David Goins was born about 1730, perhaps in Brunswick County, Virginia, parents unknown. Lunenburg County was formed from Brunswick County in 1746, and David Goins is regarded as a resident of the new county. Six years later Halifax County was formed from Brunswick County in 1752, and David Goins appeared in the new county. Henry County was formed in 1777, and David Goins again had a new county of residence.
“David Gowing and John Gowing” signed the oath of allegiance about 1777 in Henry County, according to "History of Henry County, Virginia" by Judith Parks America Hill. "John Going" took the oath of allegiance August 30, 1777 before Edmund Lyne, Esq, according to "Virginia Magazine of History and Biography," Vol. 9.
In 1777, John Going was granted permission to build a water grist mill on Blackberry Creek, according to Henry County Court Minutes Book 1, page 5
David Going was granted permission in 1778 to build a water grist mill on Spoon Creek, according to Henry County Court Minutes, Book 2, page 15.
Jack Harold Goins noted that "David Gowing" was recorded in the 1782 tax list with a household of four. Adjoining him was Edward Henderson with a household of five. "David Gowing" removed to a new location, and Edward Henderson, suggested as a son-in-law accompanied him.
In 1783 and 1784 in Henry County, David Goins paid tax for himself and for "William Goins, Charles Goins and Jacob Goins," regarded as his sons.
In the 1785 Henry County tax list of J. W. P. Martin the following appeared in a cluster: Sally Smith, nine in her household; Shadrack Going, 10 in his household; John Going, four in his household; Edward Henderson, five in his household and David Going, four in his household.
Patrick County, Virginia was formed from Henry County in 1790 and David Goins found himself in the new county.
"David Going and Zaph[aniah] Going" signed a petition opposing higher taxes in Henry County. "David Goin," a white male, paid tax on "one horse" in Halifax County in 1800.
It is believed that David Goins died shortly after the turn of the century. Children born to him are believed to include:
[daughter] born about 1758
William Goins born about 1760
Jacob Goins born in 1762
Charles Gowens born in 1763
Edward Henderson is believed to have married a daughter who was born to David Goins about 1758. In 1782 Edward Henderson was reported in the tax list as the head of a household of five people in a location adjoining David Goins. When David Goins moved, Edward Henderson accompanied him. In 1785 Edward Henderson was listed in the Halifax County tax list with a household of five members.
The name “Henderson” was repeated for several generations in the families of the descendants of David Goins.
William Goins, regarded as a son of David Goins, was born about 1760, probably in Halifax County. David Goins paid a tax for him in the years 1783 and 1784.
William Goings, born 1763, enlisted at Halifax Court House, Virginia for the period of the Revolutionary War. He was married in October 1793, wife's name Elizabeth, in Caswell County, North Carolina, adjoining Rockingham on the east. He applied for a pension in 1819 in Hawkins County, Tennessee and mentioned his wife, two sons, ages 11 and 2 and two daughters, ages 10 and 8. He died there August 23, 1847. [See GRF Newsletter, August 1990.] Names of children born to William Goings and Elizabeth Goings are unknown.
Jacob Goins, regarded as a son of David Goins, was born in 1762, according to his Revolutionary War pension application. David Goins paid taxes for him in the years of 1783 and 1784 in Henry County.
“Jacob Gowen,” in his pension application, stated that he was born in Henry County, Virginia in 1762, however in 1762, that area was in Halifax County. Henry County was created in 1776, and “Jacob Gowen” enlisted there in the Virginia Continental Line, according to "Genealogical Abstracts of Revolutionary War Pension Files" abstracted by Virgil D. White.
"Jacob Goan of Henry County" received compensation of four pounds, six shillings for "150 bundles of fodder which had been taken for public service," according to Henry County records published in "Virginia Magazine of History and Biography," Vol. 10. The compensation was authorized by the Quartermaster General's office during or shortly after the Revolutionary period. Jacob Gowen later received a pension, No. S32273. His name appeared in "List of Colonial Soldiers of Virginia" by H. J. Eckenrode.
“Jacob Going” was a taxpayer in Patrick County, Virginia in 1800.
He lived in Kentucky between 1790 and 1820 and then moved to Vincennes, Indiana. On June 7, 1832, he was in Vermillion County, Illinois. From 1826 to 1838, he lived in Lawrence County, Illinois, the county where Shadrack Gowin died in 1878.
“An earlier Jacob Gowen served as a private in Capt. Andrew Lewis' Virginia infantry company during the French & Indian War in 1754, according to "Virginia Magazine of History and Biography," Vol. 1. He was shown as "Jacob Going" entitled to "£2:0:8" in the payroll records of Capt. Robert Stobo's company from May 29 to July 29, 1754. During July, August and September of that year he was stationed in Augusta County on the frontier.
On July 9, 1754, just after the Battle of the Great Meadows, he appeared as "Jacob Gowing" on the roster of Capt. Stobo's company under the command of Col. George Washington. For his service he received bounty money endorsed by Col. Washington, according to "Washington Manuscripts," Folios 11, 95, 111 and 112
Charles Gowens, regarded as a son of David Goins, was born in 1763, according to his Revolutionary War pension application. His place of birth appears to be Halifax County, Virginia. David Goins paid taxes for him in Henry County in 1783 and 1784.
Charles Gowens, a Revolutionary War soldier from Virginia saw much of the panorama of America unfold during his lifetime. He died at the age of 106, according to the research of Anna Brooks Dobbin Gowens, a family researcher. She wrote in a letter May 1, 1952 from Del Rio, Texas, "Charles Gowens became an expert marksman during the war and retained this proficiency throughout his lifetime. At the age of 102, in an exhibition, he brought down a squirrel from the top of a tall tree with his old muzzle-loader."
Henry [Halifax] County was the earliest documented place of residence for Charles Gowens. Henry County was formed in 1776 with land from Pittsylvania County. Pittsylvania County was formed in 1766 with land from Halifax County. Halifax County was formed in 1752 with land from Lunenburg County. Lunenburg County was formed in 1746 with land from Brunswick County. Brunswick County was formed in 1720 with land from Prince George County, Isle of Wight County and Surry County. Prince George County was formed in 1702 with land from Charles City County, an original shire. The ancestors of Charles Gowens might be found in the records of any of the above counties.
He may have been a kinsman of Ambrose Gowen, a Revolutionary patriot of Henry County who sold to the government "four double fortified six-pounders" on March 3, 1776 and "furnished wheat to the Hampton troops" March 18, 1776," according to "Virginia Magazine of History and Biography," Volume 28. Ambrose Gowen is identified as the son of William Gowen and Catherine Gowen of Stafford County, Virginia. He was a brother of William Gowen who was killed by Indians in 1790 in Davidson County, Tennessee.
The pension application of Charles Gowens was published in "Abstracts of Pension Papers Pertaining to Soldiers of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Indian Wars, Gallatin County, Kentucky:"
"Charles Gowans, Va. S31,072, Bounty Land Warrant No. 26106-160-55
On October 22, 1833 in Gallatin County, Kentucky, the said pensioner at the age of 70 years appeared in open court and stated that on September 1, 1779 in Henry County, Virginia he had first volunteered to serve in the capacity of a private soldier for a tour of six months duration in the company under the command of Capt. Jonathan Hanley and Lt. Edward Tatum.
He stated that they had first marched to the state of South Carolina and that there they were attached to the regiment under the command of Col. Monroe and they then marched to 96 near Charleston and they then marched to guard the prisoners from 96 to Williamsburg and there and then the said pensioner was honorably discharged.
Then again in the month of May 1781 the said pensioner again volunteered to serve in the capacity of a private soldier for a tour of 3 months duration to serve in the company under the command of Capt. Shelton and they then rendezvoused at Russell Creek Meeting House in Henry County, Virginia and they then marched up the Dan River and they were also often at the Hollow on the river. The said pensioner Charles Gowens was born in Henry County, Virginia in 1763 and came to Kentucky in 1797.
Then in the year 1815 the said pensioner removed from Harrison County, Kentucky to Gallatin County, Kentucky. In all his tours of duty the said pensioner had volunteered his services. The said pensioner stated and swore that he had seen Capt. Small, Col. Monroe and Col. Martin and that he had been honorably discharged at Williamsburg.
==O==
The affidavit of Benjamin Miller, a clergyman and James Furnish, [son-in-law of Charles Gowens] was also given. They stated that at one time and in the said county and state they had been well acquainted with the said pensioner, and the said deponents also stated that in the neighborhood in which the said pensioner resided he was reputed to have served in the Revolutionary War on the side of the United States.
==O==
April 7, 1855, in Gallatin County, Kentucky, the said pensioner at the age of 93 years appeared in open court again and stated that he had served in the capacity of a private in the company under the command of Capt Hamby and in the regiment under the command of Col Monroe. He stated that he had volunteered on September 1, 1779 in Henry County, Virginia for a tour of six months duration and that he had been honorably discharged at Petersburg, Virginia. He applied for the Bounty Land that was due him and he also appointed Henry J. Abbott of Warsaw, Kentucky to be his attorney.
==O==
The affidavit of David Story and White Hawkins was also given, etc. They stated that the said pensioner had signed the foregoing declaration in their presence, and they also swore that Charles Gowens was the identical person that he claimed himself to be.
The said pensioner Charles Gowens was on the Kentucky roll of pensions at the rate of $30 per annum, and his certificate of pension for that amount was issued 12-14-1?, and it was sent to the Hon. R. M. Johnson, House of Representatives."
Charles Gowens lived through a time period that embraced the turbulent events from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War. His longevity, remarkable as it is, was eclipsed by that of his wife who lived to be 110, according to descendants.
He was married about 1785 probably in Henry County to Elizabeth "Betsy" Blair, daughter of James Blair. She was born in 1770 in Maryland, according to Greg A. Bennett, a descendant. Charles Gowens stated in his pension application that they came to Kentucky in 1797. They may have lived in Kentucky briefly at that time or they may have simply passed through Cumberland Gap enroute to Claiborne County, Tennessee. Donna V. Gowin Johnston discovered that there they affiliated with Big Springs Baptist Church whose minutes make references to them.
The name of “Charles Gowen” appeared in an “Act Concerning Invalid Pensioners:”
“Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of American in congress assembled, That the Secretary of War be, and is hereby directed to place the following named persons whose claims have been transmitted to Congress, pursuant to a law passed the tenth of April, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Six on the pension list of invalid pensioners of the United States, according to the rates, and to commence at the time herein mentioned, that is to say:
Charles Gowen, at the rate of two dollars and fifty cents per month to commence on the thirty-first day of October, one thousand eight hundred and six.”
It is believed that they removed around the turn of the century to Claiborne County, perhaps to join other members of the family. The minutes of the Big Springs church recorded the names of over 100 members and noted its dealings with each of them. Sally Lane, Seleta Lane and Nancy Harper in May 1805 were "reprimanded for cutting their hair."
Mentioned in the July 1800 minutes were "James Going, ------- Going, Elizabeth Going and Hannah Going"
Vickie Lomon wrote November 18, 2002 that Elizabeth Going and Hannah Going moved to Claiborne County with Edward Daniel:
“While tracing the migration from Henry County, Vir-gina, Patrick County, Virginia and Rockingham county, North Carolina in which they were just members of the Holy Matrimony Church, I found Edward and Anne Daniel. When they moved to Claiborne County, Tennes-see Hanna Goins and Rachell Moody accompanied them.
They all joined the Big Spring Creek church together, and they were also dimissed by letter together on the same date, 1805.
Holston Blue Springs church received members dis-mist by Big Spring Creek letter, namely Edward Daniel, Ann Daniel, Jesse and Patty Jonson, Elisa-beth Going, Hannah Going and Rachel Moody on October, Second Saturday, 1805.”
Edward Daniel and Anne Daniel were members of the Holy Matrimony Creek Church in Rockingham Coun-ty, North Carolina in 1776. This church was situated right on the North Carolina and Virginia state lines. Edward's sister, Ester Daniel who married Philemon Lacy was also a member of the church.
Edward Daniel and Anne Daniel lived in Henry Coun-ty, Virginia from about 1776 to 1800 when they mi-grated to Clairborne County, Tennessee. Edward was a messenger to the Bethel Church.
Edward Daniel and Anne Daniel were closely asso-ciated with James Goins and Hannah Goings and Ra-chel Moody. Whenever they were received by a church or dismissed by letter, these individuals were frequently with them. Edward Daniel died in 1833 in Grainger County.
Most of Edward Daniel’s children married into the family of Henry Mayes and Phoebe Mayes. One of his sons, William Daniel was married in 1822 to Martha Mayes in Grainger County. John Daniel, son of William Daniel and Martha Mayes Daniel, was born about 1823. He was married in 1842 to Mary Annah Jeffreys, daughter of Marmaduke Norfleet Jeffreys and Hannah Louise Hill Jeffreys.
John Daniel and Mary Annah Jeffreys Daniel removed to Benton County, Arkansas.”
A Daniel couple, Edward Daniel and Ann Daniel, regarded as the parents of Edward Daniel, Jr, were received June 2, 1804 in Claiborne County, Tennessee by Big Springs Baptist Church, according to the church minutes.
William Goins was born about 1793, parents and place unknown. He was married April 21, 1817 in Jefferson County to Mrs. Priscilla Mayes Daniel, widow of Edward Daniel, Jr.
Priscilla Mayes Daniel was born about 1795 on the South Holston River in Hawkins County, Tennessee [North Carolina]. She was married first December 27, 1811 in Hamblen County, Tennessee to Edward Daniel, Jr. who was born about 1793. Priscilla Mayes Daniel Goins died about 1849 in Grainger County, Tennessee. Children born to them are unknown.
Gowan Morgan was mentioned in the minutes of September 1802:
“September, the 1st Saturday, 1802. Church met at Rob Camp meeting house and after worship proceeded to open a door for the reception of members and received by experience Obediah Harrison, Nancy Trent, Gowan Morgan, Jean Stephens, Sarah Medlock”
John Goin was mentioned in the minutes of October 1, 1802:
“October, the 1st Saturday, 1802. Church Met at Rob Camp and after worship proceeded to business. 1st opened a door for the reception of members and re-ceived by experience Sarah Morgan, John Morgan, Fanny Bryant, ___Morgan, James Hendricks, John Goin, John Stroud.”
Russel Morgan, Nathaniel Morgan, William Morgan and Betsy Morgan were received by the church at other times during 1802.
The minutes recorded June 2, 1804:
"Opened a door for the reception of members and re-ceived Charles Going and Catherine Mason by letter." Later in that month, the minutes reported, "And after divine service, opened a door for the reception of mem-bers and received the following members by letter: Jane Going, Elizabeth Going, Hannah Going, Edward Daniel, Ann Daniel, Rachel Mase [Mayes], William Mase [Mayes] and Rachel Moody."
The minutes of September 1804 included a "Report from Holston, James Going excommunicated for the denying of a bargain that he had once told to Bro. David Davis, between him and John Braund.
Recorded in the minutes of March 1805 was the notation "Charles Going with William Weaver and John Evans to attend the Holston [meeting] on the 3rd Saturday in March."
In the May 1805 minutes appeared the notation, "Thomas Hill, Charlie Going and Jesse Dodson appointed to attend at the Bud Spring."
The minutes of August 1805 reveal that "Charles Going to attend at Holston the 3rd Saturday in August." Appearing in the minutes for September 1805 was "Report from Holston Blue Springs received members dismissed by letter, namely, Edward Dannel, Ann Dannel, Jesse & Patty Johnson, Elizabeth Going, Hannah Going and Rachel Moody."
The minutes for November 1807 state that "Bro. James Going came forward and complained that he was unjustly delt with by the force of evidence. The Church agreed to examine the matter and refer it to next meeting. The January 1808 minutes recorded, "The reference relative to James Going throwed out of meeting."
"Elizabeth Going was received by experience, according to the October 1810 minutes. "Charles and Elizabeth Going dismissed by letter" was recorded in the April 1812 minutes.
Charles Gowens apparently removed at this time, probably to Harrison County, Kentucky where a daughter was married February 16, 1814.
James Going and Elizabeth Going apparently remained in [or returned to] Claiborne County. The minutes in September 1824 state that "James Goings was received by recantation. They were "dismissed by letter" in October 1827.
In 1815, Charles Gowens removed to Gallatin County, Kentucky, according to his pension statement. He was enumerated there in 1830 as the head of a household, page 182:
"Goin, Charles white male 60-70
white female 50-60
white male 20-30
white male 10-15
white female 80-90"
The octogenarian in the household is possibly the mother of Charles Gowens or Elizabeth "Betsy" Blair Gowens. Adjoining the household, page 182, was that of "Garrott Goin," a son.
The family of George Goins, unidentified was enumerated in 1830 in Gallatin County near the residence of Charles Gowens, "above the Kentucky River," page 180:
"Goins,
George white male 30-40
white female 20-30
white male 10-15
white female 10-15
white female 0-5
white female 0-5"
He was the only individual named "George" in the 1830 census of Kentucky whose surname was of interest to Gowen chroniclers.
Name Age State
Henry Carter 83 Virginia
James Coghill 76 Virginia
David Driskell 71 North Carolina
Henry Easton 95 Pennsylvania.
Job Garvey 60 Virginia
Thomas Hardin 74 Virginia
Thomas Lester 77 Virginia
Darby McGannon 69 Virginia
Alexander McDowell 79 Pennsylvania
William McIntire 79 Virginia
David Severn 74 Washington Life Guards
John Short 74 Virginia
Cyrus Tubbs 74 Connecticut
All of the above were within the boundaries of old Gallatin County. [The first territory to be cut off from the parent county was the northern half of Owen County in 1819.]
In this same 1835 report, there were three Gallatin Men who were "Invalid Pensioners," meaning disabled while in service. They were:
Andrew Green who had served in Gen. Josiah Harmar's disastrous campaign in Ohio in 1790 and who was placed on the pension roll January 18, 1823 with payments of $96 annually to start from October 10, 1823.
Robert McMickle who was disabled while serving in the Kentucky Militia and was placed on the pension roll June 23, 1821 with payments to start from February 6, 1821. In 1833 his payments were increased to $64 per year.
John Payne, Jr. [1795‑1887] who at the age of 17 had enlisted for service in the War of 1812 under his uncle, Col. Richard M. Johnson. But this pension, one of the earliest granted by the United States, was for injuries received July 4, 1814 [April 1, 1820?] while a cadet at West Point when the charge in a cannon ignited prematurely, tearing off his right arm and blinding his right eye. Under the Act of 1818, he was granted a pension of $96 annually, retroactive to April 25,1820.
By another Act of Congress, passed May 15, 1820, only one veteran from Gallatin County was listed with officers who were men of higher rank than private or corporal, as having received benefits, and that was William Thompson of Virginia who was a Dragoon. He was placed on the pension roll May 23,1829 with pay of $100 annually to begin March 3,1826.
Then by another act of Congress June 7, 1832, the following 14 names were added to the Pension Roll for Gallatin Coun-ty: [Note: None of these names are on the above 1818 list, they probably having all died or moved out of the county. It is known that Darby McGannon moved to Jennings County, Indiana where he entered government land in 1821.
Name Age State
Benjamin Barnes 69 Virginia
Shadrach Barnes 70 Virginia
Samuel D. Davis 74 Maryland
Jarret Dement 74 Pennsylvania
John Dean 72 Pennsylvania
Charles Gowens 71 Virginia
Thomas Hawes 91 Virginia
Amos V. Matthews 75 Virginia
William McDowell 73 Virginia
Thomas Noel 72 Virginia
Abijah North 75 Connecticut
Robert Scott 70 Virginia
William Thompson, Sr. 74 New Jersey
John Wells 70 North Carolina
[Note: The above men in 1832 were in present‑day Gallatin, Carroll and the eastern part of Trimble Counties. Trimble County was created in 1837, and in 1838 Carroll was formed from Gallatin and part of Trimble. Also in 1837, a part of Boone County was added to Gallatin, leaving it much the same as we see it today.]
The first U. S. Population Census to recognize and list pen-sioners was that of 1840, which listed only eight names for Gallatin County. They were:
Name Age
John Birks 67 [War of 1812]
Abijah North 80
James Furnish 74
John Waters 55 [War of 1812]
Charles Gowens 71
Jeremiah Haydon, Sr. 78
William Thompson 77"
Charles Gowens was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1840 census of Gallatin County, page 19:
"Goins, Charles white male 70-80
white female 60-70"
Charles Gowens was shown as "age 71, military pensioner." Both were shown as illiterate.
Nearby was enumerated in the 1840 census, page 23, "Charles Goins," also age 71. This individual was shown as "free colored, [Melungeon?] insane and idiot, at private charge."
"Elizabeth Goins," regarded as a daughter-in-law, was also shown as the head of a household in the 1840 census of Gallatin County, also page 19:
"Goins, Elizabeth white female 30-40
white male 10-15
white female 10-15
white male 10-15
white female 5-10
white male 5-10"
William Goins, also unidentified, appeared as the head of a household in the 1840 census of Gallatin County, page 4:
"Goins, William white male 20-30
white female 20-30
white male 5-10
white female 0-5
white male 0-5"
Charles Gowens wrote his will June 18, 1847 in Gallatin County. A great-great grandson, Norman Bass Gowens of Waco, Texas retained the original copy of the will in 1975. It read:
"I, Charles Goens of Gallatin County in the State of Kentucky, being sensible from my advanced age and increasing infirmities that the close of my mortal life draws near and being of sound mind and disposing memory, do make and publish this, my last will and testament, hereby revoking any and all wills and testaments by me heretofore made.
First, as I am not indebted to any one, in a pecuniary manner, I shall give my executors no trouble on that subject.
Second, as my wife, Betsey and myself have been living for a considerable time past with our son, James Goens, and as I expect to remain with him during my life and desire him to take care of and provide for us both while we live, I give and bequeath to my said son, James Goens the farm or tract of land in said county of Gallatin, near Providence meeting house, being the same whereon I have lived for many years past, containing about 107 acres, be the same more or less, with all the appurtenances thereof to be his and his heirs forever, upon the conditions as forestated, that the said James shall maintain and comfortably provide for myself and my wife during our natural lives.
Third to my son, John Goens; my son, Garrett Goens, my daughter, Lucinda Rose; my daughter, Polly Bales; my daughter, Nancy Furnish; my daughter, Hannah Rose and my daughter, Sally Kidwell, I give and bequeath each the sum of two dollars to be paid out of my estate.
Lastly, I appoint my said son, James Goens as executor of this, my last will and testament, confidently believing that should my wife, his mother, survive me, that he will not suffer her to want during her life.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eighteenth day of June AD 1847.
Charles [X] Goens
Witnesses: K. I. Abbott, Benjamin Litter"
Charles Gowens was enumerated in the 1850 census of Gallatin County, page 176 as the head of Household No. 332-332:
"Goens, Charles 87, born in VA, white, laborer
Elizabeth 80, born in MD, white
Goens, James S. 10, born in KY, white"
In adjoining locations were the households of James Blair Gowens, No. 331-331 and Truman Kidwell, No. 333-333.
