ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA

Rockingham County was organized in 1778 with land taken from Augusta County.

James Alexander Gowin was born about 1763 in Virginia. He was married about 1783 to Rebecca Adams, according to the research of Larry Austin May, a descendant of Salem, Ohio.

Donna Vee Gowin Johnston, Gowin researcher of Casper, Wyoming cited that "James Going" and Rebecca Adams were married November 24, 1785 in Greensville County, Virginia [on the opposite side of the state], according to "Marriage Bonds & Ministers Returns of Greensville. County, Virginia, 1781‑1825."

"James Going" wrote his will October 11, 1836 in Northampton County, North Carolina, according to Northampton County Will Book 5, page 147. In it he named his "wife, Rebecca and three daughters, Martha, Mary and Jane. He also named "brother, Benjamin Going of Virginia." Benjamin Going appeared in legal records of Greensville County during that period. The will of "James Going" was probated in December 1836.

Children born to James Alexander Gowin and Rebecca Adams Gowin, according to Jessie Madge Corbin Howard, a descendant of Great Falls, Montana, include:

Nathaniel Gowin born in 1794

==O==

Donna Vee Gowin Johnston wrote:

"The following four individuals are our first known Gowin ancestors, possibly two brothers and two sisters whose parents are unknown. From their birth places, their parents were in Virginia during the late 1700s and in Tennessee by December 1800. The Crawford County, Illinois Gowin family descends from Shadrack Gowin.

1. Nathaniel Gowin, born about 1794 in Virginia; married first, Sabra Midgett; and second, Sylva Wilcox.

2. Shadrack Gowin, born Apr 17, 1791 in Virginia; married Mary "Polly" Bass, probably in Wilson County, Tennessee. In 1820, in Wilson County Shadrack Gowin was the bondsman for the marriage of Delilah Gowin to James Dunsmore. Shadrack Gowin and Nathaniel Gowin appear together on a tax list in Wilson County.

3. Mary Gowin was born about 1795 in Virginia. [Robert E. Midgett, family researcher of Ravenwood, Missouri, atated that she also was born in Rockingham County.]

Some Gowin researchers accept Mary Gowin as the sister of Nathaniel Gowin. She was married to George Midgett about 1820 in Wilson County as his second wife. His first wife was Sabra Burrus, born about 1770 in Dare County, North Carolina. Their daughter Sabra Midgett was born to them about 1796 and became the wife of Nathaniel Gowin. Accordingly, Nathaniel Gowin's sister became his mother-in-law!.

George Midgett was listed on the 1830 Wilson County census in the same area as Shadrack Gowin. They moved to Crawford County, Illinois at the same time.

4. Delilah Gowin, born December 20, 1800 in Tennessee, was married in Wilson County in 1820 to James Dunsmore. Shadrack Gowin was their bondsman."

==O==

Nathaniel Gowin, son of James Alexander Gowin and Rebecca Adams Gowin, was born in Rockingham County in 1794, according to Jessie Madge Corbin Howard, a descendant of Great Falls, Montana. Mrs. Johnston feels the need of better documentation of this relationship and this place of birth.

She wrote, "Nathan Goins" was married to "Sabri Midgett" July 20, 1813, according to "Roane County, Tennessee Marriages, 1801-1855." Sabra Midgett was a daughter of George Midgett and his first wife, Sabra Burris Midgett and was born at Cape Hatteras in Dare County, North Carolina about 1795.

"James Goins" was married to Peggy Midget November 9, 1815 in Jefferson County, Tennessee, according to the research of Donna Vee Gowin Johnston.

"Nathan Goens" was enlisted November 11, 1814 in Capt. Joseph Goodsen's Company of Tennessee militia lin the War of 1812. He was discharged as a private May 18, 1815. Nathaniel Gowin appeared on the 1817 and 1818 tax list of Grainger County, Tennessee along with John Gowin.

"Nathaniel Goings" was enumerated in the 1820 census of Wilson County, page 59. His family was recorded as "200100-20100."

In 1825 they continued in Wilson County. In 1827 they removed to Greene County, Illinois. Nathaniel Gowin reappeared on the 1830 tax list of Grainger County. Nathaniel Gowin was enumerated in the 1840 census of Jersey County, Illinois.

In 1850, Nathaniel Gowin received Bounty Land Warrant No. 8265 for 80 acres of land. He was listed in "War of 1812, Index of Pensioners" by Virgil D. White.

He received Survivor's Certificate No. 1382 and a bounty land warrant. In 1817, when Nathaniel Gowin became 21, he was listed in the tax list of Grainger County, Tennessee adjoining "John Going." Nathaniel Gowin paid taxes in this county from 1816 to 1819. In 1820, he was on the census roll of Wilson County, Tennessee and remained there at least until 1826 when he and "Shadrack Gains" appeared on the tax roll. By 1830, he had returned to Grainger County. He appeared there in the 1830 and 1831 tax rolls, farming 90 acres previously rendered by John Gowin.

A land grant may have prompted his move to Jersey County, Illinois. He was enumerated there in the 1840 census. He received Bounty Land Warranty No. 5603 to 80 acres of land, probably in Illinois, in 1855. In that year he was a resident of Jersey County. Sabra Midgett Gowin died there August 20, 1860. At least 11 children were born to her.

He was remarried there to Sylva Wilcox June 12, 1862. In 1871 Nathan Gowen and Sylva Wilcox Gowen were residents of Grafton, Illinois. Nathan Gowen died there March 23, 1879 and was buried in Otterville, Illinois in Jersey County. Sylva Wilcox Gowen in 1880 lived at Otterville, Illinois where she was enumerated in the 1880 census. In 1887 she lived at Alton, Madison County, Illinois. She died about 1898 at Virden, Illinois.

