GRAINGER COUNTY, TENNESSEE

 

Grainger County was organized April 22, 1796 with land from Hawkins and Knox counties.  It was named for Mary Grainger, maiden name of the wife of William Blount, according to Pollyanna Creekmore, pre-eminent historian of Tennessee.  Land was taken from Grainger when Anderson and Claiborne were created in 1801.  Additional territory was given up when Union County was created in 1850.  A final slice was removed when Hamblen County was created in 1870.

 

Virginia Easley DeMarse, Foundation researcher, compiled a list of the early taxpayers of Grainger County of interest to Gowen chroniclers.  Her account read:

 

"By the provisions of the Act of 1797, the justices were authorized to take lists of taxable property and polls in various captains' companies of the militia.  White polls were "all free males and male servants, between the age of twenty-one and fiftyyears;" slaves, "all slaves male and female, between the age oftwelve and fifty years."  On Monday, November 3, 1809, the Grainger County Court ordered ten justices to take the list of taxable property and make their returns at the next court session.  The returns were made February 19, 20, 21, 1810.  The amount of tax was omitted on the copy I abstracted from.

 

The headers for the following list are:

1) on each 100 acres, 12.5 cents

2) each town lot, 25 cents

3) each free poll, 12.5 cents

4) each black poll, 25 cents 5)

5) each retail store, $5.00.

The acreage is listed after item 1.

 

Polls and Taxable property in Captain William Mayses Company of Militia returned by Moses Hodge included:

 

John Goan, 90 acres North Holston, Young's Creek, no polls.

 

Claiborne Goan, 100 acres North Holston, Young's Creek , 1 free poll.

 

James Goan, 1 free poll.

 

List of polls and taxable property in the bounds of Captain Elisha Williamson's Company returned by Henry Boatman included:

 

William Goan, 1 free poll.

Shaderick Goan, 1 free poll.

 

List of polls and taxable property in the bounds of Captain John Bull's Company, returned by John Moffet included:

 

Caleb Gowin, 1 free poll.

 

List of Polls and Taxable Property returned by William Clay in the bounds of Captain Richard Cotses' Company included:

 

Samuel Bunch, 180 acres at Richland, 1 free poll.

Samuel Bunch for John Spencer, 2.

John Bunch, Senr. 187 acres R. C, 2 polls (black?).

John Bunch, Senr. 200 acres R. Knobbs, 6 (black?) polls, 4 other polls.

 

Captain Samuel Richardson's Company returned by David Tate, included:

 

William Guynn, 200 acres, 1 free poll.

 

Captain Thomas Sharp's Company returned by Mathew Campbell included:

 

Daniel Goan, 338 acres R. Creek, 1 free poll.

Robert Gains, 150 acres R. L. McNabbs, 1 free poll.

 

Captain George Gifford's Company returned by Charles McAnally included:

 

Griffee Collins, 1 free poll.

Thomas Collins, 1 free poll.

Thomas Collins, 1 free poll.

Joseph Collins, 1 free poll.

Dowell Collins, 1 free poll.

Conley Collins, 1 free poll."

 

A portion of the 1810 census of Grainger, long believed to have been lost, surfaced during the 1980s in the McClung Historical Collection.

 

The total population of the county in 1810 stood at 6,397.  The breakdown was as follows:

 

          Free White Males

        45 & over     315

        26-45        438

        16-26        548

        10-16        478

        0-10        1,115

 

    Free White Females   

        45 & over     270

        26-45        462

        16-26        542

        10-16        481

        0-10        270

 

    All other free persons,

        except Indians not Taxed  182

    Slaves    637

 

        Total    6,397

 

Several heads of households were listed in the 1830 census of Grainger County that were of interest to Melungeon researchers and Gowen chroniclers:

 

Edmund Bolen (fc)                  Ezekel, Bolen (fc)

Shadrach Bolen (fc)                 Clabourn Bolen (fc)

Edmund Bolen ( fc )                Moses Collins ( fc)

David Goan (fc)                       Gondly Collins (fc)

Thomas Goan (fc)                     Dowell Collins (fc )

Nancy Goan (fc)                       Lewis Collins (fc)

Preston Goan (fc)                     Encey Collins (fc

Fanny Goan (fc)                        Hardin Collins(fc)

Joseph Collins (fc)                   Andrew Collins (fc)

Griffin Collins (fc)                   Allen Collins (fc)

Levi Collins (fc)                       Lavinia Lafes(fc)

 

“fc” indicates “Free Colored”

                                             ==O==

Polly Goan [Goin?] was married May 20, 1812 to William Whitecotton, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850." 

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Pryor Goan [Goin] was married to Martha Moore March 2, 1831, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Mar­riages, 1796-1850."  Children born to Pryor Goan and Martha Moore Goan are unknown.

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Ann Goin was married December 19, 1850, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850." 

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Caleb Goin was married June 10, 1820 to Polly Dunkin, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850."  Of Caleb Goin and Polly Dunkin Goin nothing more is known.

                                             ==O==

David Goin was married March 8, 1820 to Nancy Dunkin, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850."   Children born to David Goin and Nancy Dunkin Goin are unknown.

                                             ==O==

Dicy Goin was married November 19, 1848 to Walker Jackson, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850."  

                                             ==O==

Drury Goin [Goans?] was married August 23, 1817 to Mary Goin [Goans], according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850."  Of David Goin and Mary Goin Going nothiug more is known.

 

Elizabeth Goin was married August 18, 1829 to John Davis, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850." 

                                             ==O==

Isabella Goin was married January 6, 1813 to Thomas Harriss, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850."  

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James R. Goin was married to Mariah Jarnagin August 19, 1849, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Mar­riages, 1796-1850."  Children born to James R. Goin and Mariah Jarnagin Goin are unknown.

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Jane Goin was married to Abram Bell December 3, 1841, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850." 

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Jeremiah Goin was married February 28, 1829 to Levenia Renfro, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850."  Children born to Jeremiah R. Goin and Levenia Renfro Goin are unknown.

                                             ==O==

John Goin was married January 10, 1845 to Martha Jane Goin, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850."  of John Goin and Martha Jane Goin Goin nothing more is known.

                                              ==O==

Levi Goin was married to Nancy Dickson December 8, 1825, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850."  Children born to Levi Goin and Nancy Dickson Goin are unknown.

                                             ==O==

Mahala Goin was married October 22, 1846 to James H. Perrin, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850." 

                                             ==O==

Martha Goin was married January 31, 1825 to Henry Wysnor, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850."  

                                             ==O==

Nancy Goin was married November 22, 1802 to James Ran­dolph, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Mar­riages, 1796-1850." 

                                             ==O==

Nancy Goin was married December 2, 1824 to Ezekiel Bowling, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850." 

                                             ==O==

Peter Goin was married December 4, 1837 to Katherine Petty, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850."  Children born to Peter Goin and Katherine Petty Goin are unknown.

                                             ==O==

Preston Goin was married December 9, 1829 to Betsy Goin, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850."  Children born to Preston Goin and Betsy Goin Goin are unknown.

 

Rebecca Goin was married December 22, 1812 to Philip Den­ham [Derehorn?] according to "Grainger County, Ten­nessee Marriages, 1796-1850."  

                                             ==O==

Sally Goin was married to Edmund Boling January 3, 1824, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850." 

                                             ==O==

Elizabeth Goins was married August 19, 1829 to John Davis, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850."  Justice of the Peace Henry Alsup performed the ceremony.

                                             ==O==

Ethel Louise Goins Dunn of Crandall, Georgia wrote in the July 1997 Foundation Newsletter, "Granville Goins, my g-g-grandfather, was born about 1810 in Grainger County, Tennessee of parents unknown, according to the affidavit of Matilda Goins of Dayton, Tennessee in the Court of Claims June 24, 1908."

 

He joined the exodus of some of the Melungeon Goins families who removed to Hamilton County, Tennessee.  Prominent in this group was David Smith Goins, Revolutionary soldier who moved about 1832 and his younger brother, Laban Goins who had preceded him in the move about 1829.  They were sons of Shadrach Goins of Hanover, Halifax and Patrick Counties, Virginia.

 

E. Raymond Evans, an anthropologist, made a study of the mysterious Melungeons and wrote a report of his findings in "Tennessee Anthropologist," Spring 1979.  He wrote:

 

"Located approximately 30 miles north of Chattanooga, the community of Graysville, Tennessee contains one of the most stable Melungeon settlements in the state.

 

No people in Tennessee have been subjected to more romantic speculation than have the so‑called 'Melungeons.'  These dark‑skinned people, living in a white world, have attempted to explain their color by saying they were of Portuguese descent, according to Swan Burnett in 1889 in 'The American Anthropologist.’  Popular writers, including Thurston L. Willis in 'The Chesapiean' in 1941 and Leo Zuber in 'The Melungeons' in 1941, have elaborated on this theme   They have been claimed to be descendants of the 'lost' tribes of Israel as reported by Jean Patterson Bible writing in 1975 in 'Melungeons Yesterday and Today.' and 'old world Gypsies,' 'Welsh Indians,' and Arabs by others.

 

Others have attempted to link their origin with established historical events.  Raleigh's 'Lost Colony' and the De Soto expedition are two examples suggested by Mozon Peters writing in 1970 in the 'Chattanooga Times.' 

 

The most common surname among the Graysville Melungeons is Goins, being so prevalent that the whites in the surrounding area call all the Graysville Melungeons 'Goinses,' rather than Melungeons.  In fact, the term 'Melungeon' is rarely used anywhere in lower East Tennessee. The Goins families are so well known in Rhea County that any dark skinned person, not regarded as a black, is said to 'look like a Goins."

 

In the 1830 census, Hamilton County reported less than 400 families.  Four of them were headed by "Laban Gowan, Roland Gowin, Sandford Gowin and Dodson Gowin."  Each of these families listed colored members [total of 13] and three of them listed white members [total of 6].  All were listed on Page 75 and were located just south of Graysville, Tennessee.  Since Granville Goins did not appear as a householder in 1830, he may have been a son of Laban Goins.

                                             ==O==

"David Goins, age 76" was listed as Revolutionary War Pensioner S3406 in Hamilton County in 1834, according to "Twenty Four Hundred Tennessee Pensioners" by Zella Armstrong.  David Smith Goins died in 1840 in Hamilton County, "his pension then being paid to his children" [unnamed], according to pension records.  He did not appear in the 1840 census of Hamilton County.

                                             ==O==

Granville Goins was married about 1831, wife's name Mary "Polly," probably in Graysville, located just across the county line in Rhea County.

 

Twelve households of the family were enumerated in the 1840 census of Hamilton County: Sanford Gowin, page 150; Thomas Gowin, page 150; George Gowin, page 150; William Gowin, page 150; John Gowin, page 150; Martin Gowin, page 150; G.[ranville] Gowin, page 150; P. Gowin, page 150; John Gowan page 175; Pryor Gowen, page 175, Carter Gowin, page 177 and Preston Gowen, page 178.  All except the last four were recorded as "free colored."

 

Granville Goins was enumerated as the head of a household No. 1339 in the 1850 census of Hamilton County.  The family was recorded October 21, 1850 as:

 

          "Goins,                Granvill     40, farmer, born in Tennessee

                                       Mary           33, born in Tennessee

                                       Mahaley     18, born in Tennessee

                                       Rachel        14, born in Tennessee

                                       Noah           12, born in Tennessee

                                       Roland        10, born in Tennessee

                                       Dopson         8, born in Tennessee

                                       James            6, born in Tennessee

                                       Nancy            4, born in Tennessee

                                       William   8/12, born in Tennessee"

 

Adjoining the household of Granville Goins was that of Nancy Goins.  The household, No. 1340, was recorded on Page 925 as: "Goins, Nancy, 45, born in Tennessee; Elizabeth, 29, born in Tennessee and Fanney, 10, born in Tennessee."

 

"Granville and Polly Goins" were mentioned in an affidavit signed in 1908 by J. P. Talley of Chattanooga, according to "Cherokee by Blood: Records of Eastern Cherokee Ancestry in the U.S. Court of Claims, 1906-1910" by Jerry Wright Jordon.  In the hope of compensation, several Melungeon families claimed Cherokee ancestry.  Talley stated:

 

"I [affirm] that I am 80 years of age and lived in James County, Tennessee [later absorbed].  I knew Polly and Granville Goins.  They lived in Hamilton County, but I think they were born in upper Tennessee, probably Grainger County.  Polly and Granville were a little older than myself.  They have been dead 12 or 15 years.  They were never on any Indian rolls that I know of." 

 

                                                J. P. Talley

June 18, 1908                              Chattanooga, Tenn.”

 

At the same time, W. T. Irvin of Chattanooga, grandson-in-law of Granville Goins, and former husband of Mary Jane Goins Irvin who died in 1897, made an affidavit about the family:

 

"I affirm that I live in Marion County, Tennessee [adjoining Hamilton County].  I am 49 years of age.  I make claim for my children.  My first wife has been dead 11 years.  She was about 30 or 32 when she died.  Her parents were Alfred Goins and Halie [Mahala?]Goins.  She claims Indian descent on her father's side and her mother's side.  Her grandparents on her mother's side were Granville and Polly Goins.  On her father's side they were Thomas and Betsy Goins.  They come by the same name because they were probably related.  She was always recognized as an Indian in the community in which she lived.  Her parents and grandparents lived in what is now James County.  Her grandparents originated in Grainger County.  She claimed to be a full-blood Cherokee.  Her grandparents lived in Hamilton County in 1835. 

                                                W. T. Irvin

June 18, 1908                              Chattanooga, Tenn"

 

Granville Goins and Mary "Polly" Goins died about 1914.  Children born to them are believed to include:

 

          Mahala "Halie" Goins                             born about 1832

          Betsy Jane Goins                                     born about 1834

          Rachel Goins                                           born about 1836

          Mary Goins                                              born about 1837

          Noah Goins                                              born about 1838

          Roland Goins                                           born about 1840

          Dodson Goins                                          born about 1842

          Martha Goins                                            born about 1843

          James L. Goins                                         born about 1844

          Nancy Goins                                             born about 1846

          John Goins                                               born about 1847

          William Goins                                          born about 1849

          Francis Marion Goins                               born about 1853

 

Dodson Goins, above, was the subject of an article in the Newsletter, January 1997.

 

Mahala "Halie" Goins, daughter of Granville Goins and Mary "Polly" Goins, was born in Hamilton County about 1832.  She appeared as an 18-year-old in the 1850 census of her parents household.  She was married about 1850 to Alfred Goins, a cousin.  He was a son of Thomas Goins and Betsy Goins.

 

Children born to Alfred Goins and Mahala "Halie" Going Goins include a daughter, Mary Jane Goins, born about 1865.  The daughter was married about 1882 to W. T. Irvin of Chatanooga.  She died in 1897 at about age 31, according to an affidavit furnished by Irvin, according to "Cherokee by Blood."

 

Betsy Jane Goins, daughter of Granville Goins and Mary "Polly" Goins, was born in Hamilton County about 1834, according to the research of Ethel Louise Goins Dunn of Crandall, Georgia.  She did not appear in the 1850 census of her parents' household.

 

Rachel Goins, daughter of Granville Goins and Mary "Polly" Goins, was born in Hamilton County about 1836.  She appeared as a 14-year-old in the 1850 census of the household of her parents.

 

Mary Goins, daughter of Granville Goins and Mary "Polly" Goins, was born in Hamilton County about 1837, according to Ethel Louise Goins Dunn.  She did not appear in the 1850 census.

 

Noah Goins, son of Granville Goins and Mary "Polly" Goins, was born in Hamilton County about 1838.  He appeared in the 1850 census of his father's household at age 12.

                                             ==O==

Rev. Leonard Goins had the distinction of conducting the funeral service Gertrude Janeway, the last surviving widow of a Union soldier from the Civil War:

 

“Last Recognized Civil War Widow Dies

Sunday, January 19, 2003

By Duncan Mansfield

Associated Press Writer

 

Blaine, Tennessee - Gertrude Janeway, the last widow of a Union veteran from the Civil War, has died in the three-room log cabin where she lived most of her life.  She was 93.

 

Bedridden for years, she died Friday, more than six decades after the passing of the man she called the love of her life, John Janeway, who married her when he was 81 and she was barely 18.

 

"She was a special person," said the Rev. Leonard Goins, who officiated at her funeral Sunday.

 

"Gertie, as she was called, had a vision beyond that [cabin] that kept her going.  She never had any wavering or doubt in her salvation.  She was strong in that," he said.

 

She was to be buried Monday near her husband's slender military tombstone at tiny New Corinth Church cemetery.

 

An honorary member of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Mrs. Janeway was the last recognized Union widow.  She received a $70 check each month from the Veterans Administration.

 

Still alive is Confederate widow Alberta Martin, 95, of Elba, Ala.  Mrs. Janeway, who lived her whole life in Blaine, about 30 miles north of Knoxville, was born 44 years after the Civil War ended.

 

In a 1998 interview, she said her husband rarely spoke about the war.  "He says the nighest he ever got to gettin' killed was when they shot a hole through his hat brim," she said, but he never told her where that happened.

 

Her husband was a 19-year-old Grainger County farm boy who ran away to enlist in 1864 after being encouraged by a group of Union horse soldiers that he met on his way to a Blount County grist mill.

 

He sent his horse home and signed up under the surname January because "he was afraid his people would come and claim him," Mrs. Janeway said.

 

Two months later, he was captured by Confederates near Athens, Georgia.  He was later released and rejoined his unit, the 14th Illinois Cavalry Regiment.  After the war, he spent many years in California before returning home to Tennessee and meeting then 16-year-old Gertrude.

 

Mrs. Janeway said her mother refused to sign papers to let her marry him before she turned 18. "So my man says, 'Well, I will wait for her until you won't have to,'" she recalled. "We sparked for three years."

 

She remembered getting married in the middle of a dirt road in 1927 with family and friends gathered around.  He bought her the cabin in 1932, and it was there that he died in 1937, at 91, from pneumonia.

 

"After he died, why it just seemed like a part of me went down under the ground with him," she said in the 1998 interview.  "He is the only one I ever had.  There wasn't anybody else."

                                             ==O==

An article describing the life of the last surviving Confederate widow was written by Matthew Linton Chancey, an Alabama free lance writer:

 

Mrs. Alberta Martin, The Last Known Living Widow of a Confederate Veteran

 

Mrs. Alberta Martin, The Old Man’s Darling

 

By Matthew Linton Chancey

 

Crouching in a muddy Virginia trench, Pvt. William Jasper Martin, hot, wet and far from home, shivered with fever and contemplated his prospects.  The backwoods 18 year-old boy represented the shattered remnants of an army that had captivated the world.  The Army of Northern Virginia had started with a few local militias in fancy uniforms and smoothbore muskets, and within two years had earned an everlasting legacy of valor which would fill thousands of books and millions of hearts the world over.

 

They came from all over the South: from the well-bred, tidewater Virginia Cavilier to the ruddy Scottish Presbyterian of the Southern Highlands.  These men represented the South united and the hope of the young confederation of American States which had banded together—as their fathers and grandfathers had—to form a government of their own.  Now in the summer of 1864, the South’s greatest army was slowly sinking into the mire around Petersburg and into history.

 

Today, the American Civil War is considered by most to be ancient history. Aside from your core group of history buffs, many Americans have trouble placing the War Between the States within the right century, let alone understanding the significance of why it was fought.

 

However, The War Between the States did not take place that long ago.  It is true that the technological wonders of the 20th century have created a seemingly insurmountable wall between the Old South and the New.  But the Old South is not that old.  There are people still living today whose grandfathers fought in America’s greatest and most devastating war.  There are even those living who had fathers marching under Robert E. Lee and "Stonewall" Jackson.  But there is one individual connected to the Old South in a way in which none other can boast.  Pvt. William Jasper Martin’s wife still lives. Mrs. Alberta Martin, age 92 is the last known living widow of a Confederate veteran.

 

If you want to visit "Miz" Alberta, you will not find her living on a plantation estate in Natchez, Mississippi, or Savannah, Georgia, but in a small assisted living facility in Elba, Alabama.  Miz Alberta has been called "the last link to Dixie" because to meet her is to meet history face-to-face.  Although she never lived in the 19th century, her connection to Pvt. W. J. Martin and the Confederacy is special and unique.  Since 1996, Miz Alberta has received the "Alabama State Pension for the Widows of Confederate Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines."

 

Her story is one of two centuries, two worlds, two societies, two political philosophies and two nations all intersecting.

                                             ==O==

“Goins Family Intermarried With Indian Neighbors”

 

This is one of the families included in the book “Early Hamilton Settlers” by John Wilson.

 

In the days when the Cherokee Indians occupied the Chattanooga region, members of the Goins family were their neighbors and intermarried with them.  Some of the Goins clan were of the mysterious dark-skinned Mel-ungeon race.

 

The Goins pioneers made their way from Virginia to Grainger and Claiborne counties and on to Hamilton in the 1820s.  Sanford Goins, Roland Goins, Laban Goins, Dodson Goins and John Goins were here at the time of the 1830 census.  Roland Goins paid George Irwin $50 for 160 acres in 1845. Dodson Goins was among those going out from Ross's Landing in the Second Seminole War in 1837.

 

The Goins family was allied with the Dodsons in Grainger County, Tennessee.  Laban Goins was born in Hanover County, Virginia in 1764, and he had an older brother, David Smith Goins, who was born in 1757. David Smith Goins volunteered for the Revolution in Halifax County, Virginia under Col. William Terry.  He had several terms of service, including a march to join Gen. George Washington's army at Portsmouth, Virginia about two months before the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. 

 

David Smith Goins lived in Grayson County, Virginia, then in Wythe County, Virginia before moving to Grainger County, Tennessee.  He arrived in Hamilton County on the last day of February 1833 and drew a Revolutionary pension of $32 per year.  Laban Goins resided on property at Sale Creek that is now the David Gray Sanctuary of the Audubon Society. Laban Goins' son, Carter Goins, was born in Virginia, and his children included Harbance Goins, Charles Goins and Carter Goins, Jr.  Carter Goins, Jr. was married to Cynthia A. McGill.

 

Children of Harbance Goins included Laban Goins, William Goins, Duncan Goins and Jane Goins.  Carter Goins, Jr. and Cynthia A. McGill Goins had William Goins, Francis Marion Goins, James Goins, Elizabeth Goins who was married to Pleasant Bowling, Jefferson Goins who was married to Sarah Mooneyham, Vandola Goins and Minerva goins who was married to James Goins and Francis Marion Goins, who was born in the removal year. 

 

Francis Marion Goins was married to Sarah Neely and then to Margaret J. Murphy.  He and Jefferson Goins were in the Union's First Light Artillery, and Francis Marion Goins was injured in the Battle of Cumberland Gap.

 

His children included James M. Goins, William J. Goins, Samuel Ulysses S. Grant Goins, Charles Goins, Andrew Goins and Lavada Goins.  By his second wife he had James Robert Goins, Ida Jane Goins and Maria Elizabeth Goins.  Francis Marion Goins died at Burt, Tennessee in Cannon County in 1895.

 

Samuel Ulysses. S. Grant Goins returned to the Graysville area after marrying Mrs. Amanda Mooneyham Barrett in Cannon County.  Her first husband was Albert Barrett of Cannon County.  Samuel Ulysses S.Grant Goins died in 1947, and Amanda Mooneyham Barrett Goins died in 1944.  Their children were John Wiley Goins who was married to Dovie Mae Bedwell, Levada Goins, Emiline Goins who was married to Charles Albert Leffew, Andrew Jackson Goins, Amie Marshall Goins who  was married to Floyd Martin Larmon, and Charles W. Goins who was married to Beatrice Goins.  Andrew Jackson Goins, who was unmarried, for many years had an ice cream cart in Chattanooga, Tennessee..

 

Another early settler was Pryor L. Goins who acquired 82 acres from William Reed for $80 in 1841.  Price Goins and Martha Goins also were here along with Tillman Goins and Dinah Goins.

 

Price Goins had Andrew Jackson Goins who was married to Mary Selvidge, Rachael Goins, Joseph Goins, Preston Goins, Priscilla Goins, Thomas Goins and Mary Goins.

 

Tillman Goins died in the late 1850s.  His children included Julia Ann Goins, Spencer Goins, James Goins, Pleasant Goins, Eliza Goins, William Goins, Carter Goins, Jackson Goins and Isabella Goins.

 

Preston Goins, who was born about 1804, was here [Hamilton County] prior to the war with his wife, Mary Goins.  Their son was Jarrett Goins, who married Rebecca and had William Goins, James Goins and Sarah Goins.

 

The John Goins family was allied with the Fields family, which had a Cherokee background.  John's children included Sandell Goins, Polly Goins, John Goins, Jr, Sanford Goins, Martin Goins, Thomas Goins and Nathan Goins. Sandell Goins was first married to George Fields, a Cherokee who went to Arkansas on the Trail of Tears, but returned to Hamilton County a few years later and died about 1841.  Sandell Goins Fields then married George Still.  Nathan Goins was married to Mary Fields. Another member of the family, Nancy Goins, was married to John Fields.

 

Granville Goins and his wife, Polly Goins, also lived among the Cherokees in Hamilton County.  It was said that Granville Goins knew the Cherokee language and had an Indian name. Granville Goins, who was a carpenter, started on the Trail of Tears, but was among those turning back to Tennessee.

 

Children of Granville Goins included Mahala Goins, Rachael Goins, Noah Goins, Roland Goins, Dodson Goins, Barnes Goins, Nancy Goins and William Goins.

 

One of the best known of the family was Oscar Claiborne Goins who was born in Grainger County February 24, 1830.  His parents moved to Hamilton County when he was three.  His father died when he was 11 and the mother, Nancy Biby Goins, was married in 1846 to a kinsman, Levi Goins.  The other children were Pleasant Goins, William Goins, George W. Goins and Sarah Jane Goins who was  married to James K. Cornell, a carpenter.

 

Oscar Claiborne Goins and his family “settled on a farm among the Cherokee Indians.”  He took over the farm's management after his father's death, then he began clerking in a store at Chattanooga when he was 16. He married Nancy Florence Potter, daughter of Moses Potter and Ellen Potter, in 1853.  They separated after they had a son, William Preston Goins. 

 

John C. Potter, who was married to Tennessee Iles, may be another son of Nancy Potter Goins.  William Preston Goins lived with his Potter grandparents during the Civil War.

 

William Preston Goins moved to Greene County, Arkansas. He was married to Lydia Elizabeth Lafferty, a descendant of the wealthy Rockefeller family.

 

In 1858, Oscar Claiborne Goins was married to Esther Reynolds, daughter of Anderson Reynolds and and Maria Reynolds.

 

Oscar Claiborne Goins was operating a grocery and supply house at Chattanooga when the Civil War broke out.  He enlisted on the Confederate side in the 19th Tennessee Infantry.  He first saw action at Fishing Creek, then was in the fighting at Shiloh.  He was detailed to bring wounded soldiers to Chattanooga, then he helped raise the Lookout Mountain Battery.  He was with this unit at Mobile, then was at Vicksburg before he finally had to leave the service because of poor health.  He was a traveling salesman after the war, and he moved his family near Spring Place, Georgia in 1873, when he acquired the three-story Joe Vann mansion.  The Goins family lived on this fine  plantation the next 22 years.  Oscar C. Goins was in Bradley County when he died in 1903.

 

William A. Goins also enlisted from Hamilton County with the Confederacy.  He was captured at Grand Gulf, Mississippi May 18, 1863, and taken to a prison at Alton, Illinois.  William Goins was sent for exchange on June 12, 1863, but he objected to the terms of the oath of allegiance and was returned to the Alton prison.  He died there July 2, 1864.

 

 A Goins family at Graysville near the Rhea County line had a Melungeon background.  Asa “Acy” Goins was married to Sara Bolden and they had a large family in the Brown Rock section. Acy Goins was one of the sons of Jackson Goins and Jennie  Goins, who moved to Hamilton County from Georgia about 1843. Others were  Richard Goins, William Goins, Henry Goins, Nathaniel Goins, Bradford Goins, George Goins and Robert Goins. Daughters were Sarah J. Goins, Nancy Goins, Caroline Goins, Viola Goins, Lydia Goins and Jane Goins.

 

Also living near the Jackson Goins family were Alfred Goins and Mahala Goins and Francis M. Goins and Sarah Goins.  Acy's Goins youngest child was Alvin Goins, who was born in 1903.  He was kicked in the head by a mule when he was five, and he never learned to read and write. But he could “perform a Goins remarkable feat of computation in his head that would baffle a math professor.  Given the day, month and year of someone's birth, in a few seconds Alvin could estimate the exact number of days that elapsed since then.”  Tested on this by an  author doing a book on Melungeons, “his figures were found to be correct down to the last digit.”  It was said when he worked at a sawmill, he could accurately compute a load of logs and tell how many slabs to cut off.  Some contractors building a brick  building asked his advice on how many bricks to order.  He made the computation in a few minutes.  After the project, three bricks were left over.

 

John C. Goins was born near Apison in 1896.  His grandfathers fought on different sides in the war.  His father was Daniel Alexander Goins and the grandfather was John Goins, who married Amanda Jane Hughes in 1852 and lived in  Bradley County.  John Goins, who was a native of Blount County, fought for the Confederacy with Co. D of Thomas' Legion. There were 12 children, including Daniel Alexander Goins who was born in Bradley County in 1869.  He married Mary Alta Johnson. Daniel A. Goins was killed near his home at Apison in 1939 when he was hit by a bus.  John C. and his younger brother, Charles Daniel Goins, were Chattanooga lawyers, and John C. Goins became a judge in Hamilton County Circuit Court.  John C. Goins was also president of the  Chattanooga Bar Association in 1934 and the Tennessee Bar Association in  1941-42.  He was also a member of the American Bar Association House of  Delegates in 1953-56. He married Wilda Swick, but she died a few hours after their son, John C. Goins Jr., was born.  His second wife was Martha Raulston of Marion County, and their son, Landon Haynes Goins, is a lawyer here.  His first name came from his father's longtime law partner, Landon Gammon. John C. Goins Jr. is a biologist in Missouri.

 

Caroline Goins, daughter of John C. Goins, married attorney Keith Harber.  Bess Goins, sister of John C. Goins, was a teacher at Tyner High School and she married the school's principal, Paul Morris.

 

John C. Goins also had brothers Thomas M. Goins and James Goins.  Thomas M. Goins was an attorney in Pennsylvania.

                                             ==O==

Humble Beginnings

 

Miz Alberta was born Alberta Stewart on December 4, 1906, down in a little hollow by a sawmill at a place called Dannely’s Crossroads in Coffee County, Alabama.  Today, although the sawmill is long gone, Dannely’s Crossroads looks much like it did in 1906—a simple intersection surrounded by cotton and peanut fields.  An old filling station sits on the corner, representing the only commercial establishment in the community; and scattered here and there are a few house trailers and the remains of old barns and sharecropper homes.

 

Miz Alberta’s parents, like many folks in the rural South at that time, were sharecroppers who spent their lives moving from field to field, planting and picking under the steamy southern sky.  "Back then times was hard," comments Miz Alberta,  "Back in the olden times, we lived poor. Everything was cheap, but you had no money.  It don’t seem like nothin’s like it use to be.  Seems like ever’thing has got modern."

 

Folks alive today who grew up as sharecroppers will tell you that the arrangement usually resulted in farmer and field hand getting the essentials of life, but not much more. The better the soil in a particular field, the better the crop yield—which translated into greater profits for the sharecropper.  Consequently, the Stewarts moved nearly every year, sometimes just across the street to work in an adjacent field.

 

Although modern family portraits usually picture family members neatly groomed and in comfortable living quarters, the only known picture of the Stewart family shows everyone in a cotton field—little cotton sacks hanging around the tiny bodies of the children.  "Before we were old enough to pick, they would put us in a cotton basket and take us out to the field with ‘em.  They would hang 24-pound flour sacks around our necks.  I started pickin’ cotton just as soon as I could wear that sack.  When we’d get that little ol’ cotton sack full, we emptied it into our mama or daddy’s sack.  We shook peanuts, stacked peanuts, hoed peanuts, hoed cotton and picked up roots where they’d clear a patch for plantin’ next year.  It was hard work."

 

Even though the Stewarts and most of their neighbors were dirt poor, Miz Alberta still remembers some of the good times they had down on the farm.  Every 4th of July, ol’ Doc Donaldson, who owned many of the fields in the area, would have a big Independence Day dinner where all his hands and anybody else who wanted to come could spend the day eating and playing games. Mr. Stewart loved to dance, and, according to Miz Alberta, "He could play the fiddle right smart."  He decided to throw a party one day for all the neighbors.  So they cleared the furniture and beds out of one room and had a big dance.  Miz Alberta remembers that the guests spit tobacco juice all over the floor, and her daddy promised never to host another indoor dance again.  Such was life on the red dirt roads in Curtis, Alabama.

 

With the good times came some bad as well.  When Alberta was 11 years old, her mother died after a long, painful battle with cancer.  In 1918, Alberta’s brother, A. J.  went off to war in France for Uncle Sam.  Shortly after A. J. shipped out, so did the rest of the Stewarts.  Mr. Stewart decided to move his family to a place that might have been as distant as Europe as far as the children were concerned—Tallassee, Alabama [around 100 miles from Curtis].

 

It was in Tallassee that Alberta married her first husband, Howard Farrow, in a little church on a street corner.  Mr. Farrow made his living driving a taxi cab.  While she was pregnant with their first child, Miz Alberta worked 12 hours a day in a cotton mill until her clothes could no longer hide her condition.  Shortly before their son, Harold, was born, Mr. Farrow abandoned his young, pregnant wife. 

 

Matters only worsened.  When Harold was only six months old, his father burned to death in a violent car accident.  After Howard’s death, Alberta and her father moved back south, this time outside of Opp, Alabama, in Covington County.  They moved in with Alberta’s half-brother and his family.  Living conditions were cramped in the little house, and Miz Alberta would periodically take Harold out for some fresh air in the front yard.  The house was surrounded by a picket fence, and it was at this fence line that Miz Alberta remembers seeing an old man frequently passing by on his way to town.

 

Unbeknownst to her, this particular old man had passed the house for reasons other than to meet some old war buddies at the corner store for a game of dominoes.

 

Mr. Martin Little is known of the early history of Pvt. W. J. Martin.  He was born in Macon County, Georgia in December 1845, but spent most of his life in the Covington County area.  W. J. Martin joined the Confederate army in May, 1864.  He fell in with Company K of the 4th Alabama Infantry Regiment, which at the time was involved in the siege of Petersburg and action around Richmond.  As for the rest of his War record, confusion abounds, since there were three or four “W. Martins” in the 4th Alabama Infantry, including two in company K.  It appears that several records have also been commingled. 

 

What happened after Pvt. Martin arrived in Petersburg is sketchy.  He took part in the Howlett’s House skirmish near Richmond and was eventually hospitalized with Rubella.  Some records list a William Martin as a deserter, but that William Martin was recorded as being born in Alabama.  William Jasper Martin was born in Georgia.  The William Martin who was listed as a deserter joined the Army when he was 16.  William Jasper Martin joined when he was 18.  To add to the confusion, when W. J. was in the hospital, some of his comrades reported him dead.

 

Despite the ambiguity of the official record, Pvt. Martin later convinced the State of Alabama that he was eligible for the Confederate veterans’ pension through the production of witnesses testifying to his military service. Additionally, the War Department could find no evidence in 1920 that William Jasper Martin was a deserter.  Mr. Martin, like so many other Alabama Confederate veterans, applied for a pension late in life—as one’s net worth had to be $400.00 or less to be eligible.

 

We may never know for sure whether W. J. was a deserter or not, but we do know that veteran Pvt. Martin was a true Confederate at heart.  Miz Alberta remembers that he made an effort to attend every annual reunion of the United Confederate Veterans in Montgomery.  "Mr. Martin," as Alberta called him, had changed considerably since his military days—at least physically.  The sounds of battle long since faded, the old warrior was in his eighties now. But his elderly frame hid a youthful spirit.

 

Their courtship was brief—just a few conversations over the fence rail.  He asked; she consented.  Mr. Martin then had to ask Mr. Stewart for his daughter’s hand.  Mr. Stewart gave his consent.  Although it was an unusual match, he had little of which to complain.  Mr. Martin was a sober man, and his generous pension of $50.00 a month would give Alberta and Harold a good life.

 

The wedding was scheduled for Saturday, December 10, 1927.  W. J. was nearly 82; Miz Alberta had just turned 21. It may be safe to assume that never had the town of Opp heard such a story.  This was to be a most abnormal marriage, and the gossip flowed freely.  Mrs. Martin went to town and bought herself a blue dress with a floral design in front extending from the neckline down to the hem.  Mr. Martin wore a dress shirt and sport coat.  They were married at the courthouse in Andalusia, the Covington County seat.  When asked if she loved him, Miz Alberta stated that her marriage to W. J. was not based on the type of love found between two young people, but on mutual respect and need.  Both wanted companionship and support—a young widow with a baby to look after, and an old man who needed someone to take care of him.

 

The uneventful wedding concluded, Mr. Martin took his new bride home to meet the family.  Mr. Martin lived with one of his sons [from an earlier marriage] and his family. Thus the peculiar wedding gave way to a very peculiar honeymoon when the new Mr. and Mrs. Martin spent their first night together in the same bedroom with four other family members.  Needless to say, Miz Alberta remembers that " after that first weekend, we got out of that place and found us our own home in town."

 

No sooner had the gossip died down in Opp when it was announced that Mrs. Martin would be expecting her second child.  Ten months after the marriage, Willie was born.  Mr. Martin was very proud of his little boy.  He would periodically take him into town, carrying the lad on his shoulders to show off his prize.

 

Remembering the War Mr. Martin never talked very much to his young wife about his service with the 4th Alabama. One of the few things she remembers is his complaining about how hungry he was and how on passing a field, he would dig frantically to find a potato or something left from the harvest.  The grim memories of trench warfare also were related.  Mr. Martin told Alberta about how he and his messmates would constantly throw firewood, blankets, and anything else on the floor of the trench in order to stay out of the mud. He also confided to Miz Alberta that Union men had tried to get him to enlist and serve Abe Lincoln’s army—a proposition he flatly refused.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Martin’s marriage was brief, lasting only 4 ½ years.  During the 1920s and ‘30s, Pvt. Martin and his Confederate comrades began slipping into eternity at an ever-increasing rate.  His funeral was very simple and without pageantry.  Today, beneath a large cedar tree in the Cool Springs Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Opp, Alabama, a simple VA marker identifies his grave.  Today, when asked why she married a man so much older than herself, Miz Alberta just smiles and says, "It’s better to be an old man’s darlin’ than a young man’s slave!"

 

Two months after Mr. Martin’s death, Alberta married again, this time to Mr. Charlie Martin.  Charlie was the grandson of W. J. Martin from his first marriage, which had taken place over 50 years earlier.  By this time, the folks in Opp had seen just about everything.  At first, the local clergy were not sure how to handle the marriage, so Charlie and Alberta were temporarily estranged from their church.  But upon further study of the Scripture, it was agreed that the Martins were not committing sin, and the couple was welcomed back into fellowship.

 

In 1936 the Martins moved to Elba, where they spent most of their life together.  The two were married for over 50 years until Mr. Martin’s death in 1983.  After Charlie died, Miz Alberta settled down for permanent widowhood.  She led a quiet life, playing bingo at the local Senior Citizens Center and attending church with her friends.  Every now and again someone would ask her about her Confederate husband, but for the most part Miz Alberta’s past remained largely unknown.  That is until Daisy Wilson Cave, supposedly the "last known living Confederate widow" died around 1990. 

 

The overlooked widow.  In the Spring of 1996 when the Pvt. William Rufus Painter Camp # 1719 realized who they had in their back yard, Dr. Ken Chancey, a visiting SCV member from the Col. William C. Oates Camp #809, Dothan, Alabama, volunteered to visit Miz. Alberta and see if the SCV could offer any assistance to her.

 

After driving around Elba trying to find the right street, he finally received a police escort to her house.  Miz Alberta was pleased as always to have visitors and listened intently as Dr. Chancey asked her questions about her needs.  She made two requests to the doctor:  One was that he help her receive the recognition to which she believed she was entitled for marrying into history.  She modestly stated that she had never done anything all that important in her life, but she was the last Confederate widow.  The second request was that the SCV look into her eligibility for a Confederate pension.  After receiving assurance from Dr. Chancey that he would do his best, the two said their good-byes.

 

On to Richmond!

 

In 1996, the SCV held its 100th anniversary convention in Richmond, Virginia, at the majestic Jefferson Hotel.  Men from all over the country gathered for the opening session of the Convention.  SCV members could be easily identified—their Sunday suits glittered with heritage metals and Bonnie Blue lapel pins.  The convention promised to be the one of the most memorable in SCV history.

 

In the main ballroom the 5th Alabama Infantry Band played Southern music with passion, and the stage was draped with a huge Confederate Battle Flag.  After the ceremonies began, the Commander-in-Chief of the SCV announced that they had a special guest among them.

 

"Men, can you believe it?  We still have one with us!" He then introduced Alberta Martin as the last known living widow of a Confederate veteran, and the brand new recipient of the "Alabama State Pension for the Widows of Confederate Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines."  Mrs. Martin was slowly wheeled down the aisle by Dr. Chancey.  As she passed, whispers could be heard, "That’s the widow…that’s her, boys."  The men burst into a rousing ovation while Miz Alberta, with both hands, began throwing kisses.

 

This provoked the men to more intense applause and some were observed weeping, as they no doubt realized the special connection this 89-year-old woman had to their own Confederate heritage.

 

With the applause and rebel yells continuing, Miz Alberta was asked if she would like to say anything.  She told the men that she loved them and thanked them for all they had done for her.  With that, the ovations and rebel yells started up again.  This was the largest and warmest reception Mrs. Martin had ever received in her life.

 

Miz Alberta has since been to numerous reenactments, Confederate grave dedications, a funeral for an unknown Gettysburg casualty, a meeting with a Union veteran’s widow, dedication of the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library, several more SCV annual conventions, and the recent Confederate Flag rally in Columbia, S.C.  Who would have thought that Fate would have it that a little old woman, who grew up dirt poor in southeast Alabama, would become the most unique direct link to an old civilization that has endeared the hearts of millions?

 

Alberta Martin’s life is a silent reminder to us not to get so caught up in "progress" that we forget the important lessons and experiences from the past.

 

The seeds of her unique legacy have apparently fallen on fertile ground, for in the last ten years, Confederate heritage groups have mushroomed in the North and South. Never since the end of Reconstruction has there been such a renewed interest in what it means to be Southern and a descendant of a Confederate soldier, sailor, or marine. With this movement is developing a common icon—not of a masculine reenactor in his dress grays, or a suave politician speaking on State’s Rights—but of a little old widow from Elba, Alabama, waving a Confederate Battle Flag and blowing kisses to descendents of men who fought along with her late husband for the cause of Southern independence.

 

Ol’ times there are not forgotten…

 

Matthew Linton Chancey is an Alabama-born freelance writer currently living in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

                                             ==O==

Roland Goins, son of parents unknown, was born about 1810.  He was married about 1833, wife's name Elizabeth.  He was reported at age 40 in the 1850 census of Hamilton County, Civil District 27, Household 662-830:

 

          " Goins,               Rolin          40, born in TN

                                       Elizabeth    35,

                                       John           15,

                                       Dotson       13,

                                       Harrison    10"

 

The family reappeared in the 1860 census of adjoining Roane County, Civil District 6, Household 927-1064:

 

          "Goen,                  Rowlen      45, born in TN

                                       Betsy           35

                                       Wm. D.       23

                                       Harrison     19"

 

"Betsy Goen" is regarded as the second wife of Rolin Goins.  Children born to Roland Goins and Betsy Goins are unknown.

 

Children born to Roland Goins and Elizabeth Goins include:

 

          John Goins                                      born about 1835

          William Dotson Gowins                born about 1837

          Jesse Harrison Goins                     born about 1840

         

John Goins, son of Roland Goins and Elizabeth Goins, was born about 1835, probably in Hamilton County.  He appeared as a 15-year-old in the 1850 census in the household of his father.

 

William Dotson Gowins, son of Roland Goins and Elizabeth Goins, was born about 1836, probably in Hamilton County, Tennessee.  He appeared at age 23 in his father's household in the 1860 census of Roane County. 

 

He was married to Sarah E. Morris in Roane County March 20, 1861, according to Roane County marriage records.  They were members of the Prospect Baptist Church there [now Loudon County] along with several Morris families.

 

He enlisted in the Forty-third Tennessee Infantry Regiment, Company F, in 1861, along with his brother, Jesse Harrison Goins.  He participated in the Battle of Vicksburg and died during the battle or shortly afterwards, according to Mary Ruth McKinney, a descendant of Dallas, Texas.  His widow was remarried to Robert E. Redpath and removed to Illinois about 1868, according to research of Mary Ruth McKenney.

