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 lov