"Elizabeth Goens," perhaps a daughter-in-law, was enumerated August 16, 1850 as the head of Household 394-395 in the federal census of Gallatin County, page 180:
"Goens, Elizabeth 54, born in KY, illiterate
John 27, born in KY, illiterate, laborer
Galway* 20, born in KY, illiterate, laborer
Sally 15, born in KY"
*Galloway, a family name
Charles Gowens may have had periods of non compus mentis at times, and at the time of the 1850 census may not have been living at home.
In an affidavit made July 2, 1853 "Charles Goins, a citizen of Gallatin County, aged 86, states that he is well acquainted with Lucinda Rose, that she is his daughter, that she married Charles Rose." On September 20, 1854 Charles Gowens deeded to Lucinda Gowens Rose 127.5 acres of land on Craig's Creek "for $1 and the love and affection of my daughter," according to Gallatin County Deed Book O, page 139.
In 1855, at "age 92," Charles Gowens made application for a land grant and received Bounty Land Warrant No. 26-106 for 160 acres under the Pension Act of 1855. On April 7, 1855, at age 93, he gave his power of attorney to Henry J. Abbett of Warsaw, Kentucky
He lived to be 102 years old, dying in Kentucky in September 1865, and Elizabeth "Betsy" Blair Gowens survived to 110 years old, according to Sylvester Bernard Gowens, a great-grandson of Lubbock, Texas. "Texas Society DAR Register of Revolutionary Ancestors" gives the date of his death as 1857 in Gallatin County.
Children born to Charles Gowens and Elizabeth "Betsy" Blair Gowens include:
Galloway Gowens born about 1787
Lucinda Gowens born about 1788
Mary Ann "Polly" Gowens born about 1790
Nancy Gowens born about 1793
Sarah "Sally" Gowens born about 1794
Hannah Gowens born about 1796
John A. Gowens born about 1800
George Washington Gowens born June 2, 1802
Garrett Gowens born about 1805
James Blair Gowens born June 9, 1810
Galloway Gowens, son of Charles Gowens and Elizabeth "Betsy" Blair Gowens, was born in Virginia about 1787, according to Greg A. Bennatt, family researcher. "Galloway Going" was married to Elizabeth “Betsy” Rose July 27, 1813, according to "Harrison County, Kentucky Marriages, 1794-1833." Two other marriages between Gowens-Rose siblings were performed there in the early years of that decade.
It is believed that Galloway Gowens and Elizabeth “Betsy” Rose Gowens were divorced before 1850.
In an adjacent location to the household of Hannah Gowens Rose in 1850 was enumerated the household of an unidentified Elizabeth Goens, apparently a widow. This widow is regarded as Elizabeth “Betsy” Rose Gowens. She was recorded as the head of Household 395-395:
"Goens, Elizabeth 54, born in KY
John 27, born in KY
Galway 20, born in KY
Sally 15, born in KY"
The family reappeared in the 1860 census of Gallatin County as Household 128-128, page 19:
"Goin, Elizabeth 50, born in KY, $280 real estate,
$50 personal property
Sarah 24, born in KY
Galloway 22, born in KY, farmer",
Galloway Gowens was remarried to Lucinda Goins June 17, 1862 in Gallatin County. Galloway Gowens died in Gallatin County in 1864.
Children born to Galloway Gowens, Betsy Rose Gowens and Lucinda Goins Gowens are believed to include:
John Gowens born about 1823
Sarah “Sally” Gowens born about 1835
Galloway Gowens, Jr. born about 1838
John Gowens, regarded as a son of Galloway Gowens and Elizabeth “Betsy” Rose Gowens, was born about 1823. He appeared in the household of his mother in the 1850 census of Gallatin County at age 27.
Sarah “Sally” Gowens, regarded as a daughter of Galloway Gowens and Elizabeth “Betsy” Rose Gowens, was born about 1835. She appeared as a 15-year-old in the 1850 census of her mother’s household. She was recorded at age 24 in the 1860 census of Gallatin County.
Galloway Gowens, Jr, regarded as a son of Galloway Gowens and Elizabeth “Betsy” Rose Gowens, was born about 1838. He was recorded at age 20 in the 1850 census of his mother’s
Household and at age 22 in the 1860 census of Gallatin County.
Lucinda Gowens, daughter of Charles Gowens and Elizabeth "Betsy" Blair Gowens, was born about 1788, probably in Henry County. "Lucinda Goings" was married October 16, 1812 to Charles Rose in Harrison County, Kentucky as his second wife, according to a letter written December 3, 1989 by Eddy Alderson, a fifth-generation grandson of Linton, Indiana. The groom was 56 years old, according to David Joseph Rose, a descendant.
William Henry Rose, a son of Charles Rose and Ursley Williamson Rose, his first wife, was married February 16, 1814 to "Hannah Goins," sister of Lucinda Gowens.
Charles Rose died in 1838 and Lucinda Gowens Rose died in 1858.
Children born to Charles Rose and Lucinda Gowens Rose include:
Sandford H. Rose born about 1813
Sandford H. Rose, son of Charles Rose and Lucinda Gowens Rose, was born about 1813. He was married about 1840 to Mrs. Susan Peak Crow who was born in 1802. He died in 1862, and she died in 1864.
Children born to Sanford H. Rose and Susan Peak Crow Rose include:
Riley Maguire Rose born about 1846
Riley Maguire Rose, son of Sandford H. Rose and Susan Peak Crow Rose, was born about 1846. He was married about 1868 to Rachelle E. Brown who was born in 1850. Riley Maguire Rose died in 1900, and Rachele E. Brown Rose died in 1928.
Children born to them include:
Luther Harrison Rose born about 1888
Luther Harrison Rose, son of Riley Maguire Rose and Rachele E. Brown Rose, was born about 1888. He was married about 1910 to Anna Bell Smith who was born in 1892.
Children born to Luther Harrison Rose and Anna Bell Smith Rose include:
Howard Marion Rose born about 1913
Howard Marion Rose, son of Luther Harrison Rose and Anna Bell Smith Rose, was born about 1913, according to a son, David Joseph Rose. He was married about 1937 to Virginia Elaine Winters who was born in 1910.
Children born to them include:
David Joseph Rose born in 1949
David Joseph Rose, son of Howard Marion Rose and Virginia Elaine Winters Rose, was born in 1949. He was married about 1973 to Toni Helene Davis who was born in 1947. In 2001 David Joseph Rose was active in the research of his branch of the family.
Mary Ann "Polly" Gowens, daughter of Charles Gowens and Elizabeth "Betsy" Blair Gowens, was born about 1790, probably in Henry County, Virginia. Bernice Bayles Hazlett, a descendant, shows the name of her ancestor as "Mary Ann Goin."
"Mary Goings" was married December 13, 1810 to “Russell Bailes,” according to "Harrison County, Kentucky Marriages, 1794-1833." She was married December 30, 1810 in Harrison County, Kentucky to Russell Bales, according to Jeffery Alan Duvall, a descendant of Indianapolis, Indiana. Russell Bales was born about 1786 in Virginia. Mary "Polly" Gowens Bales was mentioned in the will of her father written June 18, 1847 as the recipient of $2." Russell Bales died about 1858. On his War of 1812 pension papers, his widow was identified as "Mary Ann Gains."
Mary Ann “Polly” Bales Jackson died July 29, 1878 at age 88 in Lee County, Iowa, according to Charles Jackson.
Descendants of Russell Bales and Mary Ann "Polly" Gowens Bales include:
Charles Bales born in 1811
Isaiah Bales born about 1828
Joseph Harrison Bales born about 1845
Charles Bales, son of Russell Bales and Mary Ann "Polly" Gowens Bales and namesake of his grandfather, was born in 1811 in Harrison County. He was married in Gallatin County to Maria Foley June 10, 1831. She was born in 1809 to Bayliss Foley and Mildred Breeden Foley, according to the research of Jeffery Alan Duvall. Charles Bales died in 1839, and Maria Foley Bales was remarried October 15, 1841 to James A. Ellis who was born about 1783 in Virginia.
Children born to Charles Bales and Maria Foley Bales include:
Mary Ann Bales born about 1831
David Bales born June 11, 1833
Jane "Jennetta" Bales born about 1835
William Russell Bales born about 1837
Children born to James A. Ellis and Maria Foley Bales Ellis include:
Sarah Ellis born about 1842
Ellen Jane Ellis born about 1844
John Ellis born about 1846
Jesse Ellis born about 1849
James Ellis born about 1850
David Bales, son of Charles Bales and Maria Foley Bales, was born June 11, 1833 in Gallatin County. He was described with a dark complexion, dark eyes, black hair, six feet tall. He was married about 1854 to Lavinia Hamilton. She was born February 4, 1833 in Gallatin County to Maurice Hamilton and Elizabeth Ellis Hamilton, natives of Virginia.
He enlisted October 28, 1861 during the Civil War in Eighteenth Kentucky Infantry Regiment, Co. E, U.S.A. and served under Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman in his march across Georgia to the sea. He was discharged at Louisville, Kentucky July 18, 1865. He removed to Owen County, Kentucky about 1870. Lavinia Hamilton Bales died October 30, 1911, and David Bales died December 27, 1925.
Children born to them include:
Alice Elizabeth Bales born November 11, 1855
Milton David Bales born November 2, 1857
Franklin Bales born July 19, 1859
Charles Byron Bales born February 22, 1861
Sherman Bales born May 11, 1867
Alice Elizabeth Bales, daughter of David Bales and Lavinia Hamilton Bales, was born November 11, 1855. She was married about 1875 to James K. Morgan who was born in 1849 to Elijah Morgan and Jane Simpson Morgan. He died September 11 1924 in Carroll County, Kentucky, and she died there April 23, 1939.
Children born to James K. Morgan and Alice Elizabeth Bales Morgan include:
Eugene Forrest Morgan born December 12, 1877
Eugene Forrest Morgan, son of James K. Morgan and Alice Elizabeth Bales Morgan, was born December 12, 1877 in Marion County, Indiana. He was married April 7, 1907 in Trimble County, Kentucky to Isabelle McClure. She was born there June 28, 1888 to James S. McClure and Laura Belle Taylor McClure. Eugene Forrest Morgan died February 19, 1954 in Carroll County, and she died February 21, 1974 in Milan, Indiana.
Children born to them include:
Alice Laura Morgan born about 1909
Zeba Augusta Morgan born about 1912
James Walton Morgan born August 31, 1915
Mary Addie Morgan born about 1918
Eugene Henry Morgan [twin] born about 1922
Forest Henry Morgan [twin] born about 1922
James Walton Morgan, son of Eugene Forrest Morgan and Isabelle McClure Morgan, was born August 31, 1915 in Carroll County. He was married September 12, 1938 to Marguerite Fuller in Owen County. She was born October 28, 1915 in Carroll County to John P. Fuller and Leola Kemper Fuller.
James Walton Morgan was employed as a supervisor at Jefferson Proving Grounds, Jefferson, Indiana for the U.S. Army.
Children born to them include:
Wanda Jean Morgan born July 21, 1940
Susan Lee Morgan born October 21, 1952
Wanda Jean Morgan, daughter of James Walton Morgan and Marguerite Fuller Morgan, was born July 21, 1940 in Carroll County. She was married July 27, 1958 in Switzerland County, Indiana to William Edward Duvall, son of William Wesley Duvall and Genola Gullion Duvall. He was born March 24, 1937 in Switzerland County, Indiana. Wanda Jean Morgan Duvall was a school social worker in the Indianapolis Public School System.
Children born to them include:
Jeffery Alan Duvall born December 21, 1959
Lesa Carol Duval born April 12, 1962
Laura Lee Duval born September 16, 1966
Jeffery Alan Duvall, son of William Edward Duvall and Wanda Jean Morgan Duvall, was born December 21, 1959 in Madison, Indiana. He was graduated about 1981 with a B.A. degree in English history and a minor in Asian studies from Earlham College. He received a M.A. degree in United States history from Indiana University about 1983.
In 1995 he, a Foundation member, lived in Indianapolis where he was active in the research of the Gowens family. Professionally he worked as a research associate at Polis Research Center at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.
Lesa Carol Duvall, daughter of William Edward Duvall and Wanda Jean Morgan Duvall, was born April 12, 1962 in Madison. She was graduated from Ball State University with a B.A. degree in music education. She was graduated from Indiana University of Indianapolis with a doctorate in jurisprudence. She was married about 1981 to Craig William Fall. She became an attorney.
Children born to them include:
Brandon Taylor Fall born July 1, 1983
Andrew William Fall born July 8, 1989
Laura Lee Duvall, daughter of William Edward Duvall and Wanda Jean Morgan Duvall, was born September 16, 1966 in Madison. She was graduated with a B.A. degree in education from Indiana University. She was married about 1989 to Timothy Lee Whitson. She became an actress, and in 1995 was a performer and troup manager of Indianapolis Civic Theatre's children's theatre group.
Susan Lee Morgan, daughter of James Walton Morgan and Marguerite Fuller Morgan, was born in Madison October 21, 1952. She was married in 1971 to Kelly Warren Fisher of Lake Charles, Louisiana. They were divorced in 1994.
Children born to them include:
Adrienne Lee Fisher born in October 1972
Avery Luke Fisher born in November 1976
Isaiah Bales, son of Russell Bales and Mary Ann "Polly" Gowens Bales, was born October 6, 1829 in Gallatin County, according to Lois Sharp, a descendant. He was married there September 5, 1849 to his cousin Sarah Elizabeth Goins, daughter of John A. Goins and Dorothy E. “Dolly” Furnish Goins. Dorothy E. “Dolly” Furnish Goins was the daughter of James Wells Furnish and Esseignor Wells, according to Charles Jackson.
Sarah Elizabeth Goins Bales was born March 16, 1830, according to Charles Jackson, a descendant. Her enumeration in the 1900 census shows that she was born in May 1829. She may have been a sister to “Alfred Goens and John T. Goens” who appeared in the 1850 enumeration.
Enumerated in the 1850 census of Gallatin County, Isaiah Bales appeared as the head of Household 317-317:
"Bales, Isaiah 22, born in KY
Sarah 20, born in KY
Goens, Alfred 29, born in KY, cooper
John T. 22, born in KY, cooper"
In 1851 Isaiah Bales paid tax on two horses valued at $40. In 1856 he was a taxpayer living at South Fork in Gallatin County.
It is assumed that Isaiah Bales died about 1859. In 1860 Sarah Elizabeth Goins Bales was enumerated in the household of her parents, John A. Goins and Dolly R. Goins at Warsaw, Kentucky:
“Goins, John A. 55, born in KY
Dolly R. 53, born in KY
Bales Sarah E. 27, born in KY
Anna Belle 8, born in KY
Virgil A. 7, born in KY
William T 2, born in KY”
Carol Caspur wrote November 28, 2000:
“Isaiah Bales [my gg-grandfather] and Sarah Goins are elusive. Marriage Entry Record which was extracted from Gallatin County Kentucky Marriage records also list Sarah E. Goens/Goins’ death date as 1856. I found no evidence that they lived in Grayson County. Their son, Virgil Bales lived there. He was married to Louisa Hack. He was mar-ried five times. I am searching for information on Annie Lile, his fourth wife [my gg-grandmother.] When Virgil Bales married Louisa Hack the spelling was changed to Bailes.”
Sarah Elizabeth Goins Bales was remarried January 1, 1866 to William Riley Jackson as his second wife, according to Charles Jackson. William Riley Jackson was born in Ten-nessee about 1826.
They were enumerated in the 1870 census of Civil District 3 of Gallatin County, living near Napoleon, Kentucky:
“Jackson, William R. 44, farmer, born in TN
Sarah 40, wife, born in KY
Margaret A. 17, daughter, born in KY
Eda G, 15, daughter, born in KY
Julia F. 12, daughter, born in KY
John J. D. 3, son, born in KY”
Enumerated nearby was the household of James Jackson, regarded as the father of William R. Jackson:
“Jackson James 72, farmer, born in VA
Mary C. 75, wife, born in TN
Pleasant C. 37, farm worker, born in
TN”
Enumerated nearby in 1870 was the household of Thomas Goins and Anna Belle Bales Goins, daughter of Sarah Elizabeth Goins Bales Jackson:
“Goins, Thomas 21, farmer, born in KY
Anna Belle 18, wife, born in KY
Doris E. 2, daughter, born in KY”
Lemuel Goins, son of Garrett Goins, grandson of Charles Gowens and brother to Thomas A. Goins, was born March 26, 1842, according to Charles Jackson. He was enlisted as a private in Company E, 18th Kentucky Infantry Regiment, Confederate States Army August 1, 1862 in Lexington, Kentucky. He was discharged June 23, 1865 in Louisville, Kentucky.
He was married about 1866, wife’s name Sarah Elizabeth. She was born January 22, 1851.
They lived in the same community with Thomas A. Goins in 1870. They were enumerated as:
“Goins, Lemuel 25, farmer, born in KY
Sarah E, 18, wife, born in KY
William G, 3, son, born in KY
Lemuel was enumerated in the 1880 census of Grayson County, Sand Spring district:
“Goins, Lemuel 36, farmer, born in KY
Elizabeth 29, wife, born in KY
William 13, son, born in KY
Their neighbor in 1880 was enumerated as:
“Goins, Winfield Scott 25, farmer, born in KY
Eda H. 24, wife, born in KY
William 6, son, born in KY
Arty M. 4, daughter, born in KY”
Of them Charles Jackson wrote:
“This ‘Eda H. Goins’ is Eda Helen Jackson Goins, the daughter of William Riley Jackson and the step-daughter of Sarah Goins Bales Jackson. Eda Helen Jackson and Winfield Scott Goins were married in 1872 in Carrollton County, Kentucky.
Is this the same ‘Winfield Goins, age 5,’ living with John A. Goins and Dorothy or Dority R. Goins and Sarah Elizabeth Goins Bales in the 1860 census? Would John A. Goins be his grandfather instead of his father as the census says—since Dority is 53? That is Sarah’s step-daughter married to Sarah’s nephew!
Winfield Scott Goins is the son of John James “Johnny” Goins and Mary Day who were married in Gallatin County. Their other son was named John Goins. John James Goins died in a saw mill accident, so the Goins family raised Winfield Scott Goins, and the Day family raised John Goins. [William Scott and Eda H. Jackson Goins had a son named Samuel Delaware Goins. Lisa Tindell, granddaugter of Samuel Delaware Goins is the source of this information on the Goins-Day-Jackson connection. She received this information from Juanita Skees.]
This may have been part of the reason that Sarah Goins Bales Jackson and her family moved to Grayson County, to join her cousin Lemuel and her step-daughters Eda Hel-en Jackson and Julia Frances Jackson. Julia Frances Jack-son was born September 8, 1857 and died January 3, 1925. Julia Frances Jackson was married to Joseph Henry Albro, and they are buried at the Old Wilson Cemetery, Spring Union, Grayson County, Kentucky. Their son, James Riley Albro, was born 30 August 1884 in Grayson County.
Winfield Scott Goins’ neighbor was 15-year-old Sarah Crowder, daughter of James Crowder, 48, and his wife Nancy Crowder, 47. Sarah Crowder was married to William Thompson Bales, the son of Isaiah Bales and Sarah Goins Bales Jackson.
Juanita Skees reports that in later years, John Goins and his brother Winfield Scott Goins had a falling out over politics and never spoke again. It was said that John Goins moved to Tennessee, married and had children.”
Lemuel Goins died November 30, 1914, and Sarah E. Goins died May 16, 1916. They were buried in Shrewsbury Cemetery in Grayson County, Kentucky alongside their kinsmen John James Delaware Jackson and Martha “Mattie” Jackson.
Sarah Elizabeth Goins Bales Jackson was enumerated in the 1900 census of West Caneyville District in Gallatin County living in the home of her youngest son, John James Delaware Jackson
Children born to Isaiah Bales and Sarah Elizabeth Goins Bales include:
Anna Belle Bales born about 1852
Virgil A. Bales born July 30, 1853
William Thompson Bales born May 21, 1858
Children born to William Riley Jackson and Sarah Elizabeth Goins Bales Jackson include:
John James Delaware Jackson born October 4, 1866
Anna Belle Bales, daughter of Isaiah Bales and Sarah Elizabeth Goins Bales, was born about 1852 in Gallatin County. She was married April 18, 1866 to Thomas A. Goins.
Enumerated nearby her mother’s household in the 1870 census of Gallatin County was the household of Thomas A. Goins and Anna Belle Bales Goins:
“Goins, Thomas A. 21, farmer, born in KY
Anna Belle 18, wife, born in KY
Doris E. 2, daughter, born in KY”
Children born to Thomas A. Goins and Anna Belle Bales Goins include:
Doris E. Goins born about 1868
Virgil A. Bales, son of Isaiah Bales and Sarah Elizabeth Goins Bales, was born July 30, 1853 in Gallatin County. He removed to Grayson County, Kentucky and was married five times, according to Carol Caspur.
He died April 17, 1921 and was buried in Preston Cemetery in Grayson County.
William Thompson Bales, son of Isaiah Bales and Sarah Elizabeth Goins Bales, was born May 21, 1858 at Dry Creek , Kentucky in Gallatin County. He was married about 1881 to Sarah F. Crowder who was born October 7, 1866. She died October 10, 1885 in Grayson County. He was remarried to Bertha Collins who was born May 12, 1867 in Breckinridge County, Kentucky. She died April 25, 1928 and was buried in Stones Cemetery. William Thompson Bales died January 29, 1935 and was buried in Shrewsbury, Kentucky in Grayson County.
John James Delaware Jackson, son of William Riley Jackson and Sarah Elizabeth Goins Bales Jackson, was born October 4, 1866 in Gallatin County. He was brought to Grayson County in 1877, according to a memorial published December 3, 1911 in the “Leitchfield Gazette” of Leitchfield, Kentucky.
He was married to Martha E. “Mattie” Whoberry, daughter of John D. Whoberry and Elizabeth G. Mercer Whoberry, about 1889.
He became a popular singing teacher and taught in many churches of the area, according to Charles Jackson. He died December 3, 1911 and was buried in Shrewsbury Cemetery in Grayson County.
Children born to John James Delaware Jackson and Martha E. “Mattie” Whoberry Jackson include:
Riley Jackson born about 1890
Lula Jackson born about 1891
Elmer Jackson born about 1893
Hobart Jackson born about 1895
Lura Jackson born about 1898
Paul Jackson born about 1901
Mabel Jackson born about 1904
[stillborn child] born about 1908
Joseph Harrison Bayles, descendant of Russell Bales and Mary “Polly” Gowens Bales, was born in 1845 in old James County, Tennessee. He was married about 1870 in McMinn County, Tennessee to Margaret Evaline Cagle. She was born there June 3, 1851 to Peter Cagle and Elizabeth Cagle. She applied in June 1908 to the Guion Miller Roll of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, according to Lee Cagle of Okla-homa City.
Joseph Harrison Bayles died March 18, 1926 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Margaret Evaline Cagle Bayles died there Sep-tember 11, 1937. Both were buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Chattanooga.