Wife #2

was Sarah [Morris] Gowen, gr grandmother of my husband, Kenneth Reeves.

  Robert and first wife were on the 1860 Allegheny Co PA census.  I

found that on an index, but have not seen the actual census.  By 1870,

Robert, age 50 b PA, was in Marion Co IL with 2nd wife, Sarah 27 b TN.

The children listed were Wilbur, 19 PA, Alice 17 PA, Emma 13 PA, Robert

9 PA and Flora B. 1 IL.  Flora was evidently from 2nd marriage to Sarah.

  In 1880 Marion Co IL, Robert 60 PA, Sarah 40 TN, Emma K 24 PA, Robert

E 19 PA, Charles N 12 IL, Frank W 9 IL, Schulyer E 6 IL and William 4

IL.

  In 1900, Sarah was living in Lawrence Co MO, age 57, born Apr 1843.

Her youngest son, John Bert born Dec 1880, was also residing there.

  All that was known by the family is the marriage of Sarah Gowen to a

Mr Redpath, and that they had a son Bert (John Bert).  None of the other

siblings were ever mentioned to the grandchildren of Jesse Gowen, older

son of Sarah [Morris] Gowen Redpath.

  Earlier today, I found the marriage record for Charles N Redpath to

Arlie Schooley, Cook Co IL 20 May 1893.  I believe this was Charles, s/o

Robert, but there is no proof of that.

  John Bert Redpath married a lady named Rachel, born in KS.  He died

July 1973 in Tulsa, Tulsa Co OK.

  I hope someone knows of these Redpaths.  They have certainly remained

a mystery as far as this branch of the family is concerned.

    Joyce House-Reeves

  

 

Children born to William Dotson Gowin and Sarah E. Morris Gowin include:

 

          Jesse Harrison Gowin                  born July 28, 1862

 

Jesse Harrison Gowin, son of William Dotson Gowin and Sarah E. Morris Gowin, was born July 28, 1862 in Loudon, Tennessee.  He was married in 1887 to Sallie Ann Robertson in Seymore, Missouri.  Children born to Jesse Harrison Gowin and Sallie Ann Robertson Gowin are unknown.

 

Jesse Harrison Goins, son of Roland Goins and Elizabeth Goins, was born about 1840.  He appeared as a 10-year-old in the 1850 census of Hamilton County in his father's household.  He was enumerated at age 19 in the 1860 census of Hamilton County as "Harrison Goen."  He and his brother William Dotson Gowin enlisted in 1861 in Company F, 43rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and participated in the Battle of Vicksburg.

 

Dodson Goins, son of Granville Goins and Mary "Polly" Goins, was born in Hamilton County about 1842.  He was recorded as an eight-year-old in the 1850 census of Hamilton County.  He was married about 1864 to Erelda Goins, daughter of Nathan Goins and Sarah Elizabeth McGill Goins, according to Dunn research.

 

"Dodson Goin" was listed as the head of a household in the 1880 census of Cannon County, Enumeration District 24, page 25, Civil District 9, enumerated as:

 

          "Goin,        Dodson               36, born in TN

                             Erilday                35, born in TN

                             Noah                   15, born in TN

                             William              13, born in TN

                             Psalmist               9, born in TN, son

                             Mahala                  7, born in TN

                             Lotta                     6, born in TN

                             De A.                     1, born in TN, son"

 

The full name of the third son of Dodson Goin and Erilday Goin is believed to be "Psalmist David Goin."  Later he would be known as "Sam D. Goin." [Samuel David Goins]  He was born in Tennessee in January 1870, according to the census. 

 

Dodson Goin died in 1887, according to Dunn research, and his widow was remarried to Joshua Columbus Goins, unidentified.  Erelda Goins Goins Goins was still living in 1905 in Cannon County.

 

Children born to Dodson Goins and Erelda Goins Goins in­clude:

 

          Noah Goins                                                      born about 1865

          William Granville Goins                                 born about 1866

          Psalmist David Goins                                      born January 1870

          Mahala Goins                                                   born about 1873

          Lottie Bell         Goins                                      born about 1874

          De Amold        Goins                                       born about 1878

          Jacob Benjamin Goins                                     born about 1883

 

Noah Goins, son of Dodson Goin and Erelda Goins Goins, was born about 1865 in Hamilton County.  He appeared as a 15-year-old in the 1880 census of his father's household.  He was married about 1888, wife's name Jane.  Children born to Noah Goins and Jane Goins are unknown.

 

William Granville Goins, son of Dodson Goin and Erelda Goins Goins, was born about 1866 in James County, Tennessee.  He appeared as a 13-year-old in the 1880 census of Cannon County.  He was married about 1889, wife's name unknown.

 

Children born to them include:

 

          Ida Goins                                                           born January 4, 1891

          Claud Goins                                                      born October 11, 1895

          Irene Goins                                                        born December 9, 1901

 

Psalmist David Goins, son of Dodson Goin and Erelda Goins Goins, was born in January 1870.  He was enumerated at age 9 in the 1880 census. 

 

"Sam D. Goin" was married about 1897 to Mary Clark, de­scribed as a "caucasian."  He filed suit in 1905 in Franklin County, Tennessee seeking to have his son Henry E. [or Harry E.] Goins reinstated in school from which he had been expelled for "being a Negro."

 

In a deposition taken December 22, 1905 in Winchester, Tennessee, Sam D. Goin advised that he would be "35 next month" and that he was the father of Harry E. Goin who was born July 19, 1898.  He stated that "Harry E. Goin, his oldest living child" was enrolled in school in the Ninth Civil District of Franklin County in July 1904 at age six.  He was dismissed by the teacher, J. B. Smith on the suspicion of being a Negro.

 

"Sam D. Goin" testified that he was "Cherokee and Irish" and had no Negro blood.  He stated that he went to white schools in Cannon and Wilson Counties.

 

In the hearing Mary Clark Goin deposed that she was "born and raised in Franklin County and that she did not know if her husband had any Negro blood." 

 

"Mrs. Erilday Goin, mother of Sam D. Goin, age 73" [most likely 60], testified that her son was a "little darker than white people."  The deposition record gives no hint as to the final result of the hearing.

 

Children born to Psalmist David Goins and Mary Clark Goins include:

 

          Harry E. Goins                                            born July 19, 1898

 

Harry [Henry] E. Goins, son of Psalmist David Goins and Mary Clark Goins, was born July 19, 1898.  He was the subject of a school controversy in 1905 in Franklin County, Tennessee.

 

Mahala Goins, daughter of Dodson Goin and Erelda Goins Goins, was born about 1873.  She was recorded at age seven in the 1880 census of Cannon County.  She died in 1884, ac­cording to Dunn research.

 

Lottie Belle Goins, daughter of Dodson Goin and Erelda Goins Goins, was born about 1874.  She was enumerated at age six in the 1880 census.  She died in 1893, according to Dunn research.

 

De Amold Goins, son of Dodson Goin and Erelda Goins Goins, was born about 1879.  He was recorded as a one-year-old in the 1880 census of his father's household.  He died in 1884, according to Dunn research.

 

Jacob Benjamin Goins, son of Dodson Goin and Erelda Goins Goins, was born about 1883.  He died in 1891, according to Dunn research.

 

Martha Goins, daughter of Granville Goins and Mary "Polly" Goins, was born in Hamilton County about 1843, according to Ethel Louise Goins Dunn.  She did not appear in the 1850 census of her father's household..

 

James L. Goins, son of Granville Goins and Mary "Polly Goins, was born in Hamilton County about 1844.  He ap­peared as a six-year-old in the 1850 census.  He was married about 1870 to a cousin, Melvina Goins, daughter of Martin Goins and Susan Goins.  James L. Goins died August 20, 1897.

 

According to the research of Ethel Louise Goins Dunn, children born to James L. Goins and Melvina Goins Goins include:

 

          Mary Goins                                   born about 1871

          Elijah Goins                                  born June 7, 1873

          Archibald Goins                           born September 8, 1874

          Charles Goins                               born February 10, 1876

          Albert Goins                                 born about 1878

          Mattie Goins                                 born about 1879

          Thomas Goins                               born about 1880

          John Goins                                    born about 1883

 

Mary Goins, daughter of James L. Goins and Melvina Goins Goins, was born about 1871.  She was married about 1890, husband's name Erwin, according to Dunn research.

 

Elijah Goins, son of James L. Goins and Melvina Goins Goins, was born June 7, 1873 in James County, Tennessee.  He was married about 1896, wife's name Dora.  Children born to Elijah Goins and Dora Goins are unknown.

 

Archibald Goins, son of James L. Goins and Melvina Goins Goins, was born September 8, 1874 in James Gounty.  He was married about 1897, wife's name Florence. 

 

Children born to Archibald Goins and Florence Goins include:

 

          Eliza Goins                                                         born about 1900

 

Eliza Goins, daughter of Archibald Goins and Florence Goins, was born about 1900, according to John Harrison, a grandson.

 

Charles Goins, son of James L. Goins and Melvina Goins Goins, was born February 10, 1876.  He was married about 1899, wife's name Nancy.  Of Charles Goins and Nancy Goins nothing more is known.

 

Albert Goins, son of James L. Goins and Melvina Goins Goins, was born about 1878. 

 

Children born to Albert Goins include:

 

          James Goins                                                       born about 1918

 

Mattie Goins, daughter of James L. Goins and Melvina Goins Goins, was born about 1879.  She died in 1898, according to Dunn research.

 

Thomas Goins, son of James L. Goins and Melvina Goins Goins, was born about 1880.  He died in 1906, according to Dunn research.

 

John Goins, son of James L. Goins and Melvina Goins Goins, was born about 1886.  He died in 1906, according to Dunn research.

 

Nancy Goins, daughter of Granville Goins and Mary "Polly" Goins, was born in Hamilton County about 1846.  She appeared as a four-year-old in the 1850 census.

 

John Goins, son of Granville Goins and Mary "Polly" Goins, was born in Hamilton County about 1847, according to Ethel Louise Goins Dunn.  He did not appear in the 1850 census of his father's household.

 

William Goins, son of Granville Goins and Mary "Polly" Goins, was born in Hamilton County about 1849.  He was enumerated at "eight months" in the 1850 census of his par­ents' household.

 

Francis Marion Goins, son of Granville Goins and Mary "Polly" Goins, was born in Hamilton County about 1853, according to Ethel Louise Goins Dunn..

                                             ==O==

Isabella Goins was married January 6, 1813 to Thomas Har­riss, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850."  

                                             ==O==

Joseph Anderson Goins was born about 1820, possibly in Grainger County, according to a letter written by Doris Ann Goins Ketner of Clinton, Tennessee.  He was married about 1843, and the bride is believed to be Martha Lipscomb. 

 

Children born to Joseph Anderson Goins and Martha Lip­scomb Goins include:

 

          Joseph Anderson Goins, Jr.                       born August 15, 1848

 

Joseph Anderson Goins, Jr, son of Joseph Anderson Goins and Martha Lipscomb Goins, was born August 15, 1848 probably in Greene County, Tennessee.  He was married in 1868 to Su­san Perkey. They and their 12 children removed to Anderson­ville, Tennessee about 1886.  Children born to Joseph Ander­son Goins and Susan Perkey Goins are unidentified.

                                             ==O==

Lloyd P. Goins, son of Charlie Goins and Nancy Goins, was born November 3, 1906 in Dayton, Tennessee, according to the research of Roberta E. Horton, Foundation Member of Concord, California.  He was married about 1934 to Cora Mae Thrailkill who was born January 24, 1908 to Naomi Swafford Thrailkill.  In 1946 they were living in Los Angeles, Califor­nia.

 

Lloyd P. Goins died in May 1991 in Chattanooga, and his wife died December 13, 1995 in San Diego, California.

 

Children born to Lloyd P. Goins and Cora Mae Thrailkill Goins include:

 

          Betty June Goins                                               born about 1936

          Martha Imogene Goins                                      born about 1938

          Lloyd Dewayne Goins                                       born about 1941

          Barbara Yvonne Goins                                      born about 1944

          Treva Ladoyn Goins                                          born October 18, 1946

                                             ==O==

Malinda Goins was enumerated in the 1870 census of Grainger County living in Household No. 37 headed by James Dotson in Thornhill District:

 

          Dotson,                James         32, farmer

                                       Prior           38, farmer

          Goins                    Malinda    27, domestic servant

                                       Mary            6”

                                             ==O==

Nancy Bibee Goins and her husband, name unknown, removed from Grainger County in 1833 "and settled among the Cherokees" in Hamilton County, Tennessee, according to "Memoirs of Georgia" published in 1895 in Atlanta by Southern Historical Association.

 

Nancy Bibee Goins was remarried to Levi Goins after the death of her first husband in 1841, according to this volume.  This statement has not been documented by Tennessee county records.  If this statement is not correct, then Levi Goins, in­stead of being a kinsman of her first husband, was her first husband.  Levi Goins appeared as the head of a household in the 1850 census of Hamilton County, Household 318, page 782:

 

          "Goins,                Levi                      50, born in Tennessee

                                       Nancy                   40, born in Tennessee

                                       Oscar                    22, born in Tennessee

                                       Jane                      20, born in Tennessee

                                       Pleasant                16, born in Tennessee

                                       William                14, born in Tennessee

                                       George                 11, born in Tennessee"

 

“Levi Goins,” age 38, was convicted of larceny in Hamilton County and was sentenced to serve time in the state penitentiary at Nashville, Tennessee, according to “Convicts in the Tennessee State Penitentiary, 1831-1850.”

 

Children born to Nancy Bibee Goins and her first husband included:

 

          Oscar Claiborne "Roscoe" Goins

                                                                    born February 24, 1830

          Sarah Jane Goins                              born about 1831

          Pleasant Goins                                  born about 1833

          William A. Goins                             born about 1835

          George Goins                                   born about 1838

 

Oscar Claiborne "Roscoe" Goins, son of Nancy Goins, was born in Grainger County February 24, 1830, [1829?], according to "Memoirs of Georgia."

 

"The father of Mr. Goins, a native of Wythe County, Virginia, was born during the early part of this century.  He moved to Cocke County, Tennessee with his parents.  Later he settled in Hamilton County where he was married Miss Nancy Biby of Cocke County.  They had five children, four sons and one daughter, Oscar C, William W, Pleasant W, George W. and Sarah Jane.  She was married to James K. Connell of Virginia and now resides in Birmingham, Alabama.  The others are now deceased, Oscar C. being the survivor."

 

In 1833 the family of Oscar Claiborne "Roscoe" Goins re­moved to Hamilton County where he had the opportunity of getting well acquainted with the Cherokee Indians.  His father farmed there until he died in 1841.  His mother was remarried in 1846 to Levi Goins, suggested as a kinsman to her first husband.  Oscar Claiborne "Roscoe" Goins left home shortly afterward and went to Chattanooga when he found a job as a "clerk in a mercantile house."

 

"He remained there for 13 years where he acquired an extensive and practical knowledge of mercantile affairs which has since proven to be of infinite value to him," according to "Memoirs of Georgia."

 

He was married about 1853 to Nancy Florence Potter who was born in Alabama in 1832.  She appeared as a 22-year-old unmarried female living in her father's household in the 1850 census of Hamilton enumerated October 3, 1850.  A son, their only child was born to them May 11, 1855.  It is assumed that they were divorced about 1856.

 

He was remarried there in 1858 to Esther C. Reynolds, daughter of Anderson Reynolds of Chattanooga.  Immediately after his marriage he went into the grocery business which he operated until the beginning of the Civil War.

 

The family was enumerated in the 1860 census of Hamilton County as:

 

          "Goins,                  O. C.           30, born in TN

                                         Ester           21, born in TN

          Reynolds,               Mary           15, born in TN"

 

Anderson Reynolds wrote his will July 17, 1860 including the names of Sarah Crabtree and Ester Reynolds Goins among his heirs.

 

Nancy Florence Potter Goins was enumerated in the household of her parents in the 1860 census of Hamilton County:

 

          "Potter,                Moses                     60, born in TN, farmer,

                                                                             $240 real estate

                                       Ellander                  56, born in SC

                                       Nancy                      28, born in AL

                                       Elizabeth                 26, born in TN

                                       McKelvey                13, born in TN

                                       James H.                    8, born in TN

                                       *Wm. Preston            6, born in TN"

 

The household of Moses Potter reappeared in the 1870 census of Hamilton County, No. 93-93 in Civil District 12:

 

          "Potter,                Moses                           70, born in TN, farm laborer

                                       Ellen                              66, born in SC

                                       Nancy                             40, born in AL

                                       Elizabeth                        38, born in TN

                                       John                               16, born in TN

                                       *Preston                         15, born in TN

                                       George W.                        6, born in TN

 

William Preston Goins was enumerated as William Preston Potter in 1860 and 1870.  His grandfather Moses Potter lived to be 104, according to the research of Louise Goins Richardson.

 

William Preston Goins enlisted in Company B, Nineteenth Tennessee Infantry Regiment commanded by Col. J. C. Cummins.  Shortly afterward he was commissioned a second lieutenant in command of his company.  His first engagement was in the Battle of Fishing Creek, Kentucky.  Afterward his regiment participated in the two-day Battle of Shiloh, Tennessee.

 

Following this battle, he was ordered to bring the wounded to Chattanooga by way of Mobile and Montgomery and Atlanta.  Upon completing this assignment, he assisted in the raising of Lookout Mountain Battery under the command of Capt. R. L. Barry.  Later Barry's Light Artillery was transferred to Knoxville, then to West Point, Mississippi and finally to Pollard, Alabama near Alabama.  The battery was stationed there for 12 months, serving to protect the railroad junction there. 

 

When the battle for Vicksburg intensified, the battery was moved northward to Jackson, Mississippi.  It participated in the Battle of Baker's Creek and then moved to Yazoo City in an attempt to repel the Union gunboats on the Mississippi under the command of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston.  After the fall of Vicksburg July 4, 1863, the battery was pulled back to Jackson.

 

According to "Tennessee Soldiers in the Civil War," John Goins, Levi Goins and Rosco Goins served as privates in Company C, Thirty-seventh Infantry Regiment, C.S.A.  Henry Goins served in Company G in the Thirty-seventh as a cook.  Pvt. Oscar C[laiborne] Goins was shown as a member of Barry's Light Artillery.

 

"Pvt. Rosco Goengs" and Pvt. John Goins were members of Co. C, Thirty-seventh Tennessee Infantry Regiment in 1862, according to "Confederate Veteran," Volume 28, [1920].  The regiment was organized in Morristown, Tennessee in May 1861.

 

After the war, he returned to Chattanooga broken in spirit, broken in health and broken in finances.  He, like many Confederate veterans, had to attempt to rebuild his life.  For the next 13 years he became a traveling salesman, and gradually regained his finances. 

 

Anderson Reynolds, former father-in-law of Oscar Claiborne "Roscoe" Goins, died about 1866, and Goins, joined by John Crabtree and Sarah Crabtree, appeared in court to contest the will.  They were unsuccessful.

 

In 1873 they removed to Spring Place, Georgia in Murray County, just across the state line.  There he bought a plantation with a large two-story mansion which had been originally built Chief Joe Vann of the Cherokees.  From its earliest days, it was a historic landmark, and in recent years has been registered by the State of Georgia as a historic site. 

 

Dr. Kemp Mabry of Statesboro, Georgia wrote an account of the history of the Vann House:

 

Among historic sites still open to the public is the magnificent Chief Vann House at Spring Place, between Dalton and Chatsworth. Built in 1804 by James Vann, a minor Cherokee chief, its equal was never seen in the Cherokee Nation.

 

"James Vann, son of a Scot trader, Clement Vann and Wawli, a Cherokee princess, owned property and businesses throughout Cherokee Indian Territory. He was responsible for construction of Jellico Road, now U. S. 76, which the mansion faces.

 

He had two wives, a fierce temper and a bad drinking problem. However, in 1801, he offered land to Moravian missionaries of New Salem, N. C., for a school. His family embraced Christianity, but he called it a fable. 

 

The James Vann family moved into the three-story brick mansion on March 24, 1005.  Envisioned by Vanns for several generations, James lived there only five years. He had killed several men‑‑white, Indian and Black slaves. After he killed his brother‑in‑law, that death was avenged in a tavern in what is now Forsyth County.

 

James' son, Joseph, inherited the house, amassed great wealth and gained the nickname of "Rich Joe."  Pres. James Monroe visited in 1819.  In 1834, "Rich Joe: hired a white overseer but was evicted by Georgia Home Guards. Gold had been discovered near Dahlonega, a land lottery held, and white Georgians were to take over Cherokee lands.

 

John Howard Payne, who wrote "Home, Sweet Home," was incarcerated in a slave cabin on the Vann planta­tion because of had Cherokee sympathies. Joseph Vann and his family fled to Tennessee, but by 1838, most of the Cherokees were herded toward Oklahoma. More than 4,000 died along the infamous "Trail of Tears."

 

"Rich Joe" Vann built a replica of the mansion at Web­bers Falls, Oklahoma.  Northern troops destroyed it during the War Between the States.  "Rich Joe" died in an explosion of a steamboat he was racing on the Ohio River October 23, 1844.

 

The Chief Vann House was built of native Murray County materials except for windows brought from Savannah.  Interior decorations mimic colors of nature--blue [sky], green [trees], red [clay soil] and yellow [ripened grain].

 

The hall stairway is the oldest cantilevered construction in Georgia, with no semblance of support under the landing platform.  Third floor coffin-shaped bedrooms had thousands of sightseers names written on their walls by 1930.  There had been 15 different owners since "Rich Joe's" eviction in 1834, and the mansion was sadly dilapidated.

 

In the 1950s, the Chief Vann House was renovated and fully restored to its original splendor, dedicated by Gov. Marvin Griffin in 1958.  Will Rogers, humorist and movie star, was the most famous Vann descendant, 42 of whom attended the dedication."

 

Oscar Claiborne "Roscoe" Goins was enumerated in the 1880 census of Murray County:

 

          "Goins,                O. C.                             51, born in Tennessee

                                       Ester C.                         45, born in Tennessee"

 

About 1895, he returned to Chattanooga to live, perhaps shortly after the death of Esther C. Reynolds Goins who died in that year, according to Myra Peeples Steed, a niece.  He sold the Chief Vann home in that year.  The deed was prepared and notarized in Hamilton County.  He was described as a widower in a deed dated October 5, 1897.  He was remarried about 1898 to Mary E. Mitchell.

 

He died there December 5, 1903 and was buried in Flint Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery.  He was buried about one mile from his farm, 244 acres located nine miles south of Cleveland, Tennessee.  Lois Goins Richardson, a great-granddaughter wrote, " I have been to his grave, cleaned his tombstone and made prints of it.  The stone is very nice, made of white marble with black marble inlay in it."

 

Mary E. Mitchell Goins was appointed administratrix of the estate by Bradley County Probate Court September 5, 1904.  She returned to the court April 3, 1905 an inventory of the sale of the estate of Oscar Claiborne "Roscoe" Goins:

 

    "Cultivator    $    8.00

    Disk Harrow                5.00

    Mowing Machine                .50

    Turning Plow                      .50

    Turning Plow                      .30

    One-half interest in Binder               26.50

    Brace & Bits                        .75

    Double foot plow              .30

    Box of tools                      .30

    Set of Trace Chains         .45

    Hoe & Plow                      .35

    Hoe                    .15

    Cross-cut Saw                        .45

    Watch              1.00

                           ====.===

              Total    $       45.20

 

No children born to Oscar Claiborne "Roscoe" Goins, Esther C. Reynolds Goins and Mary E. Mitchell Goins.  Mary E. Mitchell Goins was survived by Ruth Mitchell Austin, a great niece, who in 1993 continued to own part of the Goins farm.

 

One son was born to Oscar Claiborne "Roscoe" Goins and Nancy Florence Potter Goins:

 

          William Preston Goins                   born December 6, 1902

 

William Preston Goins, only child of Oscar Claiborne "Roscoe" Goins and Nancy Florence Potter Goins, was born May 11, 1855 in Hamilton County.  It is believed that he lived with his Potter grandparents, Moses Potter and Ellander Potter when his father went away to serve the Confederacy.  He had a cousin by the name of John Potter. 

 

Just prior to the Battle of Chickamauga the Potters found themselves situated in the path of the Union Army of the Cumberland under the command of Gen. William Starkie Rosencrans.  Before engaging the Confederate army, Gen. Rosencrans halted his army in the fertile valley near Chat­tanooga and sent out foraging parties.  They stripped the surrounding farms of their cattle and hogs and plundered their barns for provender.

 

The book, "Battle of Chickamauga" describes how the Union soldiers covered the valleys like a swarm of locusts.  Gen. Rosencrans even held his troops there in the summer of 1863 until the corn crop ripened and then had his soldiers harvest the entire crop for the use of his army.  After the corn was gathered, they turned their horses in on the fields for any remaining grain and fodder.  After the men and animals were well rested, they pushed forward to the next battle line, carrying all of the plunder with them.

 

Louise Richardson Goins wrote:

 

“Grandpa said nearly all of their food was devoured, crops destroyed, animals taken and their wells were pumped dry, leaving them destitute.  Grandpa's Grandpa had him hide the pigs in the woods so they would have something to eat at the Union troops had gone.  But the Yankees found the pigs and butchered all of them except one poor old sow.  Since there was nothing to feed the sow, the family butchered her as soon as the troops pulled out.

 

Since the Union soldiers took their salt supply, Grandpa and his grandmother tore the floor out of the smokehouse and shoveled up the dirt underneath.  Some salt had collected there from the curing process.  They sifted out the salt content and purified it by boiling the brine solution.

 

As a young boy, Grandpa had learned to play the fiddle and it was one his most prized possessions.  The night before the Union troops pulled out, they asked him to play for them.  He obliged them, and at the end of the evening hung up his fiddle and the bow. 

 

The next morning when he got out of bed, he discovered that not only were the Yankees gone, but his beloved fiddle as well.  Grandpa dashed after the troops, found the thief who took his fiddle and demanded it back.  The soldier refused to give up his plunder, and Grandpa went to the company com­mander who ordered the fiddle returned to the boy.  The fiddle is still a treasured possession in the family and is now owned by my brother, David Goins of Paragould.

 

About 1870 he removed to Martinsville, Illinois in Clark County.  He was married there October 20, 1878 to Lydia Elizabeth Lafferty, daughter of Parmenas Lafferty and Mary Jane McClure Lafferty.  She was born in Clark County August 13, 1852. 

 

Louise Goins Richardson wrote:

 

"My grandpa was a good fiddle player and was hired by the Laffertys to play at Lydia's party to announce her en-gagement to another young man there.  However, when grandpa saw her, he fell in love with her and knew that he couldn't let her marry the other man who was financially well off, and Grandpa was broke at the time.  It was love at first sight for both of them.  He started making plans to marry her.  I recall how he used to say, 'I wooed her, and I won her.'"

 

They lived in adjoining Coles County in 1880-81-82, and in 1883 were back in Clark County.  In 1884 they removed to Beech Grove, Arkansas in Greene County.  They travel-led in three covered wagons, taking three weeks to make the trip.  Upon arrival in Greene County, they purchased 40 acres of land in Section 3, Township 16, Range 3.

 

While living in Illinois, three of their children were born to the couple.  Ross Coe, the oldest, was born in 1879.  He was named for his grandfather whose nickname was 'Ros-coe.'  I have an old letter to Grandpa and Grandma from Great Grandpa in 1881 and postmarked Spring Place, Georgia.  It was in reply to a letter that he had received from my grandparents about naming their first born, Ross Coe after him.  He verified that 'Roscoe' was his nickname and that his real name was 'Oscar Claiborne.'  Charles Al-bert was born in 1881 and Lewis Edward in 1883.  There were eight other children born in Arkansas."

 

In 1895, Paragould, Arkansas became a boomtown because of the coming of the railroad and the jobs it created.  At the time Grandpa purchased a $10 butcher's license and open-ed a shop on Pruett Street.  Business was good, and he ex-tended credit to the railroad men upon request.  Credit was his undoing, according to the journal of the butcher shop, still retained by his granddaughter, Inez Clark, along with his butcher's license.  When his beef cattle were gone, so was his business. 

 

In 1897 Grandpa and Grandma homesteaded 160 acres on the 'Cache Bottoms,' swampy land that was not very de-sirable for farming.  They obtained this land under Arkan-sas' Donation Act; the land was free if they lived on the land, improved it and paid taxes on it. 

 

Grandpa set about to drain the water from the land by con­structing a series of ditches.  He hired neighbors to bring their teams and equipment to dig the laterals, and he con-tracted with dredgeboat operators to open the main chan-nels.  In time the work converted a swamp into valuable farmland.  This property remains in the Goins family to-day.

 

Grandpa had seen his grandparents suffer during the Civil War when the Yankees came through the country foraging for food.  They took everything they wanted, without com-pensation, often leaving the civilians in destitute circum-stances.  Consequently Grandpa was always sympathetic with people in need and was very generous in helping them.

 

Once Grandpa noticed that corn was disappearing from his bins.  Since he had lots of experience at trapping animals, he decided one night to set a trap for the thief.  Later that night he heard the trap spring, however he decided to leave the "ani-mal" in the trap until daylight.  The next morning, sure enough, he had caught the thief, but instead of scolding or prosecuting him, he had the fellow come in and have breakfast with him.  Grandpa never had trouble with corn missing again.

 

This story was told many times by members of our family, but nobody ever knew who the thief was.  Neither Grandpa or Grandma would ever reveal his identity.

 

In addition to farming, our grandparents had a number of oc-cupations and endeavors.  Grandpa made the best knives to use in the kitchen and around the farm.  He also made Grandma's crochet hooks with bones.

 

He owned a large sawmill where they cut and sold lumber and timber.  Neighbors frequently came to his woodwork-ing shop to request a casket be made for a funeral.  Grand-pa would heat the wood so that it would bend to form the contour of the casket.  Grandma, with the help of Aunt Roxie Schamb, would line the casket with satin for the adults and white flannelette for children.  Grandpa or Unc-le Dee Morrow would build a pine box for the casket.

 

Grandpa was an excellent woodcarver.  Once he carved his own portrait on a beech tree in the woods with the aid of a mirror.  My brother, David Goins was squirrel hunting re-cently and came up on the portrait.  Grandpa had signed it when he finished--just like an artist.  The tree and the por-trait are still there, in a secluded spot in the woods and in good condition.

 

A number of men were always employed by Grandpa working at the sawmill, on the farm or opening ditches.  In 1912 he purchased a thresher which he took all over the country threshing wheat for the farmers.  It took a big crew of men to operate this business.

 

Additionally Grandpa had a blacksmith shop and was a good farrier.  He was a good metal worker and taught his son how to shoe horses.  He built farm implements and in 1892 received Patent No. 479,269 for corn-planting attach-ment which he invented.  In 1915 he invented a locking device for a multiple mailbox system.  His locking device must have attracted lots of attention.  In his correspondence file we found offers on it from several firms, including: Scully Pattern & Model Works of Kansas City, Missouri; American Investment Company of Washington, D.C; New World Manufacturing Company of Cincinnati, Ohio and Gerding Manufacturing Company of Cincinnati.

 

He did carpentry work and also bought and sold cattle, horses and mules.  Once he bought an expensive Red Polled bull from Kentucky.  I still have the papers on this purchase. 

 

Perhaps the most memorable enterprise that I remember during my early years living on a farm adjoining them was the large orchard which contained many kinds of fruit and pecan trees, strawberries and Concord grape vines.  The orchard was also home to 150 honeybee stands.  It was amazing to our how Grandpa could work around the bees, extracting honey and beeswax for sale in town, without getting stung by them.

 

In 1920, Grandpa and several neighbors bought carbide lighting systems from a traveling salesman who came through Greene County.  There was a pipe to carry the carbide gas to each room in the house with a valve in each room to control the flame.  Carbide was fairly inexpensive, and the neighbors were envious of those who could afford to install the system.  After all the initial systems were installed, the supplier raised the price of carbide so high that hardly anyone could afford it.

 

Rural telephones came about the same time.  For as long as I can remember, our family had a telephone.  It ran off bat-teries, and we had connections to my grandmother's house and to Aunt Pearl Morrow's house.

 

When electricity came to the area, the carbide gas pipes were removed and replaced with electrical wiring.  I recall that our home was one of the first in the area to receive electricity.

 

Gypsies came through our area and people were suspicious of them.  We kept an eye on our chickenhouses when they were around.  They always had a group of bad horses to trade to peo­ple who did not know horseflesh.  On trading day, they would feed their poor horses lots of salt so they drink a lot of water and looked fat and sleek.  Grandpa knew all of the tricks of the trade, however and he always looked at their teeth to determine their condition.  He could tell exactly how old a horse was by checking his teeth.

 

My grandparents were baptized into the Church of Christ August 24, 1915 at Evening Shade, Arkansas.  He was 62 at that time.  Their daughter, Pearl Goins had been baptized two days earlier in the revival meeting.  The family took a very active part in the church.

 

Grandma's diary recorded that on October 15, 1915, Grandpa cut and hauled lumber to Commissary, Arkansas where he began to build a new church building.  He served as the church treasurer after the congregation was organized.  They remained faithful members of the church until their deaths, setting a good example for their des-cendants.

 

Following a stroke, my grandparents moved to Paragould along with their daughter Mary Goins who was a registered nurse at Dixon Memorial Hospital.  Grandma died there April 10, 1947 and was buried in the Morrow Cemetery which was located on a him overlooking the farm where she and Grandpa had spent so many happy years.

 

After Grandma died, Grandpa want to return to live on the farm, and his children acceded to his wishes.  In his older years, it was difficult for him to get around over the farm, but his son John Goins would take him in the car anytime he want to go for a ride.  His favorite Saturday afternoon pastime was to sit in the car parked on the Paragould square where he could visit with his friends as they walked by.

 

On a cold, icy day, December 7, 1950 Grandpa died at the age of 97 years and six months.  He was buried beside Grandma in the Morrow Cemetery

 

Mrs. Elizabeth Thorpe Rockefeller was my Grandma Goins' grandmother.  While my grandparents were visiting in Minnesota, some of the Rockefeller family came to Uncle Ross' home to gather information for the family record.  "The Transactions of the Rockefeller Family Association for 1915-1925" was published in 1926.  My grandparents met with the Rockefellers and gave them our family information which was published in their book.  Grandmother and her two sisters Ginny Lafferty Knopp and Molly Lafferty Potter were invited many times to the Rockefeller family reunions, however it was very expen-sive to travel to the reunion site by train, and they chose not to go.  We still have some of the invitations to the Rockefeller reunions today.  After John D. Rockefeller died, these annual reunions ceased."

 

William Preston Goins was mentioned in a newspaper article published May 2, 1930 in Greene County:

 

“Large Gathering of Aged People Guest of Bud Ryan

 

Bud Ryan popular owner of the Ryan Cafe, put the big pot in the little one so to speak in his royal, big entertainment of the aged people of Greene county at his well known place of business at noon today when he served his guests a sumptous chicken din-ner.  A total of 137 guests, who have attained or passed the age of 75 years, shared in his hospitality by sitting at his festal board.  The large diningroom of the cafe was filled to overflowing when the guests filed in and were seated.  Tables were ex-tended from one end of the room to the other, sym-bolical of Bud's smile which extended from ear to ear, as he gave to each of the guests the glad hand and expressions of a cordial welcome, he as happy as the happiest guest present - and all were happy.

 

Following the feast at the cafe, the aged guests were ushered to the Capitol Theater where John Collins, the manager of that poplar playhouse, entertained them in the presentation of "Paramount on Parade" a very interesting all-talking picture.

 

It was a great feast , and it was a great time, a big occasion that will stand out in the memory of the aged guests  and their host of friends , through the years to come. Each of the aged guests registered his or her name with Miss Mary Ida Ryan , giving age, date of birth and place of residence.  The reg-ister showed a total of 137 names, all of those who had either reached or passed the 75th anniversary of their birth.

 

                                    Register of the Grand Event

 

Guest                     Date Born         Age                   Etc.

 

J. H. Kitchens                 May 4, 1852      77 yrs. 11 mo.         M.D.

J. M. Bowlin                                            75          .               born in SC.

T . M. T. Brewer                   1851           79                          born in Benton Co, TN

Laurie Dennis                                          86

Walcott, Butler Blackwood                         81

Walcott, Mrs. Sorina Rogers                      78

John Jonas                                              77

T.M. Wesley                                             75

W. B. Todd                                               78

Adam Sheffield                                         86

W. A. Oden                Nov. 17, 1852          81                      born in Morgan Co. Ala

J. P. Odell                                                77                      born in Greene Co.

J. D. Breckenridge                                    76

W. M. Langton          Jan. 3, 1841             89                       born in Canada

 J. W. Walls              May 31, 1853               79                       born in Gibson

Co. West Tenn.

 W. W. Berryhil          Sept. 9, 1849               80                      Macklenburg

Co., N. Carolina

 J. Newberry             June 14, 1851            79                        Cherokee Co.,

Ala

 E. Roark

                        May 1, 1852

                                           78

                                                          born in Old

Clarksburg, Tenn.

 R. A. Evans

                        June 1, 1852

                                           77

                                                          born in Perry

Co., Tenn.

 W. F.Brewer

                        July 27, 1849

                                           80

                                                          Carrol

Co.,West Tenn.

 G. H. Brewer

                        Aug. 3, 1854

                                           75

                                                          born in Carrol

Co. Tenn

 S.L. Meadows

                        Apr.8,1850

                                           80

                                                          born in

Southern Ill.

 E. M. Johkins

                        Feb. 4, 1845

                                           85

                                                          born in Weatly

Co. , Tenn

 D. B. Withrow

                        Jan. 15, 1842

                                           88

                                                          born in

Indiana

 Pressly Cothrew

                        Feb. 11, 1850

                                           80

                                                          born in

Spartanburg District,South

                                                          Carolina

 A. B. Harvey

                        Sep. 3, 1851

                                           78

                                                          born in

Carroll Co., Tenn

 G. F. Miller

                        Oct.13, 1853

                                           76

                                                          born in Giles

Co. Tenn

 J. N. Meredith

                        July 27, 1847

                                           82

                                                          Greene Co.

 C. L. Harvey

                        Mar. 1, 1847

                                           83

                                                          born in Tenn.

 "Uncle" Jake Lambert

                        Feb 22, 1847

                                           77

                                                          born in Tenn

 M. E. Winn

                        Nov 10,1845

                                           84

                                                          born in

Craighead Co.

 W. D. Hester

                        Sept 12, 1849

                                           80

                                                          born in

N.Carolina

 J.D. Norton

                        July 18,1850

                                           79

                                                          born in

Georgia came here in 1865

 K.W. Nesmith

                        Feb 6, 1847

                                           83

                                                          born in

Lawrence Co. Ala

 J.C. Toler

                        Oct 10,1850

                                           79

                                                          born in Ill

 L.B. Rogers

                        Mar 12,1847

                                           83

                                                          born in Ky

 Mrs. Evelyn Dunaway

                        Oct 1853

                                           

                                                          born in Obion

Co. Tenn

 Z.T. Fletcher

                        Oct 18, 1848

                                           81

                                                          born in Gibson

Co. Tenn been here since

                                                          1866

 Lawrence Newberry

                        June 18, 1853

                                           76

                                                          born in

Mississippi

 J. H. Cole

                        Nov 2, 1854

                                           75

                                                          born in Tenn

 S. J. Troxel

                        July 6, 1844

                                           85

                                                          born in Terre

Haute , Indiana

 John Good

                        Sept 10, 1854

                                           75

                                                          born in

Hamilton Co. , Indiana

 Mrs. Martha Carter

                        Apr 29, 1853

                                           76

                                                          born in Tenn

 Mrs.Eliza Dacus

                        Oct 18, 1854

                                           75

                                                          born in

Mississippi

 J. T. Hester

                        Apr 2, 1848

                                           82

                                                          born in N.

Carolina

 John Garland

                        Sept 12, 1850

                                           79

                                                          born in Tenn

 Mrs. Mary Elizabeth

 Garland

                        Feb 14, 1851

                                           79

                                                          

 Theo. C. Schwamb

                        Nov 5, 1851

                                           78

                                                          born in Ripley

co. , Indiana

 B.F. Smith

                        Mar 14, 1855

                                           75

                                                          born in Jasper

Co. Ill

 Mrs.M.A. Robinson

                        Apr 26,1853

                                           76

                                                          born in Benton

Co.,Tenn

 I. H. Trevtharn

                        July 29, 1853

                                           76

                                                          born in W.

Tenn been here 75 yrs.

 "Aunt" Annie Tyner

                        Apr 15, 1851

                                           79

                                                          born in Benton

Co. Tenn

 John Harrison

                        Mar 4, 1854

                                           75

                                                          born in Ohio

 J.J. Underwood

                        Feb 4, 1853

                                           76

                                                          born in

Indiana

 W.B. Edwards

                        June 2, 1848

                                           81

                                                          born in

Kentucky

 Mrs. Elizabeth Hyde

                        Dec 1, 1843

                                           86

                                                          born in Tenn

 Mrs. Mary Jane Hyde

                        Dec 21, 1847

                                           83

                                                          born in

N.Carolina

 Dan Meriwether

                        Dec 31, 1850

                                           79

                                                          born in

Kirksville, Mo

 H.D. Lacy

                        Sept 28,1853

                                           76

                                                          born in

Christian Co. Kentucky

 P.S. Black

                        June 21, 1852

                                           77

                                                          born in

Indiana

 G.T. Ware

                        Oct 27, 1842

                                           85

                                                          born in Wilson

Co. Tenn

 Mrs. Iola LaFont

                        June 30, 1853

                                           75

                                                          born in

Metropolis, Ill

 Mrs. Malinda Dollins

                        Dec 17, 1839

                                           90

                                                          born in Middle

Tenn Lincoln co.

 Mrs. N.S. Lawrence

                        Apr 30, 1847

                                           83

                                                          born in Ky

 Mrs. Sarah Garner

                        Mar 18, 1842

                                           88

                                                          born in Tenn

 Mrs. Mary Roe

                        July 11, 1854

                                           75

                                                          born in Walker

Co. Ga.

 W.A. Overall

                        Sept 12,1854

                                           75

                                                          

 A.M. Robinson

                        Jan 30,1849

                                           81

                                                          born in Ardell

Co. N.C.

 Mrs. Lucinda Stuart

                        Oct 28, 1852

                                           77

                                                          born in

Craighead co.

 J.W. Batten

                        Apr 21, 1850

                                           80

                                                          born in Tenn

 Aaron Thompson

                        Jan 24, 1845

                                           85

                                                          born in W.Tenn

Henry Co.

 Mrs. Martha Holigan

                        Apr 15, 1854

                                           75

                                                          born in Ga.

 Mrs. M. C. Murphy

                        July 17, 1841

                                           88

                                                          born in Ga.

 W.B. Montgomery

                        Jan 1, 1854

                                           75

                                                          born in East

Tenn Bedford Co.

 J.W. Hart

                        July 20, 1851

                                           79

                                                          born in

England crossed Atlantic ocean to

                                                          America at age

of 6 yrs old

 T.R. Walker

                        Dec 13,1850

                                           79

                                                          born in Gibson

Co. Tenn

 G.W. Gibson

                        Sept 23,1840

                                           89

                                                          born in Henry

Co. Tenn

 Mrs. M. J. Dodson

                        Mar 17,1854

                                           75

                                                          born in Miss

 J.M. Lytle

                        Jan 5, 1847

                                           84

                                                          born in N.C.

 B.F. Justice

                        Mar 26, 1855

                                           75

                                                          born in

St.Francis Co,Mo.

 A.J. Bishop

                        Dec 25,1839

                                           90

                                                          born in Bibb

Co. Ala

 G.P. Panel

                        Oct 6, 1851

                                           80

                                                          born in Ala

 Mrs. Emma Vanover

                        Jan 18,1854

                                           76

                                                          born in Ky

 H.S. Trice

                        Nov 9, 1851

                                           76

                                                          born in

Craighead Co. Ar

 Mrs. Rosa Worthan

                        Mar

                                           75

                                                          born in

Indiana

 W.E. Bush

                        Feb 2,1855

                                           75

                                                          born in W.

Tenn near Paris been here

                                                          twenty yrs.

 W.P. Goins

                        May 11,1853

                                           76

                                                          born in E.Tenn

 R.W. Rogers

                        Sept 5,1852

                                           77

                                                          born in Graves

Co. Ky. been here 40 yrs

 Mrs. Susan Hunter

                        Feb 14,1853

                                           75

                                                          born in Middle

Tenn , Gallerton

 S.N. Felty

                        May 4, 1854

                                           76

                                                          born in White

Co. Ill

 Mrs. Fannie S. Hammond

                        Jan 27, 1852

                                           78

                                                          born in Ill

 A.A. McKinney

                        Feb 22,1851

                                           79

                                                          born in Ind.

