowen, "an Irish mechanic" was nominated for Congress in 1834 in the First Congressional District in Philadelphia, according to "Jacksonian Heritage in Pennsylvania Politics" by Charles McColl Snyder.
James Emmett Gowen made a political speech in Philadelphia in 1837 which was printed and listed in the National Union Catalogue. "James Gowen, low Irish radical politician" was referred to in the "Diary of Sidney George Fisher, 1834-1871," edited by Nicholas B. Wainwright.
James Emmett Gowen "of Germantown. Pennsylvania" addressed the Lancaster County Agriculture Society at its annual meeting January 13, 1852, according to Library of Congress records [S523.G72]. He delivered an address before the Mercer County Agriculture Society at its annual meeting September 20, 1853. It was printed in a 27-page booklet and is listed in the National Union Catalogue.
James Emmett Gowen died in 1871 at the age of 84.
Children born to James Emmett Gowen and Mary Miller Gowen include:
Alfred Gowen born about 1831
James Emmet Gowen born in 1832
Ellen Gowen born in 1834
Franklin Benjamin Gowen born February 9, 1836
Mary Gowen born about 1837
Henry Gowen born about 1839
George Gowen born about 1842
Rebecca Gowen born about 1845
Emily Gowen born about 1850
Alfred Gowen, son of James Emmett Gowen and Mary Miller Gowen, was born in Mt. Airy about 1831. He was married about 1854 to Maria Ewing.
Three children were born to them:
Robert Ewing Gowen born about 1856
Mary Gowen born about 1858
Elizabeth Ewing Gowen born about 1862
Robert Ewing Gowen, son of Alfred Gowen and Maria Ewing Gowen, was born about 1856. He was married about 1880 to Charlotte McMurtrie.
One daughter was born to Robert Ewing Gowen and Charlotte McMurtrie:
Virginia Gowen born about 1885
Virginia Gowen, daughter of Robert Ewing Gowen and Charlotte McMurtrie Gowen, was born about 1885. She was married about 1910, husband's name unknown, and lived in California.
Mary Gowen, daughter of Alfred Gowen and Maria Ewing Gowen, was born about 1858. He died at age 16.
Elizabeth Ewing Gowen, daughter of Alfred Gowen and Maria Ewing Gowen, was born about 1862. She was married about 1881 to Harvey N. Carpenter. One daughter, Elizabeth Carpenter was born to them. She died without issue.
James Emmet Gowen, son of James Emmett Gowen and Mary Miller Gowen, was born in Mt. Airy in 1832. He was married about 1854, to Clementine Innes, according to "Encyclopedia of Biography." She died about 1860.
James Emmet Gowen was one of the counsel for the defense in the case of Farnham, Kirkan & Company vs. Camden & Amboy Railroad Company before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in January 1864. The defense was printed and deposited in the Library of Congress, Bureau of Railway Economics [A-23-626].
James Emmet Gowen was remarried about 1873 to Mrs. Emiline F. Hopkins, a widow with three daughters whom James Emmet Gowen adopted.
James Emmet Gowen was listed as the head of a household in the 1880 census of Philadelphia, Enumeration District 457, page 5. His family and three servants lived at 5769 Main Street, Philadelphia. They were enumerated June 25, 1880 as:
"Gowen, James E. 50, born in PA, lawyer, father
born in Ireland, mother born in PA
Emiline F. 53, born in PA, father born in PA, mother born in PA
Francis I. 24, born in PA, lawyer
Frederick C. 20, born in PA, in college
Mary 16, born in PA, attending school
Emiline 15, born in PA, attending school
Ellen 10, born in PA, attending school"
James Emmet Gowen joined his brother, Franklin Benjamin Gowen as counsel for the defense in the case of Dinsmore vs. the Railroad Company et al tried in the U. S. Circuit Court at Trenton, New Jersey in November 1883. The 246-page presentation was printed by Allen, Lane & Scott's Printing House in 1884 and was listed in the National Union Catalogue.
James Emmet Gowen died February 16, 1885, at age 56, according to the February 17, 1885 edition of the "New York Times".
Children born to James Emmet Gowen and Clementine Innes Gowen include:
Francis Innes Gowen born August 17, 1855
Frederick Clement Gowen born about 1860
Children reared by James Emmet Gowen and Emeline F. Hopkins Gowen include:
Mary Gowen born about 1864
Emilene Gowen born about 1865
Ellen Gowen born about 1870
Francis Innes Gowen, son of James Emmet Gowen and Clementine Innes Gowen, was born at Germantown August 17, 1855. He enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania in 1875. In 1877 he was admitted to the state bar association. The university conferred a B.A. degree upon him in 1906.