Children born to Nathaniel Gowin and Sabra Midgett Gowin include:

Daniel Gowin born about 1815

George Gowin born about 1816

[daughter] born about 1818 in TN

[daughter] born about 1820 in TN

Miner Steel Gowin born October 1, 1823

Hester Gowin born Nov. 25, 1825

[daughter] born about 1827

Steve Gowin born about 1829

Emeline Gowin born about 1830 in Illinois

Nathan F. Gowin born about 1840 in Illinois

Paris M. Gowin born April 25, 1841 in Illinois

Children born to Nathaniel Gowin and Sylva Wilcox Gowin, according to Martha Heinrichs, include:

John F. Gowin born about 1862

Louisa Gowin born about 1864

Mary I. Gowin born about 1867

Francis Gowin born about 1870

Marsilla Gowin born about 1872

Daniel Gowin, son of Nathaniel Gowin and Sabra Midgett Gowin, was born about 1815 in Tennessee. He removed to Chicago after 1850.

George Gowin, son of Nathaniel Gowin and Sabra Midgett Gowin, was born 1816 in Tennessee. He accompanied his brother, Daniel Gowin in removing to Chicago after 1850.

A daughter, name unknown was born about 1818 in Tennessee to Nathaniel Gowin and Sabra Midgett Gowin.

A daughter, name unknown was born about 1820 in Tennessee to Nathaniel Gowin and Sabra Midgett Gowin.

Miner Steel Gowin, son of Nathaniel Gowin and Sabra Midgett Gowin, was born October 1, 1823 in Wilson County, Tennessee. He accompanied his parents to Jersey County, Illinois before 1827 and was married there February 24, 1846 to Nancy A. Beeman. She was born in Illinois in 1826 to Orman Beeman and Talitha White Beeman. Marian V. Davison, a descendant of Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma identifies the grandparents of Nancy A. Beeman as William Beaman, born May 2, 1758 in Kent, Connecticut and Sarah Campbell Beaman.

Miner Steel Gowin and Nancy A. Beeman continued in Jersey County in 1850. Nancy A. Beeman Gowin died January 31, 1900 in Kansas, and he was remarried in 1903 to Louise Campbell. He died July 28, 1919 in Morrisonville, Illinois in Christian County.

While a nonagenarian, he was asked by the secretary of the Illinois State Historical Society to write an account of his life and his philosophy. It was published in the "Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society" in 1916. Through the courtesy of Larry Austin May, a great-great-grandson of Salem, Ohio and a member of the Foundation, the article written by Miner Steele Gowin was made available to the Foundation.

"A Letter from a Venerable Member of the Illinois State Historical Society

To Jessie Palmer Weber,

Dear Lady:--

In an effort to comply with the request you made me last May, when I called on you at your office in Springfield, Illinois, that I write something of my experience and observations, to be printed in the records of the Illinois Historical Society, I herewith submit these lines.

My birthday will be October 1st, 1916, at which time I will be 93 years old. I am in fairly good health and strength, I think of reasonable sound mind and memory; but I realize that the time is soon to arrive when I shall surrender all earthly ties and possessions.

First, I wish to declare my abiding faith and loyalty to the foundation principles of our great and glorious government. [Made sacred, and I hope secure for all time to come by the shedding of so much precious blood.] The first is that all men are created equal; and when I say men I mean men and women.

The second great principle is that all are equally entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and when I pledge allegiance to that principle, I do not mean that it carries with it a license for one man to encroach upon the rights or liberties of his fellow‑man; man's liberties cease where the lawful rights of his fellow‑man begin.

I was born in Wilson County, Tennessee, near Lebanon, October 1st, 1823. I was brought by my father and mother, Nathaniel Gowin and Sabry Gowin, by covered wagon and oxteam in 1827 up through Kentucky, across the corner of Indiana into the southeastern part of Illinois and then across the sparsely settled region of south‑central Illinois, until we reached the country now known as Jersey County, Illinois.

Shifting from one locality to another small settlement, through what is now Jersey County [then a part of Greene], I spent my boyhood and young manhood days, sometimes on foot, sometimes on horseback, sometimes in old‑style farm wagons I traveled over the unbroken ground where the city of Jerseyville now stands. Many the furrow in the virgin soil I plowed, many the tree I felled, many the rail I split, many the day a cradle I swung to cut the golden grain.

In 1846 I was married to Nancy Beeman. To this union ten children were born. Four of them died in early infancy and childhood, six of them grew to manhood and womanhood as follows: Stephen L. Gowin, now of Fulton, Missouri; Ellis M. Gowin, drowned in 1901 near Buffalo, Missouri, at the age of 51 years; Nannie T. Gowin, now Mrs. Walter Grundy (a widow), at Morrisonville, Illinois; Arnest E. Gowin, residing now at Morrisonville, Illinois; Miner S. Gowin, now a resident of McCune, Kansas, and Mary A. Gowin, now Mary A. Gorman (a widow) of Muskogee, Oklahoma. In 1868 I moved with my family to Montgomery County, Illinois.

In 1884 I moved with my wife to McCune, Kansas. In 1896 we celebrated our fiftieth anniversary of wedded life. In 1900 my wife died. She was buried at McCune. In 1903, I was married to Louisa Campbell of Jerseyville, lived there one year, then we moved to McCune. In 1916, my second wife died. She also was buried at McCune.