 "Granny" Harris

                        July 23, 1850

                                           79

                                                          born in Ky

 H.L. Tripod

                        Mar 29,1853

                                           77

                                                          born in

Higland, Ill

 Henry Fesler

                        Aug 4,1850

                                           79

                                                          born in Ill

 Mrs.Mildred Murdock

                        Jan 22, 1853

                                           75

                                                          born in Tenn

 W.R. Bennett

                        July 23, 1847

                                           82

                                                          born in Fulton

Co. Ky

 Mrs. A. Turley

                        Sept 9,1853

                                           75

                                                          born in

St.Francis Co. Mo

 H.M. Williford

                        Feb 28,1856

                                           76

                                                          born in Tenn

 W.B. Morgan

                        Sept 2,1852

                                           79

                                                          born in Miss

 J.O. Nash

                        Nov 23, 1840

                                           89

                                                          born in Penn

 "Uncle " Bill McDonald

                        Feb 19, 1850

                                           80

                                                          born in Ga.

 V.F. Norton

                        Aug 30,1854

                                           75

                                                          born in Tenn

 M.R. Coffman

                        Dec 4,1840

                                           89

                                                          

 G.W. Lloyd

                        Oct 9,1852

                                           80

                                                          born in Ark

 Mrs. G.W. Lloyd

                        Mar 12,1853

                                           77

                                                          born in Tenn

 D.L. Ligon

                        July 7,1847

                                           82

                                                          born in Tenn

 J.L. Raines

                        July 26,1848

                                           81

                                                          born in Henry

Co. Tenn

 Mrs. V.A. Wadley

                        Jan 10,1854

                                           76

                                                          born in

Fayette Co. Miss

 J.R. Elkins

                        Aug.4,1852

                                           77

                                                          born in Summer

Co. Tenn

 L.F. Kenney

                        May 23,1849

                                           80

                                                          born in Mo.

 P.G. Ellington

                        June 11,1854

                                           76

                                                          born in W.Tenn

 M.C. Stevenson

                        July 26,1853

                                           76

                                                          born in

S.Carolina

 Mrs. Virginia Thompson

                        1846

                                           83

                                                          born in

St.Francis Co.

 J.Hotchkiss

                        Apr 21,1849

                                           81

                                                          born in

Independence co. Ar

 J.V. Landrum

                        Aug 18,1853

                                           76

                                                          born in

Weekley co.Tenn

 A.B. Hays

                        Jan 22, 1842

                                           89

                                                          born in

Hickman Co. Ky

 Mrs. W.J. McDonald

                        Apr 1854

                                           76

                                                          born in Tenn

 Joe A. White

                        Dec 7, 1854

                                           81

                                                          born in W.

Miss  G.H. Walker                         June 4, 1848

                                           81

                                                          born in Ala

 J.W. Stalcup

                        Sept 15,1852

                                           76

                                                          born in

Weakley Co. Tenn

 G.N. Wadley

                        Dec 8,1854

                                           75

                                                          born in middle

Tenn

 G.J. Pierce

                        Feb 5,1853

                                           77

                                                          born in

Logansville Clinton Co. Pa

 W.C. Swain

                        Jan 14,1852

                                           78

                                                          born in

Russelville , Ky

 S.E. Batey

                        Aug 8,1852

                                           77

                                                          born in North

Ga.

 W.H. May

                        July 21,1850

                                           79

                                                          born in Va.

 Mrs. Katie Higgins

                        Jan 3,1852

78

born in Miss

 A.Martin

                        Sept 5, 1854

                                           75

                                                          born in

Germany

 George Zollner

                        Dec 2, 1853

                                           77

                                                          born in

Germany

 Mrs. Mary Jane Worsham

                        June 10, 1853

                                           76

                                                          born in Ala

 

Mrs. C.A. Dover Oct 29,1855                75                born in Benton Co. Tenn

F.M. Barnett                   Oct 12,1847                82                born in Ill

 

 

 

Eleven children were born to William Preston Goins and Lydia Elizabeth Lafferty Goins:

 

          Ross Coe Goins                                     born in 1879

          Albert Goins                                           born in 1881

          Lewis Earsalee Goins                             born in 1883

          Mary Irene Goins                                    born in 1886

          Jimmie Goins                                          born in 1889

          Edna Alice Goins                                    born in 1890

          George Chester Goins                             born in 1891

          Jessie Attee Goins                                   born in 1894

          Alma Pearl Goins                                    born in 1898

          William Joe Goins                                   born in 1900

          John Leon Goins                                     born December 6, 1902

 

Ross Coe Goins, son of William Preston Goins and Lydia Elizabeth Lafferty Goins, was born in 1879 in Clark County, Illinois.  He did not live with his parents after they moved to the Donation Grant.  He had contracted the “chills” [now called malaria] which was caused by mosquito bites.  The doctor advised Uncle Ross that if he wanted to maintain his health, he would have to move away from the swamps, so he went to Martinsville, Illinois and lived with his Grandmother Mary Jane Lafferty.  Later he removed to International Falls, Minnesota where he married Suave Reuter, raised a family and died.

 

Through the years, Uncle Ross kept in close touch with his parents, writing many letters to them.  His mother kept every letter, and they were passed down to Aunt Pearl Morrow.  At her death, the box of letters were found in her attic.

 

Albert Goins, son of William Preston Goins and Lydia Elizabeth Lafferty Goins, was born in 1881 in Clark County.

 

Lewis Earsalee Goins, son of William Preston Goins and Lydia Elizabeth Lafferty Goins, was born in Clark County in 1883.

 

Mary Irene Goins, daughter of William Preston Goins and Lydia Elizabeth Lafferty Goins, was born in Greene County, Arkansas in 1886.

 

Jimmie Goins, son of William Preston Goins and Lydia Elizabeth Lafferty Goins, was born in 1889 in Greene County.

 

Edna Alice Goins, daughter of William Preston Goins and Lydia Elizabeth Lafferty Goins, was born in Greene County in 1890.

 

George Chester Goins, son of William Preston Goins and Lydia Elizabeth Lafferty Goins, was born in Greene County in 1891.  He attended school in Walcott, Arkansas, riding "Old Gray."  After graduation at Walcott, he enrolled in an electrical engineering correspondence course.  He was married about 1914, wife's name unknown.  He died of a ruptured appendix December 8, 1916, leaving his widow and a small baby, name unknown.

 

Jessie Attee Goins, son of William Preston Goins and Lydia Elizabeth Lafferty Goins, was born in Greene County in 1894.

 

Alma Pearl Goins, daughter of William Preston Goins and Ly­dia Elizabeth Lafferty Goins, was born in 1898 in Greene County.

 

William Joe Goins, son of William Preston Goins and Lydia Elizabeth Lafferty Goins, was born in Greene County in 1900.

 

John Leon Goins, son of William Preston Goins and Lydia Elizabeth Lafferty Goins, was born in Greene County Decem­ber 2, 1902.  He was married there about 1925 to Cora C. Smith, daughter of Logan H. Roots Smith and Mary Alice Burkeen Smith.  Cora C. Smith Goins died November 18, 1994.

 

Children born to John Leon Goins and Cora C. Smith Goins include:

 

          Louise Goins                                   born January 11, 1935

 

Louise Goins, daughter of John Leon Goins and Cora C. Smith Goins, was born in Greene County January 11, 1935.  She was married August 24, 1949 to William F. Richardson.  Following a divorce, she lived in Paragould, Arkansas in 1993.  She a member of Gowen Research Foundation's Editorial Board, was active in the research of her family history and contributed much of the material for this section of the manuscript.

 

Sarah Jane Goins, daughter of Nancy Goins, was born in Grainger County about 1831.  Her parents brought her to Hamilton County about 1833.  She was enumerated as a 20-year-old in the 1850 census of Hamilton County.

 

She was married shortly afterward to James K. Connell.  They and their two children were enumerated in the 1860 census of Hamilton County.  In 1895 they lived in Birmingham, Al­abama, according to "Memoirs of Georgia."

 

Pleasant Goins, son of Nancy Bibee Goins, was born about 1833 in Hamilton County.  He appeared there in the 1850 cen­sus as a 16-year-old.  He was deceased by 1895, according to "Memoirs of Georgia."

 

William A[ttle?] Goins, son of Nancy Bibee Goins, was born about 1835 in Hamilton County.  He was enumerated there as a 14-year-old in the 1850 census. 

 

"William A. Goins" was taken prisoner May 3, 1863 near Grand Gulf, in the Vicksburg campaign, according his prisoner of war record.  He was transported upriver to a prisoner-of-war camp at Alton, Illinois.  Hospital records there show that he was hospitalized for pneumonia December 24 and was discharged December 30.  He died of chronic diarrhea July 2, 1864.  He was buried there.

 

It was noted in his record jacket that "Prisoner states that he was conscripted and objects to being exchanged; desires to take the Oath of Allegiance without reservation or evasion."  It was also noted, "Prisoner sent to City Point for exchange June 12, 1863."

 

Oscar Claiborne "Roscoe" Goins appeared in Hamilton County Court June 3, 1867 and "suggested the death" of William A. Goins and was made administrator of his estate.

 

Anderson Goen, Charles Goen, Dotson Goen, John Goen and William A. Goins believed to be Hamilton County men all served in the Forty-Third Tennessee Infantry Regiment, ac­cording to "Tennessee Soldiers in the Civil War."  All served in C Company except Charles Goen who served in K Company.

 

Louise Goins Richardson wrote, "I went to the Confederate Cemetery in Alton, Illinois.  There are no individual markers for the 1,346 Confederate soldiers who died in one year there.  However, there is a huge monument with all of the names of the soldiers who died there embossed in bronze.  William A. Goins, Company C, 43rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment ap­pears on it."

 

George Goins, son of Nancy Bibee Goins, was born about 1838 in Hamilton County.  He was recorded there as an 11-year-old in the 1850 census.  He died prior to 1895, according to "Memoirs of Georgia." 

                                     ==O==

Caleb Goan headed a "free colored" household of six individu­als in the 1810 census of Grainger County.  "Caleb Gowin" was recorded as "one poll" in Capt. John Bull's Company in the 1810 tax list of Grainger County.

                                             ==O==

Claibourn Goan was enumerated in the 1810 census of Grainger County as the head of a household of eight free col­ored.  "Claibourne Goan" was assessed taxes in 1810 one 100 acres at 12.5 cents and one poll at 12.5 cents.

 

"Claborn Goins" was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1850 census of Grainger County, Household 154-20:

 

          "Goins,               Claborn                                    76, born in Virginia

                                       Dolly                                       35, born in Tennessee

                                       Levi                                         16

                                       Perry                                        13

                                       Polly                                        13

                                       John                                          9

                                       Nancy                                        7

                                       Roscoe D.                                 6

                                       Susan                                        4"

                                             ==O==

A household headed by James Goan enumerated in the 1810 census of Grainger County was composed of three "free col­ored and one "white female 16-26."  James Goan paid 12.5 tax on one poll, according to the 1810 tax list.

                                             ==O==

John Goan headed a "free colored" household composed of nine individuals, according to the 1810 census of Grainger County.  He was assessed taxes on 90 acres in the 1810 tax list.

                                             ==O==

"Shaderick Goan" was recorded in November 1809 for the 1810 tax list as "1 poll."  William Goan was recorded in a consecu­tive entry as "1 white poll."

 

Shadrach Goan, "free colored" with five members in his house­hold was enumerated in the 1810 census of Grainger County in a cluster of "free colored" households headed by Martha Ivy, James Reynolds, Sarah Mournin, Elizabeth Den­son, Gooden Scott, Dennis Scott and Jesse Scott.

                                             ==O==

Caleb Goin was married June 10, 1820 to Polly Dunkin, ac­cording to Grainger County marriage records.  Claiborne Goin was the bondsman.  Children born to Caleb Goin and Polly Dunkin are unknown.

                                             ==O==

In 1810 Daniel Goin paid tax on 338 acres and "one white poll" in Capt. Thomas Sharp's Company.

 

Daniel Goin was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1810 census of Grainger County:

 

          "Goin, Daniel                                   white male                    26-45

                                                                   white female                  26-45

                                                                   white female                  10-16

                                                                   white female                  10-16

                                                                   white male                       0-10

                                                                   white male                       0-10

                                                                   white male                        0-10

                                                                   white male                        0-10

                                                                   white female                    0-10"

 

Daniel Goin owned one slave in 1810.  "Daniel Goins" re­ceived a land grant No. 16468 in Grainger County July 13, 1830.

                                             ==O==

Levi Goin was born in 1795 in North Carolina.  He was mar­ried about 1816, wife's name unknown, probably in North Carolina.  He was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1850 census of Grainger County:

 

          "Goin,        Levi                                         55, born in North Carolina

                             Esther A.                                 28, born in North Carolina

                             William J. M.                          15

                             Falany P.                                 12

                             Levi M.                                    10

                             Manervy A.                                7

                             Lunda M.                                   5"

 

Levi Goin, Jr, was born between 1800 and 1810, probably in Claiborne County.  He was married between 1820 and 1825.

 

His household was enumerated in the 1830 census of Clai­borne County adjoining the household of "Levi Goin, Sr, page 131."  It is not believed that "Levi Goin, Jr." was a son of Levi Goin, Sr." because Levi Goin, Sr. would only be 15 years at that time.  It is possible that the Jr. and Sr. were assigned by the census taker merely to distinguish between the two.

 

The household of Levi Goin, Jr. appeared in the 1830 census as:

 

          "Levi Goin, Jr.                        white male                     20-30

                                                          white female                  20-30

                                                          white female                   5-10

                                                          white male                       0-5"

 

The household of Levi Goin, Jr. reappeared in the 1840 census of Claiborne County, page 216, still nearby to the residence of Levi Goin, Sr. as:

 

          "Levi Goin, Jr.                        white male                     20-30

                                                          white female                   30-40

                                                          white female                   10-15

                                                          white male                       5-10

                                                          white female                    5-10

                                                          white male                       0-5

                                                          white male                       0-5"

                                             ==O==

Uriah Goin appeared in the 1840 census of Claiborne County, still adjoining his brother, Levi Goin.  He family appeared as:

 

          "Goin, Uriah                white male                                         40-50

                                                white female                                     40-50

                                                white female                                     15-20

                                                white female                                       5-10"

                                             ==O==

Baylis E. Goines was born in Tennessee in 1810.  He was married about 1830, wife's name Rhoda.  She was born in North Carolina in 1812.

 

The household of Baylis E. Goines was enumerated as House­hold 783-810, Civil District 8, Grainger County in the 1850 census:

 

          "Goines,              Baylis E.                40, born in Tennessee, farmer,

                                                                             $800 real estate

                                       Rhoda                     38, born in North Carolina,

                                                                              illiterate

                                       Martha S.               19, born in Tennessee

                                       Nancy                     16, born in Tennessee

                                       James M.                14, born in Tennessee

                                       Mary E.                     9, born in Tennessee

                                       William                     8, born in Tennessee

                                       Rhoda                       4, born in Tennessee

                                       Samuel S.                  2, born in Tennessee"

          "Goines,               Prior A.                  22, born in Tennessee"

                                             ==O==

Anny Goins was named as head of a household in the 1900 Grainger County, Enumeration District 26, page 2:

 

          "Goins,                 Anny              67, born in NC, February 1833

                                       Thomas          28, born in TN, February 1872, son

                                       John               11, born in TN, Apr. 1889, grandson"

                                             ==O==

David Goins was married March 8, 1820 to Nancy Dunkin, ac­cording to Grainger County marriage records.  William McGill was their bondsman.  Children born to David Goins and Nancy Dunkin Goins are unknown.

                                               ==O==

Davis Goins was enumerated as the head of Household 936-126 the 1850 census of Grainger County:

 

          "Goins,                Davis                             70, born in Tennessee

                                       Jane                               43, born in Tennessee

                                       Calvin                           16,

                                       Alsy E.                            7,

                                       David                              6,

                                       Juliat A.C.                      5

                                       Abner B. F.                     2

                                       Lucy A.                       5/12

          Dyer,                    Eliza                              22"

                                             ==O==

Drury Goins was married August 23, 1817 to Mary Goin, ac­cording to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850."  Edward Riggs was their bondsman.  Drury Goins ap­peared as the head of a household in the 1830 and 1840 census returns of Grainger County.  Children born to Drury Goins and Mary Goin Goins are unknown.

                                               ==O==

Gabriel Goins was born in Virginia in 1810.  He was married about 1840, wife's name, Betsy, she was born in Virginia in 1816.  The household of Gabriel Goins, an illiterate laborer was enumerated as No. 186-190, Civil District 2, in the census of the 1850 of Grainger County:

 

          "Goins,                Gabriel                  40, born in VA, laborer, illiterate

                                       Betsy                     34, born in Virginia

                                       Mahaly E.              12, born in Tennessee

                                       Andrew                 10, born in Tennessee

                                       William R.              8, born in Tennessee"

                                             ==O==

Granville Goins was born in Grainger County about 1810, ac­cording to the affidavit of Matilda Goins of Dayton, Tennessee in the Court of Claims June 24, 1908.  He was married about 1833, wife's name Mary "Polly."  By 1837 they were located in Hamilton County, Tennessee

 

Granville Goins was enumerated as the head of a household No. 1339 in the 1850 census of Hamilton County.  The family was recorded October 21, 1850 as:

 

          "Goins,                Granvill      40, farmer, born in Tennessee

                                       Mary           33, born in Tennessee

                                       Mahaley      18, born in Tennessee

                                       Rachel        14, born in Tennessee

                                       Noah           12, born in Tennessee

                                       Roland        10, born in Tennessee

                                       Dopson         8, born in Tennessee

                                       James            6, born in Tennessee

                                       Nancy            4, born in Tennessee

                                       William        8/12, born in Tennessee"

 

Adjoining the household of Granville Goins was that of Nancy Goins.  The household, No. 1340, was recorded on Page 925 as:

 

          "Goins,                 Nancy        45, born in Tennessee

                                       Elizabeth   29, born in Tennessee

                                       Fanney      10, born in Tennessee"

 

"Granville and Polly Goins" were mentioned in an affidavit signed in 1908 by J. P. Talley of Chattanooga, according to "Cherokee by Blood: Records of Eastern Cherokee Ances­try in the U. S. Court of Claims, 1906-1910" by Jerry Wright Jordon.

 

"[I affirm] that I am 80 years of age and lived in James County, Tennessee.  I was just partially acquainted with Mary Jane Irwin and know W. V. Goins quite well.  May Jane Irwin is the second cousin of W. V. Goins.  I knew Polly and Granville Goins.  They lived in Hamil­ton County, but I think they were born in upper East Tennessee, probably Grainger County.  Alfred and Halie, I think, were born in Hamilton County.  Alfred, I think, was most too young to live with the Indians.  They lived around where there were Indians, in the same neighborhood and country, and whether they ever took a part in the tribal councils as recognized Indians, I don't know.  Polly and Granville Goins were a little older than myself.  They have been dead about 12 or 15 years.  They were never on any Indian rolls that I know of.  They were always called Indians, Cherokees.  I was ac­quainted with Nathan and Marila Goins.  They lived in Hamilton County, but I think they were born some­where else.  The parents and grandparents of W. V. Goins were recognized as having Cherokee Indian blood in them.  Don't know that they were on any rolls.  It's been 50-odd years ago since I first got acquainted with them, and ever since I knew them, they have lived in Hamilton County.  I know of nothing further to give in aid of ei­ther of said claims.

 

                        J. P. Talley

                        Chattanooga, Tenn, June 18, 1908"

 

At the same time W. T. Irwin of Chattanooga, former husband of Mary Jane Goins Irwin who died in 1897, made an affidavit about the family:

 

"I affirm that I live in Marion County, Tennessee.  I am 49 years of age.  I make claim for my children.  My first wife has been dead 11 years.  She was about 30 or 32 when she died.  Her parents names were Alfred and Halie Goins.  She claims Indian descent on her father's and mother's side.  Her grandparents on her mother's side were Granville and Polly Goins.  On her father's side they were Thomas and Betsy Goins.  They come by the same name because they were probably related.  She was always recognized as an Indian in the commu­nity in which she lived.  Her parents and grandparents lived in what is now James County [?].  Her grandpar­ents origi­nated from Grainger County.  She claimed to be a full blood Cherokee.  Her grandparents lived in Hamilton County in 1835.  She had only two brothers, those men­tioned in the application.  The children of Granville and Polly Goins are Halie, Jim, Dodson or Dotson and Nancy.  I have heard that my wife's parents and grand­parents were on some roll, but I don't know what roll.  I have nothing further to add to what I have already said.

 

                                                                   W. T. Irwin

                                                                   Chattanooga, Tenn, June 18, 1908"

                                               ==O==

Gutre Goins, a Virginian, was recorded as the head of a house­hold in the 1850 census of Grainger County, Household 197-26:

 

          "Goins,                Gutre                             40, born in Virginia

                                       Betsy                              31, born in Virginia

                                       Mahaly E.                      12

                                       Andrew                         10

                                       William K.                     8"

                                             ==O==

James Goins was born in  Tennessee in 1821.  He was mar­ried in 1850, wife's name Myra I.  She was born in Tennessee in 1832.  He was a tailor and illiterate.  They had no children.

                                             ==O==

James Goins appeared as the head of a household in the census of 1840:

 

          Goins, James                                   white male                     20-30

                                                                   white female                  20-30

                                             ==O==

John Goins was enumerated as the head of Household 152-20 in the 1850 census of Grainger County:

 

          "Goins,                 John                             30, born in Tennessee

                                       Martha F.                     22, born in Tennessee

                                       George W. A.                 4    

                                       Joseph                            1"

 

Robert C. Goins, was born in Tennessee in 1812.  He was mar­ried about 1835 wife's name Sele.  The household of Robert C. Goins, No. 727-758, was enumerated in the 1850 census of Grainger County, Civil District 10:

 

          "Goins,                 Robert C.            38, born in Tennessee, farmer

                                       Sele                      26, born in Tennessee,

                                                                          illiterate

                                       Thomas E.           14, born in Tennessee

                                       Rhode I.               13, born in Tennessee

                                       Robert K.            10, born in Tennessee

                                       Sarah E.                7, born in Tennessee

                                       Richard H.            6, born in Tennessee

                                       Susan                    4, born in Tennessee"

                                             ==O==

Sally Goins was shown as the head of a household in the 1850 census of Grainger County, 10th Civil District, Household No. 1317-1374.  She was born in North Carolina in 1816.  The 95-year old Sally Goins was possibly her mother-in-law.  The household was enumerated as:

 

          "Goins,                 Sally                     34, born in North Carolina

                                       Henry                    18, born in Tennessee

                                       Jane                      12, born in Tennessee

                                       James                      7, born in Tennessee

          Goins,                 Sally                       95, born in North Carolina,

                                                                            illiterate"

                                             ==O==

Samuel C. Goins was enumerated as the head of Household 893-120 in the 1850 census of Grainger County:

 

          "Goins,       Samuel C.                         42, born in Tennessee

                             Mahala                               29, born in Tennessee

                             William P.                            5

                             Mary E.                                4

                             Joseph N.                              2"

                                             ==O==

Sarah Goins was born in Tennessee in 1820.  She appeared in the 1850 census of Grainger County, as the head of Household No. 1103-1151, Civil District 10:

 

          "Goins,             Sarah                                    30, born in TN,                                                                                                                                                illiterate

                                       Nelson [Wilson?]            10, born in TN"

          Mansfield,           John                                         40

          Camper                Martha                                   30"

                                             ==O==

Thomas Goins was born in North Carolina in 1796.  He moved to Tennessee about 1840.  He appeared as the head of household No. 1300-1357, Civil District 11, Grainger County, in the 1850 census as:

 

          "Goins,               Thomas                54, born in NC, farmer, $150

                                       real estate

                                       Catherine            55, born in NC, illiterate

                                       Henry                  13, born in NC

                                       George W.          10, born in NC

                                       John G. W.           9, born in TN"

 

Thomas Goins, received Land Grant No. 25208 in Grainger County September 20, 1844.  "Thomas Goans" received from the State of Tennessee Land Grant No. 30327 in Grainger County December 20, 1859.

 

Children born to Thomas Goins and Catherine Goins include:

 

          George W. Goins                                             born in 1834

          Henry Goins                                                     born about 1836

          John G. W. Goins                                            born about 1841

 

George W. Goins, suggested as a son of Thomas Goins and Catherine Goins was born in 1834 in North Carolina according to his Confederate pension application.  He was brought to Grainger County about 1840.  In 1907 he stated that he had lived in Tennessee for 67 years.

 

George W. Goins, "colored" of Idol, Tennessee in Grainger County, stated on his Confederate pension application dated January 14, 1907 that he was born in North Carolina in 1834. 

 

In reply to a pension board questionnaire dated January 14, 1907, he stated, "I enlisted in Company D, Twenty-sixth Infantry Regiment, CSA  under Capt. William McConnal and Col. Leland.  I was not in any battle.  I was left to guard the wagon train.  I was at the Ft. Donelson fight, but did not engage in the fight; I was with the wagons."

 

He stated that the nature of his wound was "head diseased."  No doctor treated him, but "Les Talines waited on me.

 

When asked to explain how he got out of the army, he ex­plained, "I was left at Cumberland City with the sick and while there, my command was captured.  The sick was sent to Knoxville and Morristown, and I  ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- home and reenlisted under Capt. L. J. Jennings in Grainger County, Tennessee and he furloughed me to my house, and I have since lost my furlough."

 

He stated that he had lived in Tennessee for 67 years, that he had a wife and two sons, ages 38 and 35 living with him.  He did a "little farming" on 50 acres of land he owned which he valued at $100 to $200.  He owned "about $20" worth of personal property.  He claimed that he was no longer able to work and that his sons could not support him.

 

Grainger County marriage records show that G. W. Goins was  married to Jane Goins March 6, 1863 by L. H. Lowe, minister of the gospel.

 

Dr. J. H. Campbell attached an affidavit stating that the appli­cant had "disabilities from disease of liver, kidneys and gastri­tis of the stomach and in a bad state of health, unable to per­form manual labor."

 

Capt. L. J. Jennings of Greenville County, South Carolina sub­mitted an notarized affidavit September 10, 1906 stating, "I was captain of Company D, Twelfth Battalion, Tennessee Cav­alry  in the Confederate Army and George Goins was a mem­ber of my company."

 

In April George W. Goins wrote the following letter to the pen­sion board:

 

                                                                  April 22, 1907

Mr. F. A. Moses

Nashville, Tennessee

 

Dear Sir:  I am in receipt of your letter of inquiry.  I was in Company C, 12th Tennessee Battalion and was fur­lough home in July 1862 on account of sickness to re­main until called for the army dispersed, and I was not called for which left me at home and remained there.  I am an invalid and have never been well since.

 

                                                      G. W. Goins"

 

Six months after completing the questionnaire, George W. Goins wrote concerning his application:

 

                                                                  July 20, 1907

Mr. Frank A. Moses, S. E.

Nashville, Tennessee

 

Dear Sir: As I have not heard anything concerning my pension for some time, I desire to know whether it was allowed or whether you want more proof.  Now my po­sition in the army was to cook for 8 men which I did.  If the board is satisfied with the proof and my service in the army demands or entitles me to a pension, I would like to know as I need help.

                                                            George W. Goins"

 

On June 25, 1910 Joseph H. Goins, suggested as a kinsman of George W. Goins wrote:

 

"Mr. Frank A. Moses, S.E.

Nashville, Tennessee

 

Dear Sir:  G. W. Goins of Idol, Tenn. died the 6th of this month of a disease contracted during service in the army for which you have the proof at your option.  He leaves a widow 68 years old who is in need of help.  If you need any more proof concerning his pension on file, please notify me or her.  Someone told me that if she out lived her husband that she would get a pension.  So please write me concerning it.

 

                                                      Yours respectfully,

                                                      Jos. Goins

P. S. Her name is Jane Goins, col, Idol, Tenn.  Please notify either soon for she is very feeble.  Or you can write to R. L. Mc, Idol, Tenn. as he is a magistrat and does business of that kind."

 

Joseph H. Goins was still trying to obtain the pension in the following year:

 

                                                                  Tate, Tenn.

                                                                  July 2, 1911

Mr. F. A. Moses, S. E.

Nashville, Tenn.

 

Dear Sir:  I am deeply interested in the case of G. W. Goins, deceased, #8686 for I know that no one needs a pension any worse that his widow or is any more entitled to one than was her husband.  He was a free-born man and allowed to enlist wherever he chose.  He was with the army some time before he enlisted not know­ing any better, but finally enlisted some time before the army was disbanded.  As I have not mo­lested you any for a year, I appeal to your conscience to present her claim before the board again.  Please respond.

                                                                  Yours truly,

                                                                  J. H. Goins

P.S. His widow's name and address is Jane Goins, Idol, Tenn.

 

On July 11, 1911, Liddie Jane Goins filed a formal applica­tion for a widow's pension.  She supplied answers to a printed questionnaire.

 

She stated that she was born in Grainger County in 1838 and was married to George W. Goins by Lannie Lowe.  She men­tioned that they were the parents of seven children --all boys.  The oldest was about 50 and the youngest about 30  For prop­erty she mentioned that she had a life interest in a little moun­tainland worth about $75 and one milkcow.  She declared that a son, age 39 and a grandson, age 10 presently lived with her.

 

On June 30, 1912, Joseph H. Goins made another attempt:

 

                                                                  Tate, Tenn.

                                                                  June 30, 1912

Mr. Frank A. Moses, Spec. Exmr.

Nashville, Tenn.

 

Dear Sir:  In regard to the case of G. W. Goins, Case #8686, Col.  We as col. people of Tate Springs would like to know why the pension of G. W. Goins has not been allowed, knowing that all the proof you have asked for has been made and backed up by the best of­ficials of Grainger County.  His widow, Jane Goins is 73 years old and needs assistance.  I will ask you for the last time to consider her case.  Now this is election year, and we want to know something.  You will please present this to the board next Tuesday and write her at Idol or write me at Tate.  We do not know whether he merited a pension or not, but his comrades say he did.  I know that his widow needs a pension or some help.  So please consider this letter and let us hear from you.

                                                            Yours sincerely,

                                                                  J. H. Goins

 

On July 30, 1912, Frank A. Moses, special examiner for the Tennessee Board of Pension Examiners, wrote Capt. L. J. Jen­nings in Greenville:  

 

"Dear Sir,

 

The widow of G. W. Goins is an applicant for pension.  It is claimed that Goins was a member of your com­pany.  Our information is that at one time he was a cook for your company, but it appears that he did not remain until the close of the war.  In fact, in his own application, made in 1907 he said that Capt. Jennings furloughed him home and he remained there.  I was a Confederate soldier myself [captain] and never heard of the enlistment of a negro until the last few months of the war, when Gen. Lee advised the enlistment of ne­groes with the promise of their freedom at the end of the war.  I believe a very few enlisted within a short time before the war closed.  Please write me what you can to assist me in the consideration of this case.

 

                                                                        Frank A. Moses"

 

Lyddie Jane Goins wrote Capt. Moses a final letter:

 

                                                                        "Idol, Tenn.

                                                                        October 1, 1912

Mr. Frank A. Moses

Nashville, Tenn.

 

I have your letter of July 3, that was written to my son J. H. Goins at Tate, Tennessee in regard to my pension.  You stated that you were writing Capt. Jennings for information.  Hope you have heard from him by now, and if may husband was due a pension, I would be thankful for it, for I am 73 years old and very feeble, and if I could get it, it would be of great value to me.                             

 

Yours truly,

                                                                  Liddie J. Goins

 

On October 7, 1912 Captain Moses wrote a final letter to Lyddie Jane Goins:

 

"I have your letter of October 1.  I wrote Capt. Jen­nings in July and have his reply.  He tells me that the statements made by your husband in his application are true, but the trouble in your case is that your husband was a servant and not an enlisted soldier.

 

The Confederate States enlisted very few colored man and none until long after your husband left Capt. Jennings' command and went home.  Even if he had been enlisted, the fact that he did not stay until the close of the war would prevent us from giving a pension in this case.  I do not think that it is worth your while to expect anything in the way of a pension."

                                             ==O==

Amy Gowen was married March 11, 1846 to Isaac Shoemaker, according to "Grainger County, Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1850." 

                                             ==O==

James Gowen appeared as the head of a household in the 1840 census of Grainger County.  His household appeared on a farm as:

 

          "Gowen, James                      white male              40-50

                                                          white female          40-50

                                                          white male             20-30

                                                          white female          20-30

                                                          white male             15-20

                                                          white male             15-20

                                                          white male             10-15

                                                          white male               5-10

                                                          white male                5-10

                                                          white male                0-5

                                                          white male                0-5

                                                          white female          60-70"

                                             ==O==

Nancy Gowen, Jr. was eight years old when she was "bound to Joshua Hicky until she attain the age of 18" February 18, 1822, according to Grainger County Court Minute Book 5, page 3.

                                             ==O==

Caleb Gowin was recorded as "one white poll" in Capt. John Bull's Company in the 1810 tax list of Grainger County.

                                             ==O==

Albert Gowing appeared as the head of a household in the 1850 census of Grainger County, household 518-425, Civil District 5.  The family was enumerated as:

 

          "Gowing,             Albert                  23, born in TN, farmer, illiterate

                                       Nancy                  20, born in Tennessee, illiterate

                                       Deliora E.              2, born in Tennessee"

                                             ==O==

Joseph Guin was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1810 census of Grainger County:

 

          "Guin, Joseph                        white male                     26-45

                                                          white female                 16-26

                                                          white male                       0-10

                                                          white female                   0-10"

 

Researcher Descendants:

 

Louise Goins Richardson, 2207 E. Lake Street, Paragould, AR, 72450

L. R. Williams, Jr, 6400 Middle Ridge Lane, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37343,

615/842-7285.

Kenny Ann Gibson Wood, 8718 S. 68th E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK, 918/481-1661

 

GREENE COUNTY, TENNESSEE

 

William Goings of Greene County applied for a soldier's pension in 1835.

                                             ==O==

Thomas Gooin, a North Carolina Revolutionary soldier re­ceived North Carolina land Warrant No. 2015 to 300 acres of land in 1787 in Greene County, according to "North Carolina Land Grants in Tennessee, 1778-1791" by Lillian Johnson Gardiner and Betty Goff Cook Cartwright.

==O==

Rebecca Gowan was married in 1847 to Bueford Graves in Greene County.  He was born in 1850 in Sullivan County, Indiana.

                                             ==O==

Joseph Gowins was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1830 census of Greene County.

 

GRUNDY COUNTY, TENNESSEE

 

John C. Goin was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1900 census of Grundy County, Enumeration District 35, page 35:

 

          "Goin,       John C.      45, born in TN, March 1855

                             Sheldy       50, born in TN, 1850

                             Jim            30, born in TN, 1870"

                                             ==O==

Florinda C. W. Gowan, widow of Andrew J. W. Gowan came into Grundy County Court and contested the will of her deceased husband as not being valid February 4, 1849, according to Grundy County Court Minute Book 1844-1855.  The court met to close the estate December 1, 1851.  Florinda C. W. Gowan had remarried in the interim, husband either Garrison Harrison or Miles H. Harrison.  Other heirs of Andrew J. W. Gowan mentioned in the court records include Elizabeth L. Roberts, Margaret McGown, and L. D. McGown.

 

HAMBLEN COUNTY, TENNESSEE

 

William Goan was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1900 census of Hamblen County, Enumeration District 53, page 1:

 

          "Goan,                 William               72, born in TN, May 1828

                                       Mary M.               62, born in TN, December 1838

                                       Robert                  18, born in TN, January 1882"

                                             ==O==

Joseph Goin was born in Tennessee about 1850.  He appeared as the head of a household in the 1880 census of Hamblen County, Enumeration District 70, page 21, Civil District 6:

 

          "Goin,        Joseph              30, born in TN

                             L. Jane              23, born in TN

                             Leonidas             3, born in TN

                             M. Rosella         1, born in TN"

 

The family reappeared in the 1900 census of Hamblen County, 10th Civil District, Enumeration District 61, page 3:

 

          "Goin,                  Josiah        53, born in TN, May 1847

                                       Jennie        47, born in TN, January 1853

                                       Leonidas    22, born in TN, July 1877

                                       Florence    14, born in TN, August 1885

                                       Nora           19, born in TN, March 1881

                                       Bertha           7, born in TN, April 1893

                                       Frank            2, born in TN, June 1898, son

                                       Audley          2, born in TN, June 1898, son   

==O==

Comadore Goine died in 1910 in Hamblen County according to “Tennessee Deaths,” Record No. 32637.

                                             ==O==

Several members of the Goins family were buried in the Emma Jarnagin Cemetery located in Morristown, Tennessee.  Interred there were:

 

          Grace Goins                                    1901-1973

          Laura Quillen Goins                       1877-1954

          Logan M. Goins                              1904-1971

          Cornie M. Goins                            1899-December 17, 1987

 

End of Hamblen County, Tennessee


 

HAMILTON COUNTY, TENNESSEE

 

Hamilton County was created in 1819 with land taken from Rhea County.  Rhea County was created in 1807 with land taken from Roane County.  Roane County was created in 1801 with land taken from Knox and Blount Counties.

                                             ==O==

Free Colored Families enumerated in the 1840 census of Hamilton County included households headed by:

 

          Caston Gowin                             53011-10101

       G. Gowin                                    0011-1211

       George Gowin                            4101-001

          John Gowin                                  301-221

          P. Gowin                                      0111-101

          Sanford Gowin                               011-101

          Thomas Gowin                               201-001

          William Gowin                          1101-0001

                                             ==O==

The obituary of Frank B. Goan, 67, a guard for Chattanooga Glass Company was published in February 1954 in the “Chattanooga Times.”

                                             ==O==

B. E. Goins was arrested for “driving while drunk,” according to the October 18, 1940 edition of “The Chattanooga Times.”

                                             ==O==

B. W. Goins and Leila Williams were arrested for “public profanity,” according to the October 18, 1940 edition of “The Chattanooga Times.”

                                             ==O==

Cassandra “Cassie” Goins was born in Hamilton County in August 1862 of parents unknown.  She was married about 1895 to William Charles Austin who was born April 18, 1872 in Baxter County, Arkansas to Robert Austin and Nancy M. Hopper Austin.  William Charles Austin died August 24, 1924 in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma.  Cassandra “Cassie” Goins Austin died April 13, 1927 and was buried in Riley Cemetery in Sequoyah County.

                                             ==O==

John Goins “F.M.C,” Confederate soldier, unit unknown, was injured during the Battle of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and was shipped by train to Chattanooga for hospitaliza-tion, according to Margie Daniels.  He died there, one of 887, during the period, January 1, 1863-May 31, 1863 who were hastily buried in a cemetery near the Tennessee River.  Many of the wounded in the battle of Murfreesboro were sent to Chattanooga by train.  Some of them died en route and others in the station immediately upon arrival.  Homes and hospitals were filled with other soldiers who lingered, some a few days and some for months.

 

After the war was over, Col. R. L. Watkins supervised the removal of the bodies to the Confederate Cemetery in Chattanooga in 1867.  He compiled a list of the interments.

 

Col. Watkins began his list with the number 142 and the date February 1, 1863.  It is presumed that 141 men died in January and were buried in the very low ground where the water wash-ed the graves and the wooden boards, and that the names were not decipherable when he made his list in 1867.  The last num-ber "887" is dated May 31, 1863.

 

The list bears this inscription:

 

"Presented to the Confederate Memorial Association March 18, 1876, by R. L. Watkins, who assisted in obtaining this record in 1867 and participated in re-moving the dead to the graves where they now lie.  This was when the Confederate Memorial Association was first organized.  Each grave was numbered and named on headboard as this list shows and was easily identified.

 

R. L. Watkins."

 

ALABAMA

 

Alexander, George, Company E, 34th Regiment.

Alexander, J. W., Company C, 28th Regiment.

Allen, J., Company H, 34th Regiment.

Allison, E., Company E, 16th Regiment.

Anderson, Robert C., Company E, 19th Regiment.

Andrew, W. F., Company H, 35th Regiment.

Alsed, Isaac, Company M, 1st Cavalry.

Baker, S. B., Company K, 1st Cavalry.

Ballard, Samuel, Company A, 33rd Regiment.

Barlow, W. P., Company K, 25th Regiment.

Barnes, C. P., Company D, 19th Regiment.

Baros, C. C., Company K, 1st Regiment.

Bates, Francis M., Company B, 3rd Cavalry.

Bathwell, E., Company E, 6th Cavalry.

Bayley, E. C., Company ?, 28th Regiment.

Beedles, Benjamin, Cavalry

Bell, I. W., Company B, 5th Regiment.

Belvin, E. D., Company B, 45th Regiment.

Beles, Harrison, Company B, 19th Regiment.

Bishop, J., Company A, 33rd Regiment.

Black, C. J., Company G, 41St Regiment.

Blair, Wyley, Company G, 35th Regiment.

Blakely, William, Company I, 30th Regiment.

Blanton, J. W., Company K, 26th Regiment.

Bottenburg, Jas., Company B, 16th Regiment.

Bowsman, John, Company I, 1st Cavalry.

Bradley, A., Company B, 34th Regiment.

Brannon, J. B., Company F, 45th Regiment.

Brown, B. P., Maney's Battery.

Brown, G. W., Company I, 1st Cavalry.

Brown, J. B., Company J, 34th Regiment.

Brown, J. W., 32nd Regiment.

Brown, S. B., Company I, 25th Regiment.

Bruner, John, Company F, 26th Regiment.

Bryant, B., Company H, 1st Regiment.

Burdett, L. S., Company G, 34th Regiment.

Burdick, W. G., Company E, 34th Regiment.

Busbin, Isaac, Company E, 19th Regiment.

Bynum, Riley, Company I, 1st Cavalry.

Bynum, Tom, Company B, 28th Regiment.

Camp, B., Company L, 1st Cavalry.

Camp, M. M., Company B, 51st Regiment.

Cannon, E., Company H, 45th Regiment.

Capps, W. H., Company E, 45th Regiment.

Cargile, Richard C., Company C, 19th Regiment.

Carlton, R. H., Company A, 34th Regiment.

Chapman, A. J., Company E, 24th Regiment.

Chapman, Amos, Company E, 24th Regiment.

Chapman, Lieut. M., Company E, 19th Regiment.

Cheatham, J. S., Company C, 33rd Regiment.

Cherry, John William, Company C, 35th Regiment.

Chesterfield, Ivie, Company A, 28th Regiment.

Clement, A. J., Company E, 16th Regiment.

Coffin, John, Company C, 2nd Cavalry.

Colburn, J. Company B, 41st Regiment.

Compton, M., Company L, 1st Regiment.

Corburn, Perry, Company C, 2nd Cavalry.

Cox, A., Company D, 32nd Regiment.

Craig, W. R., Company G, 22nd Regiment.

Crow, J. B., Company F, 24th Regiment.

Crum, Sergt. W., Company A, 11th Regiment.

Daniels, J. A., Company C, 30th Regiment.

Danormy (?) W. J., Company B, 39th Regiment.

Davis, E. J., Company I, 25th Regiment.

Davis, G., Company C, 32nd Regiment.

Dickam, M., Company C, 2nd Battalion.

Docrull, R. C., Company C, 33rd Regiment.

Doherty, J. L., Company G, 19th Regiment.

Dones, I. C., Company C, 35th Regiment.

Dossey, G. B., Company B, 33rd Regiment.

Duke, William G., Company I, 18th Regiment.

Dunham, Richard, Company B, 34th Regiment.

Durner, Daniel, Company J, 4th Cavalry.

Durrett, G. H., Company F, 26th Regiment.

Durro, W. G., Company E, 22nd Regiment.

Dutton, B., Company K, 1st Regiment.

Eason, E. D., Company H, 25th Regiment.

Ellis, E. T., Company E, 34th Regiment.

Emmon, Joseph, Company F, 31st Regiment.

Enbe, E. N., Company F, 25th Regiment.

Everett, Marshall, Company G, 22nd Regiment.

Ezell, Addison W., Company A, 38th Regiment.

Fields, W. N., Company M, 1st Cavalry.

Foster, Francis, Company G, 34th Regiment.

Fowlett, J. W., Company C, 4th Regiment.

Fusler, Alf. S., Company F, 45th Regiment.

Gabham, G. S., Company B, 35th Regiment.

Gaines, William F., Company K, 26th Regiment.

Galbreth, A. C., Company E, 5ist Regiment.

Gilbert, John, Company E, 24th Regiment.

Goba, John H., Company C, 19th Regiment.

Goodwin, Morris, Company B, 22nd Regiment.