Children born to them include:
Nellie Bayles born about 1871
Virginia Iola Bayles born about 1872
Fannie Bayles born about 1871
Joseph Bayles born about 1872
Hannah Susanna Bayles born about 1874
William Bayles born about 1878
Jack Jacob Bayles born about 1879
Allison Martin Bayles born in January 1880
Margaret Evaline Bayles born October 12, 1887
Nancy Gowens, daughter of Charles Gowens and Elizabeth "Betsy" Blair Gowens, was born about 1793, probably in Henry County. "Nancy Goins" was married October 1, 1820 in Warsaw, Kentucky in Gallatin County to James Wells Furnish, a man 30 years her senior, according to his Revolutionary War pension application. Rev. William Thompson, another Revolutionary soldier, performed the wedding ceremony.
James Wells Furnish, son of John Furnish, a native of Essex County, England and Jane Green Furnish, was born in Orange County, Virginia May 14, 1763. He was their ninth child. On September 1, 1780, at age 17, he enlisted in Capt. Benjamin Johnson's Company which served under the command of the French General LaFayette. He had arrived in Kentucky by 1784, the first of the Furnish brothers to migrate to the new state. He appeared on the Bourbon County, Kentucky tax lists from 1788 to 1793. By 1795 he was recorded in Harrison County and continued there until about 1815. “James Furnace” was married there on a bond dated July 11, 1795 to Asinor Wells.
They were members of Baptist Church of Jesus Christ at Mill Creek in 1801. They sold 91 acres in Harrison County March 5, 1813, according to deed records. They applied for letters of dismission which were issued January 18, 1815, apparently in connection with a change of residence.
On January 14, 1833, James Furnish applied for a Revolutionary pension, but apparently he did not receive it.
James Furnish was enumerated as the head of Household 310-310 in the 1850 census of Gallatin County:
"Furnish, James 75, born in VA, farmer
Nancy 50, born in KY
James 30, born in KY
Noah 24, born in KY
Samuel 22, born in KY
Henry 14, born in KY
Eliza 13, born in KY
Lucy 10, born in KY
Adams, John 60, born in Ireland"
James Furnish [Jr.] may have been enumerated a second time in 1850 in the nearby household of Samuel McGinnis, No. 313-313:
"McGinnis, Samuel, 32, born in KY, laborer, $400 real
estate
Lucinda 24, born in KY
Sarah G. 7, born in KY
John A. 5, born in KY
Uriah 2, born in KY
Furnish James 30, born in KY
Rose John 13, born in KY"
James Furnish died in Gallatin County September 29, 1851. Nancy Gowens Furnish, age 54, applied for a widow's pension March 14, 1853. She was successful, receiving a pension and Bounty Land Warrant 26291-160-55. Like her father, she appointed Henry J. Abbett her attorney.
The pension file of James Furnish contained several documents:
"On January 14, 1833 in Harrison County, Kentucky the said pensioner at the age of 69 years appeared in open court and stated that he was born in Orange County, Virginia May 14, 1763 and that he had entered the service September 1, 1780 when he was drafted to serve for a tour of three months by Ensign Richard White, Lt. Belfield Cave and in the company under the command of Capt. Benjamin Johnson in the militia of Virginia in the Fifth Regiment under command of Col Holt Richard and in the brigade under the command of Gen. Nelson.
They then joined the Virginia State Troops at Richmond and from there to Casin Point and from there on to Petersburg, Virginia, and they marched back again to Richmond, and the said pensioner was honorably discharged in the month of December of said year.
Then again in May of 1781 the said pensioner was drafted to serve for a tour of three months to serve in the company under the command of Capt. Richard Webb, Lt. Smith and Ensign James Coward in the Fourth Regiment of Virginia State Militia under the command of Col. Edmonds. They then joined the army at Richmond in Virginia, and then they marched to Raccoon Ford on the Rappahannock River, and there Gen. Anthony Wayne joined them, and they were also under the command of the Marquis de LaFayette, and they then returned to Richmond, Virginia, they then pursued by the British to Jamestown, and from there they then marched to --ossin Hill.
In the month of October of the year 1784 they then removed to Kentucky where they had resided ever since that time.
The affidavit of William Moore and Larkin Garnett was also given at the same time and in the same place as the foregoing.
The said deponents stated that at one time and in the said county and state they had been well acquainted with the said pensioner, and they also swore that in the neighborhood in which the said pensioner resided he was reputed to have served in the War of the Rebellion on the side of the United States.
March 14, 1863 in Gallatin County, Kentucky. Nancy Furnish being at the age of 54 [64?] and being the widow and relict of the said pensioner, appeared in open court and stated that they had married in Gallatin County, Kentucky October 1, 1820 by the Rev. Wm. Thompson, and she also stated that her maiden name was Nancy Goins.
The affidavit of John A. Goins was also given at the same time and in the same place as the foregoing. The said deponent stated that he had been well acquainted with the said Nancy Furnish ever since his earliest recollection, and he also stated that he was present at the wedding of said Nancy Furnish and her husband, the said pensioner, and this deponent also stated that they had lived together as man and wife and that said pensioner died as had been stated, and that Nancy Furnish still remained the widow and relict of said pensioner, James Furnish.
The affidavit of Mrs. Direty Goins was also given at the same time and in the same place as the foregoing. She stated that she had been well acquainted with the said Nancy Furnish for 30 years, and she also stated that she, the said deponent, had been present at the wedding of the said pensioner and the said Nancy Furnish. She stated and swore that James Furnish had received a pension as has been stated, and she also swore that he had died as has been stated, and that Nancy Furnish still remains his widow and relict.
The affidavit of Garrett Goins was also given at the same time and in the same place as the foregoing. The said deponent stated he had been well acquainted in the said county and state with the said pensioner and his present widow ever since the year 1820, and this deponent also stated and swore that he was present at the wedding of the said pensioner to Nancy Goins. He also stated that James Furnish had received a pension as had been stated, and he further added that the said pensioner had died as had been stated, and that Nancy Furnish still remained the relict and widow of said pensioner.
Nancy Furnish appointed Henry J. Abbott to be her lawful attorney.
Their marriage bond was signed by James Furnish and Charles Goins, and it was dated 9-30-1820, and their marriage return was dated 10-1-1820, and it was signed by Wm. Thompson.
January 21, 1870 in Gallatin County, Kentucky. Nancy Furnish being of the age of 70 and being widow and relict of the said pensioner appeared in open court and stated that she wanted to apply for an increase in her pension.
The affidavit of John W. Kirby and M. P. Johnson was also given at the same time and in the same place as the foregoing. They stated that Nancy Furnish was the identical widow of the pensioner that she claimed to be. On April 13, 1855 in Gallatin County, Kentucky Nancy Furnish at the age of 56 years and being the widow and relict of said pensioner, James Furnish again appeared in open court for the purpose of asking for the Bounty that was due to her.
The affidavit of Benjamin Tiller and James Arnold was also given at the same time and place as the foregoing. They stated that Nancy Furnish was the identical widow of the same pensioner as she claimed herself to be, and further they said that they were both well acquainted with both the said pensioner and his wife in the said county and state. They also stated that James Furnish did receive a pension, and that they had lived together as man and wife, and that the said pensioner had died as has been stated, and that Nancy Furnish still remained the widow and relict of the same James Furnish as aforesaid.
Nancy Furnish, the widow of said pensioner, was on the Louisiana Roll of Pensions at the rate of $96 per annum to commence July 27, 1868 and her certificate of pension for that amount was issued May 6, 1870, and it was then sent to the claimant herself, Warsaw P.O. Box 35, Gallatin County, Kentucky.
She also receive $20 per annum to commence 2-31-1853 [sic], and her certificate of pension for that amount was issued May 28, 1853, and it was then sent to H. I. Abbott of Warsaw, Kentucky."
Her father's will written June 18, 1847 specified that Nancy Gowens Furnish was to receive $2 from the estate.
Nancy Gowens Furnish appeared as the head of Household 134-134 in the 1860 census of Gallatin County:
"Furnish, Nancy 60, born in KY, farmer, $200 real
estate, $600 personal property
Noah 27, born in KY, farmer
Harrison 22, born in KY, farmer"?
Nine children were born to James Furnish and Nancy Gowens Furnish including:
Noah Furnish born about 1833
Harrison Furnish born about 1838
Fourteen children were born to James Furnish and Asinor Wells Furnish, according to Donald Lee Furnish.
Fred West wrote April 27, 2000 that Sanford Furnish and Mary Frances Goins Furnish of Gallatin County were the parents of Alice G. Furnish. Alice G. Furnish was married to Harry Marsh who was born June 10, 1863. Sanford Furnish was in Switzerland County, Indiana in the 1880s and in Carroll County, Kentucky by 1890. Harry Marsh and Alice G. Furnish Marsh later lived in Missouri.
Sarah "Sally" Gowens, daughter of Charles Gowens and Elizabeth "Betsy" Blair Gowens, was born about 1794 in Henry County. "Sally Goings" was married September 12, 1812 to Truman Kidwell on a license issued September 1, 1812, according to "Harrison County, Kentucky Marriages, 1794-1850."
Bernice S. Ridgway, a descendant of Pensacola, Florida, identifies Truman Kidwell as the son of Vincent Kidwell of Madison County, Kentucky. Truman Kidwell appeared in the 1818 tax list of Gallatin County.
He was enumerated in the 1820 census as the head of a household:
"Kidwell, Truman white male 26-45
white female 16-18
white male 0-10
white male 0-10
white female 0-10"
Living adjacent to the location of Truman Kidwell were "Charles Goings, Galloway Goings and Gilbert Gowings. In the 1827 tax list of Gallatin County Truman Kidwell was noted as "on Ohio River."
Sally Gowens Kidwell was named in her father's will written June 18, 1847 as the recipient of $2 from his estate.
Truman Kidwell was enumerated as the head of Household 333-333 in the 1850 census of Gallatin County in an adjoining location with Charles Gowens, his father-in-law.
"Kidwell, Truman 60, born in KY, white, laborer
Sarah 50, born in KY, white
Eliza 18, born in KY
James G. 16, born in KY
Mary W. 10, born in KY"
Living nearby were the families of "Charles Goens, James Goens, John Goens and Orpheus Webber.
Sarah "Sally" Gowens Kidwell was enumerated at "age 64" living in the household of her son, James G. Kidwell in the 1860 census of Gallatin County. It is believed that she died during the decade, not appearing in the 1870 census of Gallatin County.
Children born to Truman Kidwell and Sarah "Sally" Gowens Kidwell include:
John Kidwell born in 1817
William Kidwell born in 1821
Lucinda Kidwell born in 1822
Mary F. Kidwell born about 1827
Eliza Ann Kidwell born about 1832
James Garrett Kidwell born about 1834
Mary W. Kidwell born about 1840
John Kidwell, son of Truman Kidwell and Sarah "Sally" Gowens Kidwell, was born in 1817 in Madison County, according to the research of Bernice S. Ridgway. "John Kidwill" was married April 29, 1842 to Josephine McGinnis who was born in 1817 in Virginia.
William Kidwell, son of Truman Kidwell and Sarah "Sally" Gowens Kidwell, was born in 1821 in Gallatin County.
Lucinda Kidwell, daughter of Truman Kidwell and Sarah "Sally" Gowens Kidwell, was born in 1822 in Gallatin County. She was married there to Samuel McGinnis, marriage bond dated July 28, 1842.
Mary F. Kidwell, daughter of Truman Kidwell and Sarah "Sally" Gowens Kidwell, was born about 1827 in Gallatin County. She was married January 26, 1847 to Orpheus Webber in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Children born to them include:
Albert F. Webber born February 14, 1863
Albert F. Webber, son of Orpheus Webber and Mary W. Kidwell Webber, was born February 14, 1863. He was married to Miss Rosie E. Marshall about 1887. Children born to them include:
Nettie B. Webber born March 3, 1890
Nettie B. Webber, daughter of Albert F. Webber and R. E. Marshall Webber, was born March 3, 1890. She was married September 26, 1907 in Frankfort, Kentucky to John Joseph Scannell. Children born to them include:
Vincent A. Scannell born June 5, 1913
Vincent A. Scannell, son of John Joseph Scannell and Nettie B. Webber Scannell, was born June 5, 1913 in Frankfort. He was married September 17, 1933 to Thelma Lehman in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Children born to them include:
Bernice S. Scannell born about 1933
Bernice S. Scannell, daughter of Vincent A. Scannell and Thelma Lehman Scannell, was born about 1933 in Louisville. She was adopted by a great aunt, Marie Theresa Lehman Schmitt. She was married about 1952 to Dr. James S. Ridgway. In 1995 they lived in Pensacola, Florida where she, a Foundation member, was active in the research of the Gowens family and contributed much of the material on the descendants of Sarah "Sally" Gowens Kidwell.
Eliza Ann Kidwell, daughter of Truman Kidwell and Sarah "Sally" Gowens Kidwell, was born about 1832 in Gallatin County. She was married to Joseph C. Wells September 20, 1855 in Gallatin County.
James Garrett Kidwell, son of Truman Kidwell and Sarah "Sally" Gowens Kidwell, was born in Gallatin County about 1834. He was married December 29, 1853 to Elizabeth Goens, unidentified. She was born about 1853. He appeared as the head of Household 316-316 in the 1860 census of Gallatin County:
"Kidwell, James 28, born in KY, farmer
Elizabeth 23, born in KY
Alice M. 8, born in KY
Josephine 6, born in KY
Sarah T. 4, born in KY
James 2, born in KY
Kidwell, Thomas 11, born in KY
Kidwell, Sarah 64, born in KY"
Mary W. Kidwell, daughter of Truman Kidwell and Sarah "Sally" Gowens Kidwell, was born in Gallatin County about 1840.
Hannah Gowens, daughter of Charles Gowens and Elizabeth "Betsy" Blair Gowens, was born about 1796 just prior to her family's departure from Virginia. "Hannah Going" was married February 16, 1814 to William Henry Rose, according to "Harrison County, Kentucky Marriages, 1797-1850." William Henry Rose was the son of Charles Rose who had married her sister, Lucinda Gowens as his second wife. William Henry Rose was also a brother to Elizabeth “Betsy” Rose who was married to Galloway Gowens, her brother.
Following the death of William Henry Rose, Hannah Gowens Rose appeared as a widow in the 1850 census of Gallatin County:
"Rose, Hannah 50 [sic], born in KY
Emily J. 19, born in KY
Eliza A. 16, born in KY
Amanda 12, born in KY"
In an adjacent location was Household 394-394 headed by her son. John Ervin Rose:
"Rose, John E. 21, born in KY, farmer, $400 real
estate, illiterate
Zerilda 22, born in KY, illiterate
Mary H. 3/12, born in KY"
In an adjacent location in 1850 was enumerated the household of an unidentified Elizabeth Goens, apparently a widow. She was recorded as the head of Household 395-395:
"Goens, Elizabeth 54, born in KY
John 27, born in KY
Galway 20, born in KY
Sally 15, born in KY"
The family reappeared in the 1860 census of Gallatin County as Household 128-128, page 19:
"Goin, Elizabeth 50, born in KY, $280 real estate,
$50 personal property
Sarah 24, born in KY
Galloway 22, born in KY, farmer",
On September 10, 1854 Hannah Gowens Rose received a deed to 127.5 acres of land on Craig's Creek "for $1 and the love and affection of my daughter" from her father, according to Gallatin County Deed Book 0, page 139. Hannah Gowens Rose was remarried later in 1854 in Greene County, Indiana to John Harshfield.
According to the research of Eddy Alderson, 10 children were born to William Henry Rose and Hannah Gowens Rose, including:
William Henry Rose, Jr. born about 1815
James Rose born about 1816
Mary Rose born about 1818
Nancy Rose born about 1820
George W. Rose born about 1823
Thomas Jefferson Rose born in 1827
John Ervin Rose born in 1829
Emily J. Rose born in 1831
Eliza A. Rose born in 1834
Amanda Rose born in 1838
William Henry Rose, Jr, son of William Henry Rose and Hannah Gowens Rose, was born about 1815. He was married about 1842, wife's name Mary B.
He was enumerated as the head of Household 256-256 in the 1850 census of Gallatin County, page 166:
"Rose, Wm. H. 35, born in KY, laborer
Mary B. 35, born in KY
Nancy 7, born in KY
Montrecilla 5, born in KY, male
Wm. A. 3, born in KY
Frances M. 1, born in KY, male"
Mary Rose, daughter of William Henry Rose and Hannah Gowens Rose, was born about 1818. She was married about 1837 to Jacob Jackson.
Nancy Rose, daughter of William Henry Rose and Hannah Gowens Rose, was born about 1820. She was married about 1838 to Hugh W. Jackson.
George W. Rose, son of William Henry Rose and Hannah Gowens Rose, was born 1823 in Gallatin County. He was married about 1846 to Sally Swango.
Thomas Jefferson Rose, son of William Henry Rose and Hannah Gowens Rose, was born about 1827 in Gallatin County. He was married about 1849, wife's name Elizabeth R.
He was enumerated there in the 1850 census as the head of Household 257-257:
"Rose, Thomas J. 23, born in KY, laborer
Elizabeth R. 18, born in KY"
John Ervin Rose, son of William Henry Rose and Hannah Gowens Rose, was born in 1829. He was married in Gallatin County April 1, 1849 to Zerilda Jane Carr. Their marriage bond was signed by Edward B. Carr.
They were enumerated in the 1850 census of Gallatin County in an adjoining location with his mother. They were recorded as:
"Rose, John E. 21, born in KY, farmer, $400 real
estate, illiterate
Zerilda 22, born in KY, illiterate
Mary H. 3/12, born in KY"
He was remarried September 11, 1856 to Eliza Jane Barker in Greene County, Indiana.
According to the research of Ed Alderson, two children were born to John Ervin Rose and Zerilda Jane Carr Rose:
Mary Hannah Rose born about January 1850
Joseph Rose born about 1853
Children born to John Ervin Rose and Eliza Jane Barker Rose include:
Zerrilda Rose born in 1857
Amanda E. Rose born in 1859
Sarah M. Rose born August 16, 1864
Howard G. Rose born February 26, 1866
Margaret Rose born in 1868
Julia Rose born in 1871
Obadiah Rose born October 13, 1876
James Rose born in 1879
Mary Hannah Rose, daughter of John Ervin Rose and Zerilda Jane Carr Rose, was born about January 1850. She appeared at the age of five months in the 1850 census of her father's household in Gallatin County.
Obadiah Rose, son of John Ervin Rose and Eliza Jane Barker Rose, was born October 13, 1876 in Green County, Indiana, according to Eddy Alderson. He was married September 30, 1899 to Dora Sanders in Knox County Indiana. Among children born to them was Edson Rose who was married July 12, 1922 in Greene County, Indiana to Bertha Madeline Moore. Their daughter, Mary Emmaline Rose was married to Herbert Bruce Alderson October 23, 1948 in Greene County, according to their son, Eddy Alderson.
John A. Gowens, son of Charles Gowens and Elizabeth "Betsy" Blair Gowens, was born about 1800, probably in Claiborne County. "John Goens" was married September 22, 1827 to Dorothy Furnace, according to "Gallatin County, Kentucky Marriages, 1714-1835.” Her name may have been Dority Furnish, according to Greg A. Bennatt. They were married in Orange County, Virginia, according to Rosa Evelyn Ray Cordell.
"John Goins" was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1840 census of Gallatin County, page 6:
"Goins, John white male 30-40
white female 30-40
white male 15-20
white female 10-15
white male 5-10
white male 5-10
white female 0-5
white male 0-5"
John A. Gowens was mentioned as the recipient of $2 in his father's will written June 18, 1847.
"John Goens" was recorded as the head of Household 335-335 August 14, 1850 in the Federal census of Gallatin County, page 176:
"Goens John 50, born in Kentucky, farmer,
$800 real estate, illiterate
Dority 52, born in Kentucky, illiterate
Solomon 18, born in Kentucky, laborer
Benjamin G. 14, born in Kentucky
Mary I. 12, born in Kentucky
Elmer A. 8, born in Kentucky
Lucy 6, born in Kentucky
Silas 3, born in Kentucky"
"John A. Goins" reappeared as the head of Household 249-249 in the 1860 census of Gallatin County, page 37:
"Goins, John A. 55, born in KY, farmer, $2,000 real
estate, $670 personal property
Dorty P. 53, born in KY, wife
Emily 17, born in KY, daughter
Bales, Elizabeth 27, born in KY, daughter
Anna 8, born in KY, granddaughter
Virgil 7. born in KY, grandson
Thompson 2, born in KY, grandson
Goins Winfield 5, born in KY, son
John T. 3, born in KY, son
Goins Benjamin 25, born in KY, farmer
Nancy 18, born in KY"
On March 14, 1863 John A. Gowens, along with his brother Garrett Gowens, appeared in court in Gallatin County and made an affidavit in support of their sister Nancy Furnish Gowens' pension application.
"The affidavit of John A. Goins was also given at the same time and in the same place as the foregoing. The said deponent stated that he had been well acquainted with the said Nancy Furnish ever since his earliest recollection, and he also stated that he was present at the wedding of said Nancy Furnish and her husband, the said pensioner, and this deponent also stated that they had lived together as man and wife and that said pensioner died as had been stated, and that Nancy Furnish still remained the widow and relict of said pensioner, James Furnish.
"The affidavit of Mrs. Dorety Goins was also given at the same time and in the same place as the foregoing. She stated that she had been well acquainted with the said Nancy Furnish for 30 years, and she also stated that she, the said deponent, had been present at the wedding of the said pensioner and the said Nancy Furnish. She stated and swore that James Furnish had received a pension as has been stated, and she also swore that he had died as has been stated, and that Nancy Furnish still remains his widow and relict."
Children born to John A. Gowens and Dorothy Furnace Gowens include:
Sarah Elizabeth Gowens born March 16, 1830
Solomon L. Gowens born about 1832
Benjamin G. Gowens born about 1835
Mary I. Gowens born about 1838
Elvira A. Gowens born about 1842
Emily Gowens born about 1843
Lucy Gowens born about 1844
Silas Gowens born about 1847
Sarah Elizabeth Gowens, daughter of John A. Gowens and Dorothy Furnace Gowens, was born in Gallatin County March 16, 1830, according to Charles Jackson, a great-great grandson. She was married there September 5, 1849 to her first cousin, Isaiah Bales. Isaiah Bales, son of Russell Bales and Mary Ann "Polly" Gowens Bales, was born about 1828 in Gallatin County.
Her enumeration in the 1900 census shows that she was born in May 1829. She may have been a sister to “Alfred Goens and John T. Goens” who appeared in the 1850 enumeration.