I have voted at eighteen presidential elections, thirteen of those I have voted for have been elected. If I live and have my health at election time this fall, I shall vote for Charles E. Hughes for president, and of course expect him to be elected.

While I have lived for a great many years in Kansas, there has scarcely been a year when I did not return once or twice to Illinois. I have always kept in close touch with her progress and development and have personally known so many of her great men and having been so closely related to and associated with so very, very many of her so‑called ordinary men and women, it is inspiring to mingle with so great a people.

My advice to those beginning in life is, be industrious, be saving, be honest, be temperate in all things, be true to yourself and just to others, and above all else be true and loyal to your government, be brave to meet the issues of the day as they arise and be strong to battle ever for the right. --Miner S. Gowin."

Nancy A. Beeman Gowin died January 31, 1900, and Miner Steele Gowin died July 23, 1918. They were buried at McCune, Kansas. Ten children were born to them:

Harriet A. Gowin born in 1847

Stephen Lincoln Gowin born March 21, 1848

Ellis Miner Gowin born June 21, 1850

Talitha Gowin born about 1852

Colitha Gowin born about 1853

Nancy C. Gowin born March 14, 1854

Arnest Edgar Gowin born July 7, 1857

Orman Gile Gowin born December 27, 1859

Miner Steele Gowin, Jr. born about 1861

Mary Ann Gowin born August 23, 1865

Stephen Lincoln Gowin, son of Miner Steel Gowin and Nancy A. Beeman Gowin, was born March 21, 1848 in Jersey County. He was married about 1873, wife's name Carrie.

"Stephen Gowin" was located near his brother Miner Steel Gowin and was listed as the head of a household in the 1880 census of Montgomery County, Illinois. The household was enumerated in Enumeration District 156, page 10, Rountree Township as:

"Gowin, Stephen 31, born in Illinois

Carrie 26, born in Illinois

Kersey 6, born in Illinois

Burton C. 4, born in Illinois

Ira C. 11/12, born in Illinois"

The household also included one servant.

Children born to Stephen Lincoln Gowin and Carrie Gowin include:

Kersey Gowin born about 1874

Burton C. Gowin born about 1876

Ira C. Gowin born about 1879

Ellis Miner Gowin, son of Miner Steel Gowin and Nancy A. Beeman Gowin, was born June 21, 1850 in Jersey County. He was married there April 24, 1879 to Mary E. Osburn who was born December 24, 1841 in Jefferson County, Illinois. Her parents were James Osborn and Ann Dawson Osborn.

"Ellis Gowin" was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1880 census of Montgomery County, Enumeration District 156, page 6, Rountree Precinct:

"Gowin, Ellis 29, born in Illinois

Mary E. 28, born in Illinois

Edwin 4/12, born in Illinois, twin son

H. Elly 4/12, born in Illinois, twin dau."

In 1886, they lived in Crawford County, Kansas. She died January 1, 1900 in Dallas County, Missouri, and he died there July 4, 1901.

Children born to Ellis Miner Gowin and Mary E. Osburn Gowin include:

Edwin Gowin [twin] born in 1880

H. Elly Gowin [twin] born in 1880

Nancy Ann Gowin born April 5, 1886

Nancy Ann Gowin, daughter of Ellis Miner Gowin and Mary E. Osborn Gowin, was born April 5, 1886 in Crawford County. She was married in Fayetteville, Arkansas November 16, 1904 to Omer Austin May, son of Samuel Monroe May and Fannie Elizabeth McReynolds May. He was born June 29, 1885 in Polk County, Missouri. In 1905 they continued in Dallas County, Missouri where he died July 27, 1929. She died June 12, 1984 at the age of 97 in Green County, Missouri.

Children born to them include:

Harley Fritzel May born December 19, 1905

Harley Fritzel May, son of Omer Austin May and Nancy Ann Gowin May, was born December 19, 1905 in Dallas County. He was married April 20, 1931 in Yuma, Arizona to Esther Mattie Locke who was born October 23, 1909 in Polk County, Missouri to Alonzo Crittenden Locke and Eva Jane Ashlock Locke. In 1937 they continued in Polk County.

Children born to them include:

Larry Austin May born January 2, 1937

Larry Austin May, son of Harley Fritzel May and Esther Mattie Locke May, was born in Polk County January 2, 1937. He was married February 1, 1956 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania to Elva Gail Williamson. In 1991 they lived in Salem, Ohio.

Hester Gowin, daughter of Nathaniel Gowin and Sabra Midgett Gowin, was born in Wilson County, Tennessee November 25, 1825, according to Jessie Madge Corbin Howard, a great-granddaughter of Great Falls, Montana.

Mrs. Howard wrote May 5, 1995 that she remembers the charcoal portraits of her great-grantparents that hung in the diningroom of her grnadmother's home in Canton, Kansas. She stated:

"It was said that Hester Gowin Harris had fine black hair, parted in the middle, pulled straight back with a knot at the napse of her neck. She had albaster white skin and nice features. She was sophisticated, beautiful, serious, six feet tall, strong and outspoken. She demanded respect.

There is a record in Jersey County, Illinois that Hester Gowin was married in 1842 to William Carroll. The Carroll family appears there in the 1840 census. Our family did not know about this marriage.

When Hester was about 17 years old, she became the cook on a riverboat owned by her older brothers, George and Daniel which hauled frieght on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. The boat also accommodated a few passengers. It was aboard the riverboat that she met James Walter Harris. They were married shortly afterward. He was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania August 2, 1805. It is said that he was a descendant of John Harris, the founder of Harrisburg. He attended Yale College. He was a close fried of Cassius Clay, nephew of Sen. Henry Clay. James Walter Harris was described as a small, frail man with great charisma.