Gordon, W., Company C, 16th Regiment.

Gorham, J. H., Company K, 4th Regiment.

Goubile, John, Company B, 24th Regiment.

Graham, Napoleon, Company I, 24th Regiment.

Grant, J. A., Company F, 1st Cavalry.

Green, E. C., Company B, 51st Regiment.

Green, J., Company E, 6oth Regiment.

Green, Jackson, Company K, 30th Regiment.

Griffin, G., Company B, 1st Cavalry.

Hackney, G. W., Company B, 34th Regiment.

Hale, W. L., Company C, 28th Regiment.

Hamil, Simon, Company C, 25th Regiment.

Hand, A. W., Company G, 34th Regiment.

Harris, 3. S., Company G, 34th Regiment.

Harrison, Napoleon B., Company E, 24th Regiment.

Hattaway, M. W., Company B, 51st Regiment.

Hawkins, John F., Company B, 38th Regiment.

Hendricks, J., Company C, Gibson's Battery.

Hicks, J. W., Company A, 45th Regiment.

Hicks, Thomas E., Company A, 25th Regiment.

Hill, E. B., Company -, 1st Regiment.

Hinson, W. B., Company A, 25th Regiment.

Hitt, E. P., Company D, 28th Regiment.

Hods, James, Company G, 25th Regiment.

Holland, B. B, Company K, 26th Regiment.

Holliday, Reuben, Company K, 16th Regiment.

Homes, Lieut. J. W., Company, 1st Cavalry.

Holt, W. C., Company F, 24th Regiment.

Hooke, A. C., Company I, 34th Regiment.

Hooker, John, Company I, 32nd Regiment.

Hord, W. H., Company K, 31st Regiment.

Holt, C. W., Company K, 34th Regiment.

Housen, A., Company H, 25th Regiment.

Hutchin, D. L., Company -, 1st Regiment State.

Inadmatt, Robt. B., Company D. 19th, Regiment.

Israel, Leander W., Company E, 19th Regiment.

Janis, B., Company C, 26th Regiment.

Jarret, James, Company H, 19th Regiment.

Jenkins, J. D., Company E, 4th Regiment.

Jester, James A., Company F, 19th Regiment.

Jobson or Johnson, L., Company A, 26th Regiment.

Johnson, Oliver, Company I, 25th Regiment.

Johnson, Wm. H., Company I, 1st Cavalry.

Johnson, S. R., Company B, 25th Regiment.

Jones, S. M., Company ?, 16th Regiment.

Jones, W. K., Company B, 28th Regiment.

Jordan Mark, Company A, 41st Regiment.

Jurrell L, Company K, 24th Regiment.

Kelly John, Company A, 25th Regiment.

Kenneda, J. W., Company E, 25th Regiment

Kerby A, Company C, 19th Regiment.

Killen G W., Company B, 51st Regiment.

Kirkland, John, Company E, 1st Battalion.

Kyle, Robert E., Company D, Russel's Cavalry.

LaMarcus, Elias, Company H, 38th Regiment.

Lambert S. S., Company F, 34th Regiment.

Latham, Moses, Company D, 19th Regiment.

Lee J P., Company B, 39th Regiment.

Lee Lewis, Company D, 33rd Regiment.

Leline Allen, Company K, 34th Regiment.

Lillard Wm., Company C, 26th Regiment.

Liston R. A., Company F, 51st Regiment.

Lixton James, Company G, 41St Regiment.

Loftus Samuel, Company K, 38th Regiment.

Long C M., Company F, 25th Regiment.

Longley C. W., Company B, 28th Regiment.

Lunchford, A. W., Company G, 51st Regiment.

McCaffity, D., Companys B and E, 26th Regiment.

McCarthy, Daniel, Company D, 4th Cavalry.

McCartney, John, Company H, 26th Regiment.

McCowin, T. D., Company E, 45th Regiment.

McCoy Alexander, Company I, 25th Regiment.

McCoy S. A., Company H, 33rd Regiment.

McDonnell, William E, Company A, 1st Alabama Cavalry.

McDowell, W. C., Company A, 1st Cavalry.

McElwain, W., Company G, 34th Regiment.

McGuire, Charles, Company C, 18th Regiment.

McHenry, Thomas, Company A, 19th Regiment.

McKee, S., Company G, 25th Regiment.

McKleduff, T. N., Company A, 1st Cavalry.

McLain, E. E., Company E, 45th Regiment.

McLandon, Company E, 24th Regiment.

McLandon, Thomas, Company C, 25th Regiment.

Manley, J. G., Company I, 25th Regiment.

Marshall, E. M., Company H, 38th Regiment.

Martin, Daniel, Company A, 16th Regiment.

Massey, Aaron, Company G, 51st Regiment.

May, G. W., Company B, 25th Regiment.

Mays, James, Company K, 5th Regiment.

Melton, M. W., Company H, 41st Regiment.

Michell, Andrew T., Company F, 33rd Regiment.

Micou, W. H., Company H, 34th Regiment.

Miller, W. D., Company K, 1st Regiment.

Milligan, J., Company F, 25th Regiment.

Michen, H. S., Company B, 25th Regiment.

Moes, J. T., Company I, 18th Regiment.

Moin, J. G., Company D, 32nd Regiment.

Mooney, John P., Company B, 33rd Regiment.

Moore, W. D., Company -, Eufaula Artillery.

Morey, Charles, Company G, 19th Regiment.

Mullen, Augustus, Company D, 33rd Regiment.

Murphee, D. L., Company I, 1st Cavalry.

Murphey, W. Y., Company K, 1st Regiment.

Murphey, B. S, Co., K, 1st Cavalry Regiment

Nelson, Andrew J., Company B, 25th Regiment.

Nelson, David, Company I, 51st Regiment.

Nichols, J. J., Company H, 44th Regiment.

Nix, J., Company E, 28th Regiment.

Noland, LeBron, Company C, 25th Regiment.

Norvell, G. B., Company F, 4th Regiment.

Osburn, , Company D, 4th Regiment.

Palmer, Milton, Company H, 33rd Regiment.

Patterson, W. J., Company G, 34th Regiment.

Payne, J. M., Company A, 21st Regiment.

Pede, C, Company F, 39th Regiment.

Phillips, John H., Company C, 33rd Regiment.

Phillips, J. W., Company E, 51st Regiment.

Pollard, J. M., Company D, 32nd Regiment.

Preese, J. D., Company F, 20th Regiment.

Pritchett, B. F., Company A, 25th Regiment.

Quick, J. J, Company G, 38th Regiment.

Ragsdale, W, Company C, 22nd Regiment.

Raider, W. F., Company G, 38th Regiment.

Rainey, J. J. , Maney's Battery.

Ray, H. A., Company C, 22nd Regiment.

Rhodes, J. B., Company C, 34th Regiment.

Richardson, John A., Company C, 38th Regiment.

Rice, James, Company H, 1st Cavalry.

Roberts, A. J., Company I, 19th Regiment.

Rodgers, J. J. , Company E, 1st Cavalry.

Rogers, John L., Company I, 33rd Regiment.

Roper, William, Company G, 25th Regiment.

Rowe, Harry M., Company E, 34th Regiment.

Rowe, P. A., 34th Regiment.

Rulfard, James, Company F., 33rd Regiment.

Sackett, James, Company -, 2nd Regiment.

Saner, John, Company G, 41st Regiment.

Sanford, James, Company D, 24th Regiment.

Satterwhite, W. J., Company G, 22nd Regiment.

Scott, J. M., Company H, 41St Regiment.

Seff, Thomas E., Company F, 36th Regiment.

Shahan, Alonzo, Company H, 1st Cavalry.

Shelton, G., Company G, 45th Regiment.

Singleton, W. H., Company B, 38th Regiment.

Slattery, John, Company E, 33rd Regiment.

Smith, Jackson, Company D, 34th Regiment.

Smith, John W., Company F, 19th Regiment.

Smith, J. M., Company C, 34th Regiment.

Smith, W. W., Company M, 1st Cavalry.

Somers, S. C., Company B, 41st Regiment.

Soralls, John H., Company , 34th Regiment.

Spears, James R., Company E, 1st Battery.

Spence, William, Company I, 39th Regiment.

Steed, J., Company K, 4th Regiment.

Stevens, Timothy, Company H, 25th Regiment.

Tate, John, Company A, 2nd Cavalry.

Tavers, Willis A, Company B, 34th Regiment.

Taylor, E. B., Company B, 25th Regiment.

Teer, Joseph, Company B, 25th Regiment.

Terrel, Anthony, Company A, 16th Regiment.

Thomas, Uriah, Company E, 54th Regiment.

Thomas, W., Company G, 24th Regiment.

Thomas, W. G., Company C, 33rd Regiment.

Thompson, George, Company F, 41st Regiment.

Thompson, T. M., Company G, 26th Regiment.

Thompson, William, Company B, 51st Regiment.

Tiler, G. W., Company A, 25th Regiment.

Tinker, H., Company A, 3rd Alabama.

Todd, Thomas J., Company I, 4th Cavalry.

Toney, J. A., Company C, 26th Regiment.

Tramel, F., Company F, 19th Regiment.

Tusher, Aif S., Company F, 45th Regiment.

Tybs, William, Company I, 32nd Regiment.

Vaughn, John, Company K, 1st Cavalry.

Vestal, Davis A., Company C, 16th Regiment.

Vickers, Corp. T. J., Company F, 32nd Regiment.

Wade, Benj. B., Company D, 38th Regiment.

Wall, F. M., Company H, 26th Regiment.

Walters, D., Company G, 26th Regiment.

Walters, Joshua, Company E, 51st Regiment.

Wark, James, Company A, 41St Regiment.

Waskin, T. D., Company D, 28th Regiment.

Weiley, David, Company I, 36th Regiment.

Whaley, J., Company K, 1st Regiment.

Willingham, B. M., Company B, th Regiment.

Wills, J. B., Company A, 39th Regiment.

Wilson, B., Company B, 1st Cavalry.

Wilson, William, Company B, 1st Cavalry.

With (Witt?), William W., Company C, 28th Regiment.

Wood, Allen G., Company E, 34th Regiment.

Wood, John W., Company I, 36th Regiment.

Wright, John, Company C, 34th Regiment.

Wright, W. D., Company G, 45th Regiment.

York, Lieut. A. J., Company E, 32nd Regiment.

Unknown, Company F, 3rd Alabama Cavalry.

 

 

ARKANSAS

 

Bartlett, M., Company B, 31st Regiment.

Barstow, James, 7th Regiment.

Beavers, F. M., Company C, 31st Regiment.

Bennett, H., Company F, 3rd Regiment.

Bennett, R., Company D, 2nd Regiment.

Boker, J. L., Company H, 8th Regiment.

Brumby, James, Company K, 4th Regiment.

Cates, J. W., Company K, 31st Regiment.

Course, J. L., Company I, 30th Regiment.

Gatten, William T., 25th Regiment.

Gray, J. P., Company K, Adams' Regiment.

Holmes, Lieut. J. W., 1st Cavalry.

James, D. T., Company D, 8th Regiment.

Kendall, George, Company D, 31st Regiment.

McKinney, P. L., Company A, 1st Regiment.

Martin (Morton), Joseph, Company H, 2nd Regiment.

Patterson, D. A., Company E, 1st Regiment.

Patterson, John, Company C, 4th Regiment.

Patton, J. A., Company B, 3rd Regiment.

Porter, Robert, Company B, 1st Regiment.

Rowland, W. H., Company E, 31st Regiment.

Smith, R., Company B, 1st Regiment.

Smith, William, Company K, 6th Regiment.

Stanley, R. A., Company I, 1st Regiment.

Stovall, W. F., Company I, 8th Regiment.

Thompson, J. M., Company F, 2nd Regiment.

Vend, J., 1st Regiment.

Virdel, T. L., Company I, 2nd Regiment.

White, J. J. , Company A, 7th Regiment.

Word, Thomas, Company H, 8th Regiment.

 

 

FLORIDA

 

Boals, J., 11th Regiment.

Coggins, J. H., Company D, 3rd Regiment.

Douglass, C., Company F, 4th Regiment.

Elliott, James B., Company D, 3rd Regiment.

Gary, M. J., Company F, 3rd Regiment.

Holland, D., Company H, 1st Regiment.

Lamb, C., Company G, 3rd Regiment.

Latt, William C., Company 1, 4th Regiment.

Lovell, W. A., Company G, 4th Regiment.

Martin, Jesse, Company E, 1st Regiment.

Nelson, J. T., Company I, 1st Regiment.

Reeves, S. S., Company H, 3rd Regiment.

Sapps, B. W., Company E, 4th Regiment.

White, Edward, Company G, 3rd Regiment.

Wingate, J. J. , Company A, 3rd Regiment.

Wynne, Charles, Company B, 1st Regiment.

Wynne, Isaiah, Company F, 4th Regiment.

 

 

GEORGIA

 

Allen, H. E., Company B, 9th Regiment.

Bailey, G., Company H, 3rd Cavalry.

Bailey, S. A., Company B, 5th Regiment.

Capps, H. J., Company E, 3rd Battery.

Cine, G. W., Company B, 9th Battery.

Clay, J. A., Company H, 5th Regiment.

Cootes, E. T., Company B, 2nd Battalion.

Covington, Thomas, Company H, 3rd Regiment.

Demeriss, A., Company K, 13th Regiment.

Hunt, M. S., Company D, 3rd Cavalry.

Hutchin, 1st Georgia State Troops.

Jansen (or Nelson), H. J., Georgia Cavalry.

Lerois, W. D., Company C, 3rd Battery.

Lyle, G. W., Company C, 3rd Battery.

Marhulon, T., Company C, 9th Georgia.

Nelson (or Janson), H. J., Cavalry.

Patters, M. J., Company C, 3rd Battery.

Peeples, C. C., Company B, 3rd Regiment.

Perry, Thomas J., Company B, 3rd Regiment.

Powers, J. E., Company K, 5th Regiment.

Pud, J., Company E, 9th Battalion.

Ramsey, Jordan, Company C, 9th Battalion.

Sarp, Thomas A., 3rd Cavalry.

Sorrels, A. W., Company E, 2nd Regiment.

Spence, T. J., Company C, 2nd Regiment.

Stephens, Newton, Company F, 5th Regiment.

Tucker, E. T., Company D, 2nd Battalion Cavalry.

Veaney, Barney, Company I, 5th Regiment.

Ward, N., Company D, 8th Battery.

Wilbanks, J. A., Company F, 3rd Regiment.

 

 

 

KENTUCKY

 

Belter, John, Company B, 1st Cavalry.

Berry, W., Company B, 2nd Regiment.

Boget, A., Company D, 1st Cavalry.

Burgs, J. G., Company D, 9th Regiment.

Jones, M. S., Company F, 1st Cavalry.

McCullen (McCullough), William, Company H, 6th Regiment.

Perkins, Thomas, Company A, 3rd Cavalry.

Simpson, D. M., Company G, 1st Cavalry.

Speaker, George, Morgan's Cavalry.

Steel, James B., Cynthiana, Ky.

Switzer, James, Company F, 9th Regiment.

Tucker, James, Company D, 4th Cavalry.

Waiths, Lieut. F. M., Cavalry. S

Wr1sten, Joseph M., Company D, 4th Regiment.

 

LOUISIANA

 

Arthur, D., Company F, 16th Regiment.

Barnett, William I., Company I, 16th Regiment.

Brickley (or Buckley), A. G., Company E, 11th Regiment.

Conner, J., Company E, 16th Regiment.

Eagan, Michael, Company G, 10th Regiment.

Findlay, John, Company B, 25th Regiment.

Hallett, James, 1st Cavalry.

Heardy, J. H., Company H, 13th Regiment.

Honeycutt, G. M., Company F, 11th Regiment.

Kelly, D., Company A, uth Regiment.

Kenan, D. L., Company F, 2 th Regiment.

McCoy, A., Company E, 25th Regiment.

McWilliams, D. P., Company E, 1st Regiment.

Merchell, Lewis, 13th Regiment.

Moran, Henry, Company K, 13th Regiment.

Morrow, William, Company F, 16th Regiment.

Nolen (Noland), Michael, Company C, uth Regiment.

Nollett, Mitchell, Company G, 13th Regiment.

Ott, Thomas J., Company H, 16th Regiment.

Pullen, S. A., Company E, 25th Regiment.

Riley, George, Company K, 13th Regiment.

Robertson, Levi, Company E, 13th Regiment.

Spring, W. G., Company D, 25th Regiment.

Ross, William A., Company K, 1st Cavalry.

Strippling, A. A., Company E, 25th Regiment.

Thompson, D., Company A, 16th Regiment.

yarborough, Charles, Company F, 16th Regiment.

Zachary, J. E., Company H, 16th Regiment.

 

 

 

MISSISSIPPI

 

Alexander, W. M., Company E, 34th Regiment.

Allen, W. P., Company G, 27th Regiment.

Applewhite, Sergt. C., Company J, 10th Regiment.

Avara, A. J., Company C, 41st Regiment.

Baird, J. M., Company F. 27th Blythe's.

Ballew, J. W., Company C, 29th Regiment.

Barnquarth, T. E., Company C, 41st Regiment.

Bell, Henry, Company D, 45th Regiment.

Bennett, George, Company E, 24th Regiment.

Berry, Company I, 24th Regiment.

Bishop, J., Company K, 27th Regiment.

Blackberry, John, Company E, 29th Regiment.

Bobbitt, W. H., Company I, 24th Regiment.

Boddis, A., Company H, 27th Regiment.

Bowland, J. W., Company F, 29th Regiment.

Brinkley, W. H., Company E, 27th Blythe's.

Bunn, E. C., Company G, 41st Regiment.

Cate, Z. A., Company E, 27th Regiment.

Carltridge, James, Company C, 24th Regiment.

Closkey, G. W. W., Company F, 7th Regiment.

Cremer, A. L., Company A, 37th Regiment.

Davenport, G. W., Company A, 37th Regiment.

Davis, Fred L., Company B, ioth Regiment.

Dixon, W. H., Company G, 31st Regiment.

Doggett, R. D., Company I, 7th and 9th Regiments.

Douglass, Harrison, Company G, 29th Regiment.

Echner, L. E., Company G, 41st Regiment.

Edegar, G. W., Company H, 7th Regiment.

Eisley, Oliver, Company H, 10th Regiment.

Foust, L. D., Company A, 29th Regiment.

Fuller, B. W., Company B, 29th Regiment.

Gardner, G. W., Company B, 30th Regiment.

Garner, W. F., Company I, 29th Regiment.

Garuse, S., Company H, 37th Regiment.

Gentry, W., Company E, 32nd Regiment.

Gilmer, K. H., Company H, 10th Regiment.

Gil mer, Thomas, Company D, 37th Regiment.

Godwin, E. H., Company H, 37th Regiment.

Gork, E. H., Company D, 10th Regiment.

Griffin, Samuel, Company F, 24th Regiment.

Grisham, W. A. W., Company H, 33rd Regiment.

Harris, D. H., Company G, 29th Regiment.

Hassell, J. H., Company D, 37th Regiment.

Heddencok, I. B., 10th Regiment.

Hill, Thomas J., Company B, 34th Rement.

Hodges, J. B., Company K, 10th Regiment.

Hough, Frank, Company B, 27th Regiment.

Housley, G. W., Company G, 27th Regiment.

Johnston, C. A., Company D, 27th Regiment.

Kenneda, R. M., Company E, 27th Regiment.

Kens, W. A. E., Company D, 30th Regiment.

Knighton, W. C., Company I, 24th Regiment.

Latrip, J. B., Company K, 27th Regiment.

Law, S. W., Company D, 27th Regiment.

Lchnimpore (?),J. W., Company D, 41St Regiment.

Leavins, E. A., Company E, 29th Regiment.

Lenty, John, Company I, 29th Regiment.

Lester, George H., Company F, 29th Regiment.

Linchard, W., Company F, 30th Regiment.

Lipscomb, G. W., Company A, 30th Regiment.

McCrory, W. D. T, Company D, 37th Regiment.

McDonald, J., Company B, 37th Regiment.

McKnight, J. M., Company C, 10th Regiment.

Madew, B. C., Company E, 29th Regiment.

Maxwell, J. W., Company K, 27th Regiment

Miles, W. W., Company H., 27th Regiment.

Millsaps, W. M., Company F, Blythe's Regiment.

Morris, H., Company L, 41st Regiment.

Mounger, H., Company F, 29th Regiment.

O'Neal, J. R., Company H, 7th Regiment.

Parker, S. W., Company F, 24th Regiment.

Philips, W. F., Company B, 32nd Regiment.

Pickles, E., Company I, 30th Regiment.

Pickols, J. M., Company L, 24th Regiment.

Reikles, E., Company I, 30th Regiment.

Robinson, Stephen, Company D, 27th Regiment.

Rushing, N. R., Company E, 27th Regiment.

Scalion, G. W., Companys B and D, 24th and 29th Regiments.

Scarborough, Sergt. M., Company C, 24th Regiment.

Scillon, L. J., Company C, 29th Regiment.

Scruggs, W. S., Company E, 29th Regiment.

Shelton, W. T., Company G, 9th Regiment.

Sherrod, G., Company I, 29th Regiment.

Shirkey, Lieut. Montgomery C., Company A, 30th Regiment.

Shurtbiff, 0. G., Company E, 7th Regiment.

Simpson, W. B., Company G, 5th Regiment.

Slade, E. A., Company E, 30th Regiment.

Slade, H. F., Company D, 7th Regiment.

Slaughter, J. M., Company B, 24th Regiment.

Smith, W. D., Company F, 45th Regiment.

Stacey, M., Company G, 24th Regiment.

Stephens, E. T., Company F, 29th Regiment.

Strong, Henry, Company F, 27th Regiment.

Tilly, Stephen S., Company F, 29th Regiment.

Ussery, G. H., Company C, 37th Regiment.

Walker, W., Company E, 24th Regiment.

Wall, C. V., Company C, 7th Regiment.

Wallis, R. A., Company B, 8th Regiment.

Warren, L., Company H, 7th Regiment.

Whiddon, J. A., Company F, 7th Regiment.

White (or Whits), J. G., Company D, 30th Regiment.

Whittey, J. F., Company K, 27th Regiment.

Williams, S. G., Company B, 24th Regiment.

Wray, W. P., Company C, Blythe's Regiment.

Youngblood, N. A., 27th Regiment.

One unknown from Mississippi.

 

 

NORTH CAROLINA

 

Beard, Daniel F., Company K, 39th Regiment.

Brindle, J. F., Company E, 29th Regiment.

Ceaghel, William, Company H, 60th Regiment.

Crowder, I. W., Company D, 29th Regiment.

Evans, S. C., Company B, 60th Regiment.

Frisbee, A. J., Company C, 29th Regiment.

Jones, Isaac A., Company H. 60th Regiment.

Kelly, J., Company H, 60th Regiment.

Lexton (or Sexton), George, Company H, 6oth Regiment.

Ponder, G. W., Company F, 60th Regiment.

Reynhold, Sergt. T. W., Company F, 6oth Regiment.

Rhea, T. W., Company G, 39th Regiment.

Watson, W., Company G, 39th Regiment.

Wells, Lieut. F. W., Company C, 29th Regiment.

 

 

SOUTH CAROLINA

 

Brown, R., Company L, 10th Regiment.

Bound, Zac B., Company B, 8th Regiment.

Caldres, E. W., Company H, 10th Regiment.

Carter, William, Company H, 10th Regiment.

Coleman, J. W., Company D, 10th Regiment.

Gilmen, H. M., Company B, 8th Regiment.

Grey, Alfred, Company H, 10th Regiment.

Holland, J. B., Company E, 10th and 19th Regiments.

Mallox, Henry, Company I, 19th Regiment.

Mathews, Francis, Company H, 9th and 10th Regiments.

Podget, Wilbert, Company A, 19th Regiment.

Satcher, R. (might be Latcher or Hatcher)--Regiment.--, Company H, 19th

Smith, H., Company H, 10th Regiment.

Todd, J. M., Company G, 10th Regiment.

 

 

TENNESSEE

 

Anderson, James, Company B, 13th Regiment.

Anderson, James, Company C, 28th Regiment.

Armstrong, B. F., Company B, 20th Regiment.

Bailey, F., Company A, 18th Regiment.

Bailey, J., Company L, 30th Regiment.

Barksdale, N., Company B, 13th and 154th Regiments.

Briggell, S. J., Company C, 47th Regiment.

Bruce, W., Company I, 1st Regiment.

Bowlin, Thomas G., Company I, 32nd Regiment.

Caldwell, James, Company I, 19th Regiment.

Campbell, W. H., Company I, 47th Regiment.

Cate, Robert C., Company H, 3rd Cavalry.

Caywood, A. C., Company K, 29th Regiment.

Clark, J. D., Company K, 4th Regiment.

Clarke, W. B., Company I, 31st Regiment.

Clarke. W. D., Company K, 154th Regiment.

Coffey, Calvin, Company D, 26th Regiment.

Combs, Andrew, Company K, 26th Regiment.

Conn, S. G., Company B, 25th Regiment.

Cox, W. E., Company K, 26th Regiment.

Craighead, S. S. (?), Company F, 38th Regiment.

Crawford, Sergt. Thomas, Cheatham's Escort.

Crawley, H., Company G, 17th Regiment.

Crow, M. R., Company K, 11th Regiment.

Dahamy, Thomas, Company E, 19th Regiment.

Davis, B., Company G, 51st Regiment.

Davis, Montgomery, Company D, 4th Confederate.

Davis, Robert, 1st Cavalry.

Davis, Rowell, Company B, 38th Regiment.

Davis, Simon, Company C, 25th Regiment.

Davis, Thomas C., Company B, 1st Middle Tenn. Cavalry.

Dawson, T., Company E, 84th Regiment.

Deaton, William, Company A, 26th Regiment.

Degraffenreid, Capt. H. E., Company B, 154th Regiment.

 

[This name is given on R. L. Watkins' list as Deysaffenus as nearly as it can be translated.  However, H. E. DeGraffenried was Captain of Company B of the 154th Tennessee.  He was mortally wounded in the battle of Murfreesboro and was, no doubt, brought to the hospital in Chattanooga as were the others, and died there a few weeks later.  “The Confederate Military Annals of Tennessee” shows Capt. Henry E. DeGraffenried as captain of Company B, 154th Tennessee.]

 

Dickens, Chesley, Company B, 19th Regiment.

Dickens, John, Company E, 24th Regiment.

Elder, George, Company F, 38th Regiment.

Elder, T. D., Company F, 28th Regiment.

Ellwood, H. C., Company I, 29th Regiment.

Elrod, G., Company E, 28th Regiment.

Epps, James L., Company D, 32nd Regiment.

Estel, Lieut. John, Company E, 15th Regiment.

Gathins, B. T., Company W, 51st Regiment.

Gilbride, Barney, Company K, 35th Tenn.

Gillespie, James, 19th Tenn.

Gilmer, J., Company I, 29th Regiment.

Goffey, J. G., Company E, 6th and 8th Regiments.

Gordon, Robert, Company H, 18th Regiment.

Greer, William C., Company C, 28th Regiment.

Halarson, Thomas, Company E, 44th Regiment.

Hall, Joseph, Company H, 5th Regiment.

Hallmark, Company K, 19th Regiment.

Hamlett,. D. R., Company I, 13th Regiment.

Hasberger, S. D., Company K, 19th Regiment.

Hawkins, W. H., Company F, 11th Regiment.

Hendrick, J. L., Company K, 4th Regiment.

Hendricks, Joseph S., Company H, 154th Regiment.

Hicks, R., Company K, 26th Regiment.

Hodges, William J., Company C, 45th Regiment.

Hogan, W., Company I, 29th Regiment.

Humphries, 0. H., Company B, 19th Regiment.

Jared, Joseph, Company A, 28th Regiment.

Johnson, Thomas, Company B, 5th Regiment.

Jolly, J. H., Company D, 8th Regiment.

Jones, G. W., Company H, 32nd Regiment.

Jones, James, Company G, 32nd Regiment.

Jones, J. V., Company C, 84th Regiment.

Keith, Marion, Company G, 25th Regiment.

Kempt, Larkin, Company C, 44th Regiment.

King, L. K., Company F, 4th Regiment.

Kirkland, J., Company K, 48th Regiment.

Landon, T. J., Company I, 12th and 47th Regiments.

Lawrence, Sergt. E. 5., 6th and 9th Regiments.

Lee, Alex M., Company B, 44th Regiment.

Lemons, L., Company F, 19th Regiment.

Lenimon, Henry, Company D, 32nd Regiment.

Lillard, R., Company C., 26th Regiment.

Lodor, A. Duke, Regiment.

Livingston, R. B., Company F, 19th Regiment.

Lutton (or Sutton), B., 12th Regiment.

McCrany, J. W., Company A, 11th Regiment.

McDonald, J. J., Company G, 51st Regiment.

McNight, B., Company I, 6th and 9th Regiments.

Malicote, William, Company I, 6th and 7th Regiments.

Manning, William, Company B, 37th Regiment.

Mapilla, John, Company E, 27th Regiment.

Martin, Dan, Company K, 16th Regiment.

Martin, Harris, Company F, 19th Regiment.

Martin, J. C., Company H, uth Regiment.

Massey, Sergt. J. W., Company H, 13th Regiment.

Maxwell, Thomas B., Company L, 6th Regiment.

Mayfield, William, Company F, 27th Regiment.

Medley, William, Company B, 5th Regiment.

Morgan, Andrew, Company C, 19th Regiment.

Moseley, D. W., Company C, 38th Regiment.

Murrys, Charles West, Company D, Battery.

Noah, John, Company F, 84th Regiment.

Packham, Alpheus, Company G, 13th Regiment.

Patter, L. R., Company B, 6th and 9th Regiments.

Patterson, L, Company G, 45th Regiment.

Petty, J. F., Company D, 47th Regiment.

Pemberton, E. C., Company K, 24th Regiment.

Pierce, J. R., Company C, 151 Regiment.

Pike, Joseph, Company K, 26th Regiment.

Price, J. T., Company E, 44th Regiment.

Pursly, Samuel, Company F, 47th Regiment.

Rankhorn, J. M., Company C, 28th Regiment.

Rilgo, W. E., Company F, 38th Regiment.

Roads, J. C., Company D, I2th Regiment.

Roberts, J. W., Company C, 8th Regiment.

Robinson, James, Company H, 1st Regiment.

Rogers, William, Company G, 12th Regiment.

Rush, W., Company D, 19th Regiment.

Rutledge, T. R., Company D, 26th Regiment.

Sanford, C. W., Company F, 28th Regiment.

Smith, B. A., Company I, 45th Regiment.

Steffield, G., Company K, 26th Regiment.

Stevenson, Thomas J., Company H, 4th Cavalry.

Stidham, T. H., Company C, 38th Regiment.

Wade, Thomas, Carnes Battery.

White, W. F., Company D, 33rd Regiment.

Werry, W. J., Company E, 51st Regiment.

Williams, H., Sappers and Miners 51st Regiment.

Williams, Joseph R., Company K, 2qth Regiment.

Win n, A. J., Company B, 4th Regiment.

Withers, W., Company C, 29th Regiment.

Witt, James M., Company B, 29th Regiment.

Womack, W. C., 16th Regiment.

York, W. H., Company D, 32nd Regiment.

Young, J. B., Company A, 11th Regiment.

 

 

 

TEXAS

 

Alday, W., Company K, 15th Regiment.

Blanchard, E., Company H, 15th Regiment.

Braver (Beaver), William, Company G, 11th Regiment.

Bullock, Novel, Company F, 9th Regiment.

Cleveland, J., Company E, i4th Regiment.

Frazer, J. D. B., Company H, 24th Regiment.

Hargrove, A. J., Company F, 9th Regiment.

Jones, J. J., Company C, 15th Regiment.

Moss, P., Company H, i4th Regiment.

Odell, A. B., Company H, 11th Regiment.

Smith, W. F., 9th Regiment.

 

 

SOLDIERS OF COMMANDS NOT NAMED BY STATES AND SOME UNKNOWN

 

Arrowwood, S. M., Company F, 4th Confederate.

Ayres, Lewis, Company and Regiment unknown.

Barnes, B., Company K, Col. Preston's Cavalry.

Barrow, Amos, Water's Battery.

Berry, S., 3rd Confederate Cavalry.

Blackman, R. C., Company E, Cox's Battalion S. S.

Bowden, J. A. W., Company E, Cox's Battalion S. S.

Bowen, James, Company A, Confederate Cavalry.

Breel, W., Company B, Water's Battery.

Brown, E. P., Company B, Manney's Battery.

Brown, Thomas, Company A, 3rd Confederate Cavalry.

Bullock, J. A., command unknown.

Calvin, Henry, Company B, Water's Battery.

Campbell, James, Company E, 3rd Confederate Cavalry.

Carter, , Company F, Cox's Battalion S. S.

Carroll, J. R., Company C. Cox's Battalion S. S.

Clarke, J. B., Manney's Battalion S. S.

Cox, W. E., Company E, 3rd Confederate.

Davis, Montgomery, Company D, 4th Confederate.

Dundy (Dandy), Company I, 8th Confederate.

Durham, Thomas, Waters' Battery.

Fitzgerald, L. C., Company H, 9th Confederate.

Forrest, John, Company B, Manney's Battalion S. S.

Goins, John, F. M. C.

Fox, F. M., Company K, Manney's Battalion S. S.

Gifford, Joseph, command unknown.

Hallett, James, 1st Confederate Cavalry.

Harrel, Samuel, Company E, Sharp's Battalion S. S.

Hackett, James, 1st Cavalry.

Herring, Edward, command unknown.

Holt, S. A., Dawson's Battery.

Howard, D. P., command unknown.

Jones, F., Company C, McKee's Battalion.

Kenner, William R., Company F, Limestone's Battalion.

Lacks, Richard, Company D, 4th Confederate (Sweet's).

Long, William S., Company B, Manney's Battalion 5.5.

Mc , Thomas, command unknown.

McDonald, W., McKeown's Escort.

Martin, B., Company B, Light Artillery.

Monahan, J., command unknown.

Norman, William, command unknown.

Pliilips, J. M., 1stConfederate Cavalry.

Pitts, M. J., Gibson's Battalion.

Rainey, J. J., Company B, Manney's Battalion.

Ricketts, R., command unknown.

Riser, Jacob, Company E, Cox's Battalion S. S.

Robinson, B. H., Gibson's Battalion.

Roy, J. T., Company F, 8th Confederate.

Royston, F. M., Company H, 3rd Confederate Cavalry.

Saunders, James R., Cox's Battalion S. S.

Saunders, William, 8th Confederate.

Shelly, W. B., 1stBattalion, Hillard's Legion.

Sneed, J. A., Company B, Russell's Cavalry.

Syphus, Sylvanus, Company K.

Thompson, E. G., Company E, Newman's Battalion.

Tinker, H., Company A, 3rd Confederate.

Turner, William, Company E., Cox's Battalion S. S.

Ward, F. H., Company I, 8th Confederate Cavalry.

Ware, A. W., Gibson's Battery.

Weatherford, J. G., Company B, Cox's Battalion S. S.

Wutmaker, C. C., Gibson's Battery.

A lady, a hospital matron or nurse.

Miller, Louis, 6th Federal Regiment, a Yankee.

Winbroot, E. J., 6th Federal Regiment, a Yankee.

 

Later eight bodies were found near Rossville Gap and were moved by Forrest Camp to the Confederate Cemetery.

 

Their names so far as known were:

 

Free, J. M., Confederate Army.

Herrin, J. M., 41st Alabama Regiment.

Ingraham, J. A., Tennessee Confederate Regiment.

Jordan, H. S., Company A, 41st Alabama.

Massey, J. H., 41st Alabama.

Watterson, Walker, Company H, 33rd Tennessee Regiment.

McNeil, B. F., Company F, 1stMississippi Regiment.

Unknown.

 

 

This completes the list of re-interments as given by R. Watkins.

 

SOME MEMBERS OF FORREST CAMP BURIED IN THE CONFEDERATE CEMETERY

 

Barbee, G. T., 31st Tennessee Regiment.

Crumley, John, Company I, 7th Georgia Regiment.

Hale, Madison, Company C, 3 1stTennessee Regiment.

Kimball, LeVert, Alabama Artillery.

Norment, William T., 1stBattalion, Washington Artillery, New Orleans, La.

Middleton, H. M.

Payne, John N., 1stCompany Washington Artillery, New Orleans, La.

Pritchett, Edward W., Company I, 1stTennessee Regiment.

 

Upon the authority of Dr. John Stewart French, his three uncles were buried in the Confederate Cemetery.  They were:

 

Byron Brownlow French, Joseph Harrison French, and Timothy Allen French.

 

Source: Armstrong, Zella. “The History of Hamilton County and Chattanooga, Tennessee”. Volume 1

 

MARKERS OF THE CHATTANOOGA CONFEDERATE CEMETERY ERECTED AFTER 1892

 

[compiled by J.Sims, October 1997]

 

Name: / Section: / Marker Information:

 

ALLRED, Blackstone / A / VA, Co. H, 25th TN Infantry

ARMSTRONG, M. V. / A / Pvt. , Co. C, 5 TN Cav. (1844-1912)

BAILEY, John / A / VA, Co. D, AL Cav.

BAILEY, Thomas J. / A / Pvt. , 23rd GA Inf. (1832-1904)

BAILEY, Volner / A / VA, Co. B, 40th GA Inf.

BAIRD, Martha / B / Pvt. , (1850-1928)

BAIRD, Mary C. / B / Pvt. , wife of W. T. Baird (d. 1926)

BAIRD, Mattie W. / B / Pvt. , wife of J. M. Haley (1848-1937)

BAIRD, Samuel M. / B / Pvt. , Co. C, 45th TN Inf. (1843-1918)

BAIRD, W. T. / B / Pvt. , 10 TN Cav. , (d. 1924)

BARBEE, G. F. / B / VA, Co. C, 3rd TN Inf.

BEAVERS, Hiram O. / D / VA, Co. I, 5th TN Cav. (1846-1929)

BICE, Amos / A / VA, Co. G, 7th AL Inf.

BICE, William / A / Pvt. , (1842-1913)

BLEDSOE, A. S. / B / Pvt. , Lt. , Co. I, 17th Inf. (1837-1917)

BRACKEN, A. L. / B / Pvt. , (1845-1915)

BRACKEN, Laura A. / B / Pvt. , (1851-1928)

BROOKS, W. H. / A / VA, Co. E, 16th TN Cav.

BROWN, Alexander / A / Pvt. , 17th TX Inf.

BROWN, Jas. (C. ) / B / Pvt. , Co. C, 7th GA Inf. (d. 1912)

BROWN, John H. / B / VA, 4th TN Cav.

BROWN, J. S. / B / VA, Co. D, 1st TN Cav.

BROWN, W. C. / A / Pvt. , (1835-1903)

BUNCH, William F. / B / VA, Co. D, 1st TN Cav.

CAMPBELL, Amos A. / A / VA, Musician, Co. B, 20th NC Inf.

CARNEY, Thomas / A / VA&Pvt. CoA, 19thTN Inf (1834-1906)

CATHEY, S. C. / A / Pvt. , 6th TN Art. (d. 1906)

CHURCH, F. G. / B / VA, Co. B, 22nd GA Hvy. Art.

CLARK, George M. / A / Pvt. , (1845-1903)

CLARK, Senia / A / Pvt. (same as Geo. ), (1859-1932)

CLINTON, George W. / B / VA, 1st Lt,Co. A, 1st GA Inf.

COBB, W. J. / A / VA, Corp. , Co. F, 19th TN Inf.

COOKE, James Burch / C / Pvt. , Col. , 53rd TN Inf. , (1819-1899)

COOKE, Penelope McDermott / C / Pvt, "wife of J. B. ", (1830-75)

COOKE, Richard Fielding / C / Pvt. , "son", (1859-1892)

COSBY, W. M / B / VA, Starneís TN Cav.

COLLINS, N. J. / A / Pvt. , Co. I, 35th TN Inf. (1833-1909)

CRAWFORD, E. D / A / VA, Corp. ,Co. A, 19th TN Inf.

CROCKETT, Ed T. / B / VA, "Confederate Soldier"

CROCKETT, Edward R. / A / VA, Co. A, 20th TN Inf.

CROSS, Robert G. / A / VA, Adj. , 14th TN Inf.

CRUMLEY, John / A / VA, GA Inf.

DAVIS, H. M. / B / Pvt. , Co. C, 3rd GA (d. 1920)

DEADERICK, Wm. Wallace / A / Pvt. , (1842-1913)

DAWSON, W. D. / A / Pvt. , Co. G, 19th VA Inf. ,(d. 1903)

DEAN, Jno. R. / A / Pvt. , 17th (TN Inf. ?), (1840-1906)

DEMENT, (mother of Thos. J. ) / A / Pvt. , (1841-1917)

DEMENT, Thomas J. / A / Pvt. , 6th VA Cav. , (1838-1915)

DESHA, Ella Sturgill / D / Pvt. , (1883-1936)

DESHA, Hamilton / D / Pvt. , "father", (1848-1933)

DESHA, Hampton / D / Pvt. , "twin", (1848-1935)

DESHA, Nannie Tymes / D / Pvt. , (1855-1932)

DEVINE, Charles / B / Pvt. , 2nd ARK Inf. , (d. 1918)

DICKINSON, Laurence Thomas / D / Pvt. , Co. A, 1st MD Cav, (1843-1923)

DICKINSON, Nannie Tibball / D / Pvt. ,"wife of L. T. ", (1845-1916)

DICKS, Emma I. / C / Pvt. , (1842-1928)

DICKS, Joseph / C / Pvt/VA, 1st SC Inf. (1845-1901)

DOBSON, E. J. / A / Pvt. , Capt. , Co. K, 22nd NC (1836-03)

DOYLE, C. A. Clowdis / B / Pvt. , (wife of John), (1839-1926)

DOYLE, John C. / B / Pvt. , Co. H, 2nd TN Cav, (1838-1922)

DUCKWORTH, D. F. / B / Pvt. , Co. B, 5th TN Cav. , (d. 1923)

DUNGER, Harry / B / Pvt. , Co. H, 2nd TN Cav. , (d. 1886)

DUNN, W. W. / A / Pvt. , (1831-1905)

EAVES, John F. / A / VA&Pvt, Co. C, 8th GA Inf, (1845-10)

FERGUSON, Bettie M. / B / Pvt. , (1847-1932)

FERGUSON, S. H. / B / Pvt. , 4th VA Inf. , (1842-1917)

FLORA, Theo. F. / B / VA, Co. L, 36th TN Inf.

FRAZIER, Annie Keith / C / Pvt. , (1848-1928)

FRAZIER, Sarah Ruth / C / Pvt, "Poet LaureateUDC" (1875-1956)

FRAZIER, S. J. A. / C / Pvt. ,Capt. ,Co. D, 18th TN,(1840-1921)

FREEMAN, D. H. / A / Pvt. ,Co. E, 3rd SC Reg. , (1839-1912)

FREEMAN, Julia Carter / A / Pvt. , (1852-19--)

FRY, M. M. / B / Pvt. , 3rd TN Inf/1st TN Cav,(1844-26)

GIBSON, Jeremiah / B / Pvt. , Co. D, 57th NC Inf, (1844-1917)

GILBREATH, Barney / A / VA, "Confederate Soldier"

GHORMLEY, Wm. Henderson / A / Pvt. , Co. C, 2nd TN Cav, (1839-1907)

GOULDING, B. L. / D / Pvt. , Signal Corps/Weather(1844-1934)

HACKETT, Wright Smith / A / VA, 1st Lt. , Co. C, 16th TN Inf. ,(d. 1864)

HALE, Madison / A / VA, Co. C, 39th TN Inf.

HANEY, J. J. / A / Pvt, Priceís Escort/4th TN Cav,(d. 1898)

HARBIN, W. J. / A / VA, "Confederate Soldier"

HARRIS, Ella Fuley / B / Pvt. , (1866-1926)

HARRIS, John A. / B / Pvt. , (1835-1910)

HARRIS, W. H. / A / VA, Co. K, 21st TN Inf.

HATCH, James M. / B / VA, Co. D, 61st NC Inf.

HEDGE(S), Nathaniel / C / Pvt/VA, (2nd) KY Inf. , (1830-1863)

HENDERSON, A. M. / B / Pvt. , Co. C, 13th TX Cav. , (d. 1923)

HENDERSON, Annie Turney / B / Pvt. , "wife of A. M. , (d. 1922)

HIGHTOWER, Thomas H. / B / VA, Lynchís Btty. , TN Hvy. Art.

HIX, James C. / B / Pvt. , Co. I, 35th GA Reg, (1842-1923)

HIX, Mary L / B / Pvt. ,(1854-1931)

HOLMAN, Thomas C. / D / VA, Co. K, 41st GA Inf.