Enumerated in the 1850 census of Gallatin County, Isaiah Bales appeared as the head of Household 317-317:
"Bales, Isaiah 22, born in KY
Sarah 20, born in KY
Goens, Alfred 29, born in KY, cooper
John T. 22, born in KY, cooper"
It is assumed that Isaiah Bales died about 1859. In 1860 Sarah Elizabeth Gowens Bales was enumerated in the household of her parents at Warsaw, Kentucky:
"John A. Goins" reappeared as the head of Household 249-249 in the 1860 census of Gallatin County, page 37:
"Goins, John A. 55, born in KY, farmer, $2,000 real
estate, $670 personal property
Dorty P. 53, born in KY, wife
Emily 17, born in KY, daughter
Bales, Elizabeth 27, born in KY, daughter
Anna 8, born in KY, granddaughter
Virgil 7. born in KY, grandson
Thompson 2, born in KY, grandson
Goins Winfield 5, born in KY, son
John T. 3, born in KY, son
Goins Benjamin 25, born in KY, farmer
Nancy 18, born in KY"
Sarah Elizabeth Gowens Bales was remarried January 1, 1866 to William Riley Jackson as his second wife, according to Charles Jackson. William Riley Jackson was born in Tennes-see about 1826.
They were enumerated in the 1870 census of Civil District 3 of Gallatin County, living near Napoleon, Kentucky:
“Jackson, William R. 44, farmer, born in TN
Sarah 40, wife, born in KY
Margaret A. 17, daughter, born in KY
Eda G, 15, daughter, born in KY
Julia F. 12, daughter, born in KY
John J. D. 3, son, born in KY”
Sarah Elizabeth Gowens Bales Jackson was enumerated in the 1900 census of West Caneyville District in Gallatin County living in the home of her youngest son, John James Delaware Jackson. Sarah Elizabeth Gowens Bales later removed to Grayson County, Kentucky with her son Virgil A. Bales, according to the research of Lois Sharp, a descendant.
Children born to Isaiah Bales and Sarah Elizabeth Gowens Bales include:
Anna Belle Bales born about 1852
Virgil A. Bales born July 30, 1853
William Thompson Bales born May 21, 1858
Children born to William Riley Jackson and Sarah Elizabeth Goins Bales Jackson include:
John James Delaware Jackson born October 4, 1866
For details of the life of Sarah Elizabeth Gowens Bales Jackson and her descendants, see the section of Isaiah Bales.
Solomon L. Gowens, son of John A. Gowens and Dorothy Furnace Gowens, was born about 1832 in Gallatin County. He appeared as an 18-year-old laborer in the 1850 census of his father's household. He was married about 1859, wife's name Almeda. He reappeared in the 1860 census of Gallatin County, page 19, as the head of Household 319-319:
"Goins, Solomon L. 28, born in KY, farmer, $500 real
estate
Almeda 23 born in KY"
Nearby was enumerated W. C. Brown, head of Household 321-321, page 19:
"Brown, W. C. 51, born in KY, farmer, $6,000
real estate, $5395 personal
property
Henrietta 36, born in VA
Francis 7, born in KY
Brown, William 15, born in VA
Goins, James 12"
Anna Belle Bales, daughter of Isaiah Bales and Sarah Elizabeth Gowens Bales, was born about 1852. She was married April 18, 1866 to Thomas A. Goins, according to Charles Jackson.
Virgil A. Bailes, son of Isaiah Bales and Sarah Elizabeth Gowens Bales, was born July 30, 1853. He died April 17, 1921 and was buried in Preston Cemetery in Grayson County, Kentucky.
William Thompson Bales, son of Isaiah Bales and Sarah Elizabeth Gowens Bales, was born May 21, 1858 at Dry Creek, Kentucky in Gallatin County.
Benjamin G. Gowens, son of John A. Gowens and Dorothy Furnace Gowens, was born about 1835 in Gallatin County. He appeared in the 1850 census of his father's household as a 14-year-old. He was married about 1858, wife's name Nancy. Benjamin G. Gowens and Nancy Gowens appeared in the 1860 census of his father's household.
George Washington Gowens, son of Charles Gowens and Elizabeth "Betsy" Blair Gowens, was born in June 2, 1802 in Kentucky or in Claiborne County, Tennessee. His father was a Revolutionary soldier of Henry County, Virginia. He was married about 1823 to Nancy Webb who was born August 29, 1805 to Hall Webb and Elizabeth Webb, according to Harold Frank Gowing, a descendant of Eugene, Oregon. He and his wife, Mary Ruth Marsh Gowing, Foundation members did extensive research into this branch of the family.
George Washington Gowens, shortly after marriage, adopted "Gowing" as his surname, and his descendants continue to use that spelling today.
It is believed that the young couple accompanied his parents in a move to Gallatin County shortly after they were married. By 1825, they moved westwardly again, to Washington County, Indiana. They were enumerated there in the 1830 census, page 341:
"Going, George white male 20-30
white female 20-30
white male 5-10
white female 0-5
white female 0-5"
About 1838, he removed to Washington County, Arkansas. He was enumerated there in the 1840 census in Providence township, page 61:
Gowen, George W. white male 30-40
white female 30-40
white male 15-20
white female 15-20
white female 10-15
white male 5-10
white female 5-10
white male 0-5
white male 0-5
white male 0-5"
Three members of the household were engaged in "agriculture." One of the parents was "illiterate." No slaves were enumerated.
It is believed that they removed to Cass County, Missouri about 1841. He and his son, William Pleasant Gowing appeared in the 1848 tax list of the county, page 16. He paid 71 cents tax on "2 horses, value $80; 5 cows, value $74 and 1 timepiece, value $15," and his son paid 53 cents tax on "1 horse, value $60, 1 cow, value $8 and military tax, $25."
He was enumerated there in District 16 September 19, 1850 in the federal census as the head of Household 394-394:
"Going, George W. 48, born in Kentucky, farmer,
$1,000 real estate
Nancy 43, born in Virginia
Pleasant 25, born in Indiana
George W. 18, born in Indiana
Susannah 20, born in Indiana
Patsey 16, born in Indiana
Francis M. 14, born in Indiana
Jerome 12, born in Arkansas
Chauncy [Drury] 11, born in Arkansas
Nancy 8, born in Missouri
Clarinda 6, born in Missouri
Thomas 4, born in Missouri
Lafayette 2, born in Missouri"
Shortly after 1850 moved across the state line to Brooklin, Kansas, now extinct. On October 5, 1855 he moved to La Cygne, Kansas in extreme eastern Linn County, Kansas very near the Missouri border. He was frequently involved in the border disputes that flared in "bleeding Kansas" in the 1850s and 1860s.
Some events illustrating the adversities the family of George Washington Gowing endured during that period were recorded in the March 22, 1895 edition of "La Cygne Weekly Journal." The account was later published in "Kansas Historical Collection, 1923-1925" printed by Kansas Historical Society. The account reads:
"In collecting memoranda for these articles there has been found a very high regard for the Gowing family who came here in 1855. The head of the family was George Washington Gowing, Sr. who had been born and raised in Kentucky and not opposed to slavery, though he took no part in helping to establish it in Kansas. The family consisted of himself and wife and five sons--George W. Jr, Pleasant, Lafayette, Drury and Thomas. Lafayette became a soldier in Company L, Sixth Kansas Cavalry and was killed in action April 5, 1864 in the Battle of Stone's Farm, Arkansas. Wash, the younger, still lives in La Cygne, and Thomas recently moved to Missouri.
On coming west, the family lived for a while in Cass County, Missouri and then decided to come to Kansas, and as they were traveling in wagons, Wash, the son, came on in advance to find some old neighbors who had settled here, among them Skillman Fleming.
October 5, 1855, Wash crossed at the ford where the fair grounds at La Cygne are now located and continued west till he found Brooklin, when he returned to pilot his people. At that time all that is Lincoln township, and to a line north and south along the John Calvin farm three miles west in Scott township, was an Indian reservation held by the Miamis and Pottawatomies. The Miamis were wearing clothing, but the Pottawatomies were still in blankets. Wash says that none of them were troublesome. The Miamis nearly all lived in houses, but the Pottawatomies traveled around in bands.
When the Gowings located at Brooklin they were among old acquaintances, and as the family had originally come from the slave state of Kentucky they were received as an accession to the pro-slavery forces. In the condition of society then, they did not find it convenient to assert that they had come to make homes and wanted no politics, so they went along their way and trusted to luck to avoid trouble. Young Wash was not regarded with favor by old Skillman, and was frequently asked to declare himself, but he would only say that he had come to get a home and wanted no part in politics. This made it particularly uncongenial for him, and after he had taken his wife and located a farm on the ridge north of Brooklin, he would sleep out in some friendly straw stack or fence corner. Neutrality then seemed impossible. He was distrusted among his father's friends and unknown to the other side, and he felt uncomfortable, but as all he had was there, he stayed.
One night he ventured to stay within his house, and had a peaceful night till daybreak, when the sound of horsemen was heard. He was called and ordered to come out, with which he complied, expecting trouble. There were 15 mounted men at his door, whom he recognized at once as free-state men, who had evidently been out all night. They asked him for feed for themselves and horses. He replied that he did not want to give it to them as it would give him the reputation of harboring them and get him into trouble. He was assured that his principles were well known to them, and that they would see no trouble come to him and then dismounted. Mrs. Gowing got breakfast for them with much misgiving as to what the result would be when the pro-slavery people heard of it. But beyond severe criticism they were never disturbed, as by that time the free-state men were beginning to get control, and they did not forget to protect Wash.
Once, in 1856, when there were rumors of an invasion by marauders, they all went over into Missouri to camp until the trouble should blow over. At West Point, Missouri they saw a big camp of men living in a half-military style, but without any authority other than assumed. Old man Clarke was in command of it. Clarke tried to take a team from the elder Gowing, and the old man said they could not have it, that he would not part with it. They then took possession of horses and man, and the next morning the 400 ruffians of Clarke started to raid through Linn County, and took Gowing with them to haul their plunder.
There was also a young man named Smith, a son of Elisha Smith of Twin Springs impressed into their service, and when at Linnville Mr. Gowing took a hatchet and defied the mob, as related last week, he also released young Smith from their bondage."
The incident "as related last week" referred to an account in the March 15, 1895 edition of the "La Cygne Weekly Journal" which described the atrocities the mob committed and the courage of George Washington Gowing in a confrontation with the mob. The account read:
"The crimes which followed are too foul for record. Old man Gowing witnessed them, and climbing into his wagon he threw all the plunder out on the ground, and with a hatchet to defend himself, denounced the fiends and told them he would die before he would obey their orders further, and drove away unmolested. On his way home he met Sheek and told him the details of the affair. Mr. Sheek was a close friend of Pat Devlin, the originator of the famous 'Jayhawker' patronymic, and had several adventures with him."
George Washington Gowing was enumerated in the 1860 census of Linn County in Scott township, page 12, Household 84-84:
"Gowins, George 59, born in Kentucky, farmer
Nancy 53, born in Virginia
Lafayette 19, born in Missouri, farmer
Nancy, Jr. 16, born in Missouri
Clarinda 14, born in Missouri
Thomas 13, born in Missouri
Moore, Marion 20, born in Illinois, laborer"
During the Civil War he enlisted in Company K, Sixth Kansas Militia and appeared on the muster roll of that organization, along with Drury Gowing and Lafayette Gowing, his sons.
George Washington Gowing wrote his will March 10, 1870:
"State of Kansas
Linn County, Lincoln Township
I, George W. Gowing, considering the uncertainty of this life and being of sound mind and memory do make this, my last will and testament in manner and form following, to wit:
First. I give and bequeath to my grandchildren, heirs of my son Pleasant Gowing, the sum of One Hundred Dollars. I give and bequeath to the heirs of my son Jerome Gowing the sum of One Hundred Dollars to be paid to them within six month after they becum of [21] age legaly to do Busness for them selves and to be equaly divided between them.
I farther give and bequeath to my wife Nancy Gowing all of the residue of my Estate that may be left after the payment of the foregoing bequests and the payment of all of my Debts both real estate and personal property, to have and to hold for her own use and benefit during her life and at her death to be equally between all of my heirs.
I also appoint my Beloved Wife sole executrix of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills made by me in witness of which I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 10th day of March AD 1870.
G. W. [X] Gowing"
He died shortly after the will was written. Nancy Webb Gowing, a widow was recorded as the head of Household 365-352 in Lincoln township, page 49:
"Gowing, Nancy 66, born in Virginia
Nancy, Jr. 25, born in Missouri
Clarinda 23, born in Missouri
Thomas 22, born in Missouri, farmer
Gowing, Francis M. 16, born in Missouri, works on
farm, grandson
George C. 14, born in Kansas, works on
farm, grandson
Sarrah J. 10, born in Kansas, attends
school, granddaughter
Clarinda 8, born in Kansas, attends
school, granddaughter
William P. 5, born in Kansas, grandson
Gowing, Jane 12, granddaughter
James 10, grandson"
Nancy Webb Gowin died there in 1873 and was buried beside her husband in Star Valley Cemetery, east of La Cygne.
Children born to George Washington Gowing and Nancy Webb Gowing include:
William Pleasant Gowing born in 1825
Sarah Ann Gowing born about 1826
Susannah Gowing born in 1829
George Washington Gowing, Jr. born August 14, 1830
Patsey Gowing born in 1834
Francis M. Gowing born in 1836
Jerome Gowing born about 1837
Chauncy Drury Gowing born about 1838
Lafayette Gowing born about 1841
Nancy Gowing born Nov. 25, 1844
Clarinda Gowing born in 1845
Thomas Benton Gowing born March 23, 1847
William Pleasant Gowing, son of George Washington Gowing and Nancy Webb Gowing, was born in Tennessee in 1825. He appeared as a 25-year-old in the 1850 census of his father's household in Cass County, Missouri. He was married there January 6, 1853 to Priscilla Miller, daughter of John Miller and Margaret Miller. She, a sister to Elizabeth Miller, the first wife of George Washington Gowin, Jr, was born in 1830 in Bourbon County, Kentucky. They removed to Kansas about 1856.
They were enumerated in the 1860 census of Anderson County, Jackson township, Household 49-41:
"Gowing, Pleasant 35, born in Tennessee, farmer,
$700 real estate, $100 per-
sonal property
Priscilla 30, born in Kentucky
Francis M. 7, born in Missouri
John S. 5, born in Missouri
George C. 3, born in Kansas
Sarah J. 1, born in Kansas
Nancy 2/12, born in Kansas"
"Pleasant Gowens" enlisted as a private in Morris Independent Company, Kansas State Militia October 12, 1863. He was mustered out five days later on October 16, 1863, according to "Kansas State Historical Society Quarterly," Vol. 12, page 45.
William Pleasant Gowing died in a forest fire, and Priscilla Miller Gowing died two weeks later. An inventory of their estate was filed in the courthouse in Anderson County, Kansas. Ruby Miller transcribed a copy of the items in the estate which was appraised at $979.91 which was filed in probate court April 16, 1864..
Children born to William Pleasant Gowing and Priscilla Miller Gowing include:
Francis Marion Gowing born in December 1853
John S. Gowing born about 1855
George Columbus Gowing born March 4, 1857
Sarah Jane Gowing born about 1858
Nancy Gowing born about 1860
Clarinda Gowing born about 1862
William Pleasant Gowing, Jr born about 1864
The four youngest children were declared orphans by the Linn County Court November 30, 1875, and Stephen H. Allen was appointed their guardian ad litem.
Francis Marion Gowing, son of William Pleasant Gowing and Priscilla Miller Gowing, was born in Cass County in December 1853. On April 21, 1876 he received a share of the estate of Francis Marion Gowing amounting to $296.39.
He was married about 1876, wife's name believed to be Berneice. Later he was remarried to Amanda Foster. Children born to Francis Marion Gowing and Amanda Foster Gowing are unknown. Children born to him and Berneice Gowing include:
Daisy Gowing born about 1878
John S. Gowing, son of William Pleasant Gowing and Priscilla Miller Gowing, was born in Cass County about 1855. It is believed that he died in childhood.
George Columbus Gowing, son of William Pleasant Gowing and Priscilla Miller Gowing, was born March 4, 1857 in Anderson County, according to Mary Ruth Marsh Gowing, Foundation member. He was married April 17, 1879 in Linn County, Kansas to Emily May Davis, daughter of Jesse Washington Davis and Susan P. Chambers Davis. She was born April 17, 1859 in Hancock County, Illinois.
They joined a wagontrain traveling from Kansas to Oregon. Marshall C. Davis, brother of Emily May Davis, kept a diary of the trip:
"When We Crossed the Plains from Kansas to Oregon
April 22, 1879--Started from La Cygne, Kansas, seen the Insane Asylum at Osawatomie, went through Paola, camped on Pull Creek.
April 23--Got lost and came through Wellsville and Black Jack. passed through some fine country.
April 24--Rained in the forenoon and in the afternoon we passed through Baldwin City. The roads were very muddy, camped eight miles south of Lawrence.
April 25--Crossed the Wakerrusa and came into Lawrence and crossed the Kaw River on the bridge and came on six miles northwest of Lawrence and into camp. Went fishing, but did not catch any.
April 26--Came through Williamstown and Perrysville and came through Media, stopped for noon on the Kansas River. After noon we crossed the Grasshopper River and the Big Muddy. Came through Grandville and went into camp three miles Northeast of Topeka. [Elev. 806']
April 27, Sunday--Laid over in the forenoon, the weather was chilly. Hitched up and drove into Topeka, corralled and went to visit the Capitol building which was a fine sight. Lots of niggers, only 20,000. Was on guard half the night.
April 28--Crossed over on the north side of the river and came to Venike and came on to Silver Lake and stopped for noon. Came through Kingsville, then to Rossville. Camped three miles east of Wameg.
April 29--Started in the morning, came through St. Marys and stopped for noon on the Blue Vermillion. The country was beautiful. In the afternoon we came to Louisville and St. George and went into camp west of town at night. We went to town to hear the telephone and played the Banjo for them.
April 30--Laid over west of St. George on account of the rain, went through the grain elevator, up 73 feet from the ground. A very fine building.
May 1--Drove through Manhattan and crossed the Big Blue on the Iron Bridge. Manhattan is a very fine place. Came on through Wildcat. Camped on Wildcat. Went a fishing.
May 2--Started northwest over the prairie and came to Balla and stopped for noon. In the afternoon travelled over some fine prairie and camped on a little creek four miles east of Clay Center.
May 3--Came through Clay Center, a beautiful town. See Anderson & Company's Circus and Menagerie. Came on through Morgan City and camped on little creek.
May 4, Sunday--Started and came on through Clifton, went into camp three miles east of Clyde, laid over in the afternoon.
May 5--Started in the a.m, came through Clyde and Ames Station. Stopped for noon four miles east of Concordia. In the afternoon came through Concordia and camped on a lake in a nice cottonwood grove. Stood guard two hours.
May 6--Started in the morning, came northwest over a fine looking prairie to Scandia. There we crossed the Republican River on a bridge, came on northwest over the prairie to White Rock. Camped there.
May 7--Rained in the forenoon, laid over all day on White Rock Creek, visited he White Rock Water Mill which is a fine structure.
May 8--Started northwest. It rained a little. We came on to the bridge over the Republican River, south of Superior [Nebraska. Stopped for noon on the Nebraska line. In the afternoon we came through Superior and came north over a beautiful prairie and camped two miles south of Guide Rock.
May 9--Started in the morning, came over some very rough roads to Guide Rock. Came northwest and stopped for noon on the prairie. In the afternoon I went a hunting. The train left me, walked about six miles, got our water kegs filled at a well and camped on the prairie. Not a twig in sight anywhere.
May 10--Stared in the morning over a high prairie 'til we came to Millington on the Little Blue stopped for noon. Visited the Water Mills. In the afternoon we came nine miles to Hastings and then six miles west to Juniata. Camped on the prairie.
May 11, Sunday--Started in the a.m. at Juniata and drove through Kenesaw. Stopped for noon in Platte Valley for the first time. In the afternoon drove four miles west to Lowell.
May 12--Started west in the morning, came to old Ft. Kearney, visited the old fortifications. Came west to the bridge, camped on the south side of the river. Went to town and got caught in a fearful rainstorm.
May 13--Rained in the morning, cold as Greenland. In the afternoon drove over the river on the bridge, three-fourths mile long, camped west of town.
May 14--Started west in the a.m, along the U. P. road, stopped for noon on the prairie. After noon drove west and camped on the prairie. Drove through Elm Creek. At night we had an alarm which kept us all awake all night.
May 15--Started in the morning, came to Plum Creek. Stopped for noon and in the afternoon drove west along the U. P. Railroad and camped with the Montana Train.
May 16--Started west along the R.R. through the Platte Valley. Stopped for noon on the river. Had a very dull day of it. Camped with Montana Train on the Platte River.
May 17--Started in the a.m. Came west along the R.R. Seen some antelope. Stopped for noon on the prairie and camped in three miles of North Platte [Elev. 2821']. Corralled the wagons for the first time.
May 18, Sunday--Started in the a.m. Drove over the R.R. and Wagon Bridge combined, came through North Platte. Stopped for noon on the prairie and seen five antelope. Camped at Odallon, corralled with the Montana Train, making 30 wagons all together. Stood guard with Robert Crawford 'til midnight.
May 19--Laid over all day. The women washed. The men went antelope hunting and got no meat. No one took a nap.
May 20--Started in the a.m. came over the prairie west and came through Alkali. Stopped for noon, and in the evening came to a section house and camped.
May 21--We came over the plains west along the R.R. and stopped at noon on the prairie. Then came through Ogallala [Elev. 3211'] and camped in the corral with the Montana Train on the Platte River.
May 22--We came west over some terrible sandhills 'til we came to Big Springs. Filled our water kegs and stopped for noon on the R.R. Big Springs is where the U. P. Express train was robbed in '77. Afternoon we came over sandy roads to Julesburg [Colorado]. There we had to give the parting hand to Jim McCawley and family, also some other fellow travellers that were going to Colorado. Julesburg was burned a few years ago by the Indians, and 45 people were killed. Camped one and one-half miles west of town on Lodge Pole Creek, in Colorado, as we just crossed the corner of the state.
May 23--We seen Antelope and stopped for noon on Lodge Pole Creek. In the afternoon we came through Lodge Pole and camped nine miles east of Sidney [Nebraska].
May 24--We came through Sidney which is a beautiful town of about 15,000 inhabitants. Stopped for noon west of town,. and in the afternoon we travelled up the Lodge Pole Valley which is a beautiful little valley about one mile wide. We camped about three miles east of Potter.
May 25--We came through Potter and stopped for noon on Lodge Pole Creek. In the afternoon we came through Antelope and camped two and one-half miles west of town [Kimball, Nebraska, Elev. 4,700'].
May 26--Drove west along the R.R. Went on an antelope chase; got no meat. Stopped for noon on Lodge Pole Creek. In the afternoon we came west. One of the boys killed an antelope and came on to Pine Bluffs [Wyoming]. Bade farewell to Nebraska. Camped in a beautiful valley one mile west of town and went up on the Bluff. Had a fine time. Also a good mess of antelope for supper.
May 27--We travelled west over some fine country, had good roads, and we stopped for noon on a little branch, grazed our horses about two hours, then drove 10 miles and camped a sheep ranch.