Hester and her sons did the field work. James and his daughters did the house work. When her children married and left home, she needed a choreboy, and my father, Walter Harris Corbin was selected. He adored her. Her brothers, George and Daniel visited frequently in her home. They talked until late at night, and Walter was allowed to join in on the parleys. The uncles were large, well-dressed men, and Walter was impressed with their handsome hats.

Hester had built a larger two-story white house on her farm. It had hardwood floors and black walnut woodwork. In her later years it is estimated that she weighed 300 pounds. Possibly that was the reason she had custom-made a large black walnut double front door. It was said that she wanted to be carried out those doors in her casket. At that time my mother, Emma Corbin and her grandmother Eve Anna Crawford sat up all night making a shroud for Hester and grooming her for the casket."

In 1849 they lived at Oquawka, Illinois. He died March 6, 1872 in Moline, Illinois, and she died there 25 years later, June 29, 1897. They were buried in Bolesburg Cemetery, East Moline, Illinois.

Children born to them include:

Marcalla Angel Harris born about 1846

Mary Mathilda Harris born April 1, 1849

Hester Octavia Harris born June 26, 1853

Frederick Miner Harris born about 1856

Wirgail Grace Harris born about 1859

Wilson Ernest Harris born about 1862

Emma Ruth Harris born about 1867

Marcella Angela Harris, daughter of James Walter Harris and Hester Gowin Harris, was born about 1846. She was married about 1866 to Samuel Richard Hatton. She wrote articles for the magazine "Youth Companion."

Mary Mathilda Harris, daughter of James Walter Harris and Hester Gowin Harris, was born at Oquawka April 1, 1849. She was married August 25, 1867 at Moline to Eli Corbin who was born there to John Grover Corbin and Polly Brooks Corbin September 26, 1844. Eli Corbin died June 30, 1912 at Canton, Kansas. She died July 28, 1927 at Albuquerque, New Mexico and was buried at Canton.

Children born to them include:

Jessie Corbin born June 24, 1868

Walter Harris Corbin born November 28, 1870

Myrtle Corbin born November 15, 1872

Stella Corbin born January 8, 1875

Leon Cassius Corbin born March 18, 1879

Polly Esther Corbin born April 11, 1883

Raymond Ernest Corbin born May 28, 1886

Reuben Eli Corbin born August 28, 1889

Robert Travis Corbin born September 11, 1895

Jessie Corbin, daughter of Eli Corbin and Mary Mathilda Harris Corbin, was born June 24, 1868. She was married about 1887 to Ben P. Gobin.

Walter Harris Corbin, son of Eli Corbin and Mary Mathilda Harris Corbin, was born November 28, 1870 at Moline. He was married May 20, 1896 to Sarah Emma Wining who was born May 4, 1879 to William Shipper Wining and Mary Anna Fuller Wining at Canton. He died August 27, 1928 at Kansas City, Missouri and was buried at Canton. She died August 15, 1970 at McPherson, Kansas and was buried beside her husband.

Children born to Walter Harris Corbin and Sarah Emma Wining Corbin include:

Bessie Marie Corbin born July 19, 1896

Scott Walter Corbin born January 2, 1903

Jessie Madge Corbin born March 3, 1906

Frederick Reuben Corbin born August 15, 1908

Bernadine Merle Corbin born May 24, 1913

Bessie Marie Corbin, daughter of Walter Harris Corbin and Sarah Emma Wining Corbin, was born July 19, 1896 in Moline, Illinois. She married June 3, 1919 to Wilbur Charles Yeager. She died about December 1983.

Scott Walter Corbin, son of Walter Harris Corbin and Sarah Emma Wining Corbin, was born January 2, 1903 in Canton, Kansas. He became a dentist and practiced in Miami, Texas. He was married September 1, 1929 to Flora May Philpott. No children were born to them. He died May 12, 1968.

Jessie Madge Corbin, daughter of Walter Harris Corbin and Sarah Emma Wining Corbin, was born March 3, 1906 at Canton. She was married to Lawrence Lowery Howard, M.D. December 23, 1926. He was born in Great Bend, Kansas December 15, 1901. He died August 28, 1991 at Great Falls, Montana. In April 1995 she, a member of Gowen Research Foundation, continued at Great Falls. Children born to them are unknown.

Children born to Lawrence L. Howard and Jessie Madge Corbin Howard include:

Laura Madge Howard born September 22, 1934

Thomas Corbin Howard born August 5, 1937

Martha Lovie Howard born June 16, 1942

Lawrence Douglas Howard born February 26, 1946

Laura Madge Howard, daughter of Lawrence L. Howard and Jessie Madge Corbin Howard, was born September 22, 1934 in Grand Falls. She was married April 30, 1955 to Robert L. Coonce. In 1958 and in 1962, they lived in Los Gatos, California. Following a divorce, she was remarried to Gene Facher.

Children born to them include:

Lisa Rolie Coonce born September 26, 1956

Daniel Howard Coonce born September 13, 1958

Thomas Robert Coonce born January 12, 1962

Thomas Corbin Howard, son of Lawrence L. Howard and Jessie Madge Corbin Howard, was born August 5, 1937 in Grand falls. He was married to Jerldina Anne Stone about 1954. Two children were born to them before they were divorced:

Deborah Lawrence Howard born December 18, 1955.