HOLMAN, Victoria Pearson / D / Pvt. , "wife of Thos. C. Hallman"

HORTON, Martha A. Duncan / B / Pvt,wife of Saml. V. Horton,(1840-27)

HOUSE, H. (?) / A / Pvt. , Co. E, 4th TN Cav. , (1841-1910)

JONES, Jim / B / VA, Co. A, 1st TN Cav.

KEY, Lucius E. / B / VA, Sgt. , Co. I. , 13th GA Inf.

KIMBALL, Levert / A / Pvt. , AL Arty. , (d. 1892)

KINMAN, E. W. / A / VA, Co. A, 19th TN Inf.

LATIMER, James H. / D / VA, 1st Sgt. ,Co. I. , 49th GA Inf.

LATIMER, Mammie Stuart / D / Pvt, "wife of J. H. ",(1851-1926)

LEIGH, John Wesley / A / Pvt. , (1892-1910)

LEWIS, James / B / Pvt. , Co. I. , 3rd AL Cav. , (1846-1919)

LORENZEN, August A. / A / VA/Pvt, Co. G, LA Inf. (1840-1901)

MANNING, Rev. A. F. / B / Pvt. , Co. G, 8th GA Inf. , (1842-1926)

McMURRAY, F. G. / B / Pvt. , Co. B, 23rd AL, (d. 1923)

McMURRAY, Laura Taylor / B / Pvt. , (1845-1922)

McMURRAY, Lu. C. C. / B / VA, Co. F, 6th NC Inf. , (1840-1918)

MILLER, Burrus R. / A / Pvt. , Co. E, 2nd TN Inf. , (1843-1904)

MILLER, Lewis / B / VA, 6th Federal (POW)(d. 1863)

MITCHELL, Adam R. / B / VA, Co. H, 1st TN Cav.

MITCHELL, A. T. / A / VA, Co. F, 16th TN Inf.

MITCHELL, Charles --- / A / Pvt. , Co. F?, MS Vol. ,(1835-03)

MORGAN, (C. ) K. / A / Pvt. , (1871-1884)

MORGAN, J. T. / A / Pvt. , Thos. Brig. ,Hill Div. ,(1845-92)

MORTON, S. M. / A / Pvt. , Co. K, 3rd AL Inf. , (1843-1914)

NISBET, J. C. / B / Pvt. , Col. , 66th GA Inf.

NISBET, Jennie Cooper / B / Pvt. , "wife of J. C. ", (d. 1918)

NOLAND, Ione / A / Pvt. , "Mother"

NORMENT, William T. / A / VA, Sgt. , 1st LA Arty.

OTT, W. A. / B / Pvt. , Capt. , 23rd TN Inf. , (d. 1919)

PALMER, A. W. / B / Pvt. ,Co. E, 31st GA Inf, (1845-1918)

PALMER, Eliz. Brause / B / Pvt. , (1857-1917)

PALMER, William W. / A / Pvt. , "Father", (1843-1912)

PARKER, Patrick / B / Pvt. , 47th AL Inf. , (1841-1923)

PAYNE, John N. / A / Pvt/VA, Sgt. , 1st Co, Wash. Arty.

PENDLETON, Hugh T. / A / VA, Richmond Howitzer

PRICE, J. L / A / Pvt, Sgt, Co. B, Cutts Btty,(1843-06)

PRITCHETT, Edward / A / VA, Co. L, 14th TN Inf.

ROBERTSON, G. P. / A / Pvt. , (1845-1903)

ROE, Samuel B. / A / Pvt. , 50th GA, (1844-1902)

SHELTON, Erasmus A. / B / Pvt. , "Father", (1846-1917)

SHULL, Franklin Tate / A / Pvt. , "Conf. Soldier", (1843-1911)

SMITH, J. A. / A / Pvt. , Co. B, 4th TN Cav. , (d. 1903)

STEELE, Jno. B. / C / VA, Co. F, 2nd KY Inf. , (d. 1863)

STEPHENS, Eva / B / Pvt. , "Mother", (1865-1952)

STEPHENS, Jack / B / VA&Pvt, Co. D,39th GA Inf,(d. 1926)

STURGILL, Mary Ann / D / Pvt. , "Mother",(1850-1934)

STURGILL, Robert H. / D / VA, Co. K, 21st VA Cav,(1840-1937)

SWANEY, Julia Bentley / C / Pvt. , (d. 1899)

SWEAT, John / A / VA, Co. C, 21st GA Inf.

TAYLOR, A. C. / A / VA, Bennetís Cav.

TAYLOR, John R. / A / VA, Co. F, 23rd TN Cav.

TAYLOR, Thomas D. / B / VA, Co. C, Thomas Legion

THORN, Edward D. / A / Pvt. , Co. B, 8th GA, (1845-1911)

TODD, Lemuel M. / C / VA, Co. G, 10th SC Inf.

UMBARGER, Lydia J. / B / Pvt. , "Mother", (1845-1925)

UNDERWOOD, Wallace / A / VA, "Confederate Soldier"

UNKNOWN, Hospital Matron / D / Pvt. (VA type in granite)

UNKNOWN, Negro Man / D / Pvt. (VA type in granite)

UNKNOWN, "104" / B / VA

UNKNOWN, #8 / B / VA (d. 1863)

UNKNOWN, #24 / B / VA

UNKNOWN, #46 / B / VA

UNKNOWN, #47 / B / VA

UNKNOWN / B / VA, d. 8/12/1862

UNKNOWN / B / VA

WALKER, John T. / C / Pvt. , 1st Lt. , Co. K, 13th SC SS

WALKER, Margaret Jones / C / Pvt. ,wife of John T. , (1843-1926)

WEATHERFORD, Silas / B / VA,Sgt, Co. G, 5th TN Cav,(d. 1919)

WELLS, B. F. / A / VA, "Confederate Soldier"

WILKERSON, W. M. / A / VA, Co. H, 21st GA Inf.

WINBROOT, E. J. / B / VA, 19th MI (POW)(d. 1863)

WOOD, Luke / B / VA, Co. E, 31st GA Inf.

YARRINGTON, Thomas / A / VA, Co. D, 3rd AL Inf.

YOUNG, I. F. / B / Pvt. , Co. H, 6th AL Inf,(1841-1920)

 

NOTES:

 

Chattanooga Confederate Cemetery SECTOR LOCATIONS:

 

A--Large sector in NW corner below obelisk and pavilion; two areas;

basically five rows of markers

to the central road with gutters.

B--Large sector in NE corner with two large rocks and a small flagpole(at

the two markers of Union

POWs); basically five rows of markers to the central road with gutters.

C- -Smaller sector to the East of the obelisk and pavilion dominated by a

large monument with Mary

at the foot of Jesusí cross.

D--Small sector of four sections nearest the large stone gate to the South

and including the new

memorial cross marker erected in 1997 by the N.B.Forrest Camp #3, Sons of

Confederate

Veterans, and the Patrick R. Cleburne Chapter #0158, Miltary Order of the

Stars and Bars

(MSO&B); dedication reads: "Peace be to the ashes of our Confederate dead

and honor be to their

memory."

 

ABBREVIATIONS (other than states)

VA-- Standard government issue marker now from the Veterans' Administration,

240 pound marble

markers with pointed tops (only one marker is flat).

Pvt. --Any variety of private markers both upright and flat.

Inf. --Infantry

Cav. -- Cavalry

Arty.--Artillery

Hvy. -- Heavy

Div. --Division

Brig. -- Brigade

Co.--Company

 

Supplemental Listing of Veterans Buried in the Chattanooga Confederate

Cemetery Chattanooga,

Tennessee

 

[ list compiled by J.Sims - 1998]

 

Veterans whose grave sites are confirmed:

 

 

O.N. Bice (d.11-17-1918) buried between G.F.Barbee and Martha Baird

Martin J. Dunn (d.1-11-1920) buried between Ott and Davis next to Byrum

W.J. Nichols (d.1-28-1919) buried between McMurray and Brown {GA Inf.}wife

adj.

Rev. S.A. Byrum (d.2-27-1920) buried between Ott and Davis next to Dunn

J.A. Lyle (d.11-1-1923) buried between Parker and Duckworth - wife adjacent

plot

 

 

Veterans Identified in UCV Records as Being in Cemetery, Locations Unknown

 

H.J. Bradford

Joseph Cooper (d.2-24-1914)

A.H. Dickenson (d.8-2-1916)

Capt. W.D. Dodson or Dobson

E. Jenkins (d.8-10-1915)

William J. Sandol (d.2-17-1917)

1st Sgt. Charles M. Todd (d.6-26-1915) Co.E, 1st AL Cav.

--- Evans

 

10-9-98 Additions:

 

William T. Alexander Co.B, 30th AL

James Alfred Allen (d.1-30-1896) Co.A, 16th LA Inf.

J.G. Brown (d.2-19-1921

John T. Dillard (d.7-13-1897) Co.F, 19th TN Inf.

----Fergerson (d.8-1904)

William G. Flynn (d.3-22-1898) Co.I, 26th TN Inf.

A.P. Harrington (d.9-17-1902)

J.T. Hill (d.11-1891)

Thomas J. Howard (d.8-8-1905)

E.J. Lockett (d.3-18-1891)

W.B. Mitchell (d.2-18-1903) MS

Green B. Reed (d.8-11-1891) Co.A, 16th AL

John Sivette (d.12-24-1896) Co.C, 21st GA

 

Veterans Identified by Miss Zella Armstrong ca.1930 as most probably in Confederate Cemetery as casualties of Snodgrass Hill 9-20-1863:

 

Lt. Carter

Capt. Handley

Lt. Williams

Pvt. Hendricks

 

*Note : In adjacent Jewish Cemetery, James Gottschalk is buried; he was a Confederate blockade runner.

 

Other grave identifications

 

"E.J. Winbroot" is Sgt. Edward J. Wentworth, Co.F, 19th Michigan Infantry, died at Academy Hospital, Chattannoga, 4-14-1863.

 

Shadrick Searcy (d.5-11-1936), "Colored Pensioner", Co. I, 46th GA Infantry.

                                             ==O==

Albert G. Goans was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1900 census of Hamilton County, Enumeration District 51, page 9:

 

          "Goans,                Albert G.      40, born in August 1859 in TN

                                       Sarah D.       39, born in November 1860 in TN

                                   John H.         13, born in February 1887 in TN

                                       Clyde M.         7, born in March 1893 in TN"

                                             ==O==

Mrs. Mattie Goens boarded at r s alley between Harrison av and E T V and G R R, 2 e of E T V and G R R Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1890 and 1891 according to Chattanooga city directories.

                                             ==O==

Franc Goines was baptized into Friendship Baptist Church February 14, 1869 in Hamilton County.

                                             ==O==

Jessica Goings was married about 1796 "near Chattanooga" to William Purvine [Purviance?], according to Bradley B. Garret­son, a great-great-grandson of Orinda, California.  A son, Charles Purvine was born to them there in 1815.  They lived in Cherokee territory [later the Chattanooga area] from about 1800 to about 1820.  Later they removed to Morgan County, Illinois, perhaps to receive bounty land.  William Purvine died there in 1832, and Jessica Goings Purvine died there in 1836.  Charles Purvine removed to Iowa afterward and was in California in 1849.

 

Jessica Goings Purvine Relates

Tradition of Indian Massacre

 

By Bradley B. Garretson

105 Danza Court, Orinda, California, 94563

 

Jessica Goings Purvine, [c1775-1836] my g-g-grandmother related the story of an Indian massacre which became a tradition in my Purvine family.  It was handed down orally for 150 years before my grandmother, Sarah Ann Robinson Purvine [1859-1930] finally put it down on paper about 1920.  She had heard Mary Jane Camron Purvine [1820-1898], her mother-in-law tell the story many times.

 

Eleanor Garretson wrote that William Purvine was born about 1775 in Cabarrus County, NC.  We speculate they met and married in the Holston settlement, but don't really know.  Records say they eventually settled near Chatta-nooga,  Ten-nessee where they raised a family and lived until about 1820.  This was Indian territory then, so we be-lieve that they must have had some accommodation with the Indians.  In 1820 they moved with their family to Illi-nois, where they lived the rest of their lives.  William lived until 1832 and Jessica until 1836.

 

Jessica told her children about a Purvine family of eight from Cabarrus County, North Carolina who removed westward to the frontier.  One morning while the father, Charles Purvine was doing his farm chores, his wife who was preparing breakfast, heard an unusual commotion at the barn.  Looking out, she saw that Indians had surrounded her husband and were attacking him.  She snatched up the baby and fled.  She finally reached a settlement and safety.  Investigators found that the Indians had killed the husband and the other five children and burned the house.

 

Jessica was married about 1796 to the surviving child, William Purvine probably in Melungia, the northeast corner of Tennessee where they lived briefly.  By 1798, they had proceeded down the Tennessee River or Sequatchie River Valley to the Chattanooga area, at that time included in Knox County, Tennessee. Since these were Indian lands at that time, it is assumed that Jessica had "Cherokee connections."  The family lived there unmolested until they removed about 1820 to Morgan County, Illinois.  They died there near the little town of Concord, Illinois.

 

William and Jessica told their children and grandchildren about the massacre, but none of them remembered where or when the tragedy took place.  All they recalled was that their father was the sole survivor of the children and the slender genetic thread by which the family was perpetuated. 

 

Children born to William Purvine and Jessica Goings Purvine include:

 

          Annie Purvine                                                   born about 1797

          John Purvine                                                     born about 1799

          Elizabeth Purvine                                             born about 1803

          Catherine Purvine                                             born about 1806

          Nancy Purvine                                                   born about 1809

          Martha Purvine                                                 born in 1812

          Charles Purvine                                                born in 1815

          Jemima Purvine                                                born in 1820

 

Annie Purvine, daughter of William Purvine and Jessica Goings Purvine, was born about 1797.  She was married about 1813 to George Long.  She died in 1849.

 

John Purvine, son of William Purvine and Jessica Goings Purvine, was born about 1799.

 

Elizabeth Purvine, daughter of William Purvine and Jessica Goings Purvine, was born about 1803 in Knox County.  She was married to M. Dane about 1820.  They lived in Tennessee.

 

Catherine Purvine, daughter of William Purvine and Jessica Goings Purvine, was born about 1806 in Knox County.  She was married about 1823 to Charles Estes.  They removed to Illinois.

 

Nancy Purvine, daughter of William Purvine and Jessica Goings Purvine, was born about 1809.  She was married about 1827, husband's surname Ray.  They lived in Illinois.

 

Martha Purvine, daughter of William Purvine and Jessica Goings Purvine, was born in 1812.  She was married about 1830 in Morgan County, Illinois to George Washington Johnson, a Kentuckian.  They later removed to Sonoma County, California.

 

Charles Purvine, son of William Purvine and Jessica Goings Purvine, was born in 1815.

 

Jemima Purvine, daughter of William Purvine and Jessica Goings Purvine, was born in 1820.  She was married about 1839 to Andrew Jackson Stanley, and they also removed to Sonoma County, California.

                                             ==O==

Thomas Goings, a laborer, boarded at 6 Hill Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1890 and 1891 according to Chattanooga city directories.

                                             ==O==

William S. Goings worked for Lookout Iron Co. while boarding at r 1024 William Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1890 and 1891 according to Chattanooga city directories.

                                             ==O==

Asa Goins was reported as the head of a household in the 1900 census of Hamilton County, Enumeration District 50, page 18:

 

          "Goins,                 Asa                      56, born in TN, October 1843

                                       Sarah J.                35, born in TN, 1865

                                       Hattie J.                  2, born in TN, Jan. 1879,

                                            daughter

                                       Ina                         16, born in TN, June 1883, step-dau.

                                       Lizzie                     7, born in TN, December 1892, dau.

                                       Gracie                     3, born in TN, Aug. 1896, dau.

                                       Louie                     1, born in TN, May 1899

                                             ==O==

Arthur Goins was the subject in the February 10, 1941 article in the “Chattanooga Times.”  A photograph of the ferry operator appeared in connection with the story:

 

Arthur Goins Isn't Sure About

Traditions of Origin of Race.

 

By John Fort

 

He had heard his father use the word "Melungeon".  His father had come from old "James county", now a part of Hamilton--they were from Rhea county originally, or per-haps McMinn.  The tradition was that the Goins family had come to Tennessee from Virginia, but of that he was not sure.

 

So says Arthur Goins, of the Hale's Bar settlement, as he pilots the ferry over the Tennessee river just below the toll bridge on the Cummings Highway to Nashville.  He is a "riverman," small of stature-his eyes are bright, his movements quick.  More than all else, in distinguishing characteristics, his face is slightly dark in coloring, a faintly foreign look.  He might be a sailor from some distant port; he might be a fisherman or a navigator.  Now he pilots a ferry and he swings the little motorboat around with expert ease.

 

The Goins family are "Melungeons," so say all the old residents.  One has to be an old resident even to know the queer word—its meaning is lost in modern parlance.  Even Arthur Goins recalls only that he had heard his father use it . . .

                                             ==O==

B. E. Goins and Frank Crutchfield were true billed in an indictment handed down by the Hamilton County Grand Jury October 18, 1940 for “driving while drunk,” according to “The Chattanooga Times” of that date.  At the same time B. W. Goins and Leila Williams were indicted for “public profanity.”

                                             ==O==

Bess Goins, daughter of Daniel Goins, was born in 1903.  She died at age 92 January 29, 1995.  Her obituary appeared in a Chattanooga newspaper.

 

"Bess Goins Morris of Knoxville, formerly of the Tyner community, died Sunday, Jan 29, 1995, in a nursing home there She was 92.  Mrs Morris, who was a graduate of East Tennessee University in Johnson City, was the oldest living member of Tyner United Methodist Church.  She was the wife of the late Paul T. Morris, a former principal of East Ridge Elementary school.

 

She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Goins and the sister of the late Judge John C. Goins, Charles D. Goins, James Goins and Thomas Goins.

 

Survivors include a daughter, Mary Ann Rinearson, Knoxville and two grandchildren, Keith Rinearson, Atlanta and Robert M. Rinearson, West Palm Beach, Florida.  Burial was in Hamilton Memorial Gardens."

                                             ==O==

The obituary of Clarence Arlee Goins appeared in 1974 in a Chattanooga, Tennessee newspaper:

 

"Goins, Clarence Arlee, 44, of 1535 Putman Street, Detroit, Michigan, died Saturday morning in Detroit.  Mr. Goins was a life-long resident of Chattanooga, but had been living in Detroit for the past six years, where he was employed by the Star Tool & Die Company.

 

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Mary Lou Goins, of Detroit; three sons, Clarence Arlee Goins, Jr, Emmett M. Goins and Herbert A. Goins, all of Detroit; daughter, Mrs. Peggy Ann Plemmons of Chattanooga; sister, Mrs. Aileen Luker of Bismark, Arkansas; brother, Emmett Eugene Goins of Detroit; nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday in the Coulter Memorial Chapel with Sister Hazel Reed and Rev. M. E. Roberson, officiating.  Interment will be in the Harrison Cemetery.  The body is at the Ted T. Coulter Funeral Home."

                                             ==O==

Ida Goins, a seamstress for L S Slayton, lived in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1890 and 1891 according to Chattanooga city directories.

                                             ==O==

Obediah Goins worked for Davis & Shinn, Brick & Terra Cotta Co., while boarding at r 323 Boyce Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1890 and 1891 according to Chattanooga city directories.

                                             ==O==

W. V. Goins of Chattanooga signed an affidavit on June 18, 1908:

 

"I affirm that my parents were living in Hamilton County in 1851.  My grandparents were all dead.  Neither I nor any of my ancestors were ever on any Indian roll.  I claim Indian descent thru both parents.  My grandparents on my mother's side were born in Virginia.  On my father's side they were born in Grainger County, Tennessee.  They were all living in Hamilton County in 1835.  I have heard them talk of the Indians, but don't know that they ever lived with them.  I have no negro blood in me.  I was never held as a slave, nor were any of my ancestors. 

                  W. V. [X] Goins

                  Chattanooga, Tennessee, June 18, 1908"

 

Sarah I. Scott of Winchester, Tennessee made an affidavit June 24, 1908:

 

"My name is Sarah I Scott.  I live at Sewanee, Ten­nessee.  I was born in 1859 at Harrison, Hamilton County, Tennessee.  I claim through both my father and mother.  I claim to be connected to the Cherokee tribe.  My father died in 1862 and was about 40 years old.  My mother died in 1894 and was 66 years old when she died.  My mother and father were recognized as Indians where they lived.  My grandparents came from South Carolina; it may have been North Carolina.  My grandparents took part in tribal matters.  I guess my father voted; I really don't know.  My parents and grandparents never got any money or land from the government.  My father's brother and mother's brother got land in I.T.  I have heard of my great grandparents being enrolled with the Cherokees.  My great grandfather was Laban[?] Goins.  I heard that he was enrolled.  I never heard of my grandparents being enrolled.  In 1882 my mother and I were living in Cannon County, Tennessee.  I had an aunt that was enrolled in 1882.  Her name was Sandal [Sandell] Goins.  I heard that father's father was enrolled; his name was Thomas Goins.  I was not enrolled in 1882 because I did not hear about it at that time.  I don't remember any of Thomas Goins' brothers and sisters; I just barely recollect him.  My mother was raised up with the Indians.  I heard her talk about being at the camp with them.  The tribe went away and left her in North Carolina.  Her parents did not go west.  I guess [it was] because they were not full bloods.  I heard that my grandparents went up in the mountains to keep from going west.

 

                  Sarah I. Scott

                  Winchester, Tennessee, June 24, 1908"

 

Sarah E. Boulder[n?] and her three children of Webbers Falls, Oklahoma were rejected as Cherokees, according to "Cherokees by Blood: Records of Eastern Cherokee Ancestry in the U. S. Court of Claims, 1906-1910" by Jerry Wright Jordon.  She prepared an affidavit September 21, 1908:

 

"My name is Sarah E. Boulden; my post office is Oktaha, Oklahoma; I was born in Tennessee near Chattanooga in 1845; I moved west in 1862; I claim my Indian blood through both my mother and my father; in 1851 my mother was living in Tennessee; her maiden name was Mary McGill; in 1851 she was known as Mary Goins; my mother never drew any money that I have ever heard of; I tried to get an allotment with the Cherokees, but they refused me; Sandell Still was my father's sister; we were all enrolled in Long Savannah, East Tennessee; my mother had two half-sisters, namely Elizabeth McGill and Nancy McGill; neither of them ever married, but Margaret Turnover was Eliza­beth's daughter; my father and mother left Tennessee and came to Illinois in 1862; from Illinois we came here; my father had the following brothers and sisters, Sandell Still who first married a Field and then a Still, the next sister was Polly Clark who also went by the name of Polly Helton; John Going, Sanford Going, Martin Going and Thomas Going. 

 

            Sarah E. [X] Boulden

            Muskogee, Oklahoma, September 21, 1908"

 

Indian affairs officials attached a note to the affidavit of Sarah E. Boulden: "Note, See Mary Goen Act of Congress roll.  Sandell Still did not have a daughter named Mary."

 

Polly Goins, age 52, made an affidavit in 1889 in support of the application of Martin Fields whom she identified as a son of George Fields, a "blood Cherokee of Hamilton County."  She stated that George Fields was married first [about 1800] to a woman whose name was Cassandra.  Later he was remarried [about 1830] to Sandell Goins. 

 

She declared that George Fields died about 1840 in Marion County, Tennessee.  After his death she was remarried to George Still in Hamilton County.  He died about 1857.  She died about 1878 in Pope County, Illinois where three of her children lived.

 

She identified the children of George Fields as:

 

          John Fields

          Vilinta Fields

          Polly Fields                                     born about 1835,

                                                                    married Nathan Goins

          Rhoda Fields                                    married Henry Goins

          Issippi Fields                                    married Calvin Bolin

          Corzania [Cassandra?] Fields          married James Goins

          James Fields

          Riley Fields

          Martin Fields                                married Cynthianna Goins, Cherokee

                                                                daughter of Preston Goins and Betsy

                                                               McGill Goins of Hamilton County.

 

She identified the children of Martin Fields and Cynthianna Goins Fields as:

 

          Tennessee Fields                   born in 1870

          Jeanie Fields                          born about 1871

          James Fields                          born about 1876

          Julia Fields                             born about 1878

 

She identified the children of George Still and Sandell Goins Fields Still as:

 

          Allen Still

          Andrew Still

          Elizabeth Still                        married Carter Goins

 

Jerry Wright Jordan wrote:

 

“This small roll [only 88 names] of the Eastern Cherokees is seldom mentioned and often overlooked, yet it was one of the criteria that Guion Miller used in deciding the eligibility of applicants to the Guion Miller Roll of 1906-1910.  The introduction to the Roll on National Archives Microfilm Publication 7RA-06 states that the names contained in this roll were ommitted from the Siler Roll [1851], but had been included on the Mullay Roll of 1848. I know for a fact the names on the first page of this roll were not on the Mullay Roll.” 

 

Name                     Relation                Age              Residence                      Amt. Rec'd

 

Sandell Still            Head            45                Bledsoe Co, Tenn.           $          92.82

Rhoda Still              daughter      13                Bledsoe Co, Tenn                      92.82

Isiipi Still                          daughter      11                Bledsoe Co, Tenn                      92.82

Cussana Still           daughter        9                Bledsoe Co, Tenn                      92.82

Riley Still                          son                         7                  Bledsoe Co, Tenn                      92.82

Martin Still              son                         6                  Bledsoe Co, Tenn                      92.82

Allen Still                          son                         2                  Bledsoe Co, Tenn                      92.82

Andrew Still             son                         1                  Bledsoe Co, Tenn                      92.82

 

 

Margaret Still                    Head            21                Hamilton Co, Tenn.                     92.82

Geo. Franklin Still    son                         4                  Hamilton Co, Tenn.                     92.82

Cass Houston Still          son                         3                  Hamilton Co, Tenn.                     92.82

Joseph W. Still              son                        1-12          Hamilton Co, Tenn,                     92.82

 

 

Mary Goen              Head            20                Bledsoe Co, Tenn.                     92.82

[daughter of Sandell Still]

Robert Goen           son                         2                  Bledsoe Co, Tenn.                     92.82

 

 

John Fields             Head            18                Bledsoe Co, Tenn.                     92.82

[son of Sandell Still]

Lydia Jane Fields          daughter                 1                  Bledsoe Co, Tenn.                     92.82

                                             ==O==

Cloie Hamby, mother of three children and a niece of Sarah E. Boulder, was rejected by the commission.  She prepared an af­fidavit on the same date:

 

"My name is Cloie Hamby; my post-office is Oktaha, Oklahoma.  I was born in Hamilton County, Kentucky [Tennessee] and am 38 years old; I am a niece of Sarah E. Boulder who has just testified and a sister of John Goins who is here, and his number is 3710; my mother Malissa McGill was a first cousin of Sarah E. Boulder and my father, John Goins, was her brother, and we claim our Indian blood from exactly the same source.  I was born in Livingston County, Kentucky."

            Cloie Hamby

            Muskogee, Oklahoma, September 21, 1908"

 

Martha Goins of Jasper, Tennessee filed Cherokee application No. 6290, according to "Cherokees by Blood: Records of Eastern Cherokee Ancestry in the U. S. Court of Claims, 1906-1910" by Jerry Wright Jordon.  Her application was rejected with the explanation that no ancestors were never enrolled and no ancestor was a party to the treaties of 1835 and 1846.  The applicant "appeared at Chattanooga, but left before her testimony could be taken."

                                             ==O==

Maggie Goins Cooksey gave a deposition in 1909 to support her claim of being a Cherokee, according to "Cherokees by Blood: Records of Eastern Cherokee Ancestry in the U. S. Court of Claims, 1906-1910" by Jerry Wright Jordon:

 

"My name is Maggie Goins Cooksey; my post-office is Mackey, Oklahoma; I am about 34 years old; the appli­cation made for Thomas B. Cooksey was for me; my father's name was Carter Goins; my mother's name was Elizabeth Still; she was the daughter of Cassandra Still; my mother died about 18 or 20 years ago; she was living in Muskogee at the time of her death; she was born near Chattanooga, Tennessee; Andy Still was one brother of my mother; Allen and Andrew Still were other brothers; my mother's half sisters were Polly Fields, Luzaney Goins and Rhoda Fields; I have some children, John, 16; Benton, 14; Robert, 11; Nannie, 12; Floyd, 8."

 

                              Maggie Goins Cooksey

                              Vian, Oklahoma, March 15, 1909

 

Maggie Goins Cooksey died about 1955 and was buried in the Spade Mountain Cemetery in Adair County, Oklahoma on U.S. Highway 62, between Stillwell and Tahlequah.

                                             ==O==

William Goins worked for J C Roberts while living in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1890 and 1891 according to Chattanooga city directories.

                                             ==O==

James John Goin was a resident of Mississippi Territory about 1765 shortly after England wrested control of the area from the French and the Spanish.  Alabama Territory was formed from Mississippi Territory in 1798.

 

According to the research of Carolyn A. Ostroff, a great-great-great-granddaughter of Bellmore, New York, children born to James John Goin include:

 

          Sandell Goins                                                        born about 1805

          Mary "Polly" Goins                                               born about 1806

          Martin Goins                                                          born about 1809

          Asa Goins                                                               born about 1811

          George Washington Goins                                    born about 1813

          Sanford Goins                                                        born about 1815

          Nathan Goins                                                         born about 1818

          Jack Goins                                                             born about 1821

          Thomas Goins                                                       born about 1825

 

Sandell Goin, daughter of James John Goin, was born about 1805, probably in Grainger County, Tennessee.  She was married about 1828 to George Fields, a widower whose wife Cassandra Fields had died.  George Fields died about 1840 in Marion County, Tennessee, according to an affidavit made in 1889 by Polly Goins.

 

Sandell Goin Fields was remarried in Hamilton County to George Still about 1841.  He died about 1857, and she removed to Pope County, Illinois where three of her children lived.  She died there about 1878.

 

According to Polly Fields Goins, who was born about 1835, children born to George Fields and Casandra Fields were:

 

          John Fields                                                                            born about 1802

          Vilinta Fields                                                                        born about 1803

          Polly Fields                                                                            born about 1805

          Rhoda Fields                                                                         born about 1807

          Issippi Fields                                                                          born about 1809

          Corzania [Casandra] Fields                                                  born about 1812

          James Fields                                                                         born about 1815

          Riley Fields                                                                            born about 1818

          Martin Fields                                                                         born about 1822

 

Children born to George Still and Sandell Goins Fields Still include:

 

          Allen Still                                                                             born about 1843

          Andrew Still                                                                         born about 1845

          Elizabeth Still                                                                       born about 1849

 

Polly Fields, daughter of George Fields and Cassandra Fields, was born about 1805.  She was married to Nathan Goins about 1822.

 

Rhoda Fields, daugher of George Fields and Cassandra Fields, was born about 1807.  She was married about 1835 to Henry Goins.  Henry Goins was born in Tennessee, according to his 1880 census enumeration of Pope County, Illinois.  Henry Goins served in the Thirty-seventh Tennessee Infantry Regiment, Company G, during the Civil War, according to Imani Kea Greene.  Henry Goins was remarried to Zana Harper.

 

Children born to Henry Goins and Rhoda Fields Goins, in Kentucky, according to Imani Kea Greene, include:

 

          Thomas Goins                                                            born about 1837

          William Goins                                                            born about 1839

          Sarah Goins                                                                 born about 1841

          Mary Goins                                                                  born about 1843

          Ruth Goins                                                                  born about 1846

 

Issippi Fields, daughter of George Fields and Cassandra Fields, was born about 1809.  She was married about 1826 to Calvin Bolin.

 

Cassandra Fields, daughter of George Fields and Cassandra Fields, was born about 1812.  She was married to James Goins about 1830.

 

Martin Fields, son of George Fields and Cassandra Fields, was born about 1822.  He was married about 1845 to Cythianna Goins, daughter of Preston Goins and Betsy McGill of Hamilton County.

 

Children born to Martin Fields and Cynthianna Goins Fields include:

 

          Tennessee Fields                                                         born in 1870

          Jeanie Fields                                                                born about 1871

          James Fields                                                                born about 1876

          Julia Fields                                                                   born about 1878

 

Tennessee Fields, daughter of Martin Fields and Cynthianna Goins Fields, was born in 1870.

 

Jeanie Fields, daughter of Martin Fields and Cynthianna Goins Fields, was born about 1871.

 

James Fields, son of Martin Fields and Cynthianna Goins Fields, was born about 1876.

 

Julia Fields, daughter of Martin Fields and Cynthianna Goins Fields, was born about 1878.

 

Allen Still, son of George Still and Sandell Goins Fields Still, was born about 1843.  About 1862, his family removed to Pope County, Illinois, perhaps to escape the Civil War.

 

Andrew Still, son of George Still and Sandell Goins Fields Still, was born about 1845.  At about age 17, his family removed to Pope County, Illinois.

 

Elizabeth Still, daughter of George Still and Sandell Goins Fields Still, was born about 1849.  She was married about 1866 to Carter Goins.

 

Mary "Polly" Goins, daughter of James John Goins and Rhoda Duncan Goins, was born about 1805, probably in Grainger County, Tennessee.  She was married about 1823, husband's name Helton.  Later she was remarried, husband's name Clark, according to Sarah E. Boulden of Muskogee, Oklahoma in an affidavit dated September 21, 1908.

 

Martin Goins, son of James John Goins, was born about 1809.

 

Asa Goins, son of James John Goin and Rhoda Duncan Goins, was born about 1811.  Asa Goins filed Indian Claim No. 10294 with the Dawes Commission, however it was withdrawn [probably in anticipation of it being denied].  There was a note attached to the document which was probably written by a Dawes official.  It read, “The Goins family, if Indian, were Catawbas, and the only claim may be through the marriage of Sandell Goins Still.”

 

George Washington Goins, son of James John Goin and Rhoda Duncan Goin, was born about 1813.  He was married about 1844 to Louise Golightly, according to Steve Smith.  George Washington Goins filed Indian Claims Application No. 32017 with Dawes Commission in Oklahoma, and it was rejected.  These applications were for land grants within the tribal lands, most of which were denied, according to Steve Smith.

 

George Washington Goins and Louise Golightly Goins died in Sebastian County, Arkansas and were buried there.

 

Sanford Goins, son of James John Goin and Rhoda Duncan Goins, was born about 1815.  He was married about 1838 to Charity Helton, daughter of Harmon Helton and Sarah Morgan Helton.  She was born in Hamilton about 1805.  She appeared as a widow in the 1850 census composed of:

 

          Nathan Goins                                             born about 1840

          Rhoda Goins                                              born about 1842

          Catherine “Katie” Goins                            born about 1845

          Sarah Ann Goins                                        born about 1847

 

Nathan Goins, son of James John Goin and Rhoda Duncan Goins, was born about 1818 in Hamilton County.  He was married about 1841, to Mary McGill, according to an Internet report.  The report reads:

 

"Minta Cobb, mother of Maude Bell Cobb and Johnnie Cobb, was the child of an unknown Goins.  Minta's paternal grandfather and grandmother were Nathan Goins and Mary McGill [1/2 Cherokee].  Nathan's father was James Goins [1/2 Cherokee].  The parents of Mary McGill were an unknown Big Dollar, 'full blood' and Hannah Big Dollar, 'half breed.'"

 

Children born to Nathan Goins and Mary McGill Goins include:

 

          Joe Goins                                                           born about 1844

          Jackson Goins                                                    born in 1851

 

Joe Goins, son of Nathan Goins and Mary McGill Goins, was born about 1844 in Hamilton County.  He was married about 1867 to Sally Goins, a cousin of Dekalb County, according to Carolyn A. Ostroff.

 

Jackson Goins, son of Nathan Goins and Mary McGill Goins, was born about 1851.  Jackson Goins was a native of Hamilton County, according to his affidavit published in "Cherokees by Blood: Records of Eastern Cherokee Ancestry in the U. S. Court of Claims, 1906-1910" by Jerry Wright Jordon:

 

"My name is Jackson Goins; I was born in Hamilton County, Tennessee in 1851; I am fifty-seven years old; I am the uncle of Marshall Goins; his father, Joe Goins, was my brother; I have applied for participation in this fund; I do not remember my application number; I have heard the testimony of Marshall Goins, and it is sub­stantially true to my best knowledge.  I have not further testimony to help prove this claim. 

 

                                          Jackson [X] Goins

                                          Dayton, Tenn, June 23, 1908"

 

His nephew, Marshall Goins gave a deposition on the same date:

 

My name is Marshall Goins; I was born in Wilson County, Tennessee; I am twenty-eight years old; I claim my Indian blood through my father and mother; my father's name is Joe Goins; my mother's maiden name was Sally Goins.  My father was born in Hamilton County, Tennessee.  I do not know what year he was born; my mother was born in Dekalb County, Tennessee.  I do not know what year.  My mother claimed her Indian blood through her father and mother.  My father claimed his Indian blood through his mother.  I do not know where my grandfather and grandmother were born, but I think they were born in the state of Tennessee.  I do not know when they were born.  Neither my father or mother were enrolled, but I think my grandfather, Nathan Goins was enrolled.  Neither my father or mother or grandparents were never considered as a member of an Indian tribe and never received any money.  I have never received any money.  I never heard of any of my ancestors being held as slaves.  I first learned of my Indian blood from my mother, and she said I was part Cherokee, but she never said how much.  My father and ancestors through [whom] I claim were regarded as white people in the community in which they lived.  I am regarded as a white man and associate with white people.  I was twenty-one years old when my mother died and five years old when my father died.  My father and mother never had an Indian name.  I never heard of any ances­tors through whom I claim as having an Indian name.  My grandmother on my father's side resided in Hamilton County, Tennessee in 1851.  I do not know why my ancestors were never enrolled.

 

                                                                                      Marshall [X] Goins

 

Jack Goins, son of James John Goins, was born about 1821.

 

Thomas Goin, son of James John Goins and Rhoda Duncan Goins, was born in Mississippi Territory [later to become Alabama] about 1825, according to Pam Parker, a descendant of Boise, Idaho.  He, a Cherokee, was married about 1848 to Jamima Sinnes, the daughter of Benjamin Sinnes, according to Carolyn A. Ostroff.  She stated that she found record of Benjamin Siness in 1835.  At that time, he stated that he was 65 and a ferry boat owner.

 

 

Children born to Thomas Goin and Jamima Sinness Goin include:

 

          Mary "Polly" Goin                               born about 1787

 

Mary "Polly" Goin, daughter of Thomas Goin and Jamima Sinnes Goin, was born about 1787.  She was married about 1804 to Jacob Coots, according to a great-great-granddaughter, Elaine C. Eltgroth of Chester, California.

 

Children born to Jacob Coots and Mary "Polly" Goin Coots include:

 

          Jestern Coots                                                      born about 1806

 

Jestern Coots, daughter of Jacob Coots and Mary "Polly" Goin Goots, was born about 1806.  She was married about 1824 to John George Castoe, according to Eltgroth research.  She filed an application with the Dawes Commission in Indian Territory for Cherokee rights.

                                             ==O==

Harvard Goins was enumerated as the head of Household No. 422 in the 1850 census of Hamilton County, Page 796.  The family was rendered September 18, 1850 as:

 

          "Goins,                Harvard    46, farmer, born in Tennessee

                                       Laborn      16, born in Tennessee, laborer

                                       William     11, born in Tennessee

                                       Duncan        9, born in Tennessee

                                       Jane              7, born in Tennessee"

 

Charlie Goins was enumerated as the head of Household No. 423-423 adjoining Harvard Goins in the 1850 census of Hamilton County:

 

          "Goins,                Charlie       45, born in North Carolina

                                       Nathan       18, born in Tennessee

                                       Rhoda        15, born in Tennessee

                                       Catharin       8, born in Tennessee

                                       Sarah             5, born in Tennessee"

                                             ==O==

Henry Goins appeared as the head of a household in the 1850 census of Hamilton County, Household 663, page 831, Civil District 27.  The family enumerated October 1, 1850, was recorded as:

 

          "Goins,                 Henry       25, born in Tennessee, farmer

                                       Martha      20, born in Tennessee"

 

Rolen Goins appeared as the head of a household in the 1850 census, Household 662, adjoining Henry Goins, page 830, Civil District 27.  The family, enumerated October 1, 1850, was recorded as:

 

          "Goins,                Rolen          40, born in Tennessee, farmer

                                       Elizabeth    35, born in Tennessee

                                       John            14, born in Tennessee

                                       Dodson      13, born in Tennessee

                                       Harrison    10, born in Tennessee"

                                             ==O==

J. C. Goins and James Goins were recorded in 1870 in Hamil­ton County probate records as "working on public roads.

                                             ==O==

John Going was enumerated as the head of Household No. 667 Civil District 27 of Hamilton County.  The family was recorded October 1, 1850 as:

 

          "Going,                John           50, born in TN, farmer, illiterate

                                       Jane            40, born in TN, illiterate

                                       Sarah          24, born in TN,

                                       Nancey        22, born in TN

                                       William      20, born in TN, laborer, illiterate

                                       Mary           17, born in TN

                                       Vica            14, born in TN

                                       Henry          10, born in TN

                                       Nathaniel      9, born in TN

                                       Bradford       5, born in TN

                                       Asahel           3, born in TN

                                       Lydda       5/12, born in TN"

                                             ==O==

Martha Goins, Priscilla Goins, Mary Elizabeth Goins and Thomas Goins were identified as children of Prior L. Goins, deceased in Hamilton County probate records.

                                             ==O==

Mary Ann Goins was married to Alex Clark January 15, 1860 in Hamilton County, according to a letter written October 15, 1994 by Elroy Kirkpatrick, a great-grandson of Diamond Springs, California.

                                               ==O==

Rachel Goins, the wife of William Goins in the 1850 census of Hamilton County, was born in Tennessee in 1822.

                                             ==O==

Tabner Goins, a nonagenarian, was listed as the head of Household No. 747, Civil District, adjoining that of Carter Goins in the 1850 census of Hamilton County, page 843.  The family was rendered as:

 

          "Goins,                Tabner       90, born in VA, male, no employ-

                                                                ment

                                       Ann            22, born in Tennessee

                                       William       3, born in Tennessee

                                       James           1, born in Tennessee"

 

Carter Goins was enumerated as the head of Household No. 746, page 843 in the 1850 census of Hamilton County.  The family was listed as:

 

          "Goins,                Carter           35, born in TN, carpenter, illiterate

                                       Cyntha          30, born in Tennessee

                                       William        14, born in Tennessee

                                       Francis          12, born in Tennessee, male

                                       James            10, born in Tennessee

                                       Elizabeth         8, born in Tennessee

                                       Jefferson          6, born in Tennessee

                                       Vandola           2, born in Tennessee, female"

                                              ==O==

Nathan Goins was enumerated as the head of Household No. 750 in the 1850 census of Hamilton County.  The family was listed October 4, 1850 as:

 

          "Goins,                Nathan         30, born in Tennessee, carpenter,

                                                                  illiterate

                                       Rila             25, born in Tennessee, illiterate

                                       Emiley         15, born in Tennessee

                                       Nelly             6, born in Tennessee

                                       James            5, born in Tennessee"

 

A second Nathan Goins was enumerated as the head of a Household No. 749 in the 1850 census of Hamilton County, Page 843.  The family was rendered October 4, 1850 as:

 

          "Goins,                Nathan         30, born in TN, farmer, illiterate

                                       Mary           28, born in Tennessee

                                       Sarah             9, born in Tennessee

                                       William        5, born in Tennessee

                                       John              3, born in Tennessee

                                       Luanzy            1, born in Tennessee"

 

William Goins was listed as the head of Household 754, Civil District 27, in the 1850 census of Hamilton County.  The fam­ily was recorded October 4, 1850 as:

 

          "Goins,                William      28, born in TN, farmer, illiterate

                                       Sarah           29, born in Tennessee, illiterate

                                       Lucinda         7, born in Tennessee

                                       John               4, born in Tennessee

                                       Molicia          2, born in Tennessee

                                       Thomas    6/12, born in Tennessee"

                                             ==O==

James John Goin, regarded as a native of East Tennessee, which later became Claiborne County, was born about 1780 of parents unknown.  He removed to Hamilton County and then across the state line into Alabama Territory which had been formed from Mississippi Territory in 1798.  He was married there about 1803 to Rhoda Duncan, according to Patricia Lykins, a descendant.