May 28--We drove northwest over hills and sand and came in sight of the Grand Old Rockies. Came to Cheyenne [Elev. 6100']. Stopped in town a while. Went out north of town two miles and camped at a lake. Went back to town and visited the [Railroad] Roundhouse and Machine Shops. Also took a look at the town and seen the first irrigating that I had ever seen.
May 29--Started in the a.m, drove northwest. The wind was very high. The dust blew fearfully. We came over the foothills and came to Cheyenne Pass and corralled in the mountain pass. In the evening I went up on the mountain, about one mile high. Took a look at Longs Peak and Freeman Peak. Beautiful beyond description. Go West, Young man and see the country!
May 30--Started in the a.m. and came up the mountains higher and higher, 'til we reached the summit. It rained and snowed all day. Cold enough for January. We stopped for noon in a canyon, plenty of wood and water. We soon had a rousing fire which was comfortable beyond description, had dinner and drove about one hour. All at once we looked over in the valley west of the Rockies. Had a look at Laramie City [Elev. 7100'], then we began to descend and soon found ourselves in the city. Went one mile east and corralled at a big spring. Frequent showers of rain and snow. Turned in for the night.
May 31--Laid over in camp all day. Mended boots and shoes all day, had a stampede at night. Big excitement!
June 1, Sunday--Rained and hailed all day. Laid over. I took a nap in the morning. In the evening we went to town and hunted up some old friends. Visited the Roundhouse and came back to camp.
June 2--Came through town, crossed the Big Laramie and came to Little Laramie. Stopped for noon. In the evening we crossed Five Mile Creek and camped on Seven Mile Creek.
June 3--We came on and crossed Three Mile Creek and forded Rock Creek and camped on a little stream.
June 4--We laid over all day, went hunting and killed one sage hen. After noon we went into the mountains. Seen more fine timber than a little. Seen bear and elk tracks.
June 5--Started in the a.m. and came to Medicine Bow, forded the river and stopped 'til noon. Afternoon we came to the range of foothills, crossed and came to Pass Creek and camped.
June 6--We came on to the Platte River and stopped for noon. The Montana gang crossed on the boat and went down to the ford. Crossed on horseback and over to the government buildings. Had a fine time. Came back and corralled the wagons. Stood guard until midnight.
June 7--Came across the Platte River on a flat boat and came up into Ft. Fred Steele. Left town and came 15 miles to Rawlins [Elev. 6785']. Halted there about an hour and came six miles north to a little lake and camped. Cold enough for Christmas!
June 8, Sunday--Still cold. Wore an overcoat all day. Came about 14 miles, stopped for noon in a sage desert. After noon we came about six miles and camped.
June 9--Started in the a.m. and came over some very sandy hills til noon. It was very heavy pulling [at] the last. We stopped for noon on a little stream. After noon we had a wild hunt, but failed to kill anything. We came to Whiskey Gap, seen where a party of U.S. Troops were massacred by the Indians. Visited the graves of the poor boys, 30 in number. Came on two miles and camped.
June 10--Father [Jesse Davis] went a antelope hunting and came back and reported one killed. Next was to go and bring it in. I was one of the detail who brought it back and skinned it and divided it out. Came on and stopped for noon at Sweetwater. Capt. Nichols brought in another antelope. After noon we travelled northwest and camped at a cattle ranch on the Sweetwater
June 11--Started in the a.m. and came past Three Crossings. Got some wood and came on and stopped for noon. After noon we drove 12 miles to Sweetwater and camped again.
June 12--Laid over all day, and the women washed. The men went hunting. About 2:00 o'clock father came in and reported three antelope killed. George C. Gowing, Bill gage and myself started to hunt for them, but only found one of them and came back.
June 13--We drove about ten miles, stopped for we had some very rough roads. After noon we arrived Rock Creek and Strawberry and camped at Willow Creek.
June 14--Drove west in the a.m. across Sweetwater about 10:00 o'clock and then we came on the ridges 'til noon. We came to Sweetwater and nooned at an abandoned mine. After noon we came on to Pacific Springs. Cross the summit of the mountain and camped at what is called the Big Meadows.
June 15, Sunday--Started in the a.m. and came to Dry Sandy and filled our kegs and made a dry camp at noon. After noon we came to the Little Sandy again and camped. I was good and sick.
June 16--We came to the Big Sandy and crossed at a stage station and stopped without any grass. I was very sick. After noon we came to Big Sandy again and camped. Only 50 wagons were in camp. I felt some better at night.
June 17--Started early in the morning and made a 15-mile drive to Green River [Wyoming, Elev. 6080]. Stopped for noon and in the afternoon we crossed the river on a ferry boat and drove about four miles and camped on the river.
June 18--Drove northwest 10 miles and came to the river and stopped for noon on Green River. After noon we came northwest over the roughest roads in the territory, wind and dust prevailed. Stopped overnight on Slate Creek.
June 19--Started in the morning and came about eight miles and stopped for noon on a little creek, Slate Creek by the way. After noon we came about 15 miles over the mountains and camped on the Little Branch, plenty of good wood for a change.
June 20--Started over the mountains in the morning and came to Hams Fork at noon. After noon we laid over and went fishing.
June 21--Laid over all day and grazed the horses. I went out prospecting and found some fine views. Stood guard 'til midnight.
June 22, Sunday--Started early and came across the creek and up the mountain which was nine miles to the top. We seen a Snake Indian family, the first red-skins we have seen. Came down the mountain which was very steep and stopped for noon in a canyon. Afternoon we came over some high mountains and down steep hills. The wind high and the dust blew fearful. Went into camp on Bear River.
June 23--Started in the morning and came up to Coalville, made a halt there and came across Thompson Creek on a little Toll Bridge. Came up the river and stopped for noon. Dick Polito was too sick to ravel and we laid over.
June 24--Dick was no better, and we laid over all day. Cold in the morning, ice ½ inch thick. In the p.m. Susie [wife, Susie Miller Davis] and May, [sister May Davis Gowing] and George [brother-in-law George Columbus Gowing] and myself went fishing. Caught some trout. It was my night to be on guard, and I turned in early. In the p.m. we had a Shawnee Indian family visit our camp.
June 25--Felt very poorly. Started early and come over some foothills 'til noon. Stopped for noon on Bear River. In the p.m. we came through a fearful canyon in the mountains to Montpelier [Idaho]. Done some trading, a very nice little town. Our first night in Idaho.
June 26--Started in the a.m, came three miles to Bennington, a little Mormon town, came through quite a settlement. By irrigating, there is considerable grain raised in Bear River Bottom. Stopped for noon on a little branch nine miles south of Soda Springs. At noon we had some Indians come to camp. After having some fun with them, we gave them some bread, and they took a walk. We also came to a little town by the name of Washington.
June 27--In the morning the guards reported 10 head of horses gone. Soon the boys were out on the hunt. About nine a.m. they found them up on the foothills. We started out and came to Soda Springs for noon. We went into camp and visited the springs, a natural Soda Fountain. After noon we up the creek one mile to the big spring. The greatest curiosity I ever seen in my life. After drinking 'til we thought we would have to use a stomach pump, we came back to camp. Then we visited Formation Spring where grass and leaves petrify. Then came up and while writing my memoranda supper was called. Stopped now and dealt on potatoes for a while.
June 28--Started early in the a.m. Came down Bear River about five miles and got lost and divided from part of the train. Came over some high mountains and camped on a little creek about three o'clock. Concluded to stay 'til a.m.
June 29, Sunday--Started in the morning and recrossed the mountains. Had a hard time of it over the prairie 'til about 3:00 o'clock. We found water than then we got our horses and mules poisoned and we drenched them with lard, and by sundown they were better.
June 30th--Stared in the a.m. Some of our horses which were poisoned were very sick. We drove 'til noon and camped on a little creek. In the p.m. we came up with the rest of the train. Explanations were made, and at night I stood guard 'til 1 o'clock.
July 1, Tuesday--In the a.m. it was cold. The ice was ½ inch thick. We drove to a new foothill and came two miles northwest. Stopped for noon. After noon we drove eight miles to Blackfoot Creek. Crossed on an old rickety bridge and came up the creek a little ways and corralled. Had plenty of wild currants.
July 2--We drove northeast 'til noon and made a dry camp. In the p.m. we came to Eagle Rock and had some shoeing done and got some feed. We concluded not to cross the river there, so we left town and came down the river about three miles and camped our first night on the Snake River.
July 3--We travelled down Snake River 'til noon. After noon we came to Central Ferry. Stopped there a few minutes and came one mile below and camped. I stood guard from 12 'til day. The old Fourth of July dawned clear and bright.
July 4--Independence Day was fine in the a.m. About 7:00 a.m. the wind began to blow. We decided to cross the Snake River and made arrangements to ferry the stream. The wind was high and the current was swift. At last we were all safely over. We came down river 'til noon, stopped two hours. The wind and sand blew 'til we started, and after noon we came on down the river and camped at a big spring.
July 5--Laid over all day and went fishing. Caught a fine mess of trout and mended some boots and shoes, also shod the mules.
July 6--Laid over all forenoon. In the p.m. we came eight miles to a spring and camped. Was on guard til midnight and had a stampede and brought the horses into the corral.
July 7--We all turned out early in the a.m, filled our kegs and jugs and started on the long drive over lava beds and dust six inches thick. A rough road, lost a wagontire and stopped and replaced it. Came on and stopped on the desert. No water and no grass. Afternoon we came on to one of those three buttes and found some water. The hardest days drive we have had on the trip, 30 miles without water or grass over lava bed and sand.
July 8--Started early in a.m, drove eight miles to Little Lost River. Watered and came on up the stream a few miles and stopped for noon. After noon we came eight miles and camped on Lost River. The grass was very poor.
July 9--Started early, came west about 10 miles to a little branch and stopped 'til noon. We came on over lava beds, rough beyond description. There had been a volcano eruption there years ago, said to have been in '49. We came on and camped at the foot of a mountain, good wood, water and grass.
July 10--Started and came over lava beds 'til noon. We had the roughest road on the trip. The lava bed is a perfect mass of rocks, hard as flint and in all manner of shapes, just as it ran when it was melting hot. After noon we came around the base of the mountains and camped on a little branch. After supper, songs were sung by some cowboys which were listened to with much interest by all.
July 11--We started in the a.m. and came on to a little brook and stopped for noon. After noon we came on and cross Little Wood River. Then we came three miles over the mountain to Silver Creek and camped.
July 12--Laid over all day and went fishing. Caught a fine lot of trout, and the women washed.
July 13, Sunday--Started early and drove 10 miles to Big Wood River, crossed and came on about a mile to the Hill. Stopped for noon, fine grass. After noon we came over some very rocky roads. We travelled about 25 miles and camped on a little branch. Was on guard 'til midnight.
July 14--We came west over fine roads, through a beautiful valley 'til noon when we stopped and grazed our horses by a little brook. After noon we came on over to Camas Prairie, as fine a valley as I even seen. Water every mile or two. We camped on Soldier Creek. We had a big stampede about 10 o'clock.
July 15--We came on west up the valley 'til noon. Caut six sage chickens. Stopped for noon on a nice little brook. After noon we came on over some hills and got three more sage hens and camped in a little canyon.
July 16--We came over some of the darndest of hills that we have ever seen 'til noon and stopped on a little branch on the Little Camas Prairie. After noon we came over another range of mountains and stopped on a little branch for night.
July 17--Drove over some high mountains 'til noon and stopped on a little branch. After noon we drove over one of the highest mountains I have ever seen. We decided not to go the Toll Road. We came to the hill, hitched four horses to each wagon and came up to the top. We at last came to water and camped.
July 18--Started and came over the mountains 'til noon. After noon came on and stopped at Indian Creek Store for a few minutes, then drove on six miles and camped.
July 19--Started and came seven miles and stopped to graze. When we came on to Boise City. There I concluded to stop a while.
August 19--After a stay of a month in Boise City, we were once more on the road to Oregon. During our stay in Boise, I worked at a mill for $40 per month. We came down the river 12 miles and camped. Had a jolly good time once more.
August 20--Started in the morning and came down the valley, a very pretty valley, came to Middletown and stopped for noon west of town. After noon we came on down the valley 'til evening and camped at a ranch.
August 21--Started early in the morning and came down the valley to McDowell's Ferry. Crossing the Snake River on a good boat and at noon found ourselves in Oregon. After noon we came on an 18-mile drive to Willow Creek and camped. Slept rather late. Got up and took a boat ride and after two or three hours we started and came to Tub Springs for noon. After noon we came on to Birch Creek and camped.
August 23--Started about 7:00 a.m. and came three miles to the Ferry. There we struck the Burnt River Toll Road, bought our ticket and came about six miles to Burnt River. Stopped for noon. After noon we came up Burnt River, past the mines and camped on the River.
August 24, Sunday--Laid over all day, went to the top of the mountain, took a look at the hills, came down and stayed in camp all day.
August 25--Started in the a.m. Came up Burnt River Valley, passed some mines and a few ranches. After noon we came on northwest over some hills and up the valley and camped on a little brook at the head of Burnt River.
August 26--Started early and drove 12 miles to Baker City. Stopped there a little while, came on four miles and stopped for noon. After noon we came on to Sand Creek and camped.
August 27--Very cool in the morning. Came north, stopped for noon seven miles from Union at a schoolhouse. After noon we came down and into Grande Rounde Valley. Came through Union and camped on Catherine Creek.
August 28--Started in the morning and west northwest about four miles and then we went north and then east, having taken the wrong road. We lost some time. We got to Grande Rounde River about noon. Stopped for noon. After noon we came on to Summerville and stopped two miles east of town. [In Oregon for good!]"
On September 11, 1889 George Columbus Gowing purchased 160 acres from James Henry Barton and Olive J. Barton in Wallowa County, Oregon for $700, according to Wallowa County deed records.
They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary April 17, 1929 at the home of their daughter Effie Susan Gowing Barton in Eugene, Oregon. They were residents of Cottage Grove at that time. Susie Davis of Buckley, Washington, a bridesmaid of Emily May Davis Gowing attended.
They were enumerated in the 1900 census of Wallowa County, Oregon, Prairie Creek township:
Gowing, George C. 44, born in Texas, farmer
May 41, born in Illinois
Frank C. 20, born in Oregon
Earl H. 17, born in Oregon
Effie S. 15, born in Oregon
Jessie 2, born in Oregon"
Emily May Davis Gowing died October 2, 1931 in Cottage Grove, Oregon. George Columbus Gowin died there January 23, 1940 of arteriosclerosis, according to his death certificate. They were buried in Prairie Creek Cemetery at Joseph. He died at the home of his daughter Jessie Fern Gowing Moon, according to his obituary published in the "Eugene Register-Guard." He was "survived by one son, Earl H. Gowing, Lorane; two daughters, Effie Barton, Eugene and Jessie Fern Gowing Moon, Cottage Grove; one brother, William Gowing, La Cygne, Kansas; one sister, Clara Early, Joseph, Oregon, 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren."
Children born to George Columbus Gowing and Emily May Davis Gowing include:
Frank Clark Gowing born March 24, 1880
Harlan Earl Gowing born September 2, 1881
Effie Susan Gowing born September 16, 1884
Lois May Gowing born May 20, 1892
Jessie Fern Gowing born June 25, 1898
Frank Clark Gowing, son of George Columbus Gowing and Emily May Davis Gowing, was born March 24, 1880 in Union County, Oregon. He was married to Helen Eliza Shaw, daughter of Edward Shaw, June 16, 1904. She was born in LaPorte, Indiana March 6, 1881. He died March 29, 1935 at Joseph. No children were born to Frank Clark Gowing and Helen Eliza Shaw Gowing.
Harlan Earl Gowing, son of George Columbus Gowing and Emily May Davis Gowing, was born September 2, 1881 in Island City, Oregon, according to Mary Ruth Marsh Gowing. He was married October 4, 1908 at Joseph, Oregon to Nellie Ruth Vaughan, daughter of Frank E. Vaughan and Minnie Ruth Adams Vaughan. She was born June 11, 1891 at Imnaha, Oregon. The wedding took place at the home of the bride's grandfather, A. W. Adams with Guy Barton and Effie Barton as witnesses.
They lived at Joseph until 1916, and removed to Eugene, Oregon before 1919. He died February 9, 1955 at Cottage Grove. She died there December 1, 1973.
Children born to Harlan Earl Gowing and Nellie R. Vaughn Gowing include:
George Ralph Gowing born December 3, 1910
Lena May Gowing born August 9, 1913
Lois Ruth Gowing born July 9, 1916
Lucille Geraldine Gowing born September 12, 1919
Harold Frank Gowing born November 18, 1921
Nina Effie Gowing born December 28, 1923
Willard Earl Gowing born December 20, 1926
Mildred Maxine Gowing born April 4, 1928
Melvin Lee Gowing born April 12, 1931
Wilma Ione Gowing born April 23, 1933
Marvin Dale Gowing born in April 1935
George Ralph Gowing, son of Harlan Earl Gowing and Nellie Ruth Vaughan Gowing, was born December 3, 1910 at Joseph. He was married March 25, 1933 to Cleo Wanda Gunter. She was born March 4, 1914 to Osburn Russell Gunter and Lena Pyritz Gunter. George Ralph Gowing died December 2, 1979 at Cottage Grove, and she died there June 28, 1989.
Children born to George Ralph Gowing and Cleo Gunter Gowing include:
Janet Evelyn Gowing born March 8, 1936
Marilyn Kay Gowing born October 14, 1937
Janet Evelyn Gowing, daughter of George Ralph Gowing and Cleo Gunter Gowing, was born March 8, 1936 at Eugene. She was married March 25, 1957 to John Dilon Collingwood, son of Clayton Collingwood and Lisa Garter Collingwood. He was born March 21, 1930 at Moarhead, Minnesota, according to Janet Evelyn Collingwood. In 1960 they lived in Mountain Home, Idaho and in 1977 at Eugene.
Children born to them include:
George Clayton Collingwood born April 29, 1960
David Allen Collingwood born April 24, 1961
Wanda Lee Collingwood born February 7, 1963
Mark Ray Collingwood born March 3, 1965
Linda Marie Collingwood born April 17, 1977
Marilyn Kay Gowing, daughter of George Ralph Gowing and Cleo Gunter Gowing, was born October 14, 1937 at Eugene. She was married in 1960 at Creswell, Oregon to John Wayne Hooton Jr, son of John Wayne Hooton and Naomi Ginniger Hooton. He was born December 24, 1932 in California.
Children born to them include:
Susan Kay Hooton born January 21, 1962
Jerry Wayne Hooton born June 18, 1964
Lena May Gowing, daughter of Harlan Earl Gowing and Nellie Ruth Vaughan Gowing, was born August 9, 1913 at Joseph. She was married June 11, 1933 to James Robert Horn at Lurane, Oregon. He was born May 4, 1909 to Frank Horn and Flossie Donners Horn. James Robert Horn died April 28, 1981 at Eugene. No children were born to them.
Lois Ruth Gowing, daughter of Harlan Earl Gowing and Nellie Ruth Vaughan Gowing, was born July 9, 1916 at Joseph. She was married November 23, 1939 to Herbert Oscar Peterson, son of Oscar Peterson and Celia Erickson Peterson at Eugene. He was born June 5, 1908. He died August 28, 1987.
Children born to them include:
Duane Herbert Peterson born July 31, 1943
Richard Lee Peterson born November 27, 1946
Lucille Geraldine Gowing, daughter of Harlan Earl Gowing and Nellie Ruth Vaughan Gowing, was born September 12, 1919 at Eugene. She was married to Lyle Gordon July 21, 1938 at Cottage Grove. He was born September 8, 1909 at Globe, Oregon to Charles F. Gordon and Elva Gordon. He died October 14, 1972 at Cottage Grove. No children were born to them.
Harold Frank Gowing, son of Harlan Earl Gowing and Nellie Ruth Vaughn Gowing, was born November 18, 1921 at Eugene, Oregon. He was married there May 8, 1952 to Mary Ruth Marsh. She was born February 28, 1927 to Mills Barton Marsh and Martha Elizabeth Torrence Marsh at Nate, Oregon.
Following discharge from the U.S. Navy, he was employed as a lift truck operator. They were members of Friends Church.
Children born to Harold Frank Gowing and Mary Ruth Marsh Gowing include:
Darold Frank Gowing born May 27, 1953
Harlan Mills Gowing born May 4, 1961
Darold Frank Gowing, son of Harold Frank Gowing and Mary Ruth Marsh Gowing, was born May 27, 1953 at Eugene. He was married at Seattle to Catherine Lane Collins February 23, 1980. She was born there June 25, 1952 to Wetherill Collins and Josephine Lane Collins.
Children born to Donald Frank Gowing and Catherine Lane Collins Gowing include:
Crystal Dawn Gowing born June 18, 1981
Amber Gwen Gowing born April 20, 1986
Jeffrey John Gowing born July 8, 1989
Harlan Mills Gowing, son of Harold Frank Gowing and Mary Ruth Marsh Gowing, was born May 4, 1961 at Eugene. He was married to Nancy Kay Woodruff July 6, 1985. She was born on Okinawa April 16, 1961 to Harlan Woodruff and Emmeline Woodruff.
Children born to Harlan Mills Gowing and Nancy Kay Woodruff Gowing include:
Thomas Harlan Gowing born December 10, 1988
Don Harold Gowing born March 31, 1991
Nina Effie Gowing, daughter of Harlan Earl Gowing and Nellie Ruth Vaughan Gowing, was born December 20, 1923 at Eugene. She was married about 1941 to Morris Barger. She was remarried in California October 24, 1955 to Calvin Arley Aubrey. He was born April 24, 1925 in Cottage Grove to Rowe Arley Aubrey and Eva May Goodul Aubrey.
Children born to them include:
Barbara Jean Barger Aubrey born December 4, 1946
Willard Earl Gowing, son of Harlan Earl Gowing and Nellie Ruth Vaughan Gowing, was born in Eugene December 20, 1926. He was married to Rena Ruth Rieck July 2, 1949 at Eugene. She was born October 31, 1930 at Eugene to Wilhelm Gustine Rieck and Helen M. Gilbert Rieck.
Children born to William Earl Gowing and Rena Ruth Reick Gowing include:
Louise Diane Gowing born July 24, 1952
Clifford Gowing born January 21, 1954
Louise Diane Gowing, daughter of William Earl Gowing and Rena Ruth Reick Gowing, was born July 24, 1952 at Eugene. She was married January 13, 1976 to Richard Neil Finn, son of William Finn and Blanche Finn. No children were born to them.
Clifford Gowing, son of William Earl Gowing and Rena Ruth Reick Gowing, was born January 21, 1954 at Eugene.
Mildred Maxine Gowing, daughter of Harlan Earl Gowing and Nellie Ruth Vaughan Gowing, was born April 4, 1928 in Eugene. She was married to Robert Donald Reed August 17, 1946 in Eugene. They were divorced about 1973.