Leslie Ann Howard born August 9, 1960

Martha Lovie Howard, daughter of Lawrence L. Howard and Jessie Madge Corbin Howard, was born June 16, 1942 in Grand Falls. She was married about 1970 to Earl Heinrichs.

Children born to them include:

Whitney Heinrichs born in 1979

Lawrence Douglas Howard, son of Lawrence L. Howard and Jessie Madge Corbin Howard, was born February 26, 1946 in Grand Falls. In 1995 he remained unmarried.

Frederick Reuben Corbin, son of Walter Harris Corbin and Sarah Emma Wining Corbin, was born August 15, 1908 in Canton, Kansas. He became a dentist in Breckenridge, Missouri.. He was married October 27, 1934 to Catherine Louise Baker. No children were born to them. He died in 1968 in Amarillo, Texas and was buried in Breckenridge.

Bernadine Merle Corbin, daughter of Walter Harris Corbin and Sarah Emma Wining Corbin, was born May 24, 1913. She became a nurse. She was married May 28, 1936 to Walter Harold Keller.

Children born to them include:

Scott Frederick Keller born about 1939

Katherine Kay Keller born about 1943

Dwight Harold Keller born about 1946

Patricia Keller born about 1950

Myrtle Corbin, daughter of Eli Corbin and Mary Mathilda Harris Corbin, was born November 15, 1872. She was married to John Ganung about 1890.

Stella Corbin, daughter of Eli Corbin and Mary Mathilda Harris Corbin, was born January 8, 1875. She was married to Math Deaconesa about 1895.

Leon Cassius Corbin, son of Eli Corbin and Mary Mathilda Harris Corbin, was born March 18, 1879. He was married April 23, 1906 to Lula Shulz.

Polly Esther Corbin, daughter of Eli Corbin and Mary Mathilda Harris Corbin, was born April 11, 1883. She was married May 14, 1910 to John Klinefelter.

Raymond Ernest Corbin, son of Eli Corbin and Mary Mathilda Harris Corbin, was born May 20, 1886. He was married October 17, 1907 to Violet R. Ginder.

Reuben Eli Corbin, son of Eli Corbin and Mary Mathilda Harris Corbin, was born August 20, 1809. He was married to Mabel Daly about 1912.

Robert Travis Corbin, son of Eli Corbin and Mary Mathilda Harris Corbin, was born September 11. 1905. He was married about 1918 to Anna Laura Lawton McCollum.

Hester Octavia Harris, daughter of James Walter Harris and Hester Gowin Harris, was born June 26, 1853. She was married about 1870 to John Massie.

Frederick Miner Harris, son of James Walter Harris and Hester Gowin Harris, was born about 1856. He was married about 1879 to Isabell Eaks.

Wirgail Grace Harris, daughter of James Walter Harris and Hester Gowin Harris, was born about 1859. She was married about 1879 to David Jamerson.

Wilson Ernest Harris, son of James Walter Harris and Hester Gowin Harris, was born about 1862. He was married about 1875 to Lizzie Clark.

Emma Ruth Harris, daughter of James Walter Harris and Hester Gowin Harris, was born about 1867. She was married about 1887 to Earl Wells.

A daughter, name unknown was born Nathaniel Gowin and Sabra Midgett Gowin about 1827.

Steve Gowin, son of Nathaniel Gowin and Sabra Midgett Gowin, was born about 1829.

Emeline Gowin, daughter of Nathaniel Gowin and Sabra Midgett Gowin, was born about 1830 in Illinois.

Nathan Gowin, son of Nathaniel Gowin and Sabra Midgett Gowin, was born about 1830 in Illinois.

Paris M. Gowin, son of Nathaniel Gowin and Sabra Midgett Gowin, was born April 25, 1841. He was married about 1866 to Rachel Patten. A son, name unknown, was born to Paris M. Gowin and Rachel Patten Gowin. He died May 16, 1921 in Jersey County.

John F. Gowin, son of Nathaniel Gowin and Sylva Wilcox Gowin, was born about 1862.

Louisa Gowin, daughter of Nathaniel Gowin and Sylva Wilcox Gowin, was born about 1864.

Mary I. Gowin, daughter of Nathaniel Gowin and Sylva Wilcox Gowin, was born about 1867. She was married in 1882 to Jasper Morgan, according to the research of Martha Heinrichs.

Francis Gowin, son of Nathaniel Gowin and Sylva Wilcox Gowin, was born about 1870.

Marsilla Gowin, daughter of Nathaniel Gowin and Sylva Wilcox Gowin, was born about 1872.

==O==

Donna Vee Gowin Johnston, Editorial Boardmember of Casper, Wyoming in 1991 wrote:

"On November 1, 1932, the day my father, Millard Franklin Gowin was married, he was told that he was 1/32 Indian by his father, Charles Franklin "Frank" Gowin [b1874, Crawford County, IL] What prompted this statement in an era when it was a social stigma to be of Indian blood? Samuel Carlton Gowin, Frank's brother was said to have a "coppery colored skin." My great grandfather, William Hamilton Gowin [b1850, Crawford County, IL] was married to Josephine Catherine Highsmith June 29, 1871 in the same county. On his marriage application he stated that he was French.

Jessie Madge Howard, a Gowin descendant of Great Falls, Montana, wrote that her father mentioned that "the Gowins had to work very hard and struggled to make a living, but that life was better when they came to Illinois. They sailed from Amsterdam on a cattle boat, and people were cruel to them. Madge's ancestor, Nathaniel "Nathan" Gowin [b1794 VA] and my Shadrack Gowin [b1791 VA] were either brothers or cousins. James Madison Gowin Jr, my first cousin, twice removed, of Nashville, Tennessee, remembers his father, James Madison Gowin telling him of a great-grandfather with 21 sons.