He appeared in the 1880 census of Philadelphia living in the household of his father at 5769 Main Street. He was listed as a 24-year-old lawyer. He obtained a marriage license October 4, 1884 to marry Alice Robinson, daughter of Judge John Mitchell Robinson and Mariana S. Emory Robinson of Queen Anne County, Maryland.
“Francis Gowen, 29, white, single, lawyer, Philadelphia” and “Alice Y. Robinson, 26, white, lady” were married October 19, 1884 by J. H. Mitchell, minister, according to Queen Anne County marriage records.
Following the footsteps of his father and uncle, he began to represent the expanding railroad industry as legal counsel. He was a law partner with his father until his death in 1885 and then with his uncle, Franklin Benjamin Gowen until his death in 1889. He then formed a law firm with James E. Hood and Charles E. Ingerson as junior partners.
Following the panic of 1893, the Choctaw Coal & Railroad Company was reorganized by its Philadelphia owners as Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad with Francis Innes Gowen as president. Prior to that time Francis Innes Gowen was appointed, along with James W. Throckmorton, a former governor of Texas, as receivers to operate the defunct CC&RC. During the period of intense coal mining activity in eastern Oklahoma the town of Gowen, Oklahoma was established January 13, 1894 and named for Francis Innes Gowen.
He was also counsel for the Lehigh Valley Railroad at Philadelphia. He was the assistant general solicitor for the Philadelphia & Reading until 1902. He was the General Solicitor for the Philadelphia & Reading until 1912. In that year he was named general counsel for the railroad and continued in that capacity until 1921. He was a director of the Girard Trust Company and Midland Valley Railroad Company. He was a manager of Philadelphia Saving Fund Society. He attended St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church.
He was listed in "Who's Who in America" in 1920 as counsel for Lehigh Valley Railroad. His home at that time was at 2006 Delaney and his office was in the Broad Street Station, Philadelphia. He died April 8, 1927 at his home.
Children born to Francis Innes Gowen and Alice Robinson Gowen include:
Alison Robinson Gowen born about 1886
James Emmet Gowen born April 22, 1895
Mariana Winder Gowen born about 1899
Alison Robinson Gowen, daughter of Francis Innes Gowen and Alice Robinson Gowen, was born about 1886. She was married about 1910 to W. Frazier Harrison. Later she was remarried to Louis C. Clark.
Children born to them include:
Alfred C. Harrison born about 1912
Alison R. Harrison born about 1915
Alfred C. Harrison, son of W. Frazier Harrison and Alison Robinson Gowen Harrison, was born about 1912. He was married about 1937 to Pauline duPont.
Children born to them include:
Alison Harrison born about 1939
Alfred Harrison born about 1941
Henry duPont Harrison born about 1946
Ruth Ellen Harrison born about 1949
Alison R. Harrison, daughter of Alfred Harrison and Pauline duPont Harrison, was born about 1915. She was married about 1937 to Frank H. Goodyear. Children born to them include:
Alison Goodyear born about 1940
Frank H. Goodyear, Jr. born about 1946
James Emmet Gowen, son of Francis Innes Gowen and Alice Robinson Gowen, was born in Philadelphia April 22, 1895. He was graduated from St. Paul's school, Concord, New Hampshire about 1913. He received an A.B. degree from Princeton University in 1917 and served as an ensign in the U. S. Navy during World War I. He received an L.L.B. degree at the University of Pennsylvania in 1921 and was admitted to the state bar in 1921. He was married to Sally Drexel Henry June 25, 1925. She was born March 28, 1905 to Howard H. Henry.
He began work for the Pennsylvania Railroad legal department shortly after he was admitted to the bar. From 1930 to 1933 he was vice-president of Philadelphia Saving Fund in Philadelphia. He served as president from 1933 to 1939. He was named director of Western Saving Fund Society, Penn Mutual Insurance Company, Insurance Company of North America, Indemnity Insurors, NA Alliance Insurance Company, Philadelphia Fire & Marine Company, United Fireman's Insurance Company, Muskegon, Kansas, Oklahoma & Gulf Railway, Muskogee County Mutual Assurance Company, The Pennsylvania Company, Donaldson Iron Company, Westmoreland, Inc, Drexel Institute of Technology, Baltimore & Wilmington Railway Company and Manor Real Estate & Trust Company.
He was president of Girard Trust Company from 1939 to 1949 and was named president of Girard Trust-Corn Exchange Bank in 1949.
He was listed in 1954-55 "Who's Who in America." He was a democrat, Episcopalian, a member of the Philadelphia Club, and the Rabbit Club. In 1954 his residence was at Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia, and his office was located at Girard Trust Company.
James Emmet Gowen died July 30, 1969 and was buried at St. Thomas Episcopal Church Cemetery, Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania. Sally Drexel Henry Gowen died February 5, 1977 and was buried beside her husband.