Children born to them include:
Robert Donald Reed, Jr. born June 19, 1951
Beverly Lee Reed born April 8, 1953
Brenda Kay Reed born January 3, 1957
Melvin Lee Gowing, son of Harlan Earl Gowing and Nellie Ruth Vaughan Gowing, was born in Eugene in April 1931. He was married to Phyllis Ann Perkins at Cottage Grove July 29, 1954. She was born at Bagley, Minnesota to Raleigh Walter Perkins and Lulu Glendell Hanks Perkins. No children were born to Melvin Lee Gowing and Phyllis Ann Perkins Gowing.
Wilma Ione Gowing, daughter of Harlan Earl Gowing and Nellie Ruth Vaughan Gowing, was born April 23, 1933 at Eugene. She was married November 27, 1954 to Jack R. Ryder at Lorane. He was born November 5, 1930 in Oregon to John Ryder and Helen Bethel Ryder.
Children born to them include:
Dale Ryder born August 13, 1960
Michael Ryder born September 12, 1961
Bruce Ryder [twin] born July 18, 1967
Glenn Ryder [twin] born July 18, 1967
Marvin Dale Gowing, son of Harlan Earl Gowing and Nellie Ruth Vaughan Gowing, was born April 6, 1935 in Eugene. He was married to Marie Arlene Yearous July 1, 1956 at Cottage Grove. She was born March 17, 1938 at Eugene to Lester Albert Yearous and Gennieve Loretta Buffington Yearous.
Children born to Marvin Dale Gowing and Marie Arlene Yearous Gowing include:
Kelly Marie Gowing born June 12, 1958
Jeffrey Dale Gowing born December 1, 1961
Effie Susan Gowing, daughter of George Columbus Gowing and Emily May Davis Gowing, was born September 16, 1884 in Union County, Oregon. She was married to Guy Earl Barton May 16, 1906. She died in February 1966 at Eugene.
Children born to them include:
Maecel Avelyn Barton born July 28, 1908
Minnie "Lois" Barton born May 3, 1910
Mina Fern Barton born July 3, 1914
Lois May Gowing, daughter of George Columbus Gowing and Emily May Davis Gowing, was born May 20, 1892 at Joseph. She died there June 9, 1896.
Jessie Fern Gowing, daughter of George Columbus Gowing and Emily May Davis Gowing, was born June 25, 1898 at Joseph. She was married June 16, 1921 to Herbert Vance Moon who was born February 15, 1893. She died May 10, 1956 at Springfield, Oregon and he died there in 1977.
Children born to them include:
Mae Etta Moon born August 27, 1922
Agnes Fern Moon born October 24, 1923
Velda Eileen Moon born July 15, 1935
Sarah Jane Gowing, daughter of William Pleasant Gowing and Priscilla Miller Gowing, was born about 1858 in Anderson County, Kansas. She was married to John Calvin in Linn County about 1880. He was born in 1837 in Missouri. They removed to Wallowa County, Oregon about 1883. She died there during the 1930s.
Children born to them include:
Fred Calvin born about 1881
Lee Calvin born about 1883
Hama Calvin born about 1884
Nancy Gowing, daughter of William Pleasant Gowing and Priscilla Miller Gowing, was born about 1860. It is believed that she died in childhood.
Clarinda Gowing, daughter of William Pleasant Gowing and Priscilla Miller Gowing, was born about 1862 in Anderson County. She was married about 1880 to Jerome Early in Linn County.
Children born to them include:
Minnie Early born about 1884
William Pleasant Gowing, Jr, son of William Pleasant Gowing and Priscilla Miller Gowing, was born about 1865 in Anderson County. On September 9, 1883 J. H. Jones was appointed his guardian in regard to his inheritance in his father's estate.
He was married about 1898 in Linn County to Rosa Lee McKinley. She was born in June 1875 in Linn County. He died in 1952.
Children born to William Pleasant Gowing, Jr. and Rosa Lee McKinley Gowing include:
William P. Gowing born about 1900
Clarence C. Gowing born about 1902
Albertis N. Gowing born about 1905
George Earl Gowing born about 1908
Frederic D. Gowing born about 1909
Charles Dell Gowing born in 1912
William P. Gowing, son of William Pleasant Gowing, Jr. and Rosa Lee McKinley Gowing, was born about 1900 in Kansas. He was married to Blessing Caito about 1923. He died in 1970. Children born to William P. Gowing and Blessing Caito Gowing are unknown.
Clarence C. Gowing, son of William Pleasant Gowing, Jr. and Rosa Lee McKinley Gowing, was born about 1902 in Kansas. He died in 1968.
Albertis N. Gowing, son of William Pleasant Gowing, Jr. and Rosa Lee McKinley Gowing, was born about 1905 in Kansas. He was married to Pauline Bates about 1928. He died in 1980. Children born to Albert N. Gowing and Pauline Botts Gowing are unknown.
George Earl Gowing, son of William Pleasant Gowing, Jr. and Rosa Lee McKinley Gowing, was born about 1908 in Kansas. He died in 1952.
Frederic D. Gowing, son of William Pleasant Gowing, Jr. and Rosa Lee McKinley Gowing, was born about 1909 in Kansas. He died in 1959.
Charles Dell Gowing, son of William Pleasant Gowing, Jr. and Rosa Lee McKinley Gowing, was born about 1912 in Kansas.
Sarah Ann Gowing, daughter of George Washington Gowing and Nancy Webb Gowing, was born about 1826. She was married February 19, 1846 in Cass County to Joseph Cummings.
Susannah Gowing, daughter of George Washington Gowing and Nancy Webb Gowing, was born in 1829 in Washington County, Indiana. In the 1850 census of Cass County she was reported at age 20. She was married to James S. Cox April 17, 1853 in Cass County. They removed to Kansas about 1858.
They were enumerated in the 1860 census of Linn County, Scott township, Household 160-60:
"Cox, James 35, born in Kentucky, farmer
Susan 33, born in Indiana
John 8, born in Missouri
Sarah 6, born in Missouri
Josephine 1, born in Kansas
Going, Drewery 21, born in Arkansas."
George Washington Gowing, Jr, son of George Washington Gowing and Nancy Webb Gowing, was born August 14, 1830 in Washington County. He as reported as an 18-year-old in the 1850 census of his father's household. On November 12, 1854 he was married to Elizabeth Miller, daughter of John Miller and Margaret Melton Miller, according to Cass County Marriage Book B, page 244.
In the fall of 1855 they removed to Linn County, Kansas. where she died about 1859, possibly in childbirth. He was a soldier in the Civil War. He was remarried about 1866 to Sarah Webb Town, widow of Ezay Town. In 1895 he was a resident of Le Cygne. He died September 1, 1902 in Linn County.
Children born to George Washington Gowing, Jr. and Elizabeth Miller Gowing include:
William Thomas Gowing born about 1856
Cordelia "Delia" Gowing born about 1858
Mary Gowing born about 1859
Children born to George Washington Gowing, Jr. and Sarah Webb Town Gowing include:
John R. Gowing born about 1867
Isaac Gowing born about 1869
William Thomas "Big Tom" Gowing, son of George Washington Gowing, Jr. and Elizabeth Miller Gowing, was born about 1856 in Linn County, Kansas. He was married February 20, 1883 to Ella Trinkle, daughter of Henry Trinkle and Mary Ann Froman Trinkle. She was born in 1862 in Kansas.
Children born to William Thomas Gowing and Eula Trimble Gowing include:
Edith Gowing born in August 1884
Edith Gowing, daughter of William Thomas Gowing and Mary Ann Froman Gowing, was born in August 1884. She was married about 1902, husband's name Priser and lived in La Cygne.
Cordelia "Delia" Gowing, daughter of George Washington Gowing, Jr. and Elizabeth Miller Gowing, was born about 1858. She was married January 1, 1882 to Bronson Sherman who was born in 1856 in Linn County. They removed to Colorado where a son was born in 1888.
Children born to them include:
Stanley Sherman born in 1888
Mary Gowing, daughter of George Washington Gowing, Jr. and Elizabeth Miller Gowing was born about 1859.
John R. Gowing, son of George Washington Gowing, Jr. and Sarah Webb Town Gowing, was born about 1867. On January 5, 1882, "John R. Gowing, minor heir of H. R. Webb, deceased" received $200 from his estate.
Isaac Gowing, son of George Washington Gowing, Jr. and Sarah Webb Town Gowing, was born about 1869.
Patsey Gowing, daughter of George Washington Gowing and Nancy Webb Gowing, was born in Washington County in 1834. She appeared as a 16-year-old in the 1850 census of Cass County.
Francis M. Gowen, son of George Washington Gowing and Nancy Webb Gowing, was born in 1836 Washington County. He was recorded at age 14 in the 1850 census of Cass County.
"Francis Goin" was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1880 census of Stafford County, Kansas, Enumeration District 329, York township:
"Goin, Francis 43, born in Kentucky
Mourning 33, born in Kentucky
Mabel 4, born in Kansas
Francis 2, born in Kansas
Perry 6/12, born in Kansas"
Also in York township nearby was enumerated the household of:
"Goin, William 42, born in Kentucky
Eliza 37, born in Iowa
Mary E. 17, born in Iowa
Edward 13, born in Iowa
Daniel 12, born in Iowa
Forrest 6, born in Iowa"
Jerome Gowing, son of George Washington Gowing and Nancy Webb Gowing, was born in 1838 Washington County, Arkansas. He was reported as a 12-year-old in the 1850 census of his father's household. He was enumerated in the 1860 census of Linn County at age 21, living in the household of his sister, Susan Gowing Cox.
Jerome Gowing was married about 1860, wife's name Malita. He was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1860 census, Household 82-82, very near to his father in Scott township:
"Gowing, Jerome 24, farmer
Malita 22,
Nancy 2
James 11/12"
On October 9, 1864 he was shown with his father on the muster roll of Company K, Sixth Kansas Cavalry Regiment. He may have been killed during the Civil War.
Children born to Jerome Gowing and Malita Gowing include:
Nancy Gowing born about 1858
James Gowing born about 1859
Nancy Gowing and James Gowing were enumerated in the 1870 census of Linn County living with their grandmother.
Lafayette Gowing, son of George Washington Gowing and Nancy Webb Gowing, was born about 1841 in Washington County. He enlisted at Ft. Scott, Kansas March 1, 1863 in Company L, Sixth Kansas Cavalry Regiment to serve for three years.
He was killed in the Battle of Stone's Farm in Arkansas April 5, 1864 by guerillas. His party of 25 cavalrymen was attacked by 300 Confederates and overwhelmed en route to Rossville, 30 miles from Ft. Smith, according to a statement filed by Capt. Henry P. Ledger, his commanding officer. He was due $28.27 for pay and horse equipment. He was described as "age 22, 5'11" tall, dark complexion, dark eyes, dark and by occupation a farmer."
Chauncy Drury Gowing, son of George Washington Gowing and Nancy Webb Gowing, was born in 1839 in Arkansas. He was shown as an 11-year-old in the 1850 census of Cass County.
Nancy Gowing, daughter of George Washington Gowing and Nancy Webb Gowing, was born November 25, 1844 in Cass County, Missouri. She was recorded as an eight-year-old in the 1850 census of Cass County. She was married about 1871 to Joseph Cox in Linn County, Kansas. Joseph Cox died July 4, 1906, according to Gertrude Elizabeth Gowing Tracy. Nancy Gowing Cox died March 15, 1919 in Linn County.
Clarinda Gowing, daughter of George Washington Gowing and Nancy Webb Gowing, was born in 1844 in Missouri. She was enumerated as a six-year-old in the 1850 census of Cass County.
Thomas Benton Gowing, son of George Washington Gowing and Nancy Webb Gowing, was born March 23, 1847 in Bates County, Missouri, according to Mary Ruth Marsh Gowing. He appeared in the 1850 census of Cass County as "Thomas Going, age 4." He lived with his father in Linn County, after the Civil War and then removed to Missouri. He was recorded in the 1860 and 1870 census enumerations of Linn County, Kansas.
He was married February 23, 1873 to Rosanna Johnston who was born in 1854. She died December 14, 1881, and he was remarried to Arminda Elizabeth Dyer January 1, 1883. She was born February 7, 1858 in Doniphan County, Kansas to William Jasper Dyer and Rhoda Jane Wheeler Dyer. He died February 18, 1930, and Arminda Elizabeth Dyer Gowing died February 17, 1953 in Centerview, Missouri.
Children born to Thomas Benton Gowing and Rosanna Johnston Gowing include:
William Pinkney Gowing born July 8, 1874
Samuel Drury Gowing born March 12, 1877
Children born to him and Arminda Elizabeth Dyer Gowing include:
Dow Dyer Gowing born June 30, 1884
Terra Benton Gowing born June 3, 1886
A granddaughter of Thomas Benton Gowing, Gertrude Elizabeth Gowing Tracy, died at Salinas, Kansas about 1981.
William Pinkney Gowing, son of Thomas Benton Gowing and Rosanna Johnston Gowing, was born July 8, 1874. He was married January 4, 1899 to Eva Gibson. He died in 1935.
Children born to William Pinkney Gowing and Eva Gibson Gowing include:
Glen Gibson Gowing born March 12, 1906
Samuel Drury Gowing, son of Thomas Benton Gowing and Rosanna Johnston Gowing, was born March 12, 1877. He was married to Nora Shaffer November 25, 1900. She died in 1951, and he died October 2, 1953.
Children born to Samuel Drury Gowing and Nora Shaffer Gowing include:
Milburn Lorene Gowing born April 22, 1901
Marjorie Gowing born August 17, 1903
Samuel Drury Gowing, Jr. born October 20, 1918
Milburn Lorene Gowing, daughter of Samuel Drury Gowing and Nora Shaffer Gowing, was born April 22, 1901. She was married June 30, 1930 to Julius Holt.
Marjorie Gowing, daughter of Samuel Drury Gowing and Nora Shaffer Gowing, was born August 17, 1903. She was married June 30, 1951 to Hugo Peterson. Children born to them include:
Lois Lou Peterson born August 6, 1932
Samuel Drury Gowing, Jr, son of Samuel Drury Gowing and Nora Shaffer Gowing, was born October 20, 1918. He was married June 30, 1951 to Ruth Craghan. Children born to Samuel Drury Gowing, Jr. and Ruth Craghan Gowing are unknown.
Dow Dyer Gowing, son of Thomas Benton Gowing and Arminda Elizabeth Dyer Gowing, was born June 20, 1884 at La Cygne, Kansas. He was married January 1, 1908 to Minnie Bell Hughes. She died August 30, 1955 and was buried in Oaklawn Cemetery at La Cygne. He died February 6, 1963 at Long Beach, California and was buried beside his wife..
Children born to Dow Dyer Gowing and Minnie Bell Hughes Dyer include:
Ethel Nevoe Gowing born September 29, 1909
Fay Ileen Gowing born December 31, 1911
Mary Alcena Gowing born December 22, 1913
Dow Dyer Gowing, Jr. born July 7, 1920
Ethel Nevoe Gowing, daughter of Dow Dyer Gowing and Minnie Belle Hughes Gowing, was born September 29, 1909 at Gandy, Nebraska. She was married January 1, 1930 to Eugene F. Massey.
Fay Ileen Gowing, daughter of Dow Dyer Gowing and Minnie Belle Hughes Gowing, was born December 31, 1911 at La Cygne, Kansas. She was married November 9, 1935 to Charles Austin Morgan.
Mary Alcena Gowing, daughter of Dow Dyer Gowing and Minnie Belle Hughes Gowing, was born December 22, 1913 at Willow Springs, Missouri. She was married February 14, 1934 to Ivan George Karr. He was born July 29, 1910 to Leroy Hampton Karr and Alpha Smith Karr. In 1935 they lived at Fontana, Kansas.
Children born to them include:
Georgia Alcena Karr born March 22, 1935
Glen Elton Karr born November 8, 1938
Dow Dyer Gowing, Jr, son of Dow Dyer Gowing and Minnie Belle Hughes Gowing, was born July 7, 1920 at Towanda, Kansas. He was married September 27, 1941 to Stella Hill.
Children born to Dow Dyer Gowing, Jr. and Stella Hill Gowing include:
Sharon Dowlene Gowing born June 19, 1942
Tommy Louis Gowing born March 6, 1944
Sharon Dowlene Gowing, daughter of Dow Dyer Gowing, Jr. and Stella Hill Gowing was born June 19, 1942 at Downey, California. She was married May 6, 1963 to James Michael Moore who was born at Lamar, Missouri January 17, 1937, according to Sharon Dowlene Gowing Moore.
Children born to them include:
Sandra Dee Moore born July 13, 1961
Cynthia Lee Moore born March 19, 1963
Michael Dow Moore born September 26, 1965
Tommy Louis Gowing, son of Dow Dyer Gowing, Jr. and Stella Hill Gowing, was born March 6, 1944 at Weeksville, North Carolina. He was married at Simi Valley, California October 8, 1966 to Sandra Lee who was born February 11, 1942 at Cantopolis, California.
Children born to Tommy Louis Gowing and Sandra Lee Gowing include:
Kerri Lynn Gowing born May 15, 1967
Terra Benton Gowing, son of Thomas Benton Gowing and Arminda Elizabeth Dyer Gowing, was born June 3, 1886 at La Cygne. He was married to Mrs. Effie Leone Hughes Knutson September 3, 1906 at Emporia, Kansas. She was the daughter of Joel Jackson Hughes and Laura Sage Hughes and was born March 10, 1885 in Custer County, Nebraska. In 1909 they lived at Lincoln, Nebraska. In 1924 they lived in Miami County, Kansas.
She died March 14, 1955 at Bradenton, Florida, and he died June 20, 1965 at Parsons, Kansas. He was buried in Oaklawn Cemetery at La Cygne.
Children born to Terra Benton Gowing and Effie Leone Hughes Knution Gowing include:
Arthur Loyd Gowing born May 27, 1907
Gertrude Elizabeth Gowing born December 9, 1909
Laura Verne Gowing born December 18, 1911
Samuel Leroy Gowing born August 14, 1913
Joel Thomas Gowing born June 26, 1915
Oscar Richard Gowing born May 2, 1919
Glena Leone Gowing born February 9, 1921
Hazel Eunice Gowing born April 29, 1923
Myrta Louise Gowing born October 9, 1924
Arthur Loyd Gowing, son of Terra Loyd Gowing and Effie Leone Hughes Knution Gowing, was born May 27. 1907. He was married May 19, 1929 to Anna Louise Barkley, daughter of Robert Barkley and Addie Carpenter Barkley. She was born May 28, 1912 at Parker, Kansas.
Children born to Arthur Loyd Gowing and Anna Louise Barkley Gowing include:
Dwight Eldon Gowing born December 20, 1932
Raymond Everett Gowing born February 6, 1935
John Phillip Gowing born April 19, 1938
Thelma Lorraine Gowing born August 29, 1939
Dwight Eldon Gowing, son of Arthur Loyd Gowing and Anna Louise Barkley Gowing, was born December 20. 1932 at North La Cygne, Kansas. He was married April 1, 1956 to Betty Lou Hanley at Parsons, Kansas where she was born December 4, 1936. No children were born to Dwight Eldon Gowing and Betty Lou Hanley Gowing.
Raymond Everett Gowing, son of Arthur Loyd Gowing and Anna Louise Barkley Gowing, was born February 6, 1935 near Fontana, Kansas in Linn County. He was married March 23, 1959 to Leah Rose Rausherberger who was born February 28, 1938 at Grandview, Iowa. In 1960 they lived at Rockford, Illinois.
Children born to Raymond Everett Gowing and Leah Rose Rausherberger Gowing include:
Steven Ray Gowing born March 17, 1960
Melody Joy Gowing born February 17, 1961
John Phillip Gowing, son of Arthur Loyd Gowing and Anna Louise Barkley Gowing, was born April 19, 1938 at Parsons, Kansas. He was married there February 21, 1959 to Marquetta Len Tallman, daughter of Donald Tallman and Ruth Morland Tallman. She was born February 28, 1941 in South Lyon, Michigan. In 1961 they lived in Rockford, Illinois.
Children born to John Phillip Gowing and Marquetta Len Tallman Gowing include:
Marcia Lynn Gowing born June 26, 1961
Mark John Gowing born November 9, 1964
Thelma Loraine Gowing, daughter of Arthur Loyd Gowing and Anna Louise Barkley Gowing, was born August 29, 1939 at Parsons. She was married there June 27, 1959 to Rev. Jack Ray Hooten who was born at Exeter, Missouri October 26, 1933. In 1961 they lived in Oelwein, Iowa and at Newton, Iowa in 1966.
Children born to them include:
Anita Kay Hooten born August 3, 1961
Jack Ray Hooten born December 5, 1962
Lynda Renae Hooten born September 20, 1966
Gertrude Elizabeth Gowing, daughter of Terra Benton Gowing and Effie Leone Hughes Gowing, was born December 9, 1909 at Millard, Nebraska. She was married November 6, 1929 in Olathe, Kansas to Theodore Jackson, son of Peter Jackson and Elizabeth Jackson. She was remarried to Ralph L. Tracy June 1, 1933 at Paola, Kansas. He was born in November 1907. In 1939 they lived at Cortez, Colorado. She died at Salinas, Kansas about 1981
Children born to Theodore Jackson and Gertrude Elizabeth Gowing Jackson include:
Harold Emmett Jackson born October 17, 1930
Children born to Ralph L. Tracy and Gertrude Elizabeth Gowing Jackson Tracy include:
Naomi Beth Tracy born September 30, 1939
Naomi Beth Tracy, daughter of Ralph L. Tracy and Gertrude Elizabeth Gowing Jackson Tracy, was born September 30, 1939 at Cortez, Colorado. She was married June 1, 1958 at Salina, Kansas to Homer Edward Arnold, son of Oliver Arnold and Livia Reigle. He was born August 13, 1938 at West Plains, Missouri.
Children born to Homer Edward Arnold and Naomi Beth Tracy Arnold include:
Kimberly Beth Arnold born September 12, 1959
Edward Lee Arnold born July 21, 1961
Guy Ray Arnold [twin] born October 31, 1966
Ty Oliver Arnold [twin] born October 31, 1966
Samuel Leroy Gowing, son of Terra Benton Gowing and Effie Leone Hughes Gowing, was born August 14, 1913 in DeSoto, Kansas. He was married at La Cygne December 25, 1934 to Rena Lucille Calbein, daughter of Walter Ulysses Calbein and Eulah Elliott Calbein who was born April 3, 1916 in Drexel, Missouri.
Children born to Samuel Leroy Gowing and Rena Lucille Calbein Gowing include:
Eulah Leone Gowing born June 25, 1942
Eulah Leone Gowing, daughter of Samuel Leroy Gowing and Rena Lucille Calbein Gowing, was born June 25, 1942 at Bennington, Kansas. She was married October 13, 1958 at Bakersfield, California to Virgil Holt, son of Oswald Holt and Tivia Holt. He was born in Oklahoma November 7, 1942. She was remarried in Reno, Nevada December 31, 1976 to John L. Botzman, son of Peterman Botzman and Marion Kasswell Botzman.