 

According to the research of Carolyn A. Ostroff, a great-great-great-granddaughter of Bellmore, New York, children born to James John Goin and Rhoda Duncan Goin include:

 

          Sandell Goins                                                     born about 1804

          Thomas “Shade” Goins                                      born about 1805

          Mary "Polly" Goins                                            born about 1806

          Martin Goins                                                       born about 1809

          Asa Goins                                                            born about 1811

          Sanford Goins                                                     born about 1815

          Nathan Goins                                                      born about 1818

          Jack Goins                                                          born about 1821

          Thomas Goins                                                    born about 1825

 

Sandell Goin, daughter of James John Goin and Rhoda Duncan Goin, was born about 1805, probably in Grainger County, Tennessee.  She was married about 1828 to George Fields, a widower whose wife Cassandra Fields had died.  George Fields died about 1840 in Marion County, Tennessee, according to an affidavit made in 1889 by Polly Goins.

 

Sandell Goin Fields was remarried in Hamilton County to George Still about 1841.  He died about 1857, and she removed to Pope County, Illinois where three of her children lived.  She died there about 1878.

 

According to Polly Fields Goins, who was born about 1835, children born to George Fields and Casandra Fields were:

 

          John Fields                                                                            born about 1802

          Vilinta Fields                                                                         born about 1803

          Polly Fields                                                                            born about 1805

          Rhoda Fields                                                                          born about 1807

          Issippi Fields                                                                          born about 1809

          Corzania [Casandra] Fields                                                   born about 1812

          James Fields                                                                            born about 1815

          Riley Fields                                                                            born about 1818

          Martin Fields                                                                            born about 1822

 

Children born to George Still and Sandell Goins Fields Still include:

 

          Allen Still                                                                         born about 1843

          Andrew Still                                                                      born about 1845

          Elizabeth Still                                                                    born about 1849

 

Polly Fields, daughter of George Fields and Cassandra Fields, was born about 1805.  She was married to Nathan Goins about 1822.

 

Rhoda Fields, daughter of George Fields and Cassandra Fields, was born about 1807.  She was married about 1835 to Henry Goins.  Henry Goins was born in Tennessee, according to his 1880 census enumeration of Pope County, Illinois.  Henry Goins served in the Thirty-seventh Tennessee Infantry Regiment, Company G, during the Civil War, according to Imani Kea Greene.  Henry Goins was remarried to Zana Harper.

 

Children born to Henry Goins and Rhoda Fields Goins, in Kentucky, according to Imani Kea Greene, include:

 

          Thomas Goins                                                            born about 1837

          William Goins                                                            born about 1839

          Sarah Goins                                                                 born about 1841

          Mary Goins                                                                  born about 1843

          Ruth Goins                                                                  born about 1846

 

Issippi Fields, daughter of George Fields and Cassandra Fields, was born about 1809.  She was married about 1826 to Calvin Bolin.

 

Cassandra Fields, daughter of George Fields and Cassandra Fields, was born about 1812.  She was married to James Goins about 1830.

 

Martin Fields, son of George Fields and Cassandra Fields, was born about 1822.  He was married about 1845 to Cythianna Goins, daughter of Preston Goins and Betsy McGill Goins of Hamilton County.

 

Children born to Martin Fields and Cynthianna Goins Fields include:

 

          Tennessee Fields                                                    born in 1870

          Jeanie Fields                                                          born about 1871

          James Fields                                                          born about 1876

          Julia Fields                                                            born about 1878

 

Tennessee Fields, daughter of Martin Fields and Cynthianna Goins Fields, was born in 1870.

 

Jeanie Fields, daughter of Martin Fields and Cynthianna Goins Fields, was born about 1871.

 

James Fields, son of Martin Fields and Cynthianna Goins Fields, was born about 1876.

 

Julia Fields, daughter of Martin Fields and Cynthianna Goins Fields, was born about 1878.

 

Allen Still, son of George Still and Sandell Goins Fields Still, was born about 1843.  About 1862, his family removed to Pope County, Illinois, perhaps to escape the Civil War.

 

Andrew Still, son of George Still and Sandell Goins Fields Still, was born about 1845.  At about age 17, his family removed to Pope County, Illinois.

 

Elizabeth Still, daughter of George Still and Sandell Goins Fields Still, was born about 1849.  She was married about 1866 to Carter Goins.

 

Thomas “Shade” Goins was born in Tennessee about 1805 to John [James?] Goins and Rhoda Duncan Goins, according to information supplied to the Dawes Commission by Calvin Goins, suggested as their son, who made Application No. 19529 on the Miller Rolls.  He was married about 1830 to Orpha Helton, daughter of Harmon Helton and Sarah Morgan Helton.

 

Barbara Mason, a descendant of Mineral Wells, Texas referred to Thomas Goins as “Shade Goins.”  J. M. Morley suggests that Thomas Goins and “Shade Goins” were kinsmen, both of whom were married to Orpha Helton.  She was a sister to Charity Helton who was married to Sanford Goins.

 

Thomas Goins was enumerated as the head of Household 747, Page 843 in the 1850 census of Hamilton County.  The family was rendered as:

 

          "Goins,                Thomas          45, born in TN, farmer, illiterate

                                       Orpha            38, born in Tennessee, illiterate

                                       Ann               19, born in Tennessee

                                       Elizabeth      17, born in Tennessee

                                       Charity          14, born in Tennessee

                                       Delila             18, born in Tennessee

                                       Joshua            10, born in Tennessee

                                       Mary                 7, born in Tennessee

                                       Nancy               6, born in Tennessee

                                       Rebecca            4, born in Tennessee

                                       Molinda            1, born in Tennessee

                                       Calvin          8/12, born in Tennessee"

 

"Thomas Goin" reappeared as the head of a household in the 1860 census of adjoining Bledsoe County, Tennessee, House­hold 453-453:

 

          "Goin,        Thomas          62, born in Tennessee, laborer, illiterate

                             Orpha             40, born in unknown, illiterate

                             Joshua            21, born in Tennessee, farm laborer

                             Nancy             17, born in Tennessee

                             Rebecca         15, born in Tennessee

                             Molina           13, born in Tennessee

                             Isabel               8, born in Tennessee

                             Matilda            7, born in Tennessee

                             Malisa              4, born in Tennessee

                             Sarah                 1, born in Tennessee"

 

"Thomas Gowen, mulatto [or Melungeon]," believed to be Thomas Goins above, appeared as the head of a household in the 1870 census of Cannon County, Tennessee, Household No. 146-147, Civil District 6 on July 8, 1870.  The family, living at Woodbury, Tennessee, was recorded as:

 

          "Gowen,              Thomas          70, born in Tennessee, mulatto,

                                                                     farmer, illiterate

                                       Orpha             60, born in Tennessee, illiterate,

                                                                     mulatto

                                       Rebecca         26, born in Tennessee, illiterate,

                                                                    mulatto

                                       Puss              24, born in Tennessee, illiterate,

                                                                    mulatto

                                       Isabel            18, born in Tennessee, mulatto

                                       Matilda         17, born in Tennessee, mulatto

                                       Riley               7, born in Tennessee, mulatto

                                       Malissa         15, born in Tennessee, mulatto

                                       Sarah             11, born in Tennessee, mulatto

                                       Jane                6, born in Tennessee, mulatto

                                       John                4, born in Tennessee, mulatto

                                       Elly                 3, born in Tennessee, mulatto

                                       Calvin            3/12, born in Tennessee, mulatto

                                       Cissy [?]       3/12, born in Tennessee,

mulatto"

 

In 1880 Orpha Helton Goins was enumerated as "white" and was living with a daughter and her children, all of whom were listed as "Indian."

 

Children born to Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins in­clude:

 

          Ann Goins                                                                   born about 1830

          Delila Goins                                                                born about 1832

          Elizabeth Goins                                                           born about 1833

          Charity Goins                                                               born about 1836

          Joshua Goins                                                                born about 1840

          Mary Goins                                                                   born about 1843

          Nancy Goins                                                                born about 1844

          Rebecca Goins                                                             born about 1846

          Molinda "Puss" Goins                                                 born about 1848

          Calvin Goins                                                                born about 1849

          Isabel Goins                                                                   born about 1852

          Matilda Goins                                                              born about 1853

          Malissa Goins                                                               born about 1855

          Sarah Goins                                                                   born about 1859

          Jane Goins                                                                   born about 1864

          John Goins                                                                   born about 1866

          Calvin Goins                                                                born about 1870

          Cissy Goins                                                                   born about 1870

 

Ann Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born about 1820.  She was recorded as a 19-year-old in the 1850 census of her father’s household.

 

Delila Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born about 1832.

 

Elizabeth Gons, daughter of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born about 1833.

 

Charity Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born about 1836.

 

Joshua Goins, son of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born about 1840.

 

Isabel Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born about 1852.  She appeared in the 1870 census of her father's household at age 18. 

 

Matilda Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born about 1853.  She appeared as a 17-year-old "mulatto" in the 1870 census enumeration of her father's household of Coffee County, Tennessee.  Sara Goins, family researcher of Dunlap, Tennessee, wrote February 1, 1997 that she and Moses Easterly Walker were parents of some children, however, "they each married someone else."

 

On June 24, 1908, she gave a statement to the U. S. Court of Claims, according to "Cherokee by Blood" compiled by Jerry Wright Jordan:

 

"My name is Matilda Goins; I am acquainted with Benjamin F. Goins; I am a second cousin to Benjamin F. Goins; he gets Indian blood through his mother; his mother's name was Rachel Goins; I think she was born in Hamilton County, Tennessee. in about 1837; she claimed her Indian blood through both her father and mother; her father's name was Granville Goins; her mother's name was Polly Goins; Granville Goins was born in Grainger County, Tennessee.  I do not know where Polly Goins was born; I never heard that the mother of Benjamin Goins or any of the ancestors through whom he claims his Indian blood were ever enrolled; I never heard of them receiving any money, land or other benefits.  In 1851, the mother of Benjamin Goins lived in Hamilton County, Tennessee.  I do not know why she was never enrolled; neither the mother or any of the ancestors through whom he claims were ever held as slaves; Granville Goins had an Indian name; I do not remember what his Indian name was; he was nearly a full blood Cherokee and spoke the Cherokee language; Granville Goins was a member of the Cherokee tribe; he lived with the Cherokee Indians in Hamilton County.  When they moved to the west, he went with them, but returned in a short time and settled in Tennessee.  He went but a short distance with the Indians.  I am an applicant for participation in this fund. 

 

                                                Matilda "X" Goins

                                                Dayton, Tennessee, June 24, 1908."

 

In the 1880 census Matilda Goins is enumerated as "Indian" with her seven-year-old son, John Lee Goins.

 

Children born to Moses Easterly Walker and Matilda Goins include:

 

          John Lee Goins                                                  born about 1873

          Mary Goins                                                        born about 1876

 

John Lee Goins, son of Moses Easterly Walker and Matilda Goins, was born 1873.  He was married about 1902 to Minnie Holland. 

 

Children born to John Lee Goins and Minnie Holland Goins include:

 

          John Lee Goins, Jr.                                                               born in 1915

 

John Lee Goins, Jr, son of John Lee Goins and Minnie Holland Goins, was born in 1915.  He was married about 1948, wife's name Sarah A.  He died in 1970.  In 1997, Sara A. Goins, Foundation member, lived in Dunlap, Tennessee where she was active in the research of the Goins family.

 

Mary Goins, daughter of Isabel Goins and granddaughter of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born in 1876, according to Kenny Ann Gibson Wood, a great-granddaughter of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

 

Mary Goins was married about 1895 to John Douglas who was born in September 1870 at Pikeville, Tennessee in Bledsoe County, Tennessee.  She died in May 1899 in Bledsoe County.

 

Children born to John Douglas and Mary Goins Douglas include:

 

          Brown Henry Douglas                                  born June 19, 1896

 

Brown Henry Douglas, son of John Douglas and Mary Goins Douglas, was born June 19, 1896 at Pikeville.  He was married June 19, 1918 at the Church of Christ in Maude, Oklahoma to Emma Perdema Mahoney.  She was born July 8, 1899 at Guthrie, Oklahoma Territory to John Bailey Mahoney and Su­san Rebecca Harrellson Mahoney.  She died January 10, 1919 at Maud, Oklahoma.  Brown Henry Douglas died June 18, 1951 at Chattanooga, Tennessee.

 

Children born to them include:

 

          Perdema Pearl Douglas                         born January 10, 1919

 

Perdema Pearl Douglas, daughter of Brown Henry Douglas and Emma Perdema Mahoney Douglas, was born January 10, 1919 at Maude.  She was married July 17, 1935 at Konawa, Oklahoma to Thomas Kenneth Gibson.  He was born October 30, 1915 at Purdy, Arkansas to William Roy Gibson and Mattie Ethel Baker Gibson.  Thomas Kenneth Gibson died June 20, 1975 at Lakewood, Colorado.  Perdema Pearl Douglas Gibson died September 27, 1983 at Tulsa.

 

Children born to them include:

 

          Kenny Ann Gibson                 born September 19, 1936

 

Kenny Ann Gibson, daughter of Thomas Kenneth Gibson and Perdema Pearl Douglas Gibson, was born September 19, 1936 at Konawa.  She was married June 4, 1954 at Tulsa to Dearl Logan Wood.  They continued there in 1991 and 1997.

 

Malissa Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born about 1855.

 

Sarah Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born about 1859.

 

Jane Ann Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born about 1864.  She appeared as a six-year-old in the 1870 census of Cannon County, Tennessee.  She was married about 1881 to Louis Helton, according to a descendant, Barbara Mason of Mineral Wells, Texas.

 

Children born to Louis Helton and Jane Ann Goins Helton include:

 

          William Helton                                        born about 1885

 

William Helton, son of Louis Helton and Jane Ann Goins Helton, was born about 1885. 

 

Children born to William Helton include:

 

          Bertha Mae Helton                                               born about 1915

 

Bertha Mae Helton, daughter of William Helton, was born about 1915, according to her daughter Barbara Mason.

 

John Goins, son of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born about 1866.  He appeared in the 1870 census of Cannon County as a four-year-old.

 

Calvin Goins, son of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born about 1870.

 

Cissy Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born about 1870.

                                             ==O==

Adjoining the household of "Thomas Gowen" was that of "John Gowen, mulatto" as the head of Household 145-146.  This family, also living at Woodbury, Civil District 6, on July 8, 1870, was recorded as:

 

"Gowen,                         John                  35, born in TN, farmer,

                                                                        mulatto, illiterate,

                                       Casander            26, born in TN, illiterate

                                       William L.            5, born in TN

                                       Arlander                3, born in TN

                                       James M.              1, born in TN"

 

Adjoining the household of "John Gowen, mulatto" was the household headed by Carter Gowen, mulatto".  The family was identified as household 144-145 and was recorded July 8, 1870 in Civil District 6 in Woodbury as:

 

          "Gowen,             Carter                  26, born in Tennessee, farmer,

                                         illit erate, mulatto

                                       Elizabeth           17, born in TN, illiterate

                                       Elizabeth           55, born in TN, illiterate

                                       Nancy                 25, born in TN, illiterate

                                       Henry                 13, born in TN"

 

It is assumed that Elizabeth Gowen, age 55, was the mother of Carter Gowen and that Nancy Gowen was his sister and Henry Gowen his brother.

 

Mary "Polly" Goins, daughter of James John Goin and Rhoda Duncan Goins, was born about 1806, probably in Grainger County, Tennessee.  She was married about 1823, husband's name Helton.  Later she was remarried, husband's name Clark, according to Sarah E. Boulden of Muskogee, Oklahoma in an affidavit dated September 21, 1908.

 

Martin Goins, son of James John Goin and Rhoda Duncan Goins, was born about 1809.

 

Asa Goins, son of James John Goin and Rhoda Duncan Goins, was born about 1811.

 

Sanford Goins, son of James John Goin and Rhoda Duncan Goins, was born about 1815.  He was married about 1838 to Charity Helton, daughter of Harmon Helton and Sarah Morgan Helton.  She was born in Hamilton about 1805.  She appeared as a widow in the 1850 census composed of:

 

          Nathan Goins                                            born about 1840

          Rhoda Goins                                             born about 1842

          Catherine “Katie” Goins                           born about 1845

          Sarah Ann Goins                                        born about 1847

 

Nathan Goins, son of James John Goin and Rhoda Duncan Goins, was born about 1818 in Hamilton County.  He was married about 1841, to Mary McGill, according to an Internet report.  The report reads:

 

"Minta Cobb, mother of Maude Bell Cobb and Johnnie Cobb, was the child of an unknown Goins.  Minta's paternal grandfather and grandmother were Nathan Goins and Mary McGill [1/2 Cherokee].  Nathan's father was James Goins [1/2 Cherokee].  The parents of Mary McGill were an unknown Big Dollar, 'full blood' and Hannah Big Dollar, 'half breed.'"

 

Children born to Nathan Goins and Mary McGill Goins include:

 

          Joe Goins                                                           born about 1844

          Jackson Goins                                                    born in 1851

 

Joe Goins, son of Nathan Goins and Mary McGill Goins, was born about 1844 in Hamilton County.  He was married about 1867 to Sally Goins, a cousin of Dekalb County, according to Carolyn A. Ostroff.

 

Jackson Goins, son of Nathan Goins and Mary McGill Goins, was born about 1851.  Jackson Goins was a native of Hamilton County, according to his affidavit published in "Cherokees by Blood: Records of Eastern Cherokee Ancestry in the U. S. Court of Claims, 1906-1910" by Jerry Wright Jordon:

 

"My name is Jackson Goins; I was born in Hamilton County, Tennessee in 1851; I am fifty-seven years old; I am the uncle of Marshall Goins; his father, Joe Goins, was my brother; I have applied for participation in this fund; I do not remember my application number; I have heard the testimony of Marshall Goins, and it is sub­stantially true to my best knowledge.  I have not further testimony to help prove this claim. 

 

                                    Jackson [X] Goins

                                    Dayton, Tenn, June 23, 1908"

 

His nephew, Marshall Goins gave a deposition on the same date:

 

My name is Marshall Goins; I was born in Wilson County, Tennessee; I am twenty-eight years old; I claim my Indian blood through my father and mother; my father's name is Joe Goins; my mother's maiden name was Sally Goins.  My father was born in Hamilton County, Tennessee.  I do not know what year he was born; my mother was born in Dekalb County, Tennessee.  I do not know what year.  My mother claimed her Indian blood through her father and mother.  My father claimed his Indian blood through his mother.  I do not know where my grandfather and grandmother were born, but I think they were born in the state of Tennessee.  I do not know when they were born.  Neither my father or mother were enrolled, but I think my grandfather, Nathan Goins was enrolled.  Neither my father or mother or grandparents were never considered as a member of an Indian tribe and never received any money.  I have never received any money.  I never heard of any of my ancestors being held as slaves.  I first learned of my Indian blood from my mother, and she said I was part Cherokee, but she never said how much.  My father and ancestors through [whom] I claim were regarded as white people in the community in which they lived.  I am regarded as a white man and associate with white people.  I was twenty-one years old when my mother died and five years old when my father died.  My father and mother never had an Indian name.  I never heard of any ances­tors through whom I claim as having an Indian name.  My grandmother on my father's side resided in Hamilton County, Tennessee in 1851.  I do not know why my ancestors were never enrolled.

 

                                                                             Marshall [X] Goins

                                                                             Dayton, Tenn, June 3, 1908"

 

Jack Goins, son of James John Goin and Rhoda Duncan Goins, was born about 1821.

 

Thomas Goin, son of James John Goins and Rhoda Duncan Goins, was born in Mississippi Territory [later to become Alabama] about 1825, according to Pam Parker, a descendant of Boise, Idaho.  He, a Cherokee, was married about 1848 to Jamima Sinnes, the daughter of Benjamin Sinnes, according to Carolyn A. Ostroff.  She stated that she found record of Benjamin Siness in 1835.  At that time, he stated that he was 65 and a ferry boat owner.

                                             ==O==

Thomas Goins was born in Tennessee about 1805 to John [James?] Goins and Rhoda Duncan Goins, according to infor­mation supplied to the Dawes Commission by Calvin Goins, suggested as their son, who made Application No. 19529 on the Miller Rolls.  He was married about 1830 to Orpha Helton, daughter of Harmon Helton and Sarah Morgan Helton.

 

Thomas Goins was enumerated as the head of Household 747, Page 843 in the 1850 census of Hamilton County.  The family was rendered as:

 

          "Goins,                 Thomas              45, born in TN, farmer, illiterate

                                       Orpha                  38, born in TN, illiterate

                                       Ann                     19, born in TN

                                       Elizabeth            17, born in TN

                                       Charity                14, born in TN

                                       Delila                  18, born in TN

                                       Joshua                 10, born in TN

                                       Mary                      7, born in TN

                                       Nancy                    6, born in TN

                                       Rebecca                4, born in TN

                                       Molinda               1, born in TN

                                       Calvin            8/12, born in TN"

 

"Thomas Goin" reappeared as the head of a household in the 1860 census of adjoining Bledsoe County, Tennessee, Household 453-453:

 

          "Goin,        Thomas               62, born in TN, laborer, illiterate

                             Orpha                  40, born in unknown, illiterate

                              Joshua                21, born in TN, farm laborer

                             Nancy                  17, born in TN

                             Rebecca              15, born in TN

                             Molina                13, born in TN

                             Isabel                     8, born in TN

                             Matilda                 7, born in TN

                             Malisa                   4, born in TN

                             Sarah                      1, born in TN"

 

"Thomas Gowen, mulatto [or Melungeon]," believed to be Thomas Goins above, appeared as the head of a household in the 1870 census of Cannon County, Tennessee, Household No. 146-147, Civil District 6 on July 8, 1870.  The family, living at Woodbury, Tennessee, was recorded as:

 

          "Gowen,             Thomas   70, born in TN, mulatto,

                                                             farmer, illiterate

                                       Orpha     60, born in TN, illiterate,

                                                             mulatto

                                       Rebecca 26, born in TN, illiterate,

                                                             mulatto

                                       Puss        24, born in TN, illiterate,

                                                              mulatto

                                       Isabel       18, born in TN, mulatto

                                       Matilda    17, born in TN, mulatto

                                       Riley          7, born in TN, mulatto

                                       Malissa     15, born in TN, mulatto

                                       Sarah         11, born in TN, mulatto

                                       Jane             6, born in TN, mulatto

                                       John             4, born in TN, mulatto

                                       Elly              3, born in TN, mulatto

                                       Calvin     3/12, born in TN, mulatto

                                       Cissy [?]       5/12, born in TN, mulatto"

 

In 1880 Orpha Helton Goins was enumerated as "white" and was living with a daughter and her children, all of whom were listed as "Indian."

 

Children born to Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins in­clude:

 

          Ann Goins                                                                   born about 1830

          Delila Goins                                                                born about 1832

          Elizabeth Goins                                                           born about 1833

          Charity Goins                                                               born about 1836

          Joshua Goins                                                                born about 1840

          Mary Goins                                                                   born about 1843

          Nancy Goins                                                                born about 1844

          Rebecca Goins                                                             born about 1846

          Molinda "Puss" Goins                                                born about 1848

          Calvin Goins                                                                born about 1849

          Isabel Goins                                                                   born about 1852

          Matilda Goins                                                              born about 1853

          Malissa Goins                                                               born about 1855

          Sarah Goins                                                                   born about 1859

 

Isabel Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born about 1852.  She appeared in the 1870 census of her father's household at age 18. 

 

Matilda Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born about 1853.  She appeared as a 17-year-old "mulatto" in the 1870 census enumeration of her father's household of Coffee County, Tennessee.  Sara Goins, family researcher of Dunlap, Tennessee, wrote February 1, 1997 that she and Moses Easterly Walker were parents of some children, however, "they each married someone else."

 

On June 24, 1908, she gave a statement to the U. S. Court of Claims, according to "Cherokee by Blood" compiled by Jerry Wright Jordan:

 

 "My name is Matilda Goins; I am acquainted with Benjamin F. Goins; I am a second cousin to Benjamin F. Goins; he gets Indian blood through his mother; his mother's name was Rachel Goins; I think she was born in Hamilton County, Ten­nessee. in about 1837; she claimed her Indian blood through both her father and mother; her father's name was Granville Goins; her mother's name was Polly Goins; Granville Goins was born in Grainger County, Tennessee.  I do not know where Polly Goins was born; I never heard that the mother of Benjamin Goins or any of the ancestors through whom he claims his Indian blood were ever enrolled; I never heard of them receiving any money, land or other benefits.  In 1851, the mother of Benjamin Goins lived in Hamilton County, Ten­nessee.  I do not know why she was never enrolled; neither the mother or any of the ancestors through whom he claims were ever held as slaves; Granville Goins had an Indian name; I do not remember what his Indian name was; he was nearly a full blood Cherokee and spoke the Cherokee language; Granville Goins was a member of the Cherokee tribe; he lived with the Cherokee Indians in Hamilton County.  When they moved to the west, he went with them, but returned in a short time and settled in Tennessee.  He went but a short distance with the In­dians.  I am an applicant for participation in this fund. 

 

                                                Matilda "X" Goins

                                                Dayton, Tennessee, June 24, 1908."

 

In the 1880 census Matilda Goins is enumerated as "Indian" with her seven-year-old son, John Lee Goins.

 

Children born to Moses Easterly Walker and Matilda Goins include:

 

          John Lee Goins                                                            born about 1873

          Mary Goins                                                                   born about 1876

 

John Lee Goins, son of Moses Easterly Walker and Matilda Goins, was born 1873.  He was married about 1902 to Minnie Holland. 

 

Children born to John Lee Goins and Minnie Holland Goins include:

 

          John Lee Goins, Jr.                                                               born in 1915

 

John Lee Goins, Jr, son of John Lee Goins and Minnie Holland Goins, was born in 1915.  He was married about 1948, wife's name Sarah A.  He died in 1970.  In 1997, Sara A. Goins, Foundation member, lived in Dunlap, Tennessee where she was active in the research of the Goins family.

 

Mary Goins, daughter of Isabel Goins and granddaughter of Thomas Goins and Orpha Helton Goins, was born in 1876, according to Kenny Ann Gibson Wood, a great-granddaughter of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

 

Mary Goins was married about 1895 to John Douglas who was born in September 1870 at Pikeville, Tennessee in Bledsoe County, Tennessee.  She died in May 1899 in Bledsoe County.

 

Children born to John Douglas and Mary Goins Douglas in­clude:

 

          Brown Henry Douglas                                  born June 19, 1896

 

Brown Henry Douglas, son of John Douglas and Mary Goins Douglas, was born June 19, 1896 at Pikeville.  He was married Jun 19, 1918 at the Church of Christ in Maude, Oklahoma to Emma Perdema Mahoney.  She was born July 8, 1899 at Guthrie, Oklahoma Territory to John Bailey Mahoney and Su­san Rebecca Harrellson Mahoney.  She died January 10, 1919 at Maud, Oklahoma.  Brown Henry Douglas died June 18, 1951 at Chattanooga, Tennessee.

 

Children born to them include:

 

          Perdema Pearl Douglas                         born January 10, 1919

 

Perdema Pearl Douglas, daughter of Brown Henry Douglas and Emma Perdema Mahoney Douglas, was born January 10, 1919 at Maude.  She was married July 17, 1935 at Konawa, Oklahoma to Thomas Kenneth Gibson.  He was born October 30, 1915 at Purdy, Arkansas to William Roy Gibson and Mat­tie Ethel Baker Gibson.  Thomas Kenneth Gibson died June 20, 1975 at Lakewood, Colorado.  Perdema Pearl Douglas Gibson died September 27, 1983 at Tulsa.

 

Children born to them include:

 

          Kenny Ann Gibson                                       born September 19, 1936

 

Kenny Ann Gibson, daughter of Thomas Kenneth Gibson and Perdema Pearl Douglas Gibson, was born September 19, 1936 at Konawa.  She was married June 4, 1954 at Tulsa to Dearl Logan Wood.  They continued there in 1991 and 1997.

 

Adjoining the household of "Thomas Gowen" was that of "John Gowen, mulatto" as the head of Household 145-146.  This family, also living at Woodbury, Civil District 6, on July 8, 1870, was recorded as:

 

"Gowen,                        John                      35, born in TN, farmer,

                                                                           mulatto, illiterate,

                                       Casander              26, born in TN, illiterate

                                       William L.              5, born in TN

                                       Arlander                 3, born in TN

                                       James M.                1, born in TN"

 

Adjoining the household of "John Gowen, mulatto" was the household headed by Carter Gowen, mulatto".  The family was identified as household 144-145 and was recorded July 8, 1870 in Civil District 6 in Woodbury as:

 

          "Gowen,             Carter             26, born in TN, farmer, illit­

                                                                    erate, mulatto

                                       Elizabeth      17, born in TN, illiterate

                                       Elizabeth      55, born in TN, illiterate

                                       Nancy           25, born in TN, illiterate

                                       Henry            13, born in TN"

 

It is assumed that Elizabeth Gowen, age 55, was the mother of Carter Gowen and that Nancy Gowen was his sister and Henry Gowen his brother.

                                               ==O==

Price Goins was enumerated as the head of Household 1293-1293 in the 1850 census of Hamilton County.  The family was recorded October 26, 1850 as:

 

          "Goins,                 Price         41, born in TN, farmer, $500

                                                                real estate

                                       Martha      40, born in TN, illiterate

                                       Andrew     16, born in TN

                                       Rachel      14, born in TN

                                       Joseph      13, born in TN

                                       Preston       9, born in TN

                                       Priscilla      7, born in TN

                                       Thomas      3, born in TN

                                       Mary          1, born in TN"

                                             ==O==

Mrs. Annie Lee Baker Gowan, daughter of John Baker was born August 31, 1899 in Tennessee.  She was married about 1919 to E. V. Gowan.  In 1931 they lived at 900 Highland Park Avenue in Chattanooga.  She died there November 1, 1931, at age 32 of cancer, according to Tennessee DVS Death Certificate No. 21105.  She was buried at Jackson, Tennessee November 4, 1931, according to her husband, certificate informant.

                                             ==O==

Edward Gowan, a machinist, boarded at 216 Whiteside, Chattanooga, according to the 1885 city directory. Edward continued working as a machinist for Lookout Iron Co. while boarding at 208 Whiteside, Chatanooga, in 1890 and 1891 according to Chattanooga city directories.

                                             ==O==

Thomas Gowan, a boilermaker for Casey and Hedges Manufacturing Co., boarded at 25 W Hooke, Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1890 and 1891 according to Chattanooga city directories.

                                             ==O==

William Gowan was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1900 census of Hamilton County, Enumeration District 58, page 3, living at 111 Fannin Street, Chattanooga:

 

          "Gowan,              William     53, born in TN, October 1846

                                       Emma        47, born in TN, July 1852

                                       Herman      23, born in TN, July 1876"

                                             ==O==

O. D. Gowans, an engineer for Woodworth & Company, lived at the corner of River and Hill Streets in 1881, ac­cording to the Chattanooga city directory.

                                             ==O==

Alfred Gowen was enumerated in the 1860 census of Hamilton County, Civil District 10, living in the household of Aaron Fuller, No. 1398-1400.

                                             ==O==

Lucinda Gowen was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1860 census of Hamilton County, Civil District 8, Household No. 122-122:

 

"Gowen,               Lucinda      43, born in TN, housewife

                             Martha        6, born in TN"

                                             ==O==

Madison Gowen was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1860 census of Hamilton County.  The household was reported as:

 

          "Madison,            Gowen        23, born in TN

                                       Mary           19, born in TN"

                                             ==O==

Nathan Gowen was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1860 census of Hamilton County.  The household was reported as:

 

          "Gowen,               Nathan       37, born in TN

                                       Mary           26, born in TN

                                       Robert          9, born in TN

                                       Riley             3, born in TN"

                                     ==O==

Addie Gowens, a laundress, boarded at 15 Posey’s row, rear, Chattanooga in 1890 and 1891 according to Chattanooga city directories.

                                             ==O==

Martin Gowens appeared as the head of a household in the 1850 census, Household 1165, page 902, of Hamilton County.  The family was listed as:

 

          "Gowens,             Martin                  33, born in TN, farmer, illiterate

                                       Amanda               28, born in TN, illiterate

                                       Anderson             12, born in TN

                                       Lawson                10, born in TN

                                       Malinda                 7, born in TN

                                       James                    4, born in TN

                                       Taylor                    2, born in TN"

                                             ==O==

“G. A. Gowen was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1860 census of Hamilton County.  He was born about 1822 in North Carolina of parents unknown.  The family was listed as:

 

          "Gowen,              G. A.           38, born in North Carolina, school

                                                                teacher, $4,000 real estate

                                       Elizabeth    32, born in TN

                                       Mary             6, born in TN

                                       Sarah             2, born in TN"

 

Col. George A. Gowin was the commanding officer of the Sixth Tennessee Mounted Infantry Regiment, U.S.A. which was organized in Hamilton County October 24, 1864. 

 

Flora Newby wrote:

 

“The first mention of the regiment in War Depart-ment records  was dated November 30th,1864, when Gen. Steedman, with the major portion of his command,was preparing to join Maj-Gen. George H. Thomas for the defense of Nashville against Gen. Hood's invasion.  On this date, Lt-Col. Gowin was ordered to send 130 men at daybreak on December 1st to Cleveland, Tennessee, where they were to report to Col. Boughton, commanding the post.

 

No further mention of the regiment was found until Jan-uary 21, 1865, when Gen. Steedman, back at Chattanooga, reported he had sent Gowin's 6th Tennessee Mounted In-fantry Regiment toward Somerville, Georgia,via Lafeyette.  On February 2nd, at Ringgold, Georgia, Col. Gowin re-ported that on the previous night, he had attacked the gue-rilla leader, Gatewood, with 75 men in McLemore's Cove, killing 14, and routing the remainder with the loss of most of their horses and arms.

 

On March 11,1865, the regiment was directed to re-port to Maj-Gen. Steedman,Commanding District of Etowah.  In April, 80 men,under Maj. Bean, were reported as part of an expedition to Dalton, Georgia and Spring Place, Georgia, and to the Coosawattie River, lasting from April 1st-4th, in the course of which there were several skirmishes with guerillas.

 

Brownlow's report states the regiment was placed under Brig-Gen. H. M. Judah, commanding First Brigade, 2nd Division, with headquarters at Decatur about the last of March, where it was employed in scouting until the surrender of the Confederate Army at Greensboro, N.C.  Then it moved to Resa-ca, Georgia, where its men were employed as cour-iers along the railroad to Atlanta.  On June 18th, 1865, the regiment was ordered to Nashville.”

 

Gen. Steedman already had concluded that Col. Gowin’s regiment was an ineffective cavalry unit.  The General viewed “Gowin and his hogback cavalry” with contempt.  It was composed of turncoat rebels who conveniently appeared as Union sympathizers in his eyes.

An incident in the closing days of the Civil War confirmed Gen. Steedman’s opinion of the Sixth Cavalry, U.S.A.

Some young women of Rhea County, Tennessee had organized themselves into a military unit called the Ray County Spartans. 

The Rhea County Girls' Company was created in the summer of 1862 through a combination of boredom and the desire to be a part of the war for Southern independence.  Almost all of the "sidesaddle soldiers" had fathers or brothers in the Confederate military, and the young ladies evidently felt frustrated because their gender prevented them from enlisting.  Since they could not actually join the Confederate Army, they did the next best thing:  They created an army of their own. 

 

Rhea County, located on the northern bank of the Tennessee River in Eeast Tennessee was one of the most pro-Confederate counties in the politically divided mountain region.  The county provided seven companies for the Southern army against only one for the Union.

 

Mary McDonald, one of the oldest of the group, was duly elected captain.  Caroline McDonald, evidently her sister-in-law, became first lieutenant.  Anne Paine was picked for second lieutenant, while Rhoda Tennessee Thomison, daughter of William P. Thomison completed the commissioned list as a third lieutenant. 

 

Named as noncommissioned officers were Jane Keith, first sergeant; Rachel Howard, second sergeant; Sallie Mitchell, third sergeant; and Minerva Tucker, fourth sergeant.  The remaining members of the company had to be content with the rank of private.  These included Barbare Allen, Jose-phine Allen, Martha Bell, Mary Crawford, Kate Dun-woody, Martha Early, Ann Gillespie, Jennie Hoyal, Kate Hoyal, Maggie Keith, Jane Locke, Louisa McDonald, Mary Ann McDobnald, Sidney McDonald, Mary Paine, Mary Robinson, Sarah Rudd and Margaret Sykes.  All the young women came from prominent local families, and the average age was 18.

 

At first the Rhea County Spartans contented themselves with simply visiting their soldier sweethearts and relatives among the three companies stationed in the area, present-ing them with gifts of food and clothing.  In mid-1863, however, Union troops entered the area.  The lady soldiers continued to hold clandestine meetings, if only to keep up their spirits and to exchange news of the war.  Rural churches in the Washington area were their most common rendezvous.  Almost certainly, the ladies must have enga-ged in at least a small amount of spying and information-gathering for the Confederate army. 

 

Capt. John P. Walker and Lt. William Gothard of Gowin’s command, with the colonel’s approval, took it upon thems-elves to arrest the Rhea County Spartans as prisoners of war to teach them a lesson.

 

After Confederate General John Bell Hood led the Army of Tennessee to disaster at the Battle of Nashville in Decem-ber 1864, Union troops gained uncontested control of Rhea County for the remainder of the war. Among the units ac-tive in the region was the 6th Tennessee Mounted Infantry [Federal].  Formed in Chattanooga in October 1864 to serve one year, the 6th Mounted Infantry was a ragtag regi-ment composed of a few genuine Tennessee Unionists combined with an unsavory assortment of Confederate draft dodgers and deserters.  Its primary purpose was to combat the small band of Confederate irregulars who still roamed the Cumberland Mountains of east Tennessee and north Georgia. In the spring of 1865, Captain John P. Wal-ker of Company B decided that the Rhea County Girls' Company was just such an organization.

 

While the Spartans never had any official connection with either the Confederate Army or the state of Tennessee - Sixteen "sidesaddle soldiers" of the Rhea County Spartans cavalry company were "captured" in the Spring of 1865.  In part to "teach them a lesson," they  were forced [while Union horse soldiers rode] to tramp along on a long march to the Tennessee River and Bell's landing.  It was dark and rainy, and the women frequently stumbled through pud-dles.  Clammy mud oozed into their shoes.  Their trans-portation arrived - a crude little steamboat called USS "Chattanooga," one of the first of a series of vessels built by the Union Army at Bridgeport, Alabama, to supply the besieged Union garrison at Chattanooga.  Armed guards guarded the  "prisoners of war," and they were forced to sleep on the floor although were not mistreated.  Upon their arrival in Chattanooga, the decision was made to feed them send them back home.  When the Spartans arrived back home in Rhea County, the war was nearly over, and they soon returned to the conventional role of 19th-century women

 

Captain Seth B. Moe of Ohio, assistant adjutant general of the Union Army's Department of the Etowah, took in the spectacle and promptly sent for his commander, Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman.  Steedman already viewed Gowin and his "hogback cavalry" with contempt; Walker's latest esca-pade must have strengthened that feeling.

By the time William G. Allen wrote an account for "Con-federate Veteran" magazine in 1911, the girl's company had been all but forgotten.  Only three of the Spartans were then still living: Mary McDonald, Mary Ann McDonald and Rhoda  Thomison.

 

Gothard and his mounted men did escort seven of the female Rebels five miles from the Thomison house to Smith's Cross Roads, transportation arrived--a crude little steamboat called USS Chattanooga. Their ordeal, however, was far from over.

When the boat paddled up to the wharf in Chattanooga, Walker rousted out his prisoners and marched them under guard up muddy Market Street to the provost marshal's office on the corner of Seventh Street. Captain Seth B. Moe of Ohio, assistant adjutant general of the Union Army's Department of the Etowah, took in the spectacle and promptly sent for his commander, Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman. Steedman already viewed Gowin and his "hogback cavalry" with contempt; Walker's latest escapade must have strengthened that feeling.

If Walker expected to be congratulated on his victory, he was quickly disillusioned. Steedman sharply reprimanded the captain for taking up his time with such foolishness. He then ordered Moe to escort the ladies to the Central House hotel, where they were allowed to refresh themselves and were treated to the best meal the hotel could offer. While the Union general (a Northern Democrat with many Southern friends) went out of his way to demonstrate that not all Yankees were barbarians, he did require the women to take the oath of allegiance to the Union. Now Walker would have no further excuse to harass them.

An irritated Steedman wrote to Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas at Nashville recommending that the 6th Tennessee Mounted Infantry "be turned over to the State authorities of Tennessee and replaced with good cavalry." Union Colonel Lewis Merrill was even more blunt. "The Sixth Tennessee and First Georgia [Union Regiments]," Merrill told Thomas, "are, in General Steedman's opinion, utterly worthless. My own observation of the first named confirms this opinion. They are simply cowardly thieves--useless, except to keep a community embroiled and encourage guerrillas by running whenever attacked."

.

Walker, a 38-year-old Rhea County farmer, was a typical Tennessee Unionist. Even though he owned real estate worth an impressive $1,000, Walker was "land poor." In fact, the 1860 census listed his personal estate at a mere $180--scarcely more than the value of a top-quality horse. Dodging the Confederate conscript officers until the Union forces gained the upper hand, Walker hastened to join the Union victors and share in the spoils. He quickly acquired a reputation for harshness toward Southern sympathizers, using his authority to pay them back for such indignities as he felt he had suffered.

Walker certainly justified his reputation when he returned to Rhea County, for one of his first acts was to order the mass arrest of the girls' company. As far as Walker was concerned, it was high time to teach the rebellious Southern ladies a lesson. Somehow he persuaded his commander, Lt. Col. George A. Gowin of Hamilton County, to go along with his plan.

On April 5, 1865, Walker sent out his men to round up the Rhea County Spartans. As a native of Rhea County, Walker knew not only who the troublesome ladies were but also where to find them. First Lieutenant William B. Gothard accordingly proceeded to the area south of Washington, where the Spartans' officers lived.

Armed with a list of names, Gothard was ordered to arrest the women and report with them by noon the next day at the two-story house of William P. Thomison, a discharged Confederate soldier and the father of "Lieutenant" Rhoda Thomison. Other men from Walker's company marched to apprehend the disloyal women in the countryside around Smith's Cross Roads (now the town of Dayton) and Dunwoody's Mill. A few of the Spartans managed to elude their pursuers, but some 16 of the young women were arrested at gunpoint and brought before Walker.

When they learned that they were to be sent to Chattanooga, the prisoners became understandably apprehensive. Mary McDonald penned a hasty note to the 6th Tennessee's commander. She urged that Gothard, rather than Walker, be the one to accompany them. "Doubtless the girls would prefer him," she said. "We all know him." Gowin refused to agree, however, writing that Walker, "a married man, will go with your company." Interestingly, the 6th Tennessee seems to have been alone in viewing the Spartans as a real military unit. It was an honor the unfortunate ladies could have done without.

> Page 1, 2, 3

This article was written by Charles Rice and originally published in America's Civil War Magazine in July 1996.

 

 

 

 

The regiment was mustered out of service at Nashville, Tennessee June 30, 1865, according to "Goodspeed's History of Tennessee."  "G. A. Gowin" was nominated on the Republican ticket for congressman from the Third District of Hamilton County August 17, 1880 at Chattanooga, according to "Goodspeed's History of Tennessee" published in 1887.

 

T. R. Williams, Jr. of Chattanooga wrote in October 1990:

 

“I am seeking information on Col. George A. Gow-in who was born in NC about 1827.  He came to Hamilton County, Tennessee about 1852 and was married there November 24, 1852 to Elizabeth Mc-Gill, daughter of John McGill and Elizabeth Pat-terson McGill.  The Gowins had six children, two of whom died in infancy.  He is believed to have taught at Fairmount Academy on Walden's Ridge before the War Between the States.  In the 1860 census he was shown as "school teacher;" in 1870 he was recorded as "physician."

 

During the war he fought with the Union Army in the Sixth Tennessee Mounted Infantry, U.S.A. [commanding officer] and afterwards was active in Hamilton County politics [nominated for Congress in 1880.] 

 

He established the "Unconditional," a newspaper in Harrison, TN and was once editor of a weekly newspaper, the "Monitor."  He lived in Daisy, Tennessee in his later years where he practiced medicine and was a Methodist minister.  His death date is unknown, but it was between August 1881 and October 1883.  George and Elizabeth Gowin, along with two infant daughters are buried in Sod-dy, Tennessee Presbyterian Cemetery.  There is a government headstone for Gowin, but it contains no dates.  One of my objectives is to discover his date of death so that I can mark his grave appropriately.  Also I am interested in the Gowin family's connec-tion to the Melungeons and hope that a Foundation member can assist me.  T. R. Williams, Jr, 6400 Middle Ridge Lane, Chattanooga, TN, 37343. 615/842-7285”

                                             ==O==

Namen I. Gowin was dismissed from Friendship Baptist Church by letter about 1868, according to the church records.