When all of the above traditions are thrown together, perhaps we are looking for French Huguenots who married with American Indians and especially for a man with a very large family. Throughout this narrative, given names used in both Madge Howard's branch and my branch of the family have been underlined.

My gg grandfather, Drury M. Gowin son of Shadrack Gowin and Mary "Polly" Bass Gowin, was born May 26, 1819 in Tennessee. On October 22, 1841 in Crawford County, he was married to Elizabeth B. Rash [b1825 KY] She was the daughter of William W. Rash [b1800 KY] and Polly Roberts Rash [bc1800 KY] of Henry County, Kentucky. They had five children, all born in Crawford County:

Mary E. Gowin born c1843

James Madison Gowin born May 11, 1844

John H. Gowin born c1847

William Hamilton Gowin born May 12, 1850

Eliza Jane Gowin born c1851

Photographs of James Madison Gowin and William Hamilton Gowin suggest that they were of American Indian or Melungeon descent.

My earliest proven grandfather [3ggf], Shadrack Gowin, was born April 17, 1791 in Virginia. He was married to Mary "Polly" Bass about 1817 in Tennessee, probably Wilson County. She was born there August 16, 1797. The Bass family came from Franklin County, North Carolina and was descended from Nansemond Indians of Nansemond County, Virginia. The earliest Bass individual in Nansemond County was Nathaniel Bass, regarded as the immigrant ancestor.

On September 21, 1820, Shadrack Gowin signed as surety on a marriage bond in Wilson County for "Delilah Gowen" who was married to James Dunsmore there. In the 1826 tax list of Wilson County "Shadrach Gains" and "Nathan Gains" were both listed as "free polls" in Capt. Bennett's Company. "Shadrach Gowen" reappeared there in the 1827 and 1828 tax lists. In 1829, "Shadrack Goen" was listed in Capt. Cox's company, along with his brothers-in-law, Dolphin Bass and Sion Bass.

In 1830, "Shadrach Goens," along with George Midgett, thought to be a brother-in-law, appeared in Capt. Caplinger's company. William Gowin was recorded in the 1831 tax lists, along with George C. Midgett in Capt. Lannum's company.

The 1830 census of Wilson County enumerated "Shedrick Gowens, 20-30; James Goings, 40-50; George Midgett, 30-40; Neely Midgett, 60-70; Richard Midgett, 30-40 and nine Bass families. By 1834, Shadrack Gowin was in Crawford County, Illinois. His brother‑in‑law, George Midgett and family came at the same time.

He made two Cash Entry Land Purchases for 40 acres each from the State of Ohio Land Office in Palestine, Illinois on August 10, 1838. In their later years, they lived in the home of William Hamilton Gowin. a grandson.

He died November 27, 1878 at Sumner, Illinois in Lawrence County at the home of William Hamilton. Gowin. Polly Bass Gowin had died there March 10, 1871. Both were buried in Sumner Cemetery, Lawrence County, Illinois."

Nine children were born to them:

Drury M. Gowin born May 26, 1819

Elizabeth Gowin born August 1, 1820

Ezekiel B. Gowin born Sept. 16, 1823

Jane Gowin born in 1826

Margaret Gowin born in 1830

Lyda S. Gowin born in 1834

William E. Gowin born in 1836

Samuel T. Gowin born in September 1837

Hezekiah M. Gowin born in October 1840

The census of 1840 suggests that another daughter was born to them between 1820 and 1830.

Drury M. Gowin, son of Shadrack Gowin and Polly Bass Gowin, was born May 26, 1819 in Tennessee, probably Wilson County. He was married October 22, 1841 to Elizabeth B. Rash in Crawford County, Illinois. She was born in Kentucky about 1825. Drury M. Gowin died in Crawford County November 5, 1852. He was buried near Flat Rock, Illinois in an old family cemetery. She died there November 3, 1875.

An inventory of his estate was filed in Crawford County Probate Box 27, Case 36:

"An Inventory and appraisement bill of the goods & chattles and personal estate of Drury Gowin late of Crawford County Decd. Appraised on the 24th day of November 1852, by Hazael Lindsay. Hezekiah Martin and Wiley Montgomery, sworn appraisers.

One old Blind Mare $ 3.75

One Roan 2-year-old filly 25.00

One Sucking Colt 5.00

One plow Cary 2.50

One Mowing Sythe .50

One Cradle and Sythe .75

One Mattock .87½

One Set Drawing Chains .95

One horse collar harness & braces & single tree 1.75

One Sickle .15

One Rifle gun and apparatus 7.00

One Calf 2.00

One Iron wedge .50

One lot of tobacco in the house

unstript, [retained] 22.00

One oat stack 2.50

One lot of corn in the field, [retained] 8.00

One Bureau, [retained] 6.00

Two Beds & bed furniture, [retained] 20.00

One Breakfast table, [retained] 4.00

One Flax wheel, [retained] .87½

Nine Chairs, [retained] 2.00

One lot of pot mettle, [retained] 1.50

Five old Barrels, [retained] .25

One Box and lot of wheat, [retained] 10.00

Two Deer skins .30

One lot of salt, [retained] 1.00

One lot of table furniture, [retained] 3.00

One coffee mill, [retained] .50

One smoothing iron, [retained] .37½

One stone jug .10

lot of sundries .75

14 Geese, [retained] 2.80

3 Books 1.50

One Curry Comb .12½

12 hogs, [retained] 13.95

[Retained, meant that the widow could keep those articles.]