Children born to them include:
Charles Leroy Holt born March 3, 1951
Cindy Ann Holt born February 22, 1952
Ricky Ray Holt born February 6, 1954
Ronny Dean Holt born January 21, 1960
Joel Thomas Gowing, son of Terra Benton Gowing and Effie Leone Hughes Gowing, was born June 26, 1915 at Minneapolis, Kansas in Ottawa County. He was married July 30, 1935 at Wellman, Iowa to Katheryn Lucille Winegarten who was born October 8, 1915 at Victor, Iowa. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He died April 13, 1969 at Winfield, Kansas.
Children born to Joel Thomas Gowing and Katheryn Lucille Winegarten Gowing include:
Patricia Anne Gowing born May 18, 1941
Evelyn Kay Gowing born July 8, 1943
Patricia Anne Gowing, daughter of Joel Thomas Gowing and Katheryn Lucille Wingarten Gowing, was born May 18, 1941 at Tama, Iowa. She became an airline hostess.
Evelyn Kay Gowing, daughter of Joel Thomas Gowing and Katheryn Kay Gowing, was born July 8, 1943 at Bennington, Kansas. She also became an airline hostess.
Oscar Richard Gowing, son of Terra Benton Gowing and Effie Leone Hughes Gowing, was born May 2, 1919 at Towanda, Kansas. He was married July 9, 1941 at Salina to Ruth Cobler, daughter of Charles Cobler. She was born September 29, 1922. Oscar Richard Gowing served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Children born to Oscar Richard Gowing and Ruth Cobler Gowing include:
Dennis Lynn Gowing born June 23, 1944
Donna Faye Gowing born October 17, 1946
Deanna Jean Gowing born August 5, 1949
David Gowing born November 27, 1951
Dennis Lynn Gowing, son of Oscar Richard Gowing and Ruth Cobler Gowing, was born June 23, 1944 at Salina. He was married about 1967, wife's name Gale. She was born April 8, 1947.
Children born to Dennis Lynn Gowing and Gale Gowing include:
Shawn Gowing born July 7, 1969
Shannon Lynn Gowing born November 22, 1977
Donna Faye Gowing, daughter of Oscar Richard Gowing and Ruth Cobler Gowing, was born October 17, 1946 in Salina. She was married at Lecompton, Kansas August 2, 1965 to Walter Confer.
Children born to them include:
Scott Dwaine Confer born August 1, 1966
Todd Confer born about 1968
Donette Confer born January 5, 1970
Deanna Jean Gowing, daughter of Oscar Richard Gowing and Ruth Cobler Gowing, was born August 5, 1949 at Salina. She was married about 1975 to John E. Newman who was born January 29, 1947. In 1978 they lived at Lawrence, Kansas.
Children born to them include:
Charles Patrick Newman born August 3, 1978
David Gowing, son of Oscar Richard Gowing and Ruth Cobler Gowing, was born November 27, 1951 at Salina.
Glena Leone Gowing, daughter of Terra Benton Gowing and Effie Leone Hughes Gowing, was born February 9, 1921 at Fontana, Kansas. She was married May 21, 1943 to an insurance man, Gerald R. Rose, son of Frank Rose and Lola Carroll Rose. He was born January 29, 1912 at Ft. Morgan, Colorado.
Children born to them include:
Lorraine Kay Rose born January 31, 1945
Linda Jo Rose born June 15, 1946
Laura Lee Rose born September 27, 1952
Lynn Marie Rose born August 9, 1955
Hazel Eunice Gowing, daughter of Terra Benton Gowing and Effie Leone Hughes Gowing, was born April 23, 1923 at Louisburg, Kansas. She was married July 24, 1945 to Neal Hill, a plumber of Salina, Kansas. Later she was remarried to Ray Swarts and again to David Frankl.
Children born to them include:
Gloria Sue Hill born August 28, 1945
Barbara Gail Hill born April 12, 1951
Myrta Louise Gowing, daughter of Terra Benton Gowing and Effie Leone Hughes Gowing, was born October 9, 1924 at Louisburg. She was married about 1947, husband's name Lucart. In 1949 they lived in Sioux City, Iowa.
Children born to them include:
Terra Joe Lucart born September 16, 1949
Pamela Lucart born June 19, 1951
Garrett Gowens, son of Charles Gowens and Elizabeth "Betsy" Blair Gowens, was born about 1805, probably in Claiborne County, Tennessee. He was married September 10, 1828 to Mahulda Foley in Switzerland County, Indiana, according to the research of Lynn Goins, a descendant. In 1830 he appeared in the census of Gallatin County, page 182, as the head of a household adjoining that of his father. His family was recorded as:
"Goin, Garrott white male 20-30
white female 20-30
white male 0-5"
He was to receive $2 from his father's estate, according to his father's will written June 18, 1847.
"Garret Goens" was enumerated August 13, 1850 as the head of Household 305-305 in the federal census of Gallatin Coun-ty, page 174:
"Goens, Garrett 45, born in KY, farmer, $500 real
estate, illiterate
Hulda 42, born in KY, illiterate
Molley 20, born in KY, illiterate
Elizabeth 18, born in KY
Mary F. 16, born in KY
Lucynda 14, born in KY, attending school
Ellen H. 12, born in KY, attending school
Nancy I. 10, born in KY. attending school
Paschal T. 8, born in KY, attending school
Lemuel 6, born in KY,
Julia 1, born in KY
Thomas A. 4, born in KY"
Mahula Foley Gowens may not have been living in 1860; she was not enumerated. "Garet Goens" reappeared living near Warsaw, Kentucky in the 1860 census of Gallatin County, page 64:
"Goens, Garet 51, born in KY, farmer, $400 real
estate
Lucinda 21, born in KY
Nancy Jane 19, born in KY
Pascal Todd 16, born in KY, farmer
Lennie 14, born in KY, female
Thomas I. 12, born in KY
Malvina 10, born in KY
Furnish, Sandford 24, born in KY, laborer
Mary 23, born in KY
Goens, Freelove 4, born in KY
Garet, Jr. 2, born in KY"
Garrett Gowens made an affidavit March 14, 1863 in Gallatin County in regard to the pension application of his sister Nancy Gowens Furnish in which he stated that he was present at her wedding in 1820.
Children born to Garrett Gowens and Mahulda Foley Gowens include:
[son] born about 1828
Lucynda Gowens born about 1829
Molley Gowens born about 1830
Nancy Jane Gowens born about 1831
Elizabeth Gowens born about 1832
Mary F. Gowens born about 1833
Lennie Gowens born about 1835
Ellen H. Gowens born about 1836
Thomas A. Gowens born about 1837
Malvina Gowens born about 1840
Lemuel Gowens born March 26, 1842
Paschal Todd Gowens born November 6, 1844
Freelove Gowens born about 1846
Garrett Gowens, Jr. born about 1848
Julia Gowens born about 1849
A son was born to Garrett Gowens and Mahulda Foley Gow-ens about 1828. His name was unknown, and he probably died in infancy.
Lucynda Gowens, daughter of of Garrett Gowens and Mahul-da Foley Gowens, was born in Gallatin County about 1829.
Molley Gowens, daughter of Garrett Gowens and Mahulda Foley Gowens, was born in Gallatin County about 1830.
Nancy Jane Gowens, daughter of Garrett Gowens and Mahul-da Foley Gowens, was born in Gallatin County about 1831.
Elizabeth Gowens, daughter of Garrett Gowens and Mahulda Foley Gowens, was born in Gallatin County about 1832.
Mary F. Gowens, daughter of Garrett Gowens and Mahulda Foley Gowens, was born in Gallatin County about 1833.
Lennie Gowens, daughter of Garrett Gowens and Mahulda Foley Gowens, was born in Gallatin County about 1835.
Elllen H. Gowens, daughter of Garrett Gowens and Mahulda Foley Gowens, was born in Gallatin County about 1836.
Thomas A. Gowen, son of Garrett Gowens and Mahulda Foley Gowens, was born in Gallatin County about 1838.
Malvina Gowens, daughter of Garrett Gowens and Mahulda Foley Gowens, was born in Gallatin County about 1840.
Lemuel Gowens, son of Garrett Gowens and Mahulda Foley Gowens, was born in Gallatin County March 26, 1842, according to Charles Jackson. He was enlisted as a private in Company E, 18th Kentucky Infantry Regiment, Confederate States Army August 1, 1862 in Lexington, Kentucky. He was discharged June 23, 1865 in Louisville, Kentucky.
He was married about 1866, wife’s name Sarah E. She was born January 22, 1851. The spelling of his surname was changed to “Goins.”
They lived in the same community with his brother, Thomas A. Goins in 1870. They were enumerated in the Sand Spring district as:
“Goins, Lemuel, 25, farmer, born in KY
Sarah E, 18, wife, born in KY
William G. 3, son, born in KY”
In 1880 they were enumerated in the Sand Spring district:
“Goins, Lemuel 36, farmer, born in KY
Elizabeth 29, wife, born in KY
William 13, son, born in KY”
Lemuel Goins died November 30, 1914, and Sarah E. Goins died May 16, 1916. They were buried in Shrewsbury Cemetery in Grayson County, Kentucky alongside their kinsmen John James Delaware Jackson and Martha “Mattie” Jackson.
Children born to them include:
William Goins born about 1867
Paschal Todd Gowens, son of Garrett Gowens and Mahulda Foley Gowens, was born November 6, 1844 in Gallatin County, Kentucky. He was married about 1866 to Margaret Severs, according Lynn Goins.
He was remarried February 15, 1870 in nearby Trimble Coun-ty, Kentucky, at age 26 to Margaret Mariah Ashby who was born in Indiana about 1842, according to the research of Vir-ginia G. Taylor. She was the daughter of Chain Miles Ashby and Jane D. Fletcher Ashby.
They were enumerated in the 1880 census of Trimble County:
“Goins, Pascal 38, born in KY, father born in KY,
mother born in KY
Mariah 38, born in IN, father born in KY,
mother born in VA
Charles 8, born in KY, father born in KY,
mother born in IN
Garriet 7, born in KY, father born in KY,
mother born in IN”
When he died he was buried in Holsclaw-Richmond Cemetery in Mt. Carmel community in Trimble County.
Children born to Pascal Todd Goins and Margaret Severs Goins are unknown. Children born to Pascal Todd Goins and Margaret Mariah Ashby include:
Charles Robert Goins born February 13, 1872
Garrett Goins born about 1873
Catherine Goins born about 1881
Charles Robert Goins, son of Pascal Todd Goins and Margaret Mariah Ashby Goins and namesake of his great-grandfather, Charles Gowens, a Revolutionary soldier, was born February 13, 1872 in Trimble County. He appeared in the 1880 census as an eight-year-old. He was married about 1896 to Annabelle Rachel Shambaugh. He died February 12, 1944 in Madison, Kentucky in Jefferson County. Names of the 12 children born to Charles Robert Goins and Annabelle Rachel Shambaugh Goins are unknown.
Garrett Goins, son of Pascal Todd Goins and Margaret Mariah Ashby Goins and namesake of his grandfather, was born about 1873 in Trimble County. He was enumerated as a seven-year-old in the 1880 census of his parents’ household. He died April 23, 1943 in Clark County, Indiana, according to Lynn Goins.
Catherine Goins, daughter of Paschal Todd Goins and Margaret Mariah Ashby Goins, was born about 1881. She is reported to have married about 1898, husband’s name Slough.
Freelove Gowens, daughter of Garrett Gowens and Hulda Gowens, was born about 1846. “Freelove Goins” was married in 1876 to George West, according to Gallatin County Marriage Book 3, page 126.
James Blair Gowens, son of Charles Gowens, a Revolutionary soldier of Virginia and Elizabeth "Betsy" Blair Gowens of Maryland, was born June 9, 1810, probably in Claiborne County, Tennessee. He was married September 14, 1835 to Mary Ann Livinia Jackson in Gallatin County, Kentucky. She was born there December 11, 1816 to George Jackson and Susannah Ray Jackson who were married there November 11, 1814, according to Gregory Allen Bennett.
George Jackson was enumerated August 14, 1850 as the head of Household 330-330 in Gallatin County, page 176:
"Jackson, George 67, born in Virginia, farmer,
$1,000 in real estate, illiterate
Susannah 56, born in Kentucky, illiterate
Joshua 25, born in Kentucky, illiterate
Leticia 18, born in Kentucky
Goens, Mary I. 7, born in Kentucky
Spoonman, Sally 56, born in Kentucky"
James Blair Gowens was enumerated in the 1840 census of Gallatin County, page 18:
"Goins, James white male 20-30
white female 20-30
white female 0-5
white female 0-5
white female 0-5"
Another unidentified "James Goins" was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1840 census of Gallatin County, page 19:
"Goins, James white male 20-30
white female 40-50
white female 5-10
white male 0-5"
James Blair Gowens continued in Kentucky in 1842. It is believed that Mary Ann Livinia Jackson Gowens died about 1843, probably in childbirth with their sixth child. When his father wrote his will June 18, 1847 in Gallatin County, he mentioned that he and his wife "have been living for a considerable time past with our son, James Goens" and specified that his 107-acre farm where they then lived would go to James Blair Gowens.
James Blair Gowens was then married to 16-year-old Sarah Luvisa Jackson January 13, 1844 in Warsaw, Kentucky. She, a younger sister of Mary Ann Livinia Jackson Gowens, was born March 8, 1827 in Gallatin County to George Jackson and Susannah Ray Jackson.
James Blair Gowens was enumerated as the head of Household 331-331 August 14, 1850 in Gallatin County between his father and his father-in-law:
"Goens James 45, born in KY, farmer,
$1,000 real estate,
illiterate
Louisa 28, born in KY, illiterate
Alice 16, born in KY, attending sch.
Susan 14, born in KY, attending sch.
Elizabeth 12, born in KY, attending sch.
Luvina 10, born in KY, attending sch.
George James 8, born in KY, attending sch.
Julia 6, born in KY
Sarah F. 4, born in KY
Liticia 2, born in KY"
About 1852, they moved to Mills County, Iowa, near Council Bluffs, probably to join his brother, George Washington Gowens who had apparently moved to Iowa about 1824. A guardianship application was filed by "James Going" February 5, 1855 naming "Allisa, Susan Ann, Elizabeth Ellen, Lovinna and George James Going." The document was probably filed to comply with Iowa laws.
In the 1856 state census of Mills County the household of James Blair Gowens which had "been in Iowa for four years" was recorded as Dwelling 52:
"Goins, James 39, farmer, born in Kentucky
Lovisa 28, born in Kentucky
Elizabeth E. 16, born in Kentucky
Lovina 14, born in Kentucky
George James 13, born in Kentucky
Julia Ann 8, born in Kentucky
Serena 3, born in Iowa
James Samuel 14, born in Kentucky"
The household of James Blair Gowens were enumerated June 19, 1860 in Mills County, Oak township, Household 236-187:
"Goings, James 50, born in Kentucky
Louisa 33, born in Kentucky
Lavina 18, born in Kentucky
George J. 16, born in Kentucky
Julian 14, born in Kentucky
Serine 7, born in Iowa
Washington 4/12, born in Iowa"
Nearby was the household of his son-in-law, Daniel Turner, Household 139-104:
"Turner, Dan 25, born in England, farmer
Susan 22, born in Kentucky
John 3, born in Iowa
Elizabeth 1, born in Iowa
Goin, Sam 18, born in Kentucky, laborer"
They reappeared there in the next census taken July 14, 1870 as Household 125-124:
"Gowens James 59, born in Kentucky
Laura 39, born in Kentucky
Julia 22, born in Kentucky
Serena 17, born in Iowa
Washington 10, born in Iowa
Turner Frederic 28, born in England, farm lab"
Adjoining, as Household 124-123, was the family of Daniel Turner, son-in-law of James Blair Gowens:
"Turner Daniel 34, born in England
Susan 33, born in Kentucky
Emma 9, born in Iowa
Laura 1, born in Iowa"
Nearby in Household 139-129 was enumerated:
"Turner Freelove 30, born in England
Elizabeth 30, born in Kentucky
Mary 9, born in Iowa
Laura 4, born in Nebraska
George 2, born in Nebraska
Three Turner brothers were married to daughters of James Blair Gowens, according to Walter Earl Turner, Foundation member of Orem, Utah.
In 1876 James Blair Gowens and Sarah Luvisa Jackson Gowens removed to Coleman County, Texas, according to "Roots in Young County, Texas." He received a land patent from the State of Texas November 14, 1883, a week after his son, General Washington Gowens received a patent. The patent was issued to "James H. Gowens," according to Coleman County Deed Book L, page 244.
The land, 160 acres, adjoined that of his son on Hord's Creek "10 miles northwest of Coleman City." James Blair Gowens sold his patent to F. M. May April 16, 1891 for $800, according to Coleman County Deed Book 65, page 41. Sarah Luvisa Jackson Gowens died May 31, 1892 and was buried at White Chapel Cemetery, according to Coleman County Cemetery Book 2, page 61.
James Blair Gowens received a judgement November 28, 1893 in litigation with Mrs. Virginia A. Huff, according to Coleman County Deed Book 35, page 111. He received his patent back from F. M. May September 18, 1895 in exchange for May's promissory notes, according to Coleman County Deed Book 35, page 229. The land was valued at $1,126.70 at that time.
On January 17, 1896 James Blair Gowens gave a deed to one-half interest in his patent to his son, General Washington Gowens for $300, according to Coleman County Deed Book 34, page 624. James Blair Gowens received a redemption certificate from the State Comptroller July 29, 1896 showing receipt of delinquent taxes for 1895, according to Coleman County Deed Book 40, page 33.
James Blair Gowens died October 5, 1898 in Old Silver Valley community, according to Coleman County Cemetery Book 2, page 61 and was buried beside his wife in White Chapel Cemetery.
Children born to James Blair Gowens and Mary An Livinia Jackson Gowens include:
Alice "Alisa" Gowens born August 15, 1836
Susannah "Susan" Gowens born March 9, 1838
Elizabeth Ellen Gowens born March 17, 1839
Lovnah/Levina Gowens born October 6, 1840
George James Gowens born April 3, 1842
Eva Gowens born in 1843
Children born to James Blair Gowens and Sarah Luvisa Jackson Gowens include:
Julia Ann Gowens born February 3, 1846
Sarah F. Gowens born about 1847
Leticia Gowens born about 1848
Lillie "Lela" Gowens born about 1849
Serenah Gowens born March 24, 1853
General Washington Gowens born March 8, 1860
Charity Elizabeth Gowens born about 1861
W. N. Whittington and William N. Pharis made affidavits concerning the births of three of the children, "Julia, Serenah and General Washington Gowens" October 21, 1902, according to in Coleman County Deed Book 51, page 214.
Alice "Alisa" Gowens, daughter of James Blair Gowens and Mary An Livinia Jackson Gowens, was born August 15, 1836 in Gallatin County. A family tradition states, "The mother of Alice Gowen was a Jackson, a relative to Pres. Andrew Jackson."
She was married March 22, 1854 in Glenwood, Iowa to Christian Statler. He died about 1860, and she, a widow with two daughters, was remarried to Benjamin Henry Berryman April 10, 1862 in Glenwood. He was born January 5, 1826 at Glasgow, Kentucky. They removed to Nebraska soon after their marriage.
They removed to Coleman County, Texas in 1882 and affiliated with the First Baptist Church of Talpa, Texas. She died there October 24, 1891. She was buried in White Chapel Cemetery in Coleman County. He died October 2, 1915 and was buried beside his wife.
Children born to Christian Statler and Alice "Alisa" Gowens Statler include:
Mary Anne Statler born April 3, 1856
Alice Statler born October 9, 1857
Children born to Benjamin Henry Berryman and Alice "Alisa" Gowens Statler Berryman include:
James Freelove Berryman born April 2, 1863
William Henry Berryman born May 11, 1865
George Carroll Berryman born May 25, 1867
Benjamin Berryman born April 17, 1869
John Green Berryman born May 23, 1871
Minnie Berryman born December 4, 1873
Ida Belle Berryman born February 15, 1876
Susannah "Susan" Gowens, daughter of James Blair Gowens and Mary An Livinia Jackson Gowens, was born March 9, 1838 in Gallatin County. She was married November 18, 1855 at Glenwood, Iowa to Daniel P. Turner. He was born June 10, 1835 in England.
Daniel P. Turner was enumerated in the 1860 census of Mills County as the head of Household 139-104:
"Turner, Dan 25, born in England, farmer
Susan 22, born in Kentucky
John 3, born in Iowa
Elizabeth 1, born in Iowa
Goin, Sam 18, born in Kentucky, laborer"
Susannah "Susan" Gowens Turner and her husband joined her father in moving to Coleman County, Texas in 1876. He died there March 9, 1894 and was buried in White Chapel Cemetery. She died there September 3, 1909 and was buried beside her husband.
Children born to Daniel P. Turner and Susannah "Susan" Gowens Turner include:
John Turner born about 1857
Elizabeth Turner born about 1859
Emma Turner born about 1861
Laura Turner born about 1869
Ed Turner born about 1872
Ida Mae Turner born December 8, 1873
William P. Turner born June 22, 1881
Allie Turner born about 1885
John Turner, son of Daniel P. Turner and Susannah "Susan" Gowens Turner, was born in Iowa about 1857. He was enumerated as a three-year-old in the 1860 census, but did not reappear in the 1870 census.
Elizabeth Turner, daughter of Daniel P. Turner and Susannah "Susan" Gowens Turner, was born about 1859. She was enumerated in the 1860 census of her parents household as a one-year-old. She did not reappear in 1870.
Emma Turner, daughter of Daniel P. Turner and Susannah "Susan" Gowens Turner, was born about 1861 in Mills County. She was married about 1879, husband's name Delmeator, according to the research of Rosa Evelyn Ray Cordell.
Laura Turner, daughter of Daniel P. Turner and Susannah "Susan" Gowens Turner, was born about 1869.
Ed Turner, son of Daniel P. Turner and Susannah "Susan" Gowens Turner, was born about 1872 in Mills County.
Ida Mae Turner, daughter of Daniel P. Turner and Susannah "Susan" Gowens Turner, was born December 8, 1873 at Council Bluffs. She was brought to Coleman County by her parents in 1876. She was married there August 2, 1891 to Theodore McDowell "Mac" Griffis. He was born December 14, 1869 in Green County, Missouri. He died October 17, 1956 and was buried in Valera Cemetery, Valera, Texas. She died February 4, 1960 and was buried beside her husband.
Children born to them include:
Augustus Benton "Gus" Griffis born March 13, 1893
Laura Leola Griffis born January 12, 1895
Ralph Hershell Griffis born August 11, 1897
Theodore McDowell Griffis, Jr. born January 12, 1901
Emmett Roy "Bill" Griffis born March 17, 1903
Lois G. Griffis born March 27, 1905
Olive Griffis born November 4, 1907
Birdie Alice Griffis born September 26, 1910
Marjorie Myrl Griffis born June 20, 1913
Leitha Pauline Griffis born January 9, 1916
Geraldine Gwendolyn Griffis born July 6, 1919
William P. Turner, son of Daniel P. Turner and Susannah "Susan" Gowens Turner, was born June 22, 1881 in Coleman County. He was married August 11, 1901 to Lily Maud Sewell. She was born there November 14, 1884 to Peter Whittenburg Sewell and Arminta Madelyn Jameson Sewell. William P. Turner died about 1906.