                                             ==O==

Nancy J. Gowin was received into Friendship Baptist Church "by letter" in December 1867, according to the records of the Hamilton County congregation.

                                             ==O==

Sallie Gowin was married to R. S. Coleman in 1880, according to Hamilton County marriage records.

                                               ==O==

William Gowin was received as a member of Friendship Baptist Church, Hamilton County, in October 1859, according to the church records.  The record further reports that in October 1865 "he recanted his sins."  In November 1866 the church charged William Gowin with "drinking too much liquor," and in December 1866 he was "excluded from the church."

                                             ==O==

Eliza Gowins was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1850 census of Hamilton County, Household 758, page 844, Civil District 27.  The family, recorded October 4, 1850 was reported as:

 

          "Gowins,              Eliza           35, born in TN, illiterate

                                       Lawrilla      20, born in TN

                                       Mary           14, born in TN

                                       Charles        9, born in TN

                                       Sarah       10/12, born in TN"

 

Descendant Researchers:

 

Vicki Goins Brannock, 4111 82nd St, Sacramento, CA, 95826, 916/428-2196

Louise Goins Richardson, 2207 E. Lake Street, Paragould, AR, 72450

T. R. Williams, Jr, 6400 Middle Ridge Lane, Chattanooga, TN, 37343, 615/842-

7285.

Kenny Ann Gibson Wood, 8718 S. 68th E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK, 918/481-1661

 

HANCOCK COUNTY, TENNESSEE

 

Hancock County, from its creation from Hawkins County and Claiborne County in 1844 has been the home of a number of Melungeon families.  With its settlement on Newman's Ridge is has become the most famous Melungeon center.

 

Anthony P. Cavender writing in "The Tennessee Anthropologist," Volume 6, No. 1 stated:

 

"The anomalous physical appearance of the Melun­geons, notably their dark, tawny skin color, has stimulated numerous theories concerning their origin.  It has been suggested by various observers that the Melungeons are the descendants of either Phoenician explorers, one of the "lost" tribes of Israel, gypsies, pre-Columbian Welsh explorers, Sir Walter Raleigh's "lost" colony, or a group of shipwrecked Portuguese settlers.  The very term "Melungeon" is shrouded in mystery as well.

 

It has been reported as being derived from the French "melange," meaning "mixed"; from the Portuguese "melango," meaning "shipmate"; or from the Greek "melan," meaning "colored."  Scientific inquiries clearly show the origin of the Melungeons to be not as mystifying as the above mentioned theories suggest.  Pollitzer and Brown's [1969] genetic study of the Melungeons in Hancock County supports the theory that they, like the 200 mixed racial populations identified in the eastern United States, are the product of admixture between Indians, European Whites and Negroes.

 

On the basis of a thorough analysis of census records and other archival materials, Price (l95l) concludes that the ancestors of the Melungeons were persons of "free color" who migrated to Hancock County from the Piedmont area of Virginia and North Carolina during the late 1700's and early 1800's.  Some of the traditional Melungeon surnames [Bell, Collins, Goins, Gibson, and Mullins] figure prominently in the early settlement of Hancock County.  Vardy Collins, for example, is believed to be the first to settle in the Newman's Ridge area, having moved from Virginia in 1779 or 17BO.  Other early Melungeon settlers include Tyra Gibson, James Collins, and Solomon Collins.  These men were recipients of land grants for their service in the Revolutionary War.  Another early settler, George Goins, was granted a tract of land in Hancock County by the state of Kentucky.  George Goins was the son of Joseph Goins, a Revolutionary War land grant recipient from North Carolina. Joseph Goins may be related to, or one of, the three Goins listed in Colonial records as having served in a mulatto military unit in 1754 [Grohse 1979].

 

In Hancock County the Melungeons settled along Blackwater and Big Sycamore creeks and on Newman's Ridge.  Because of the shortage of large tracts of flat, fertile land in these areas, the Melungeons were able to do little more than practice a rudimentary form of subsistence agriculture.  Through time the terms "Melungeon" and "poverty" became synonomous with the Whites in the county.  Their situation was made all the worse due to the White's disdain of their Negro ancestry.   Population pressure, limitations of the physical environment, and social ostracism induced many Melungeons to migrate.  In the 1880's, some migrated to southwest Virginia to work in the coal mines, others moved to South Carolina to find employment in the cotton mills.  Those who decided to remain in the county turned to alternative measures such as moonshining to improve their economic status.  Some of the better known folk tales about Melungeons in Hancock County concern the moonshining exploits of Big Mehala Mullins, who supposedly made the best 'shine' in east Tennessee in the late 1800's.

 

Hancock County has experienced a steady decline in population since 1910.  Between 1940 and 1970 over 2,300 people left the county for such cities as Baltimore, Washington and Detroit, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.  No doubt many Melungeons moved to cities, but some moved to other localities in Tennessee.  A merchant in Sneedville sarcastically commented that several Melungeons recently moved to the Back Valley area so they could be 'closer to the welfare office' in Sneedville.

 

Social engineering efforts of the Presbyterian Church's Board of Home Missions were somewhat effective in elevating the Melungeons.  In 1882 Presbyterian missionaries established a settlement school in the Vardy community.  The "target group" of the Presbyterians’ benevolent work were the illiterate poor.  The school recruited students from Newman's Ridge, Blackwater, and Big Sycamore Creek, which, as previously mentioned, were Melungeon communities.  The settlement school, which operated until 1959, accomplished what the local one room school house could not, or did not want to do, by providing the very poor with the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in "mainstream" American society.  Some of the Melungeons who successfully completed the academic program at the settlement school were sent hy the Board of Home Missions to Presbyterian colleges in North Carolina and Kentucky.  After finishing college, many of the Melungeons returned to Hancock County and ohtained employment in teaching, government, and business. Of course, some left never to return.

 

Over the last three decades the Melungeons have been a "hot" topic for journalists in both the northern and southern parts of the United States.  As a result of this exposure, people from all over the country descended upon Hancock County to see the "mysterious" Melungeons.  It became apparent to members of Sneedville's elite [merchants, educators, and well-to-do farmers] that the Melungeons had put the county on the map.  More importantly, the Melungeons were bringing money into the third most impoverished county in the state based on mean effective buying income per household, according to Tennessee Education Association. While some people were complaining about the intrusion of "outsiders," the elite conceived of a way to maximize the commercialization of the strong and growing interest in Melungeons.

 

Sometime during the mid 1960s, they commissioned Dr. Kermit Hunter of Southern Methodist University to write a play about the Melungeon legend, and they built an ouldoor theater in which to perform it.  In terms of basic plot, the play, 'Walk Toward the Sunset’ is a sentimental love story about an 'outsider,' a lumher agent, who falls in love with a Melungeon girl.  More importantly, however, the play addresses the racist attitude toward Melungeons with candor and sympathy.

 

The first performance of the play occurred in 1969.  Initially, the play was a great success.  The sympathetic treatment of Melungeons in the play and the increasing tourist interest in these 'mysterious people' brought about a negative to positive transformation in the identity.  A Melungeon was now a good thing to be.  During its peak in popularity, tourists came from virtually every state east of the Mississippi.  They were greeted graciously by the sheriff and his deputies who wore, as they still do, patches on their arms inscribed with '"Hancock County, Home of the Melungeons.'"

 

The Melungeons attracted the attention of a northern magazine, "Littell's Living Age" which reported on them in its edition of March 1848, No. 254-31.  The magazine article was a reprint from a "southern newspaper."  The newspaper was not identified but, Kevin Mullins, a reporter of Knoxville, Tennessee has concluded that the newspaper was "The Knoxville Register."

 

"The Melungens:

 

[We are sorry to have lost the name of the southern newspaper from which this is taken.]

 

We give today another amusing and characteristic sketch from a letter of our intelligent and sprightly correspondent, sojourning at present in one of the seldom-visited nooks hid away in our mountains.  You must know that within some ten miles of this owl's nest, there is a watering-place, known hereabouts as "Blackwater Springs." It is situated in a narrow gorge, scarcely one half a mile wide, between Powell's Mountain and the Copper Ridge, and is, as you may suppose, almost inaccessible.  A hundred men could defend the pass against even a Xerxian army.  Now this gorge and the tops and sides of the adjoining mountains are inhabited by a singular species of the human animal called Melungens.

 

The legend of their history, which they carefully preserve, is this.  A great many years ago, these mountains were settled by a society of Portugese adventurers, men and women--who came from the long shore parts of Virginia, that they may be freed from the restraints and drawbacks imposed upon them by any form of government.  These people made themselves friendly with Indians, and freed, as they were, from any kind of social government, they uprooted all conventional forms of society, and lived in a delightful Utopia of their own creation, trampling upon the marriage relation, despising all forms of religion, and subsisting on corn [the only possible product of the soil] and the game of the woods.  These intermixed with the Indians, and subse­quently their descendants [after the first advances of the whites into this part of the state] with the negroes and the whites, thus forming the present race of Melungens.  They are tall, straight, well-formed people, of a dark copper color, with Circassian features, but wooly heads and similar appendages of our negro.  They are priviledged voters in the state in which they live, and thus, you will percieve, are accredited citizens of the commonwealth.  They are brave, but quarrelsome; and are hospitable and generous to strangers.  They have no preachers among them, and are almost without knowledge of a Supreme Being.  They are married by the established forms, but husband and wife separate at pleasure, without meeting with any reproach or disgrace from their friends.  They are remarkably unchaste, and want of chastity on the part of the females is no bar to their marrying. They have but little association with their neighbors, carefully preserving their identity as a race, or class, or whatever you may call it; and are in every respect, save that they are under the state government, a separate and distinct people.  Now this is no traveller's story.  They are really what I tell you, without abating or setting down aught in malice.

 

They are behind their neighbors in the arts.  They use oxen instead of horses in their agricultural attempts, and their implements of husbandry are chiefly made by themselves of wood.  They are, without exception, poor and ignorant, but apparently happy.

 

Having thus given you a correct geographical and scientific history of the people, I will proceed with my own adventures.  The doctor was, as usual, my compagnon de voyage, and we stopped at 'Old Vardy's', the hostelrie of the vicinage.  Old Vardy is the "chief cook and bottle-washer" of the Melungens, and is really a very clever fellow; but his hotel savors strongly of that peculiar perfume that one may find in the sleeping-rooms of our negro servants, especially on a close, warm, summer's evening.  We arrived at Vardy's in time for supper, and, that dispatched, we went to the spring, where were assembled several rude log huts, and a small sprinkling of 'the natives," together with a fiddle and other preparations for a dance.  Shoes, stockings, and coats were unknown luxuries among them--at least we saw them not.

 

The dance was engaged in with the right hearty good will, and would have put to the blush the tame steppings of our beaux.  Among the participants was a very tall, raw-boned damsel, with her two garments flutttering readily in the amorous night breeze, whose black eyes were lit up with an unusual fire, either from repeated visits to the nearest hut, behind the door of which was placed an open-mouthed stone jar of new-made corn whiskey, and in which was a gourd, with a "deuce a bit" of sugar at all, and no water nearer than the spring.  Nearest her on the right was a lank, lantern-jawed, high-cheeked, long-legged fellow, who seemed similarly elevated.  Now these two, Jord Bilson [that was he], and Syl Varmin [that was she], were destined to afford the amusement of the evening; for Jord, in cutting the pigeon-wing, chanced to light from one of his aerial flights right upon the ponderous pedal appendage of Syl, a compliment which this amiable lady seemed in no way disposed to accept kindly.

 

'Jord Bilson,' said the tender Syl, 'I'll thank you to keep your darned hoofs off my feet.'

 

'Oh, Jord's feet are so tarnal big he can't manage 'em all by hisself,' suggested some pacificator near by.  'He'll have to keep 'em off me,' suggested Syl, 'or I'll shorten 'em for him.'

 

'Now look here, Syl Varmin,' answered Jord, somewhat nettled at both remarks, 'I didn't go to tread on your feet, but I don't want you to be cutting up any rusties about.  You're nothing but a cross-grained critter, anyhow.' 

 

'And you're a darned Melungen.' 

 

'Well, if I am, I ain't no nigger-Melungen, anyhow--I'm Indian-Melungen, and that is more 'an you is.' 

 

'See here, Jord,' said Syl, now highly nettled, 'I'll give you a dollar ef you'll go out on the grass and right it out.'

 

Jord smiled faintly and demurred, adding 'Go home, Syl, and look under your puncheons and see if you can't fill a bed outen the hair of them hogs you stole from Vardy.'

 

'And you go to Sow's Cave, Jord Bilson, ef it comes to that, and see how many shucks you got offen that corn you tuck from Pete Jomen.  Will you take the dollar?'

 

Jord now seemed about to consent, and Syl reduced the premium by one half, and finally came down to a quarter, and then Jord began to offer a quarter, a half and finally a dollar; but Syl's prudence equalled his, and seeing that neither was likely to accept, we return to our hotel, and were informed by Old Vardy that the sight we had just witnessed was no 'onusual one.'  The boys and gals was jist having a little fun'.

 

And so it proved, for about midnight we were wakened by a loud noise of contending parties in fierce combat, and, rising and looking out from the chinks of our hut, we saw the whole party engaged in a grand melee; rising above the din of all which, was the harsh voice of Syl Varmin, calling out--

 

"Stand back here, Sal Frazer, and let me do the rest of the beaten of Jord Bilson; I hain't forgot his hoofs yit'.

 

The melee closed, and we retired again, and by breakfast next morning all hands were reconciled, and the stone jar was replenished out of mutual pocket, and peace and quiet ruled where so lately all had been recriminations and blows. 

 

After breakfast, just such as the supper had been at old Jack's, save only that here we had a table, we started for Clinch River for a day's fishing, where other and yet more amusing incidents awaited us.  But as I have dwelt upon this early part of the journey longer than I intended, you must wait until the next letter for the concluding incidents.'

 

The following is taken from “Life Magazine,” June 26, 1970

 

The mystery of Newman's Ridge

by John Fetterman

 

Mr. Fetterman is a journalist and author specializing in Appalachia.

 

“When the cold season comes, the wind bites and howls along Newman's Ridge in east Tennessee, nudging the snow across silent, ancient graveyards and against sturdy cabins fashioned from monstrous hand-hewn poplar logs.  Only the wind knows the origin of the dark-complexioned and handsome people who settled on the ridge, some say hundreds of years before Columbus found the New World, and the wind will not tell. 

 

And so the swarms of historians, anthropologists, re-searchers and writers come here hoping to unravel the mystery, only to leave frustrated.

 

The ridge people are called Melungeons.  One is Claude Collins, 35, a director of libraries for the Hancock County school board.  Claude frequently walks the lonely paths atop Newman's Ridge where he was born.  On such a stroll, he turned to me and demanded: "Look at me.  Do I look any different to you?  Where do you think my people came from?"

 

The questions are old ones in east Tennessee and probably will never be answered.  They are asked by all the Melun-geons.  Miss Martha Collins, who is president of Sneed-ville's only bank; Corinne Bowlin, a college student; Mon-roe Collins, a dirt farmer.  One can only repeat the legend.

 

The handsome Melungeons, with their dark eyes and finely chiseled features, whether they live on the ridge or have moved to the foot of it in the county seat town of Sneed-ville, speak fondly of their years upon the lonely, misty height. 

 

Graying, neat and vibrant at 74, Miss Collins relaxes in her leather chair at the bank and recalls the frustrations of the local law enforcement officials who tried vainly for years to arrest the ridge's whisky saleswoman, Aunt Mahala Mullins.  All attempts to bring Aunt Mahala to justice failed because she weighed in excess of 400 pounds and could not pass through her cabin door. 

 

"Everyone was very fond of Aunt Mahala," Miss Collins said.  "When she died they took away a part of a wall, wrapped her in quilts and gently rolled her down the hill to be buried."

 

The Melungeons have always insisted that they are Portu-guese, and their legend insists that they are descendants of those skilled seamen who sailed out of the western Medi-terranean under Phoenician aegis to the New World, per-haps 2,000 years before Columbus. 

 

Many scholars, notably Dr, Cyrus Gordon, Brandeis Uni-versity's noted Mediterranean researcher, do not lightly dis-miss the Melungeon legend.  There is much evidence of pre-Columbian transatlantic contacts.  White gods with black beards came from the east and introduced the arts of metallurgy, irrigation, weaving, counting and writing throughout Central and South America.  The Aztecs called the god Quet-zalcoatle to the Mayas he was Kukulcan, to the Incas Vira-cocha.  Indians in Georgia observed a har-vest festival strikingly like the Biblical Feast of taber-nacles.  In east Tennessee the fair-haired, fair-skined An-glo-Saxon pioneers and hunters looked upon the dark peo-ple who lived on Newman's Ridge with distrust.

 

The Melungeons do not have the copper skin, black eyes or beardless faces of the Cherokee, nor do they have the fea-tures of the Negro.

 

After talking with them and watching them one can only reaffirm the historic and somehow unsatisfactory appraisal: Melungeons look  "Mediterranean."  Only the Melungeons. of all the people in the remote  rocky foIds of Appalachia, have forgotten their own history.  Elsewhere in the moun-tains, you are told proudly,  My grandmother walked in from Carolina," or "my kin was hunters from Virginny.” Not so with the Melungeons.  Seventy-two year-old Ellis Stewart has lived all his life on the ridge.  He scratches the stubble on his chin and answers, "I guess the folks up here been here just 'bout forever.

 

Some's gone now.  Where they came from I'll never know.  But someday they'll come back up here like squirrels."

It is a brave prophecy.  Many of the Melungeons, like mountain people elsewhere, are today fleeing the poverty of the hills and seeking jobs in the cities to the north. 

 

Others, like Claude Collins and Miss Martha Collins, have become successful in the limited economy of Sneedville.  Corinne Bowlin---quiet, darkhaired and now a student at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, is a puzzled child of the legend.  "I've been fascinated by the Melungeon legend all my life." she said.

 

"Bowlin, you know, is a Melungeon name." She speaks wearily of the researchers --some scientific and some just curious, who come to Hancock County to poke through the tiny graveyards and prowl the abandoned houses on the ridge. "They come in and take skull measurements and blood samples and make skin pigmentation studies and they never get any answers," Miss Bowlin said.

 

One man who has sought the answers is Henry R. Price, an attorney and a meticulous historian who lives in nearby Ro-gersville, Tennessee.  Price has traced the Melungeon immi-gration back through the lush valleys of southern Virginia and North Carolina, the valleys which were to become the eastern reaches of the Wilderness Road, the route of Daniel Boone and the great migration to the West.  But the trail ends at the sea. 

 

The sheriff of Fincastle County, Virginia was looking for Daniel Boone in 1770s, according to Jack Goins of Rogers-ville, Tennessee.  He was wanted for a bad debt, the sheriff wrote on the warrant "Gone to Kentucky--cannot be served."  The warrant and the old records of Fincastle County are now found in the courthouse at Christiansburgh, Virginia, county seat for Montgomery County, Virginia.

 

Earliest records, Price found, referred to people along the valley trails who were called, "other free persons of color." They bore the Melungeon names which appear on Newman's Ridge:

 

Collins, Mullins, Brogan, Goins, Gibson, Bowlin.  They were free of the restrictive legislation aimed at slaves and former slaves during the 1700s and 1800s.  Furthermore, the Melun-geons of that period were voting, paying taxes, acquiring land, making wills, owning slaves, securing marriage licenses and suing.  They were successful farmers, whisky makers and tra-ders, and even produced their own gold coins.

 

Miss Collins recalls that her grandfather once bought a farm on the ridge and produced $700 in gold from his pocket to pay for it.

 

Historians have said that the word "Melungeon" may be derived from the AfroPortuguese melungo, meaning "ship-mate." And that Melungeon names, Brogan, Goins, Collins MulIins, now so English-sounding, may be traced back to the Portuguese Braganza, Magoens, Colinso and Mollen.  [A few names are shared by many families.]

 

Claude Collins was walking slowly along the ridge, his eyes on the now abandoned house where he was born and where he spent his boyhood.

 

It was a good life up here.  We worked hard and our fields were clean."

 

Walking along with him, hearing that familiar twang of the mountain man coming from that improbably swarthy face, I found myself going over, in my mind, the legendary course that brought that face, those dark eyes. that coal-black hair from some mediterranean shore to this ridge.  To the east, a few hundred miles beyond the misty horizon that is North Carolina, lies Cape Hatteras, graveyard of ships.  I pictured a great ship, such as the Phoenician's used, long before Rome was built, to explore the African coast and what is now Brit-ain.

 

It was easy to imagine one of those vessels, westborne on the trade winds, dashed onto Hatteras' rocks, its timbers, hewn from cedars o' Lebanon that grew near Sidon and Tvre, shat-tered.  It was a century and a half before Christ, when the avenging Romans had destroyed the Phoenicians' metropolis of Carthage and were threatening their colonies on the Iberian peninsula.  I saw survivors of the ruptured ship, men and wo-men. strugle ashore and head west across the flat piedmont, into the green valleys of the Great Smokies and finally south-west up the beautiful valley of the Clinch River to this lonely  ridge.  I even pictured their commander, a compact man with dark eyes and blackbeard. pointing to it and saying, "This will he our home."

 

"When somebody was burned out we'd have an all-day work-ing," Collins was saying." People would come in and build a new home in a day."

 

"Yes," I said. "It does sound like a good life." I almost called him admiral.

                                             ==O==

Alex Goins was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1900 census of Hancock County, Enumeration District 71, page 12:

 

          "Goins,                Alex              24, born in TN, May 1876

                                       America        20, born in TN, January 1880

                                             ==O==

Alva Goins died in Tazewell at age 68, according to his obitu­ary in "Monroe Evening News."

                                             ==O==

Mrs. Elizabeth Goins/Gowen was a resident of Hancock County about 1900, according to Teresa A. Turner.  She suggested that her divorced mother, Mrs. Maletha “Letha” Anderson, “age about 65” was living with her at that time.  Elizabeth Goins/Gowen had a sister, Lena McPherson, wife of Robert Vastine McPherson.

                                             ==O==

Isaac Goins and his wife, Elizabeth Goins, were residents of Powell Valley, Tennessee, according to Hila Lawson Shelton Goins, a daughter-in-law. 

 

Children born to Isaac Goins and Elizabeth Goins include:

 

          Garfield Goins                                   born June 7, 1880

 

Garfield Goins, son of Isaac Goins and Elizabeth Goins, was born in Hancock County June 7, 1880.  He was married about 1900, wife's name unknown.  He was remarried about 1905 to Susan Perkins, daughter of Richard Perkins and Cynthia Perkins.  His third marriage was to Mrs. Hila Lawson Shelton about 1918.  He died in Whitley County, Kentucky November 18, 1952, according to a son, Ancil Goins.

 

Children born to Garfield Goins and his first wife include:

 

          Mattie Rose Goins                             born about 1902

          Arthur Goins                                      born about 1903

 

Children born to Garfield Goins and Susan Perkins Goins include:

 

          Frank Goins                                        born in 1906

          Ancil Goins                                         born in 1908

          Jesse C. Goins                                     born in 1916

 

Children born to Garfield Goins and Hila Lawson Shelton Goins include:

 

          A. C. Goins                                                born about 1919

          Ronnie Goins                                             born about 1921

          Steve Goins                                                born about 1923

          Sue Goins                                                   born about 1926

                                               ==O==

Ida Mae Goins who was born about 1895 was married about 1912 in Hancock County to John Henry Vaughan who was born about 1891, according to Sharon Robinson in a message dated August 10, 2000.

                                             ==O==

Lambert Goins and his wife, Birdie Miles Goins, are buried in Goin Cemetery in Hancock County, according to a descendant, Cathy Martin.  She described Lambert Goins as a descendant of Alexander Goins.

                                             ==O==

John Goins and his wife, Sidney Goins were residents of Thornhill, Tennessee in 1900, according to the research of Tena M. Wooten.  Later they removed to Tazewell, Tennessee.  It is believed that Sidney Goins was born about 1866.

 

“Sidney Goins” died December 2, 1947 in nearby Clay Coun-ty, Kentucky at the age of 81, according to Kentucky Death Records, Volume 52, Certificate No. 25942.

 

Children born to them include:

 

          Rufus Goins                                                                 born about 1887

          Tip Goins                                                                     born about 1889

          Lundie       Goins                                                          born about 1891

          Esther Goins                                                                 born about 1894

          Grace Goins                                                                 born about 1897

          Liddie Manila Goins                                                   born about 1900

 

Liddie Manila Goins, daughter of John Goins and Sidney Goins, was born in 1900 in Thornton, Tennessee, according to Tena M. Wooten, a great-great-granddaughter.  Liddie Goins was married about 1918 to William Columbus Morton who was born in Sneedville in 1876.  He was a son of George Morton and Ellen Morton.

 

Children born to William Columbus Morton and Liddle Manila Goins Morton include:

 

          Charles Morton                                         born about 1920

          Bonnie Morton                                          born about 1922

          Paul Morton                                               born about 1925

          Raymond Morton                                      born about 1928

                                             ==O==

The obituary of Michael Goins was published in the “Knoxville News-Sentinel” March 5, 2003:

 

“Michael “Little Crow” Goins,” age 36, of Sneedville, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2003.  He was a mem-ber of Liberty Missionary Baptist Church.  He was pre-ceded in death by his grandparents, Brownlow Goins and Cora Goins and Bill Swiney and Sarah Swiney. 

 

His survivors include his children, Anthony Goins and Ashley Goins of Sneedville; his wife, Darlene Goins of Sneedville; his parents, Woodrow ‘Crow’ Goins and Gladys Goins of Sneedville; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathy Goins Dalton and Roger Dalton of Bean Station, Christie Goins Dyer and Darrell Dyer of Pow-der Springs, Kendra Goins Spradling and Travis Sprad-ling of Bean Station.

 

The funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2003 at McNeil Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Curtis Reed, Rev. Roger Dalton, Rev. Kyle Gregory, Jr. and Rev. Larry McNally officiating.  Interment will be in the Goins Cemetery.”

                                             ==O==

Nelly Goins, age 74, was enumerated as the head of a household of one person in the 1880 census of Hancock County.  She was white, a housekeeper, and was born about 1806 in North Carolina to parents who were also born in North Carolina.

                                             ==O==

Ramon Virgil Goins was born at Sneedville in 1933.  He was married about 1953 to Vergie Mae Helton who was born in 1936 at Rogersville, Tennessee.  In 1954 Ramon Virgil Goins, a welder's helper in oilfield construction, and Vergie Mae Helton Goins, lived at Hermleigh, Texas.

 

Children born to Ramon Virgil Goins and Vergie Mae Helton Goins include:

 

          Andry Ann Goins                     born February 14, 1954

 

Andry Ann Goins, first child of Ramon Virgil Goins and Vergie Mae Helton Goins was born February 14, 1954 at Lorraine, Texas according to Mitchell County Texas Birth Book 21, page 70.

                                             ==O==

Sarah “Sally” Goins was born about 1844 in Tennessee, possibly Hancock County, of parents unknown, according to Christine Royster.  She was married about 1863 to John Wilburn who was born about 1841 to Lewis Wilburn and Mila Millicent Wilburn.  A child was born to them about 1864.

 

John Wilburn was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1850 census of Hancock County.  They removed to Greenup County, Kentucky where they were enumerated in the 1880 census.  They were recorded in adjoining Carter County, Kentucky in 1900 and 1910.

                                             ==O==

Tom Goins who was born about 1878 was married about 1901 in Hancock County to Orlena Trent who was born about 1875, according to Sharon Robinson in a message dated August 10, 2000.  Orlena Trent was the daughter of Wiley Trent, a carpenter of Trent Valley and Elizabeth Seal Trent.  Children born to Tom Goins and Orlena Trent Goins are unknown.

                                             ==O==

Susan Gowen was born in Morristown, Tennessee [now in Hamben County, Tennesee] September 22, 1800 of parents unknown, according to the research of Pat Melton.  When Susan Gowen died May 9, 1893, she was living in Macomb County, Illinois in the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Tolbert Jaggard and Susan “Fanny” Jaggard. 

                                             ==O==

Sarah E. Gowens was born in 1866 in Hancock County, ac­cording to "Tennessee Confederate Widows and Their Families" abstracted by Edna Weifering.  She was married there in 1889 to Solomon Gardner who was born in 1839 in Washington County, Tennessee.  He died in 1917 in Hawkins County, Tennessee, and she applied for Confederate Widows Pension No. 10185.

                                             ==O==

Isaac Gowines was recorded as the head of Household 34-57 in the 1850 census of Hancock County:

 

          "Gowines,             Isaac        46, born in NC

                                        Mary         35, born in KY

          Taff,                      Melvina     19,

                                        John              1,

          Vannoy,                William      21,"

                                             ==O==

Eliza Gowins was enumerated as the head of Household No. 83-64 in the 1850 census of Hancock County:

 

          "Gowins,              Eliza                     33, born in Virginia

                                       Sarah                     56, born in Virginia"

 

HARDEMAN COUNTY, TENNESSEE

 

The 1850 and 1860 census returns of Hardeman County contained no Gowens [or spelling variations].

                                             ==O==

J. A. Goings, who was born December 27, 1872 and died March 17, 1925, was buried in New Hope Church of Christ Cemetery, in Hardeman County.

                                             ==O==

Hester Gowan, who was born in 1904, died April 1, 1929 at age 25 was buried in Union Cemetery located on East McNeal Street in Bolivar, Tennessee.

                                             ==O==

Luther Gowan who was born October 22, 1878 and died July 9, 1966 was buried in Grand Junction Cemetery, Grand Junction, Tennessee.  His wife, Blanche S. Gowan, who was born February 16, 1881, died April 6, 1964, is buried beside him.

                                             ==O==

Jessie May Underhill, daughter of E. R. Underhill and Judy Ann Taylor, was born August 1, 1890 in Hamilton County, according to Linda Sharp.  Later her family removed to Hardin County, Tennessee and lived near Pittsburg Landing.  She was mentioned in the legal records of her father dated there in January 1925.  It is believed that she was married about 1908, husband’s name Goins.  Of Jessie May Underhill Goins nothing more is known.

 

HAWKINS COUNTY, TENNESSEE

 

Hawkins County was a center of Melungeon settlement in the early days of Tennessee.  When Hancock County was formed with land from Hawkins County and Claiborne County a great number of Melungeon families wound up in the new county.

 

Most of the individual enumeration sheets of the census of 1820 of the state of Tennessee were destroyed by fire in Washington, D. C.  Fragments of the census for only ten counties and recaps of others escaped the fire.  No enumer­ation sheets were available for Hawkins County.  Recap sheets showed 310 "free persons of color" in the 1820 census. 

 

It is obvious that the census enumerator in 1830 had difficulty in deciding whether to list the seven Goen and Goin families as "white" or "free colored people."  In the summary sheet 37 families composed of 331 people were recorded as "free colored" in 1830.

 

Phillip Edwin Roberts, Foundation member of Hendersonville, North Carolina compiled a list of heads of households of "Free Colored Persons," regarded by some researchers as Melungeons, found in the 1830 census of Hawkins County:

 

Charles Beare                        John Collins

Dicey Bowling                        James Collins                  John Goen

Michael Bowling                  Charles Gibson            Betsy Goen

Burton Cold [Cole?]            Esau Gibson                  Harden Goen

Wiatt Collins                        Cherod Gibson            Edmond Goodman

Andrew Collins                  Joseph F. Gibson            Jordan Goodman

Martin Collins                        Andrew Gibson            Thomas Hale

Simeon Collins                        Sheppard Gibson            Betsy Jones

Vardy Collins                        Jordan Gibson                  John Minor

Mary Collins                        Polly Gibson                  Zacharia Minor

Levi Collins                        Jonathon Gibson            Samuel Mullens

Benjamin Collins                  Jesse Gibson                  James Moore

Edmund Collins                  Fountain Goen            Henry Mosely

Millenton Collins                  George Goen                  William Nichols

 

Enumerators had the same problem in adjoining Grainger and Claiborne counties.  White and "free colored" were listed in consecutive entries which perhaps indicated adjacent locations.  Some disabling statutes were installed in 1831, 1832 and 1834 in the Tennessee constitution to prevent free Negroes from certain rights enjoyed by the white citizens.

 

Heads of households of Free Persons of Color in the 1830 census of Hawkins County include: Fountain Goen, Harden Goen, George Goen, John Goen and Betsy Goen.

                                             ==O==

William Goen, regarded as a Melungeon, was born about 1771 in North Carolina to parents unknown.  He was married about 1795, wife's name unknown.  She appeared as a few years older than he in the 1830 census.  William Goen moved his family to Hawkins County, in the middle 1820s.

 

Most of the individual enumeration sheets of the census of 1820 of the state of Tennessee were destroyed by fire in Washington, D. C.  Fragments of the census for only ten counties and recaps of others escaped the fire.  No enumeration sheets were available for Hawkins County.  Recap sheets showed 310 "free persons of color" in the 1820 census.

 

"William Going" received a land grant No. 14203 from the State of Tennessee on March 19, 1827 for 50 acres in Hawkins County.

 

It is obvious that the census enumerator in 1830 had difficulty in deciding whether to list the seven Goen and Goin families as "white" or "free colored people."  In the summary sheet 37 families composed of 331 people were recorded as "free colored" in 1830.  William Goen was designated as "white" in this count; his son John Goen wound up as "free colored."

 

"William Going," received a land grant from the State of Tennessee, No. 14203, on March 19, 1827 for 50 acres of land in Hawkins County.

 

William Goen headed a household composed of nine people, page 73, in the 1830 census of Hawkins County.  His household consisted of:

 

          "Goen, William                      white male             50-60

                                                          white female          60-70

                                                          white male             20-30

                                                          white male             15-20

                                                          white female          15-20

                                                          white female          10-15

                                                           white male              5-10

                                                          white female             0-5"

 

In an adjacent location to William Goen was the household of John Goen, possibly a son, on page 73 in the 1830 census of Hawkins County. 

 

"William Gowin" reappeared in the 1840 census of Hawkins County, page 225, as the head of a household.  He was shown to be illiterate and a farmer.  He appeared with a younger wife, suggesting that he was remarried during the decade.

 

The household of four was listed as:

 

          "Gowin, William                             white male             60-70

                                                                   white female          50-60

                                                                   white male             20-30

                                                                   white male              5-10"

 

It is believed that William Goen was influenced to remove to Jackson County, Indiana during the 1840s.  "William Goen, age 79" was enumerated there in the 1850 census in the household of James Johnson, regarded as his son-in-law by Dr. Jerry Lee Goen, Foundation member of Shawnee, Oklahoma. 

 

Children born to William Goen are believed to include:

 

          Crispin Goen                                   born about 1800

          John Goen                                       born about 1806

          "Happy" Goen                                 born about 1808

            [son]                                             born about 1812

            [daughter]                                    born about 1814

            [daughter]                                    born about 1817

            [son]                                             born about 1821

          Melinda Goen                                born about 1824

 

Crispin Goen, regarded as the son of William Goen, was born about 1800 in North Carolina.  He was married about 1823, wife’s name Lucinda, according to the research of Carol Mitchell.

 

The household of Crispin Goin appeared in the 1830 census of Hawkins County, page 80, as:

 

          "Goin, Crispin                        white male             30-40

                                                          white female          20-30

                                                          white male               5-10

                                                          white male                 0-5

                                                          white male                 0-5

                                                          white female              0-5"

 

“Crispin Goin” received a land grant from the State of Ten­nessee, No. 18217 September 19, 1833 for 80 acres of land in Hawkins County.

 

"Chrispin Gowin" also appeared in the 1840 census of Hawkins County, page 225, indicating an adjacent location to William Gowin.  Four members of the family were engaged in agriculture and two, probably the parents, were illiterate.  The household was enumerated as:

 

          "Gowin, Chrispin                            white male             30-40

                                                                   white female          30-40

                                                                   white female          15-20

                                                                   white male             10-15

                                                                   white male              10-15

                                                                   white female          10-15"

 

Crispin Goen removed to Jackson County Indiana along with other members of his family. 

 

The 1850 Census listed six families in Jackson County:  Crispin Goen on page 169 Carr township, Stephen P. Goen on page 171 Carr township, William Goen on page 175 Carr township, George W. Goings on page 127 Redding township, John Goins on page 132 Redding township, and William W. Goins page 127 tedding Township.

 

Crispin Goen was enumerated as the head of Household No. 20 on page 169 in Carr township:

 

“Goen,           Crispin                    50, farmer, born in NC real estate          _                                               $400,literate

Lucinda                                 51, born in NC, illiterate

James T. [F.?]                       17, born in TN

Williamson                           15, born in TN

Crispin                                 12, born in TN

Reuben P.                            10, born in TN

Polly                                      7, born in IN

Loucindia                              5, born in IN

Margaret                                2, born in IN

Servis                                5/12, born in IN, female

          Thomas, Milo                           26, born in TN, illiterate

 

Dr. Jerry Lee Goen noted that the John Thomas family was listed as Household 21, adjoining the household of Crispin Goen.  He suggested that Milo Thomas was related to the Goen family. 

 

Crispin Goen died in Jackson County about 1857, and his estate was administered by Elisha G. Goen, a son, according to the research of Dr. Jerry Lee Goen.  He wrote January 29, 1998:

 

"The court record is in the courthouse at Brownstown, Indiana.  Elisha had to go to court several different times to get the estate settled.  First, to be assigned as the administrator, second to settle the estate, but the judge was not certain that he had paid all the creditors.  Third, to reconcile the accounts, but the judge was not happy with the way he had shown the accounts and his own expenses.  Finally the judge accepted everything, and the estate seemed to be worth $542.81 with $130.31 left for distribution. 

 

Children born to Crispin Goen and Lucinda Goen include:

 

Thomas Goen                                                 born about 1826

Matilda Goen                                                 born June 12, 1829

          James F. Goen                                         born about 1833

          Williamson Goen                                    born about 1835

          Crispin Goen, Jr.                                     born about 1838

          Reuben P. Goen                                       born about 1840

 

Thomas Goen, son of Crispin Goen and Lucinda Goen, was born about 1827, probably in Hawkins County, Tennessee.  He was brought to Indiana by his parents.  He was married August 27, 1849 in Washington County, Indiana to Mary Briscoe, daughter of James Briscoe and Elizabeth “Betsy” Carriss Briscoe, according to Carol Mitchell.  She was born about 1829 in Kentucky.

 

Mary Briscoe Goen died in 1907 in Jackson County, Indiana of “softening of the brain” and was buried in Leesville Cemetery.

 

Children born to Thomas Goen and Mary Briscoe Goen include:

 

Homer Benson Goen                    born July 24, 1860

Leonidus Goen                              born about 1861

Margrett Goen                              born about 1864

Clarence Goen                              born about 1868

 

Homer Benson Goen, son of Thomas Goen and Mary Briscoe Goen, was born July 24, 1860.  He died December 3, 1910 in Lawrence County, Indiana.

 

Leonidas Goen, son of Thomas Goen and Mary Briscoe Goen, was born about 1861.

 

Margrett Goen, daughter of Thomas Goen and Mary Briscoe Goen, was born about 1864.

 

Clarence Goen, son of Thomas Goen and Mary Briscoe Goen, was born about 1868.

 

Matilda Goen, daughter of Crispin Goen and Lucinda Goen, was born June 12, 1829 in Tennessee, probably Hawkins County.  She was brought to Indiana by her parents.  She was married July 12, 1851 in Indiana.  She was remarried June 22, 1856 in Washinton County to a cousin, Philip Goen, son of John W. Goen and Sarah Goen. 

 

The family removed to Arkansas where Philip Goen operated a ferry boat on the Arkansas River for 10 years, then moved to Lawrence County, Missouri. 

 

Matilda Goen Lawyer Goen died there at Pierce City, Missouri September 8, 1911 and was buried there in Olivet Baptist Church Cemetery.

 

[For details of their family see his section of the Manuscript.]

 

James T. [F?] Goen, son of Crispin Goen and Lucinda Goen, was born about 1833 in Tennessee, probably Hawkins County.  He appeared as a 17-year-old in the 1850 census of his father’s household. 

 

Williamson Goen, son of Crispin Goen and Lucinda Goen, was born about 1835 in Tennesse, probably Hawkins County.  He was married to Mary Cordell April 10, 1858 in Jackson County, Indiana.  Children born to Williamson Goen and Mary Cordell Goen are unknown.

 

Crispin Goen, Jr, son of Crispin Goen and Lucinda Goen, was born about 1838 in Tennessee, probably in Hawkins County.  He was enumerated as a 12-year-old in the 1850 census of his father’s household.  He enlisted in Jackson County as a private in the Indiana 7th Battery, Light Artil-lery during the Civil War.  He was married at age 47 to Margaret Chastain August 29, 1885 in Washington Coun-ty, Indiana.  Children born to Cris-pin Goen, Jr. and Mar-garet Chastain Goen are unknown.

 

Reuben P. Goen, son of Crispin Goen and Lucinda Goen, was born about 1840 in Tennessee, probably in Hawkins County.  He was enumerated as a 10-year-old in the 1850 census of his father’s household.  He was enlisted in Com-pany G, Indiana 25th Infantry Regiment during the Civil War.

                                             ==O==

In an adjacent location to William Goen was the household of John Goen, possibly a son, on page 73 in the 1830 census of Hawkins County.  No adult male was listed in the enumeration so it is assumed that John Goen was a Melungeon with very dark coloring and did not "rate a mention."

 

The household was listed as:

 

          "Goen,       John           

                                                white female          20-30

                                                white female          5-10

                                                white male    0-5

                                                white male    0-5

                                                 white female          0-5"

 

"John Going" received a land grant from the state of Ten­nessee, No. 14156, on March 2, 1827 for 50 acres of land in Hawkins County.  "John Goin" received a grant for 50 acres, No. 25972, on an unnoted date, also in Hawkins County.  John Goen did not reappear in the 1840 census as the head of a household in Hawkins County.

                                             ==O==

Elisha Goin received a land grant from the State of Tennessee, No. 21475, for 50 acres on October 31, 1837.  He received a second grant, No. 24377, for 150 acres on November 15, 1841.

                                             ==O==

"Peter Going and Agga Going came into court.  She was sick," according to an entry in Hawkins County Court minutes dated June 8, 1839.

                                             ==O==

James Goins appeared in Hawkins County County in May 1857 with witnesses to prove that he was born free.  J. H. Vance, County Court Clerk noted, "James Goins presented the following as the best evidence that he can obtain of his Freedom:"

 

"State of Tennessee }

Hawkins County          }

 

County Court, May Term 1857

 

Personally appeared in open court Aaron Mooney and Rodham Chesnutt, residents of said county and state, who being duly sworn, according to law, depose and say that they are well acquainted with James Goins, a colored man, who lately resided in Hawkins County, Tennessee and that they knew his mother who was a white woman, and his reputed Father was a mulatto, and that the said James Goins was born free.

 

                                                      Aaron Mooney

                                                      Rodham Chesnutt

 

I, James H. Vance, Clerk of the County Court of said county do certify that the foregoing is a true copy transcript from the Record of my Court.  Given under my hand and official seal at office in Rogersville, the 7th day of May 1857.

 

                                                      J. H. Vance, Clerk"

 

In later years James Goins removed to Knoxville, Tennessee or else planned a visit there.  His proof of freedom was presented to Knoxville Mayor's Court, according to its minutes recorded between May 1886 and August 1889.  The minute book in 1999 was in the Knox County Archives.  A microfilm transcript of the minutes was placed in the McClung Historical Collection.

                                        ==O==

Thomas Goin was an early resident of Hawkins County and later appeared in Claiborne County, Tennessee when that county was formed.

 

Children born to Thomas Goin and Jamima Sinness Goin include:

 

          Mary "Polly" Goin                               born about 1787

 

Mary "Polly" Goin, daughter of Thomas Goin and Jamima Sinnes Goin, was born about 1787.  She was married about 1804 to Jacob Coots, according to a great-great-granddaughter, Elaine C. Eltgroth of Chester, California.

 

Children born to Jacob Coots and Mary "Polly" Goin Coots include:

 

          Jestern Coots                                                      born about 1816

 

Jestern Coots, daughter of Jacob Coots and Mary "Polly" Goin Coots, was born about 1816 in Claiborne County, Tennessee, according to David E. Casto, a descendant.  She was married about 1834 to John George Castoe, according to Eltgroth research.  She filed an application with the Dawes Commission in Indian Territory for Cherokee rights.

                                             ==O==

The obituary of Mrs. Ona Arrington Goins appeared in the March 7, 2002 edition of the Rogersville, Tennessee news-paper: 

 

“Ona Arrington Goins, born May 10, 1912, died Wednes-day March 6, 2002 at Wellmont Hawkins County Hospital after a brief illness.

 

A faithful member of West View Baptist Church.  Ona worked for many years at the Burger Bar where she was affectionally known as Granny.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband, McKinley Goins, parents Will and Jennie Reed Arrington, three brothers; Omer Arrington, Ora Arrington and John Ar-rington and one sister Annabell Gilreath.