Children born to James Emmet Gowen and Sally Drexel Henry Gowen include:
Francis Innes Gowen born about 1927
Howard Henry Gowen born about 1929
Mariana Winder Gowen, daughter of Francis Innes Gowen and Alice Robinson Gowen, was born in Philadelphia about 1899. She was married about 1918 to George Dawson Coleman. He became president of Ebensburg Coal Company.
He died about 1959. An undated copy of a news article in the "Lebanon Daily News" read:
"The widow and two sons of G. D. Coleman, late of Lebanon and Philadelphia, banker-industrialist, will share his two million dollar estate, it was disclosed by his will which was filed for probate at Media yesterday.
The sons, Bertram D. Coleman who was associated in business with his father and Francis I. G. Coleman, American vice-consul at Marseille, France, are to receive equally all the farms which their late father inherited from his aunt Fanny B. Coleman and his grandmother, Mrs. Debbie B. Coleman.
G. Dawson Coleman maintained a summer home at Elizabeth Farms, near Brickerville. He died February 8 of a heart attack while attending field dog trials at Macon, Mississippi.
He lived at Conestoga Road and Ithan Avenue, Rosemont, near Philadelphia.
He was chairman of the board of Ebensburg Coal Company of Coleman, Inc, both Philadelphia firms, and had been chairman of the board of the First National Bank of Lebanon since 1942. His widow, Mrs. Mariana Gowen Coleman will receive all his personal and household effects and a life income of one half of the estate, according to the terms of the will. Mrs. Coleman, her brother, James Emmett Gowen, chairman of the board of the Girard Trust Company and Girard Trust Company are named executors and trustees.
The sons are to share the income from the balance of the estate after a $24,000 bequest to Francis Coleman to equalize his share in view of a similar amount received with the other son during Mr. Coleman's lifetime.
The late G. Dawson Coleman was a son of B. Dawson Coleman, banker and coal mine operator, who upon his death left an estate of $5,000,000.
Martha Winder Gowen Coleman was instrumental in the transfer of Coleman Memorial Park, location of five estates belonging to the Coleman family, to the city of Lebanon, Pennsylvania in the 1960s. The 350th anniversary of the founding of Lebanon was observed in 1990.
She died February 28, 1975. Her obituary in the "Lebanon Daily News" read:
"Mrs. G. Dawson Coleman, the former Marian Winder Gowen, and Philadelphia area civic leader, died Friday at Bryn Mawr Hospital after a long illness. She was 77 and lived at 415 Caversham Road, Bryn Mawr.
Mrs. Coleman was a member of the board of the Home of the Merciful Savior for Crippled Children in Philadelphia for 51 years. She was a former chairman of the board of managers of the Church Farm School in Paoli, Delaware County; a former life trustee of the Foxcroft School, Middleburg, Virginia and board member of the old Women's Hospital in West Philadelphia.
She was also a former chairman of the Devon County Fair; a former board member of the Harriton Association, an historical restoration group and a former board member of the Young Women's Christian Association in Philadelphia.
Surviving are two sons, Bertram D. and Francis I. G. and six grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Pennswood Road and New Gulp Road, Bryn Mawr."
Children born to them include:
Bertram Dawson Coleman, Jr. born December 1, 1919
Frances Innes Gowen Coleman born about 1921
Bertram Dawson Coleman, Jr, son of George Dawson Coleman and Mariana Winder Gowen Coleman, was born December 1, 1919 in Philadelphia. He was a descendant of Robert Coleman and Ann Old Coleman who emigrated from Ireland in 1764 and settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
During World War II he served in the U. S. Navy. Having enlisted in July 1940, before hostilities, he served until December 1945 and was discharged as a commander. He was communications officer aboard the U.S.S. Almaack, commanding officer of a mine sweeper in the North Atlantic and executive officer aboard the U.S.S. Fullam, a destroyer in the South Pacific. Later he was commander of Destroyer Flotilla 5 in the occupation of China and Korea. He was awarded the Bronze Star.
He was graduated B.A. from Yale University in 1942 and received an L.L.B. degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1949. He was married November 26, 1949 in St. Paul's Church, Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania to Patricia Disston, daughter of William Dunlop Disston and Dorothea Pratt Disston of Chestnut Hill.
He was president of Ebensburg Coal Company from 1950 to 1957. From 1958 to 1965 he was a partner in Drexel & Company. In 1966, he became president of Drexel, Harriman, Ripley, Inc. In 1971, he was chairman of Drexel, Firestone, Inc, retiring in 1972. He was a director of Western Savings Bank of Philadelphia, Griet Realty Trust, Rockower Bros, Inc. and Abitibi Paper & Power Co, The Wyomissing Corp, Susan Thomas, Inc, Greenfield Investment Realty Trust, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Home of the Merciful
Savior and Agnes Irwin School. He was a member of the Sons of the War of 1812. He died in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania October 29, 1976 at the age of 56.
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