Children born to William P. Turner and Lily Maud Sewell Turner include:
Caroline Idell Turner born June 14, 1902
Allie Turner, daughter of Daniel P. Turner and Susannah "Susan" Gowens Turner, was born about 1885 in Coleman County. She was married about 1905, husband's name Neiman. One son was born to them:
Rudolph Neiman born about 1908
Elizabeth Ellen Gowens, third daughter of James Blair Gowens and Mary An Livinia Jackson Gowens [Newsletter, February 1993], was born in Gallatin County March 17, 1838. She was married, at age 20, standing in her parents' parlor, to Freelove Turner November 19, 1858 at Glenwood, Iowa, in Mills County, according to Greg A. Bennatt, a descendant. Her older sister, Susannah "Susan" Gowens and his older brother, Daniel Turner had repeated the same vows there a short time earlier. Their siblings, Serenah Gowens and Albert Wright Turner [Newsletter, December 1994], were destined to follow in their matrimonial steps a few years later.
Freelove Turner was born November 10, 1839 at Grimsby, Lincolnshire to George Freelove Turner and Elizabeth Neal Turner. He came with his mother and some siblings in March 1853 aboard the S. S. Indian to the United States, entering at New Orleans. His father had preceded them to America three years earlier. The family took passage on a steamboat up the Mississippi River, then up the Missouri River to St. Marys, Iowa where his father awaited them.
The young couple settled on a farm in Mills County surrounded by other members of their two large families. Their story was first written by Greg A. Bennatt, U. S. Coast Guard, Seattle, Washington. It is through his courtesy that much of the Turner-Gowens material is included in this manuscript.
Later Freelove Turner sold out and removed to Plattsmouth, Nebraska where they were living when the Civil War commenced. There he volunteered November 3, 1862 to serve in Company H, Nebraska Second Cavalry Regiment. He was discharged December 8, 1863. His wife's family, being from Kentucky, were Southern sympathizers. [I wonder how well he got along with his in-laws?]
After his tour of duty, he took his family and moved back to Iowa. There he purchased land in 1869 in Mills County Section 33, Township 73, Range 43, and settled down to continue his life with his wife and family. A few years after their return, Elizabeth Ellen Gowens Turner died of typhoid fever September 27, 1880 at the age of 42. Her 12-year-old son, George William Turner also died in the same epidemic. Only one photograph of Elizabeth Ellen survives. Both were buried on the top of the hill in the Gowens‑Turner Cemetery. During their 20-year marriage it seems they had a good life together and enjoyed happiness.
Freelove was married a second time to his sister-in-law Mary Rebecca Baker Gowens, widow of George James Gowens.
Freelove Turner died December 28, 1922 in Pottawattamie County, Iowa and was buried at Glenwood. His widow survived him for many years and married for a third time, husband's name Tally. She died Jan 1, 1944 in Sulphur, Oklahoma.
Children of the first marriage, all born in Mills County, include:
Freelove Turner born about 1856
Mary Frances Turner born March 8, 1861
Henry Turner born in 1863
Dora Luvica Turner born October 29, 1866
George William Turner born April 10, 1868
Clara Ramona Turner born September 21, 1870
Alice Suanna Turner born February 20, 1873
Carl James Turner born November 2, 1875
Eva Loreign Turner born August 23, 1878
Four sons and a daughter were born, also in Mills County to Freelove Turner and Mary Rebecca Baker Gowens Turner:
Minnie Minerva Turner born March 29, 1883
John Earl Turner born August 23, 1885
Benjamin Franklin Turner born April 21, 1887
Luther Daniel Turner born January 2, 1889
Curtiss Turner born in 1891
Mary Frances Turner, daughter of Freelove Turner and Elizabeth Ellen Gowens Turner, was born March 8, 1861 in Mills County. She was married February 7, 1881 to Ebenezer Netherton Dosh at Glenwood. He was born August 10, 1859 in Cass County, Nebraska to Joseph M. Dosh and Lucy Ann Rease Dosh. They accompanied her father to Coleman County, Texas
Children born to them include:
Albert C. Dosh born about 1883
Grace Turner Dosh born June 20, 1885
Lucy Ann M. Dosh born about 1887
Freelove O. Dosh born about 1890
Grace Turner Dosh, daughter of Ebenezer Netherton Dosh and Mary Frances Turner Dosh, was born June 20, 1885 in Coleman County, Texas. She was married there November 22, 1903 to Chester Hogan Brooks who was born September 11, 1879 in Vernon County, Missouri to Joseph Franklin Brooks and Sara E. Finch Brooks.
Children born to them include:
Frank E. Brooks born about 1905
Mary Alice Brooks born August 16, 1907
Helen G. Brooks born about 1909
Edna J. Brooks born about 1912
Mary Alice Brooks, daughter of Chester Hogan Brooks and Grace Turner Dosh Brooks, was born August 16, 1907 in Coleman County. She was married to Caryl V. Webster November 28, 1928 in Yakima Washington. He was born January 20, 1908 in Laport City, Iowa to Frank A. Webster and Ellen P. Tallman Webster.
Children born to them include:
Diane Rae Webster born about 1930
Carla M. Webster born about 1933
Joanne J. Webster born about 1936
Valery Nan Webster born October 22, 1941
Valery Nan Webster, daughter of Caryl V. Webster and Mary Alice Brooks Webster, was born in Seattle, Washington October 22, 1941. She was married there August 18, 1960 to William Lee Bennatt. He was born July 18, 1938 in Tacoma, Washington to William D. Bennatt and Helen L. Nelson Bennatt.
Children born to William Lee Bennatt and Valery Nan Webster Bennatt include:
Gregory Allen Bennatt born April 2, 1962
Todd Andrew Bennatt born about 1965
David Bennatt born about 1968
Clara Ramona Turner, daughter of Freelove Turner and Elizabeth Ellen Gowens Turner, was born September 21, 1878 in Mills County. "She was married twice; first to my great grandfather, Daniel Livingstone Wilson who died of cancer in 1907, leaving her a widow with five children,” wrote Viola Lawrence, a descendant.
She died in Mills County at age 103.
Viola Lawrence, a great-granddaughter, wrote October 25, 1999:
"It was common knowledge from the time I was a small child, there was something different about her. She had unusual features, compared to the rest of the family. She had a very broad nose from the bridge to the tip, very full lips, coal black hair, dark eyes. She was a small woman. On her 100th birthday, I was sent a picture of her and a newspaper story about her life. I had not seen her for 30 years, yet the picture still looked like the woman I remembered. She died at 103 years.
One of Clara's daughters is alive now [October 25, 1999] and in her 90s, and I regret to say, the subject of the Gowens past is not open for discussion. It was a taboo all these years until I found "us" through the Foundation. There's so much I would like to know about our family, unfortunately it will stay with the past. Just recently I tried to get some answers without being specific, inquiring about great-grandma's nationality. The best I could get was 'you know we are all a bit of many peoples.'"
Viola Lawrence again wrote of her great-grandmother February 5, 2002”
“Clara Romana Gowens Wilson, my great grandmother, died in 1973 at the age of 103. I grew up knowing her, and even from my earliest remembrances of her, she was very different from the rest of us. Her appearance, her manner, everything about her was unique. She was very gracious, simple, but yet something about her stood out. It was never talked about openly, but myself, as well as "cousins" who I have recently quer-ied were led to believe by our parents that Grandma Clara was an Indian Princess. I've been chastised for that remark.
Her features were very distinct, she had a very broad nose from the bridge to the tip, full lips. She was a tiny woman, but agile. I realize now that probably my earliest memories of her were, when she was in her 70's. She still looked the same in the pictures of her I have when she was in her 90's. She didn't change!
Her daughter, Francis told me that Clara had jet black hair, five feet tall and brown eyes.
Clara was left a widow when my great grandfather died in 1907. He left her with five children; the young-est was three. Francis, the 3 yr old died a year ago, in her 90's. Although we lived 2,000 miles apart, I spoke with Francis often, gathering information on the family history. This was after I learned about our link to Charles Gowens and Elizabeth “Betsy” Blair Gowens. I filled her in on our ancestors, and gingerly spoke about "mixed blood." It took about three conversations before she would speak about her mother Clara's life. She told me that it was very difficult.
The family's kept quiet about their lineage, because of the shame, or persecution. So I learned that Great Grandma Clara had spoken of her background to daughter Francis. I was just beginning to break through the reluctance to talk, when Francis died!
Clara married a second time and had a daughter Clarice, agile as a fox, tiny just like her mother. She was a natural with a gun; she did the hunting for the game in the hills around Glenwood where they lived.
I have a story, she dictated. In it she tells of her life in the hills. Her mother taught her all the herbs, berries, wild flowers, trees, etc. From the time she was eight years old, Clarice did the hunting for meat for the table. believe Cla-ra Romana Gowens Turner is of "mixed blood," Melun-geon, I don't know.
From her appearance, and her skills, she stood out from the rest of us! Where did she learn these things? I have a pic-ture of another Gowens relative, think its Clara's uncle, and he also has very distinct features. I have no proof of any-thing, but my feelings are that she may be Melungeon. Just what does that word mean, to me; it's "mixed blood". Whatever her heritage, I'm honored and proud to be a Gowens descendant.”
Lovnah Gowens, daughter of James Blair Gowens and Mary An Livinia Jackson Gowens, was born October 6, 1840 in Gallatin County. She appeared as an 18-year-old in the household of her father in the 1860 census of Mills County.
George James Gowens, son of James Blair Gowens and Mary An Livinia Jackson Gowens, was born in Gallatin County April 3, 1842, according to a granddaughter, Etta Mary Lavica Gowens Baker. He was married about 1868 to Mary Baker who was born April 23, 1850 in Iowa. In 1869 they lived in Sarpy County, Nebraska. They were located in Iowa in 1870 and in Glenwood, Iowa in 1875.
He was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1880 census of Mills County, Iowa, Enumeration District 27, page 23 in St. Mary's township:
"Goings, George, 38, born in Kentucky
Mary 28, born in Iowa
James 10, born in Nebraska
Loisa J. 8, born in Nebraska
Sarah 7, born in Iowa
William 6, born in Iowa
Charles 4, born in Iowa"
They continued in Glenwood, Iowa in 1895. After his death Mary Rebecca Baker Gowens was remarried to Freelove Turner, her brother-in-law. He died December 28, 1922 in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Mary Rebecca Baker Gowens Turner was married for the third time, husband's name Tally. Mary Rebecca Baker Gowens Turner Tally died January 1, 1944 in Sulphur, Oklahoma
George James Gowens and Mary Rebecca Baker Gowens were the parents of:
James Freelove Gowens born September 15, 1869
Louisa J. "Lou" Gowens born October 23, 1870
Sarah Gowens born October 23, 1872
George William Gowens born December 13, 1873
Charles Gowens born December 3, 1875
James Freelove Gowens, son of George James Gowens and Mary Rebecca Baker Gowens, was born September 15, 1869 at Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Early in his life his parents moved to Iowa, where he was reared, according to "Reverend John Haynie" by Loyce Haynie Rossman. He was enumerated in the 1880 census of Mills County, Iowa as a 10-year-old.
In 1895 he was living in Fredericksburg, Texas where he was married on May 7, 1895 to Annie Brooks Dobbin, who was born in March 1875 at Fayetteville, Texas. Annie Brooks Dobbin Gowens was an enthusiastic genealogist and spent 50 years researching her family history.
Annie Brooks Dobbin Gowens, a consummate genealogist, was one of the first family researchers in Texas. Working with limited resources in largely rural sections of the state, she amassed an excellent genealogical collection.
At the time of her death in 1961, she had qualified for membership in Colonial Dames of the Nation, Colonial Dames of the XVII Century, Magna Charta Dames, Daughters of the American Revolution on eight accepted lines, Daughters of the War of 1812 and United Daughters of the Confederacy [on two grandfathers and several uncles]. She was the subject of a section in "Notable Women of Texas" by Ina Mae Ogletree McAdams published in 1962.
She enthusiastically pursued family lore for 50 years. She began her family history research in 1911 under most primitive conditions compared with advantages offered to genealogists today. She started with a lead pencil that cost a penny and a Big Chief tablet that cost a nickel.
She did not have the 1850 census, the Soundex or even the ballpoint pencil. There were no electric typewriters, no copy machines, no Polaroids, no fax machines, no transistors, no computers, no modems, no laser printers, no satellite communications and no surname foundations.
Besides her work in genealogy, Annie Brooks Dobbin Gowens was known for a treasured heirloom, an Oriental silk spread highly decorated with embroidered flowers, birds, and butterflies. Its main feature is a bird of paradise surrounded in a perfect circle by flowers and butterflies in the center.
It contains scores of embroideries, no two are exactly alike. The spread, reportedly purchased by Jean Lafitte, the pirate, in the Orient, was brought to his Galveston Island pirate colony, about 1820. Mrs. Gowens' grandfather, Robert Hardin Tobin, bought the spread in 1859, and it became a prized family possession.
At various times the spread was exhibited in the Smithsonian Institution, the Metropolitan Museums, and at the Chicago World's Fair of 1933 and was featured in "The Designer" magazine in 1905.
The spread and Mrs. Gowens were featured in the August 21, 1949 issue of the "San Antonio Express Magazine." In 1994, the spread is owned by a granddaughter, Lou Edith White Smith of Del Rio.
James Freelove Gowens was a 32nd degree Mason, according to "Reverend John Haynie." In 1900 the couple lived at West Point, Fayette County, Texas. In 1905 they lived in Milam County, Texas. In December 1913 they lived at Cameron, Texas.
James Freelove Gowens lived in Bay City, Texas. He died in 1924 in Del Rio, Texas. Mrs. Gowens remained there at 218 East Gibbs Street and worked for J. C. Penney Company for over 20 years. She died in Del Rio on July 21, 1961, according to Texas BVS File 43006.
Children born to James Freelove Gowens and Annie Brooks Dobbin Gowens include:
Etta Mary Levica Gowens born March 4, 1896
James Haynie Gowens born September 23, 1897
Robert A. Gowens born March 20, 1900
Blackstone White Gowens born December 6, 1905
Annie Louise Hardin Gowens born May 16, 1908
John Witherspoon Gowens born December 18, 1913
Etta Mary Levica Gowens, daughter of James Freelove Gowens and Annie Brooks Dobbin Gowens, was born March 4, 1896 in Kerrville, Texas. She was a school teacher in Bay City, Texas for approximately 20 years. She was married February 21, 1926 to Calvin E. Baker.
James Haynie Gowens, son of James Freelove Gowens and Annie Brooks Dobbin Gowens, was born September 23, 1897 in Rosebud, Texas. He was married in 1922 to Lauramay Richmond, according to Annie Brooks Dobbin Gowens. He was a railway station agent and telegraph operator at Cline, Uvalde County, Texas for many years.
Robert A. Gowens, son of James Freelove Gowens and Annie Brooks Dobbin Gowens, was born March 20, 1900 in West Point, Texas. He was married first to Hattie Gooch and a second time to Ruby Dennis Howard. Later he was an insurance consultant in Los Angeles, California. He was married to Artie Webb, according to Annie Brooks Dobbin Gowens. Of Artie Webb Gowens nothing more is known.
Children born to Robert A. Gowens and Hattie Gooch Gowens include:
Robert A. Gowens, Jr. born about 1925
Children born to Robert A. Gowens and Ruby Dennis Howard Gowens include:
Annette Gowens born about 1930
Blackstone White Gowens, son of James Freelove Gowens and Annie Brooks Dobbin Gowens, was born December 6, 1906 in Rockdale, Texas, according to BVS File 138892.
He was married about 1927 to Edna Turman and became a salesman. In 1958 he was assistant manager of Singer Sewing Machine Company at Corsicana, Texas. According to the city directory he and his wife lived at 308 W. 6th Avenue in 1958 and 1960.
In 1973 Blackstone White Gowens and Edna Turman Gowens were living at 1305 Taylor, Sonora, Texas. He died at age 67, of heart failure, at Hudspeth Hospital in Sonora. He was buried in Masonic Cemetery, Del Rio, according to Sutton County Death Book 10, page 105.
Annie Louise Hardin Gowens, daughter of James Freelove Gowens and Annie Brooks Dobbin Gowens, was born May 16, 1907 in Rockdale, according to BVS File 180150. About 1926 she was married to Andy White, a Val Verde County, rancher.
Annie Louise Hardin Gowens White died in December 2001, according to her daughter, Lou Edith White.
Children born to Andy White and Annie Louise Hardin Gowens White include:
Lou Edith White born about 1928
John Witherspoon Gowens, son of James Freelove Gowens and Annie Brooks Dobbin Gowens, was born December 18, 1913 in Cameron, Texas. He was listed as a waiter for E&E Sandwich Shop and lived at 1010 San Antonio, Austin, Texas in the 1935 city directory of Austin.
He was married to Patricia Kelley March 5, 1938 in Austin, according to Travis County Marriage Book 36, page 11. Of Patricia Kelly Gowens nothing more is known.
John Witherspoon Gowens was remarried November 12, 1938 in Uvalde to Nettie Mae Smith who was born August 8, 1915 in Huffman, Texas.
In 1940 John Witherspoon Gowens, a civil engineer and Nettie Mae Smith Gowens lived in Del Rio. In 1946 they resided at Lampasas, Texas. On March 23, 1948 they gave a warranty deed to A. J. Hall to a lot in Lampasas, according to Lampasas County Deed Book 87, page 228.
John Witherspoon Gowens, an engineer for Texas State Highway Department and Nettie Mae Smith Gowens, were shown in residence in Amarillo, Texas from 1949 through 1972. In 1949 they lived at 1610 Lincoln, in 1951 at 410 West 17th Street, from 1952 until 1964 at 4208 Monroe, from 1962 through 1969 at 4701 Lamar Street and from 1970 to 1972 at 4803 Journey Street.
John Witherspoon Gowens and Nettie Mae Smith Gowens received a warranty deed from C. L. Munday October 25, 1950 to a lot in Broadmoor Addition, Amarillo, according to Randall County Deed Book 124, page 426. Nettie Mae Smith Gowens was a public school clerk, working at the Wilson School from 1951 until 1958 and at Forrest Hill School from 1959 until 1972.
Children born to John Witherspoon Gowens and Nettie Mae Smith Gowens include:
John Witherspoon Gowens II born October 8, 1940
Bobby Louis Gowens born November 12, 1946
John Witherspoon Gowens II, son of John Witherspoon Gowens and Nettie Mae Gowens, was born October 8, 1940 at Del Rio, according to BVS File 92353. In the 1957 and 1958 editions of the Amarillo City Directory he was living with his parents. In 1957 he was a parking lot attendant and in 1958 was a packer for Amarillo Hardware Company. In 1960 he was listed as a student in the household of his parents.
John Witherspoon Gowens II was graduated from the United States Naval Academy June 5, 1963. He was married June 15, 1963 to Margaret Ann Cox who was born July 7, 1941 in El Paso, Texas, according to Potter County Marriage Book 31, page 100. In the 1968 edition of the Amarillo city directory he was shown to be in the military and maintaining a home at 4201 Tulia Drive. In 1995 he was a professor at Georgia Tech and lived in Tucker, Georgia. Nothing more is known of John Witherspoon Gowens II, and Margaret Ann Cox Gowens.
Bobby Louis Gowens, son of John Witherspoon Gowens and Nettie Mae Smith Gowens, was born November 12, 1946 at Lampasas, according to Lampasas County Birth Book 8, page 14. In the 1967 and 1968 editions of the Amarillo city directory he was shown living in the household of his parents at 4701 Lamar and employed as a technician by the Texas State Highway Department. He was married to Cheryl Ann Sills on July 19, 1966 at Amarillo, according to Potter County Marriage Book 34, page 309. In 1972 Bobby Louis Gowens and Cheryl Ann Sills Gowens were living at 6007 Fontelle Drive, Houston, Texas where he was shown as an accountant for Milton & Melton. In 1996, he was Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Randalls Food Markets in Houston. Children born to Bobby Louis Gowens and Cheryl Ann Sills Gowens are unknown.
Louisa J. "Lou" Gowens, daughter of George James Gowens and Mary Rebecca Baker Gowens, was born October 23, 1870 in Nebraska. She appeared as an eight-year-old in the 1880 census of Mills County, Iowa.
Sarah Gowens, daughter of George James Gowens and Mary Rebecca Baker Gowens, was born October 23, 1872 in Iowa. She appeared as a seven-year-old in the 1880 census of her father's household.
George William Gowens, son of George James Gowens and Mary Rebecca Baker Gowens, was born December 13, 1873 in Iowa. He appeared as a six-year-old in the 1880 census of Mills County, Iowa.
Charles Gowens, son of George James Gowens and Mary Rebecca Baker Gowens, was born December 3, 1875 in Glenwood, Iowa in Mills County, according to Etta Mary Gowens Baker. He appeared as a four-year-old in the 1880 census of Mills County.
Eva Gowens, daughter of James Blair Gowens and Sarah Luvisa Jackson Gowens, was born in Gallatin County in 1843. She was married there about 1860 to W. P. Dancer. Later they moved to Taylor County, Texas.
On December 18, 1899 W. P. Dancer of Buffalo Gap, Texas gave a deed to his brother-in-law General Washington Gowens to 1/3 interest in 80 acres of the original patent to James Blair Gowens for $210, according to Coleman County Deed Book 42, page 176. "W. P. Dancer and Eva Dancer" were named among the list of defendants sued by W. O. Cross April 15, 1921 to secure title to land sold by General Washington Gowens.
Children born to W. P. Dancer and Eva Gowens Dancer include:
Jesse P. Dancer born March 19, 1861
Jesse P. Dancer, son of W. P. Dancer and Eva Gowens Dancer, was born in Gallatin County March 19, 1861. He was married to Mary Garner Thomason September 28, 1885. They lived at Talpa, Texas. He died there May 29, 1943 and was buried in Talpa Cemetery. She died November 30, 1957 and was buried beside her husband.
Children born to them include:
Lenora Dancer born July 12, 1886
Susan Katherine Dancer born October 7, 1888
Willie F. Dancer born February 25, 1889
James Aubrey Dancer born July 22, 1897
Cora Belle Dancer born about 1898
Opal May Dancer born in 1902
Raymond Dancer born May 19, 1906
Julia Ann Gowens, daughter of James Blair Gowens and Sarah Luvisa Jackson Gowens, was born February 3, 1846 at Council Bluffs. She accompanied her parents in their move to Coleman County about 1876. She was married about 1873 to John Thomas Hamilton in Mills County as his second wife. His first wife was Martha McBee, according to the research of Evelyn Cordell. He was born June 25, 1842 to Aaron Hamilton and Elizabeth Lay Hamilton.