We certify that the foregoing is a true Inventory of the property presented to us for valuation.

Hazael Lindsay, Hezekiah Martin, Wiley Montgomery,

Appraisers

Sale Bill of the personal property of Drury Gowin dec'd late of Crawford County in the State of Illinois, sold on the 24th day of November 1852.

Purchasers Article Sold Amt.

C. M. Hamilton Bay Mare $ 7.25

John Strange Bay Colt 11.50

Robert Terrell Iron Gray Mare 26.00

Ezekiel Gowin Bull calf 3.00

John Strange Cary plough 2.05

L. G. Highsmith Mowing sythe .45

Wm. HIghsmith Reap Hook .15

Wm. Rash Sythe & Cradle .50

C. M. Hamilton Harness & Traces 1.50

Robert Terrell Pair trace chains .70

Edward Davis 1 Bole 1.10

C. M. Hamilton Clevis & couth .15

C. M. Hamilton Iron wedge .50

Elisha S. Zucks Stone jug .15

Jos. Midgett Lot of tobacco .15

Ezekiel Gowin 1 Rifle Gun 8.00

Josiah McNier 1 Stack oats 4.00

John A. Highsmith Lot of deer skins .30

Total $ 67.45

Five children were born to Drury M. Gowin and Elizabeth B. Rash Gowin. Included were:

James Madison Gowin born May 11, 1841

Mary E. Gowin born about 1843

John H. Gowin born about 1847

William Hamilton Gowin born May 12,1850

Eliza Jane Gowin born about 1851

James Madison Gowin, son of Drury M. Gowin and Elizabeth B. Rash Gowin, was born May 11, 1841 in Crawford County, Illinois. He had dark hair and blue eyes, according to his son , James Madison Gowin, Jr. He told his daughter, Virginia Gowin that he was one quarter Indian.

During the Civil War he enlisted in Company B, Thirty-third Indiana Infantry Regiment and received his baptism of fire in the Battle of Shiloh. Before his regiment arrived, the Confederates under Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston on April 6, 1862 defeated the Federals under Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. Grant, fresh from his victory at Ft. Donelson, Tennessee, had split his forces and came up against 40,000 Confederate with 22,000 Union troops at Pittsburg Landing. The forces of Grant's lieutenant, Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman encamped at Shiloh Church, were surprised and overrun along with several other Union positions.

Johnston was killed during the savage fighting of the afternoon, and Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard took command as a Confederate drive pushed the Federals to the Tennessee River. During the night, Gen. Don Carlos Buell arrived with 20,000 fresh Union soldiers, including the 33rd Indiana Infantry Regiment. The reserves turned the tide of battle against the exhausted Confederates, resulting in a Union victory. Shiloh was one of the most brutal battles of the war: Union casualties were more than 13,000; Confederate, more than 10,000.

In another scene from the Civil War, James Madison Gowin told about a night when he and 200 other Union soldiers bedded down on the ground in Virginia. He was the first one to wake up, and when he looked out, his regiment "was gone." They were covered in about six inches of snow. Soon they began to stir, and the regiment reappeared.

During the war, he was married February 30, 1864 to Sarah Jane Parker, according to Rutherford County Marriage Book 1804-1872. She was the daughter of Arthasia Parker and was born at Rucker, Tennessee in Rutherford County. Sarah Jane Parker had one son, William Parker, born about 1862, when she was married to James Madison Gowin, according to the research of Donna Vee Gowin Johnston.

After the end of the war, James Madison Gowin remained in Tennessee. On July 1, 1868 James Madison Gowin was joined by his wife in selling his share in the Shelton Inheritance to William P. Shelton, according to Crawford County, Illinois Deed Book 1, page 158.

"James Gowan" appeared as the head of a household in the 1880 census of Rutherford County, Enumeration District 199, Page 19, District 11, enumerated as:

"Gowan, James 36, born in IL

Sarah 39, born in TN

William 18, born in TN

Drewry 15, born in TN

Johny 13, born in TN

Leola 4, born in TN

Parker, Arthasia 53, born in TN, mother-in-law"

In 1911, at age 78, he was remarried to Mary Belle Cox, age 20, born in 1887 to James Cox of Bowling Green, Kentucky. She had brown eyes and dark curly hair, according to Donna Vee Gowin Johnston. She was injured at age 13 while helping her father shingle a house. She fell from the roof and landed on her head. A bone fragment in her skull applied pressure on her brain causing intermittent attacks of epilepsy.

Since both parents had been incapacitated, officials of Rutherford County had attempted to take custody of the children early in the year. James Madison Gowin, Jr. recalled that once when he was 10-years old, an officer of the Rutherford County Court had come to their home to get the children. A confrontation erupted, and his father prepared to fight the officer and called upon his son to "Give 'em hell, Jim!"

In 1914 James Madison Gowin lived at Murfreesboro where he operated a retail store. On July 10, 1925 he wrote his will there:

"I, J. M. Gowin, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, of sound mind & memory, but realizing the uncertainty of life make this my last will and testament.

I hereby give and bequeath to my wife, Belle, all my personal property of every kind and description of which I may die possessed or entitled to.

I hereby devise & bequeath to my said wife and my minor children all my real estate in the State of Illinois and in the State of Tennessee, to each an equal share therein.