 

Surviving are two sons; William Goins, Jack Harold Goins and wife Betty, one daughter, Joyce Goins Manis and hus-band Gene, all of Rogersville, seven grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren.

 

Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Friday in Colboch-Price Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Ray Mullins officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday at  Highland Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Scott Goins, John Goins, Steve Goins, David Newberry, Rodney Farmer and Sam Carmack.

                                             ==O==

Elijah Gowin, son of parents unknown, was born about 1797 in Virginia.  In the book “Melungeons: Examining an American Legend” by Pat Spurlock Elder mention is made of a letter [page 245] written in 1927 by William H. Goins in which he states that his grandfather George Goins, son of Joe Goins of Surry County, North Carolina, had one brother, Elijah Goins.

 

He was married about 1813, wife's name Sarah.  She was born in Virginia about 1794.  In 1815 they lived in North Carolina, and about 1816 they returned to Virginia.

 

Elijah Gowin appeared in the 1840 census of Hawkins County, Tennessee, page 232, as the head of a household composed of two people.  Both were illiterate.  He was a farmer.  The household was listed as:

 

          "Gowin, Elijah          white male            50-60

                                            white female          50-60"

 

"Eliga Gowins" was shown in the 1850 census of Hancock County as the head of Household No. 83-83, also composed of two people, both illiterate.  They were enumerated November 19, 1850 in the 33rd subdivision, east part, Hancock County, which had been carved from Hawkins County in 1844.  The enumeration read:

 

          "Gowins,             Eliga           53, born in Virginia, chair maker

                                       Sarah           56, born in Virginia"

 

Children born to Elijah Gowin and Sarah Gowin are believed to include:

 

          Alexander Gowin                                    born about 1815

          John "Hammer John" Gowin                  born about 1816

 

Alexander Gowin, regarded as a son of Elijah Gowin and Sarah Gowin, was born about 1815 in North Carolina.  He was married about 1832 in Hawkins County to Ethel "Ethie" Collins, daughter of Vardeman "Vardy" Collins and Peggy Gibson Collins.  She was born in 1810.

 

The household of Alexander Gowin was adjoining that of Elijah Gowin in the 1840 census of Hawkins County, page 232 One of the men was engaged in farming and one in trade.  All three adults were illiterate.  The family consisted of:

 

          "Gowin, Alexander                         white male             20-30

                                                                   white female          30-40

                                                                   white male             20-30

                                                                   white male                0-5

                                                                   white male                0-5"

 

Hancock County was formed from Hawkins County and Claiborne County in 1844, and "Alexandria Gowins," regarded as Alexander Gowin, above was listed as the head of Household 123-123 in the 1850 census of Hancock County, 33rd subdivision, east part, as:

 

          "Gowins,                  Alexandria 35, born in North Carolina,

                                 $300  real estate, illiterate,

                                   farmer,

                                           Ethel           40, born in Tennessee

                                           John            17, born in TN, farmer

                                           Alfred         15, born in TN, farmer"

 

This family was located in the middle of the Melungeon community.  Many Gibson and Collins families were listed in adjacent entries.

 

He enlisted in Company A, First Tennessee Cavalry Regiment, USA in the Civil War.  When he died, he was buried at Goins Chapel Cemetery, according to Phil Goins, a descendant.

 

Children born to Alexander Gowins and Ethel "Ethie" Collins Gowins include:

 

          John Goins                                                born about 1832

          Alfred Goins                                             born in November 1833

 

John Goins, son of Alexander Gowin and Ethel Collins Gowin, was born in Tennessee about 1832.  He was enumerated as a 17-year old farmer in the 1850 census.  He was married about 1855 to Lucinda "Synda" Sexton who was born about 1839 to Solomon Sexton and Lucinda Maxey Sexton. 

 

John Goins served in the First Tennessee Cavalry Regiment, U.S.A. during the Civil War.  John Goins and Lucinda "Synda" Sexton Goins were buried in Goins Cemetery on Newmans Ridge. 

 

Eleven children born to them, including:

 

          George William Goins                                                born about 1857

          John Goins                                                                   born about 1867

          Howard Goins                                                              born about 1869

          Alex Goins                                                                   born in 1875

          Freeling Goins                                                             born in 1878

 

Alex Goins, son of John Goins and Lucinda "Synda" Sexton Goins, was born in 1875, according to the Buckreis research.  He was married about 1900 to America "Merkey" Collins, daughter of Brandon Collins and Martha Collins.  Alex Goins died November 3, 1951, and American "Merkey" Collins Goins died September 25, 1957.

 

Eleven children were born to them, but five sons died in in­fancy and were buried in Goins Cemetery.  Six children survived to have children of their own.  Included were:

 

          Winnie Goins                                            born October 1, 1901

          Fannie Goins                                             born April 18, 1904

          Veda Goins                                                born about 1907

          Martha Goins                                             born July 14, 1911

          Herbert Goins                                           born July 2, 1914

          Batavia "Jack" Goins                               born September 17, 1917

 

Winnie Goins, daughter of Alex Goins and America "Merkey" Collins Goins, was born October 1, 1901.  She, at age 15, was married November 21, 1815 to John Jarnigan, age 26, son of Frank Jarnigan and Harriett Jarnigan by T. P. Graham.  Later she was remarried to William Anderson.  John Jarnigan was buried in Lee County, Virginia.  William Anderson and Winnie Goins Jarnigan Anderson were buried in Morristown, Tennessee.

 

Fannie Goins, daughter of Alex Goins and America "Merkey" Collins Goins, was born April 18, 1904.  She was married about 1919 to George Moore.  He was buried in Goins Cemetery when he died.  She died October 31, 1982 and was buried in Harrison Cemetery at Sneedville, Tennessee.

 

Veda Goins, daughter of Alex Goins and America "Merkey" Collins Goins, was born about 1907.  She was married about 1923 to Odie Marion.  Later she was remarried to Arthur Lamar and removed to Salem, Indiana.  They died there.

 

Herbert Goins, son of Alex Goins and America "Merkey" Collins Goins, was born July 2, 1914.  He was married about 1934 to Delia Phillips.  She was born September 16, 1918 to Will Phillips and Harriett Phillips.  About 1943, Herbert Goins was remarried to Margaret Potter who was born February 25, 1915.  He died November 17, 1970 and was buried at Rogersville, Tennessee.  Delia Phillips Goins died July 31, 1971 and was buried at Salem, Indiana.  Margaret Potter died October 23, 1984 and was buried beside Herbert Goins.

 

Five children were born to Herbert Goins and Delia Phillips Goins:

 

          Edith Goins                                               born November 10, 1935

          Herbert Goins, Jr.                                     born January 12, 1937

          Will Goins                                                born October 25, 1938

          Mary Ruth Goins                                      born September 5, 1940

          Pauline Goins                                          born April 12, 1942

 

Edith Goins, daughter of Herbert Goins and Delia Phillips Goins, was born November 10, 1935.  She was married to Kenneth Harvey who was born to Herbert Harvey and Lucinda Harvey October 9, 1913. 

 

Children born to them include:

 

          Clifford Harvey                                   born July 24, 1956

          Donald Ray Harvey                             born September 22, 1958

          Johnny Harvey                                    born February 8, 1960

          Nancy Harvey                                     born April 4, 1963

          David Harvey                                      born May 18, 1967

 

Herbert Goins, Jr, son of Herbert Goins and Delia Phillips Goins, was born January 12, 1937.  He was married about 1958 to Jessie "Bootie" Tolle who was born October 16, 1940 to Ewin Tolle and Bertha Tolle.

 

Children born to Herbert Goins, Jr. and Jessie "Bootie" Tolle Goins include:

 

          Herbert Daniel Goins                             born October 22, 1959

          Teresa Goins                                          born September 15, 1961

 

Herbert Daniel Goins, son of Herbert Goins, Jr. and Jessie "Bootie" Tolle Goins, was born October 22, 1959.  He was married about 1977 to Rhonda Richards.

 

Children born to Herbert Daniel Goins and Rhonda Richards Goins include:

 

          Teresa Goins                                                born September 15, 1961

 

Teresa Goins, daughter of Herbert Daniel Goins and Rhonda Richards Goins, was born September 15, 1961.  She was married about 1979 to Ralph Goins.  Children born to Ralph Goins and Teresa Goins Goings include:

 

          Crystal Goins                                            born November 13, 1980

          Troy Goins                                                born October 21, 1981

 

Alfred Goins, son of Alexander Gowin and Ethel Collins Gowin, was born in Tennessee in November 1833, according to the research of Robert Goins, a descendant of Kentucky.  He was enumerated as "Alfred Gowin," a 15-year-old farmer in 1850.

 

Alfred Goins was married about 1860 to Hannah Gibson, born about 1840 to Yearby Gibson and Elizabeth "Betty" Gibson, according to William P. Grohse.

 

Of William P. Grohse, Jack Harold Goins wrote:

 

“The oldest Melungeon list I have seen was compiled by William P. Groshe in the 1960's.  He was a historian who lived in Vardy Valley.  His list was basically taken from the families enumerated as “Free Persons of Color” on the 1830 Federal census of Hawkins County, Tennessee.

 

These Newman Ridge-Blackwater area Melungeons came to this section in the time frame 1787-1805.  Most of them had previously lived along the back-woods sections of the New River areas of Virginia and North Carolina.  They mi-grated to this area circa 1767 from the Flat River sections of Orange County, North Carolina.  Historians have long recognized the 1755 tax list of Orange County as some of the same families who came to Newman Ridge.  All of the siblings of these families did not migrate to Newman Ridge and or Blackwater area, some came through and journeyed on west.  Others migrated from the New River area into Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia, while others moved near the border of North Carolina and South Caro-lina, others to the Broad River area of South Carolina.  You can find these same families migration patterns on Revolutionary War Pension Applications, tax, land, court, and church records.

 

Where did they come from?  This was the question Will Allen Dromgoole ask Calloway Collins in 1890, his reply "They were living as Indians in Virginia before they mi-grated to North Carolina."

 

The most complicated part to me is not knowing the sur-names of the Melungeon wives.  Just recently a family discovered through research that the mother of Vardy Collins mother was a Vardeman and on most legal papers Vardy was known as Vardeman, or Vardiman Collins.”

 

Yearby Gibson was a son of Jonathan Gibson who was born in Virginia May 17, 1759, according to Willard G. Peil IV, a descendant.  The Yearby Gibsons had other children named Sally Gibson, Thomas Gibson, Debba Gibson and John Gibson.

 

Alfred Goins was enlisted December 8, 1862, along with "John Goins and R. J. Goins" in the First Tennessee Cavalry Regiment, Company M and served until 1865, according to his pension record. 

 

"Pvt. Alfred Goen" appeared on the muster roll of Company C, Forty-third Tennessee Infantry Regiment, CSA during the Civil War. Also serving in this regiment were Pvt. Anderson Goen, Pvt. Charles Goen, Pvt. Dodson Goen, Pvt. John Goen and Pvt. William A. Goins.  Alfred Goins "switched sides" during the war, perhaps after being captured. 

 

Pvt. Alfred Goins appeared on the muster roll of Company M, First Tennessee Cavalry Regiment, USA during the Civil War.  Also enlisted in this regiment were "Pvt. Claiborne Goins, Pvt. John Goins, Pvt. R. J. Goins, Pvt. William Goins, Pvt. Zachariah Goins, Pvt. Alfred Gowen and Sgt. Burton M. Goins."  Burton McGinnis Goins, a ninth-generation descen­dant of Mihil Gowen, was the son of George Goins and Emily "Lively" Bunch Goins.

 

Hannah Gibson Goins died January 10, 1879 in Hancock County, according to Patricia Ann Goins Rice, a descendant of Shepherdsville, Kentucky..  He was remarried about 1880 to Mrs. Malvina "Vina" Johnson Mullins and lived on Newman's Ridge. 

 

They were enumerated in the 1880 census of Hancock County as:

 

          "Goins,                 Alfred                              42

                                       Malvina                           27

                                       Thomas                           18

          Johnson,              Landon                              5, step-son"

 

Alfred Goins received land from "John Mullins et ux Mahala Mullins" July 30, 1889, according to Hancock County Deed Book 5, page 541.  Simeon Collins and James H. Goins, unidentified, were witnesses.

 

Alfred Goins was reported to be suffering from a disability of "chronic diarrhea and lung trouble" in the 1890 Civil War vet­erans census. 

 

Alfred Goins was recorded as the head of a household in the 1900 census of Hancock County, Enumeration District 73, page 2, 11th Civil District:

 

          "Goins,                 Alfred                              66, born in TN, Nov. 1833

                                       Viney                                47, born in TN, April 1853

                                       Elizabeth                          17, born in TN, Nov. 1882

                                       Garfield                           12, born in TN, May 1888

                                       Lombard                            9, born in TN, March 1891

                                       Lydia M.                            7, born in TN, April 1893

                                       Samueal [Simeon]            3, born in TN, Mar. 1897"

 

Alfred Goins died September 4, 1907, "an old, old man," [69], according to Rev. Arthur Hamilton Taylor.  Alfred Goins was buried in Goins Cemetery on Newman's Ridge.  Alfred Goins had donated the land for the Goins Chapel and Goins Cemetery from his farm, according to Kevin Mullins of Knoxville, Tennessee, a great-great grandson of Malvina "Vina" Johnson Mullins Goins in a message written February 12, 1999.  Kevin Mullins was a great-grandson of Landon "Lan" Mullins who appeared at age five in the 1880 enumeration of the household of Alfred Goins.

 

Malvina "Vina" Johnson Mullins Goins continued to live in 1933 when she was interviewed by the Rev. Taylor.  She received the farm of Alfred Goins, but later transferred it to his sons, while reserving the Goins Cemetery.

 

Children born to Alfred Goins and Hannah Gibson Goins in­clude:

 

          Buchanan Goins                                       born about 1857

          Julia Ann Goins                                        born about 1858

          Thomas Goins                                           born March 8, 1862

 

Children born to Alfred Goins and Malvina "Viana" Johnson Goins include:

 

          Elizabeth Goins                               born November 25, 1882

          James Abram Garfield Goins          born May 22, 1888

          Lambert Goins                                 born March 12, 1891

          Lydia M. Goins                                born April 4, 1893

          Symeon [Samuel?] Goins                born March 6, 1897

 

Buchanan Goins, son of Alfred Goins and Hannah Gibson Goins was born in Hancock County about 1857.  He was mar­ried about 1876 to his second cousin, Elizabeth "Betty" Goins, daughter of John "Hammer John" Goins and Catherine Williams Goins.  She was born in 1855.  He died at Penning­ton Gap, Virginia March 29, 1930, according to Willard G. Piel IV, a descendant of Tucson, Arizona.  Elizabeth "Betty" Goins Goins died November 18, 1936 and was buried beside her husband.

 

Children born to Buchanan Goins and Elizabeth "Betty" Goins Goins include:

 

          George Goins                                         born about 1877

          Julia Ann Goins                                      born about 1879

          Martha Goins                                          born about 1880

          Alfred Goins                                           born September 1, 1886

          Thomas Goins                                         born March 16, 1888

          John Buchanan Goins                             born September 29, 1894

          Birdie Goins                                            born in 1896

 

George Goins, son of Buchanan Goins and Elizabeth "Betty" Goins Goins, was born about 1877.

 

Julia Ann Goins, daughter of Buchanan Goins and Elizabeth "Betty" Goins Goins, was born about 1879.

 

Martha Goins, daughter of Buchanan Goins and Elizabeth "Betty" Goins Goins, was born about 1880.

 

Alfred Goins, son of Buchanan Goins and Elizabeth "Betty" Goins Goins, was born September 1, 1886.

 

Thomas Goins, son of Buchanan Goins and Elizabeth "Betty" Goins Goins, was born March 16, 1888.

 

John Buchanan Goins, son of Buchanan Goins and Elizabeth "Betty" Goins Goins, was born September 29, 1894 in Lee County, Virginia.  He was married about 1914 to Addie Myr­tle Cox who was born in 1896 in Sullivan County, Tennessee.  John Buchanan Goins was murdered in Lee County November 3, 1935.

 

Children born to John Buchanan Goins and Addie Myrtle Cox Goins include:

 

          Claude K. Goins                                      born in 1916

          Hazel Elizabeth Goins                             born in 1920

 

Hazel Elizabeth Goins, daughter of John Buchanan Goins and Addie Myrtle Cox Goins, was born in Lee County in 1920.  She was married about 1942 to Louis Farmer who was born in Bell County, Kentucky in 1910.

 

Children born to them include:

 

          Elizabeth Farmer                                          born February 14, 1944

 

Elizabeth Farmer, daughter of Louis Farmer and Hazel Goins Farmer, was born February 14, 1944 in Virginia.  She was married about 1965 to William G. Piel III who was born February 28, 1943 in Illinois. 

 

Children born to them include:

 

          William G. Piel IV                                       born March 25, 1968

 

William G. Piel IV, son of William G. Piel III and Elizabeth Farmer Piel, was born March 25, 1968.  In 1996 he, a resident of Tucson, Arizona, was active in the research of his branch of the Goins family.

 

Birdie Goins, daughter of Buchanan Goins and Elizabeth "Betty" Goins, was born in 1896.  She was married about 1923 to H. Ballard Newman.  She died in 1981.

 

Thomas Goins, son of Alfred Goins and Hannah Gibson Goins, was born in Hancock County March 8, 1862, according to the research of Bob Goins, a descendant.  He was married October 27, 1884 in Sneedville to Nancy Collins who was born to Conaway Collins and Elizabeth Ann "Eliza" Williams Collins May 8, 1869 in Hancock County. 

 

Cora Sergent Goins reported that Thomas Goins was working on a rocky hillside, hoeing corn when he declared, "If I live 'til this day is over, I will leave this place and never hoe corn on this hill again."  They moved to Lee County, Virginia the next day.  In 1900 they lived in Virginia and in 1901 in Kentucky.

 

Thomas Goins died October 12, 1933 in Letcher County, Kentucky and was buried at Thornton, Kentucky.  Nancy Collins Goins died November 20, 1942 and was buried beside her husband.

 

Children born to Thomas Goins and Nancy Collins Goins in­clude:

 

          Emily Goins                                              born September 10, 1885

          Rosa Goins                                                born November 21, 1888

          Clay Goins                                                 born May 10, 1890

          Grant Goins                                               born April 15, 1892

          Louis Goins                                               born March 12, 1894

          Fannie Goins                                             born January 22, 1896

          Hassie Goins                                             born November 27, 1898

          Cas Goins                                                  born September 29, 1900

          Pearlie Goins                                             born June 5, 1901

          William Goins                                           born February 11, 1905

          Noah Goins                                                born October 18, 1906

          Henry Goins                                               born February 13, 1916

 

Emily Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Nancy Collins Goins, was born September 18, 1885 in Tennessee.  She was married March 3, 1904 In Knott County, Kentucky to George Washington “Wash” Ferguson.  He was born February 14, 1870 in West Virginia.  She died in 1908 and was buried in Carr Creek Cemetery in Knott County, Kentucky.  He was remarried April 28, 1912 in Knott County to Arzella “Doll” Amgburgey, according to Derek Gilbert of St. Louis.

 

Rosa Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Nancy Collins Goins, was born November 21, 1888 in Tennessee.  She was married about 1907 to Richard Vance.  She died in November 1965 and was buried in Letcher County, Kentucky.

 

Clay Goins, son of Thomas Goins and Nancy Collins Goins, was born May 10, 1890 in Tennessee.  He was married about 1919 to Lillie Crase.  He died August 12, 1975 and was buried in Goins Cemetery located "on his homeplace, 1/4 mile out of Whitesburg, Kentucky," according to Patricia Ann Goins Rice.  Children born to Clay Goins and Lillie Crase Goins are unknown.

 

Grant Goins, son of Thomas Goins and Nancy Collins Goins, was born April 15, 1892 in Tennessee.  He died May 15, 1924 unmarried.

 

Louis Goins, son of Thomas Goins and Nancy Collins Goins, was born March 12, 1894 in Tennessee.  He was married about 1919 to Marie Mason.  He died in Letcher County June 16, 1974.  Children born to Louis Goins and Marie Mason Goins are unknown.

 

Fannie Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Nancy Collins Goins, was born in Tennessee January 22, 1896.  She was married about 1914 to Millard Lucas. 

 

Hassie Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Nancy Collins Goins, was born November 28, 1896 in Tennessee.  She was married about 1916 to Caleb Johnson.  She died at Vicco, Kentucky and was buried "in a cemetery between Vicco and Hazard, Kentucky," according to Patricia Ann Goins Rice.

 

Cas Goins, son of Thomas Goins and Nancy Collins Goins, was born September 29, 1900 in Lee County, Virginia.  He was married August 25, 1921 to Ritter Jane Sergent.  She was born May 31, 1905 to Joseph Richard "Doc" Sergent and Julia Hart Sergent. 

 

Cas Goins was robbed and killed August 25, 1945, according to Patricia Ann Goins Rice.  Bobby Goins shows the date as June 20, 1945 and was buried in Sergent Cemetery in Letcher County..  Ritter Jane Sergent Goins was remarried in 1947 to Gus Tolliver.  She died July 12, 1982 and was buried in Sergent Cemetery.

 

Children born to Cas Goins and Ritter Jane Sergent Goins in­clude:

 

          Gladys Goins                                                         born June 1, 1922

          Homer Goins                                                         born April 24, 1924

          Gomer Goins                                                         born October 1, 1926

          Hoover Cas Goins                                                 born November 16, 1928

          Kenneth Goins                                                       born January 22, 1935

          Tommy Goins                                                        born about 1940

 

Gladys Goins, daughter of Cas Goins and Ritter Jane Sergent Goins, was born June 1, 1922.  She was married about 1940 to George Blanton.  Later she was remarried to Douglas Horn.

 

Homer Goins, son of Cas Goins and Ritter Jane Sergent Goins, was born April 24, 1924.  He was married about 1946 to Cuba Irene Manns.  Children born to Homer Goins and Cuba Irene Manns Goins are unknown.

 

Gomer Goins, son of Cas Goins and Ritter Jane Sergent Goins, was born October 1, 1926.  He was married about 1949 to Maxine Tolliver.  Of Gomer Goins and Maxine Tolliver Goins nothing more is known.

 

Hoover Cas Goins, son of Cas Goins and Ritter Jane Sergent Goins, was born November 16, 1928.  He was married about 1951 to Ritter Ann Duncil.  He was remarried September 25, 1958 in Detroit, Michigan to Anna Lea Sergent.  She was born August 10, 1935 in Letcher County.  Hoover Cas Goins died November 1, 1997.

 

Children born to Hoover Cas Goins and Ritter Ann Duncil Goins include:

 

          Patricia Ann Goins                              born February 25, 1949

 

Children born to Hoover Goins and Anna Lea Sergent Goins include:

 

          Bobby Goins                                                         born November 20, 1960

 

Patricia Ann Goins, daughter of Hoover Cas Goins and Rit­ter Ann Duncil Goins was born February 25, 1949 at Jenkins, Kentucky in Letcher County.  She was married September 7, 1968 to James Harold Rice.  He was born October 19, 1948 at Boston, Kentucky in Nelson County. 

 

In 1993 they lived in Sheppardsville, Kentucky where she, a member of Gowen Research Foundation, was active in Goins family research.  It is through her kindness that much of the material on Alfred Goins and Hannah Goins and descendants appear in this manuscript.

 

Bobby Goins, son of Hoover Cas Goins and Ritter Ann Duncil Goins, was born November 20, 1960 in Hamtramick, Michi­gan.  He was married April 18, 1987 in Prestonburg, Kentucky to Valerie Lynne Barnett who was born in Jackson, Kentucky July 14, 1959.  Children born to Bobby Goins and Valerie Lynne Barnett Goins are unknown.

 

Kenneth Goins, son of Cas Goins and Ritter Jane Sergent Goins, was born January 22, 1935.  He was married about 1958 to Mildred Toliver, believed to be a sister to Maxine Tolliver.  Later he was remarried to Joyce Collins.  Children born to Kenneth Goins, Maxine Tolliver Goins and Joyce Collins Goins are unknown.

 

Tommy Goins, of Cas Goins and Ritter Jane Sergent Goins, was stillborn about 1940 and was buried in Thornton Ceme­tery.

 

Pearlie Goins, daughter of Thomas Goins and Nancy Collins Goins, was born was born June 1, 1901 in Kentucky.  She was married about 1920 to John Patterson and lived in Georgia.  She died December 8, 1988.

 

William Goins, son of Thomas Goins and Nancy Collins Goins, was born February 11, 1905.  He was married about 1928 to Cora Sergent, believed to be a sister to Ritter Jane Sergent.  He died of cancer February 8, 1986 in Letcher County and was buried in Thornton Cemetery.  Children born to William Goins and Cora Sergent Goins are unknown.

 

Noah Goins, son of Thomas Goins and Nancy Collins Goins, was born October 18, 1906 in Bath County, Kentucky.  He died April 24, 1969.

 

Henry Goins, son of Thomas Goins and Nancy Collins Goins, was born February 13, 1916 in Letcher County.  He was mar­ried there about 1939, wife's name Nolie.  Later he was remar­ried, wife's name Ruby.  He died July 18, 1967 and was buried in Thornton Cemetery.  Children born to Henry Goins, Nolie Goins and Ruby Goins are unknown

 

Elizabeth Goins, daughter of Alfred Goins and Malvina "Viana" Johnson Goins, was born November 25, 1882.  She appeared at age 17 in the 1900 census of her father's house­hold.  She was married about 1900 to Jim Gibson, son of Jimmy Gibson and Vinie Alsup Gibson.  They removed to Springfield, Illinois where he became a farmer.

 

James Abram Garfield Goins, son of Alfred Goins and Malv­ina "Viana" Johnson Goins, was born May 25, 1888 in Han­cock County.  He appeared as a 12-year-old in the 1900 census of his father's household.  He died unmarried March 15, 1917, according to Patricia Ann Goins Rice.

 

"James A. Garfield Goins" and his wife Marjorie Goings were living in Redfield, Arkansas in January, 1989, according to Louise Goins Richardson of Paragould, Arkansas who corre­sponded with them.  James A. Garfield Goins died in Redfield in March 1989.

 

Lambert Goins, son of Alfred Goins and Malvina "Viana" Johnson Goins, was born March 12, 1891 in Hancock County.  He appeared as a nine-year-old in the 1900 census.  He was married about 1914 to Birdie Brewer, daughter of Will Brewer and Mollie Castle Brewer.  She was born April 29, 1898 at Sneedville, according to Cathy I. Martin, a great-granddaughter.

 

He "lived near his mother on Newman's Ridge," according to Rev. H. A. Taylor.  Birdie Brewer Goins died February 21, 1973 at Rutledge Manor Nursing Home in Springfield, Illinois at the age of 73.  Children born to Lambert Goins and Birdie Brewer Goins are unknown.

 

Lydia M. Goins, daughter of Alfred Goins and Malvina "Viana" Johnson Goins, was born April 4, 1893 in Hancock County.  She appeared as a seven-year-old in the 1900 census.  he was married to Robert Gibson, son of Jimmy Gibson and Vinie Alsup Gibson about 1911.  Three children were born to him before his death.  She was remarried to John Wringley, son of Bud Wringley and Alice Wringley.  Three more chil­dren were born before his death.  She was married for the third time to Ira Parks.  An additional three children were born to them.

 

Symeon [Samuel] Goins, son of Alfred Goins and Malvina "Viana" Johnson Goins, was born March 6, 1897 in Hancock County.  He appeared as a three-year-old in the 1900 census of his father's household.  He was married about 1924 to Mattie Long who was born October 20, 1905 to Mattie Long, daugh­ter of Dick Long and Malissa Goodman Long.  Rev. Arthur Hamilton Taylor described them, "Symeon is large, florid, lives in the old John and Mahala Mullins house [1927].  Mattie is fairly large, has dark wavy hair and blue eyes and a live appearance."

 

John Goins, son of Alexander Gowins and Ethie Collins Gowins, was born about 1840.  John Goins enlisted December 14, 1862 in Company A, First Tennessee Cavalry Regiment.  He showed his residence at Sneedville, Tennessee.  He was discharged June 19, 1865, according to the 1890 census.

 

"John Goins" was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1880 census of Hancock County:

 

          "Goins,                 John                               37, born in TN

                                       Mahala                           47

          Long,                    Martha                           25, born in VA, step-daughter

                                       Emily E.                          5, born in TN, grand-

                                                                                     daughter

                                       Susan                                3, born in TN, grand-

                                                                                     daughter

                                       Mintie                               2, born in TN, grand-

                                                                                     daughter

                                       William                      2/12, born in TN, grandson"

 

John "Hammer John" Goins, regarded as the son of Elijah Gowin and Sarah Gowin, was born about 1816 in Virginia.  He accompanied his parents in a move to Claiborne County, Tennessee

 

He was married about 1838 to Catherine Williams.  According to Rev. Taylor, "Hammer John belonged to the older race of Goins who were fair-skinned.  He was of medium size, red complexioned and lived on Newman's Ridge."

 

"John Gowins" was listed as the head of a household enumer­ated December 4, 1850 in Hancock County, 33rd subdivision, east part, as Household 383-106.  The family consisted of:

 

          "Gowins,              John                      34, born in VA, hammerman,

                                                                             illiterate

                                       Catherine               28, born in Virginia, illiterate

                                       William                 11, born in TN, attending school

                                       Jane                         9, born in TN

                                       Wilson                    7, born in TN

                                       Catherine                3, born in TN

                                       Alexandria             1, born in TN, male"

 

They reappeared in the 1880 census of Hancock County in the 11th District:

 

          "Goins,                John                                59, born in VA

                                       Catherine                         49,

          Lawson,              George                             35, son-in-law

                                       Jane                                39, daughter"

                                       Mary                              12, twin granddaughter

                                       John                               12, twin grandson"

 

It is believed that John "Hammer John" Goins died during the 1890s and was buried in Goins Cemetery on Newman's Ridge.

 

Children born to John "Hammer John" Goins and Catherine Williams Goins include:

 

          William Goins                                                     born about 1839

          Jane Goins                                                            born about 1842

          Wilson Goins                                                       born about 1843

          Catherine Goins                                                    born about 1847

          Alexander Goins                                                   born about 1849

          Candace Goins                                                      born about 1851

          Elizabeth "Betty" Goins                                      born about 1852

          Barsheba Goins                                                    born about 1854

          Caroline Goins                                                      born in 1857

          Margaret Goins                                                     born about 1859

          John Goins                                                            born in 1868

 

William Goins, son of John "Hammer John" Goins and Catherine Williams Goins, was born about 1839 in Hancock County.  He appeared in the 1850 census as an 11-year-old.

 

Jane Goins, daughter of John "Hammer John" Goins and Catherine Williams Goins, was born about 1842 in Hancock County. 

 

According to Rev. Taylor, Jane Goins, "the daughter of John Goins and Catherine Williams Goins," was enumerated in the 1870 census of Hancock County in the household of John A. Lovins, No. 383-383:

 

          "Lovins,               John A.                                              27

                                       Lucinda                                              23

                                       Henry                                                    2

                                       Charlie                                                 1

          Goins,                  Jane                                                    28"

 

She was married in 1857 to George Lawson, son of Emanuel Lawson.  T. Carl Lawson of Morristown, Tennessee wrote July 17, 2000 to identify Emanuel Lawson as a descendant of William Lawson, the Scottish rebel who was born in Mont-rose, Scotland June 26, 1731 and died in Scott County, Virg-inia April 18, 1826 and was buried in the Lawson Memorial Cemetery in Snowflake, Virginia.

 

According to William P. Grohse, two daughters were born to Jane Goins before her marriage:

 

          Molly Goins                                                                   born about 1855

          Mandy Goins                                                                 born about 1856

 

Children born to George Lawson and Jane Goins Lawson in­clude:

 

          Birdie Lawson                                                      born about 1858

          Mary Lawson [twin]                                            born about 1868

          John Lawson [twin]                                             born about 1868

 

Wilson Goins, son of John "Hammer John" Goins and Catherine Williams Goins, was born about 1843.

 

Catherine Goins, daughter of John "Hammer John" Goins and Catherine Williams Goins, was born about 1847 in Hancock County.  She appeared as a three-year-old in the 1850 census.  She was married January 17, 1875 to Hillery Collins, son of Pascal Collins and Dorcus Gibson Collins, who was born in 1857.

 

They appeared in the 1880 census of Hancock County, 11th District:

 

          "Collins,              Hillery                                        23, born in TN

                                       Catherine                                   27, born in TN

          Goins,                  Caroline                                     23, born in TN,

                                                                                                 sister-in-law

          Collins,              Hillery                                          13, born in VA, cousin"

 

Children born to them include:

                  

          Henry Collins                                                                 born in 1877

          Orvall Collins                                                                 born in 1878

 

Alexander Goins, son of John "Hammer John" Goins and Catherine Williams Goins, was born about 1849.  He was recorded as a one-year-old in the 1850 census. 

 

Betty Goins, daughter of John "Hammer John" Goins and Catherine Williams Goins, was born was born in 1855, ac­cording to the research of Rev. Arthur Hamilton Taylor.  She was married about 1875 to a cousin, Buchanan Goins, son of Alfred Goins and Hannah Gibson Goins.  For names of their children, see his section.

 

Caroline Goins, daughter of John "Hammer John" Goins and Catherine Williams Goins, was born in 1857.  She appeared in the 1880 census of Hancock County living in the household of her sister Catherine Goins Collins.

 

Margaret Goins, daughter of John "Hammer John" Goins and Catherine Williams Goins, was born about 1860.  Of this indi­vidual nothing more is known.

 

John "Stiff John" Goins, son of John "Hammer John" Goins and Catherine Williams Goins, was born in 1868.  He was married about 1891, wife's name unknown and "moved to Jonesville," according to Rev. Arthur Hamilton Taylor.

 

“John Goins” was married December 17, 1894 to Laura Collins, according to the research of Margaret Mabrey, an outstanding Hancock County researcher.

                                               ==O==

Burton McGinnis Goins [George8, Joseph7, Joseph6, Agnes5, Edward, Jr.4, Edward3, William2, Mihil1], son of George Goins and Emily "Lively" Bunch Goins, was born February 1, 1842 at Sneedville.  His Civil War pension appli­cation shows his date of birth as April 1, 1842.  He enlisted in Company A [Company H in one report], First Tennessee Cav­alry Regiment May 9, 1862, showing his address as Blackwa­ter, Virginia.  He became a corporal and later the company quartermaster sergeant in Company A.  He was honorably discharged in Nashville April 4, 1865.  His military record de­scribed him as 5'6" tall, blue eyes, auburn hair, dark complex­ion, weighing 150 lbs.  Other members of this regiment were Pvt. Alfred Goins, Pvt. Claiborne Goins, Pvt. John Goins, Pvt. R. J. Goins, Pvt. William Goins, Pvt. Zachariah Goins and Pvt. Alfred Gowen. 

 

He was married about 1870 to Sarah Jane Wyatt.  She died May 10, 1873 in Hancock County, according to Mary Eng­land, Editor of "Reflections," the Claiborne County, Ten­nessee Historical Society's publication.

 

He was remarried about 1874 to Mary Ann Lawson, believed to be a daughter of Serena Lawson.  Mary Ann Lawson Goins died January 25, 1885 in Lee County, Virginia.  In 1887 he re­moved from Lee County back to Hancock County.  He at the age of 47 was married for the third time to Rebecca Cox, age 37 May 25, 1889 in Jonesville, Virginia.  She was born December 23, 1850 near Dryden, Virginia, the daughter of David Cox.

 

They removed to Jefferson County, Iowa in 1880 and returned to Lee County in 1884.  He died at his home at Olinger, Vir­ginia January 21, 1922.  He received Pension No. 1,064,208 for $50 monthly as the result of wounds in both hips and a chest injury resulting from a horse falling on him during the war, rendering him disabled.

 

Children born to Burton McGinnis Goins and Sarah Jane Wy­att Goins include:

 

          George Washington Goins                   born March 8, 1872

            [unnamed child]                                   born March 10, 1873

 

Children born to Burton McGinnis Goins and Mary Ann Law­son Goins include:

 

          Samuel J. T. Goins                              born January 5, 1877

          William H. Goins                               born January 8, 1879

          Thomas Jefferson Goins                    born February 1, 1881

          Charley Burton Goins                      born May 12, 1883

 

No children were born to Burton M. Goins and Rebecca Cox Goins.

                                             ==O==

On November 27, 1850 the household of Zachariah Miner, No. 269-269, adjoining Isaiah Goins [from Rockingham County, North Carolina], was enumerated in the 1850 census of Hancock County 33rd subdivision, east part.  Minor is a family name associated with the Gowens in Virginia and North Carolina.  Prof. Henry Price noted that Minor was a Melungeon name.  The family was enumerated as:

 

          "Miner,                Zachariah      52, born in VA, $2,500 real estate

                                       Agness          42, born in TN

                                       Alfred            22, born in TN

                                       Sally              21, born in TN

                                       Lydia             16, born in TN, attending school

                                       Gilford          18, born in TN

                                       Elizabeth      15, born in TN, attending school

                                       Susan            13, born in TN, attending school

                                       Claiborn        11, born in TN, attending school

                                       Sarah                9, born in TN, attending school

                                       James               6, born in TN

                                       Aley                  8, born in TN

                                       Zachariah        6/12, born in TN"

 

Nearby in Household 289-289 the family of Louis Miner was enumerated in the 1850 census of Hancock County, 33rd sub­division, east part.  The juxtaposition indicates a relationship with Zachariah Miner.  The family was listed as:

 

          "Miner,                 Louis         42, farmer, born in NC, $300 real

                                                                 estate, illiterate

                                       Sarah           36, born in Kentucky

                                       Elizabeth     13, born in TN, attending school

                                       John            12, born in TN, attending school

                                       Mariah        11, born in TN, attending school

                                       Anderson      9, born in TN, attending school

                                       Hiram            3, born in TN

                                       Nancy       6/12, born in TN"

 

The similar names which appeared in the family of Francis Gowins, Household No. 370-370, Hancock County, 33rd sub­division, east part, also suggest a relationship with the Miners. 

                                             ==O==

Nettie Lee Goins was born August 22, 1886 in Tennessee, probably Hawkins County, according to Gwen Underwood, a great-granddaughter.  She was married about 1906 to Charles Emory Underwood who was born February 16, 1883 in Tennessee to James S. Underwood who was born in 1855 in Hawkins County and Matilda Jane Lee Underwood.  Nettie Lee Goins Underwood died February 17, 1944 in Wise County, Virginia.  Charles Emory Underwood died there April 10, 1962.  Children born to them are unknown.

                                             ==O==

Samuel Goins, of Hancock County made an application for a Confederate pension, No. 6598, to the state of Tennessee for service in the 29th Tennessee Infantry Regiment.

                                             ==O==

Hasting Goen received a land grant, No. 27758, for 240 acres July 22, 1850 in Hawkins County.  “Hasten Goen” was married to Alvira Walker December 31, 1857, according to Jackson County, Indiana Marriage Book D, page 147.  Children born to Hasting Goen and Alvira Walker Goen are unknown.

                                             ==O==

The 1860 census of Hawkins County included George Gow­ings, Binda Gowings, William Goins and Lewis Going [from Rockingham County, North Carolina.]  George Gowings, age 15, born in Tennessee, lived in the household of an Anderson family.

 

The household of William Goins, No. 639-627, was located near the location of Binda Gowings.  The family was listed as:

 

          "Goins,                William         30, farmer, born in NC, illiterate

                                       Adelina          25

                                       George            8

                                       Julia              18"

 

Julia Goins was probably a sister to William Goins.

                                             ==O==

Alicia Maria “Alley” Hicks was married to William M. Goan in Hawkins County, August 31, 1865.  She is identified as the daughter of John Hicks and Alice Leuth Hicks of Hawkins County by Roy Williams of Alabama.  John Hicks is also identified as the father of William Hicks whose family is mentioned in “Kentucky: A History of the State.”

 

In the 1880 census the family of William M. Goan and Alicia Maria “Alley” Hicks Goan was enumerated in adjoining Hamblen County, Tennessee, Enumeration District 72, page 10, as:

 

          "Goan,                 William M.           51, born in TN

                                       Alley M.               39, born in TN

                                       Martha C.             14, born in TN

                                       Leander C.           12, born in TN

                                       William C.             6, born in TN

                                       James R.                 3, born in TN

                                       Alley L.                  1, born in TN"

                                             ==O==

William Goings was born in 1764, place unknown, according to "Some Tennessee Heroes of the Revolution" by Arm­strong.  William Goings served at age 16 under Capt. Tilmon Dixon in the First Regiment of the Virginia Continental Line in 1780.  He fought in battles at Brandywine, Camden, Cow­pens, Guilford, Eutaw Springs and Yorktown, according to his pension application.

 

He was discharged at Yorktown, Virginia in 1783.  William Goings was married in October 1893 in Caswell County, North Carolina, wife's name Elizabeth.  He was listed at age 64 in the 1818 pension list of Hawkins County.

 

In 1834 William Goings received PLW pension certificate No. 12757. 

 

William Goings, private of the Virginia Continental Line, age 64, was listed in Hawkins County in the "Pension List of 1818" published in Washington in 1820.  His birthplace was shown as Virginia in the volume, page 65.  His residence was listed as "East Tennessee."  Daniel Going was listed as a pensioner on the same page.  Zephaniah Gowen of Hawkins County also claimed service in the American Revolution.

 

Elizabeth Goings, who was born in 1768, applied for a widow's pension July 7, 1838 at age 70.

 

Four children, unnamed, were mentioned in the pension applications.  They were a son, born in 1809; a daughter, born in 1810; a daughter, born in 1815 and a son, born in 1818.

                                             ==O==

Mary R. Goan "18, born in July 1881 in Tennessee" enumer­ated in the household of Bitha Goan as her servant in the 1900 census of Hawkins County, Enumeration District 90, page 4.

                                             ==O==

Zephaniah Gowan of Rogersville, Tennessee was denied a pension for his service in the American Revolutionary War, due to the fact that he could not produce the specification of each tour, period, length, grade, names of company, and names of field officers.

==O==

"Hawkins County Will Book A, 1789-1850" records the wills of William Going, page 36 and Sarah Goin, page 35.

                                             ==O==

Binda Gowings appeared as the head of a household in the 1860 census of Hawkins County, Household 626-614.  The family was listed as:

 

          "Gowings,                     Binda                    45, born in NC, domestic,

                                                                                     illiterate

                                                Mathew                 14, born in NC

                                                John                      13, born in TN

                                                Alexander               8, born in TN"

 

The family lived near the residence of William Goins.

                                             ==O==

Elizabeth Gowins was married February 13, 1849 to Henry Kleinher, according to "Hawkins County, Tennessee Marriages, 1789-1850." 

 

 

 

  Gowen Research Foundation                       Phone:806/795-8758, 795-9694

  5708 Gary Avenue                                               E-mail: [email protected]

  Lubbock, Texas, 79413-4822            GOWENMS.111, 08/01/03

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

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

 

 

 

Family Researchers:

 

Vicki Goins Brannock, 4111 82nd St, Sacramento, CA, 95826 916/428-2196

F. M. Brummett, 4409 Greenbrier, Long Beach, CA, 90808

Lynn & Nancy Goin, 9357 E. Harrison Park, Tucson, AZ, 85749, 602/749-

5722

Robert Goins, 131 Maplewood Village, Banner, KY, 41603

Imani Kea Greene,

Roberta E. Horton,

Charles C. Johnson, 701 Riverview Towers, New Albany, IN, 47150

Carol Ann Ledford, 89 Wendover Rd, Ashville, NC, 28806

Beverly Ellison Nelson, 3391 W. Aksarben Avenue, Littleton, CO, 80123,

303/794-1727

William G. Peil IV, 3021 S. Eastview Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85730

Patricia Ann Goins Rice, 300 Cooper Run Road, Shepherdsville, KY, 40165

Louise Goins Richardson, 2207 E. Lake Street, Paragould, AR, 72450

Mary Burns Stark, 239 Deerfield Street, Houston, TX, 77022, 713-697-7874

Diane Lee Stark Thurman, 4201 Wildflower Circle, Wichita, KS, 67210,

 

 

Membership Application

 

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

5708 Gary Avenue                            E-mail: [email protected]

Lubbock, Texas, 79413                           

                                                        

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

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

 

I enclose payment as indicated below for

[  ] New Membership,

[  ] Renewal Membership

in Gowen Research Foundation.

 

$15    [  ] Member

$25    [  ] Contributing Member

$100  [  ] Sustaining Member

 

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

      researcher(s) listed on sheet attached.

 

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

      listed on sheet attached.

 

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