I hereby devise & bequeath to my said wife and my said minor children all other real estate, both legal and equitable of which I may die seized and possessed or in any manner be entitled to share and share alike.

I appoint Bill Preater my executer. In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name this July 10, 1925.

J. M. Gowin

Witnesses: E. B. Allen, William P. Allen, H. B. Tally

July 10, 1925"

He died there December 16, 1925 "of aorta insufficiency and dysentery," according to E. C. Allen, M.D. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, according to Will Parker, informant of Murfreesboro. Parker was perhaps a brother-in-law.

Because of her epileptic condition, Mary Belle Cox Gowin required care. She had frequent seizures in which she fell into the fire and other dangers.

Donna Vee Gowin Johnston suggests that Mary Belle Cox Gowin died in 1927 or 1928 because the final settlement of her estate was probated March 19, 1928 in Rutherford County " However, in June 1943, "Mary Gowin Jones" believed to be Mary Belle Cox Gowin, lived at 2821 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, Texas. She assisted Janie Lee Gowin to obtain a birth certificate at that time.

Leola Gowin Skidmore took her father's younger children into her home for about one year. and then they were placed in foster homes.

Children born to James Madison Gowin and Sarah Jane Parker Gowin include:

William Parker Gowin born in 1862

Drury W. Gowin born October 31, 1864

Johnny Gowin born in 1867

Leola Gowin born January 19, 1875

Children born to James Madison Gowin and Mary Belle Cox Gowin include:

Janie Lee Gowin born May 14, 1912

Virginia Gowin born July 3, 1913

James Madison Gowin, Jr. born August 25, 1915

Mary Elizabeth Gowin born January 15, 1917

William Parker Gowin, son of Sarah Jane Parker Gowin, was born in 1862. He appeared as an 18-year-old in the household of his parents in the 1880 census of Rutherford County. Of this individual nothing more is known.

Drury W. Gowin, son of James Madison Gowin and Sarah Jane Parker Gowin, was born in Tennessee, probably Rutherford County October 31, 1864, according to the research of Donna Vee Gowin Johnston. He was married in Rutherford County November 6, 1884 to Lydia Josephine Howland who was born there in December 1867. She was the fifteenth child of Lewis H. Howland and Isabel Daugherty Howland, his second wife. Lewis H. Howland was born in North Carolina February 1, 1800, according to "Compendium of Biography." Drury W. Gowin was a carpenter and a farmer.

Two younger brothers of Lydia Josephine Howland Gowin had removed to Kaufman County, Texas and may have influence her move to Texas. Drury W. Gowin removed from Tennessee to Fannin County, Texas about 1899. He appeared as the head of a household in the 1900 census of Fannin County, Enumeration District 60, page 6, precinct 1:

"Gowan, Drewery 34, born in TN in October 1865

Josie 32, born in TN, in December 1867

James M. 14, born in TN in August 1885

Zula E. 12, born in TN in July 1887

Letha 8, born in TN in April 1892

Lerlia 5, born in TN in December 1894

Henry L. 3/12, born in Texas in Sept. 1899"

Drury W. Gowin, a tuburculosis patient, brought his family back to Rutherford County in 1906. He died there September 29, 1906, and was burial in Evergreen Cemetery. After his death, his family returned to Fannin County.

Josephine Howland Gowin purchased a ¼ acre lot in Bonham, Texas on April 27, 1907 from the heirs of the D. F. Rutherford estate, according to Fannin County Deed Book 112, pages 372, 376 and 377.

Josephine Howland Gowin was remarried to P. A. Gerner May 31, 1911. P. A. Garner died August 28, 1936. Josephine Howland Gowin Garner died April 6, 1954 and was buried in Arledge Cemetery. She had filed an affidavit in Fannin County Deed Book 376, page 432 naming her descendants.

Children born to Drury W. Gowin and Josephine Howland Gowin include:

James Miller Gowin born August 28. 1885

Zula Ethel Gowin born July 1, 1887

William Gowin born April 14, 1890

Letha Estelle Gowin born January 28, 1892

Lurley Gowin born December 3. 1894

Henry Lewis Gowin born September 21, 1899

Drury Rayburn "Doc" Gowin born September 1, 1901

Pascal Paul Gowin born September 15, 1904

James Miller Gowin, son of Drury W. Gowin and Josephine Howland Gowin, was born August 20, 1885 in Rutherford County. He appeared as a 14-year-old in the 1900 census of Fannin County. He died May 19, 1901 unmarried, according to his mother's affidavit. He was buried in Arledge Ridge Cemetery.

Zula Ethel Gowin, daughter of Drury W. Gowin and Josephine Howland Gowin, was born July 1, 1887 in Rutherford County. She appeared as a 12-year-old in the 1900 census of Fannin County.

She was married July 20, 1909 to Arthur Inglish. On January 21, 1926 she was remarried to Burt Jackson. Zula Ethel Gowin Inglish Jackson died January 28, 1948 and was buried in Tarrant County, Texas..

Children born to Arthur Inglish and Zula Ethel Gowin Inglish include:

Paul E. Inglish born about 1912

lived in Tarrant County in 1954

Dennis E. Inglish born about 1914,

lived in Tarrant County in 1954

Odell R. Inglish born about 1916

lived in Comanche County, Oklahoma

in 1954

J. C. Inglish born about 1919

who was deceased prior to 1954.

William Gowin, son of Drury W. Gowin and Josephine Howland Gowin, was born April 14, 1890 in Rutherford County. He died June 16, 1890 and was buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

Letha Estelle Gowin, daughter of Drury W. Gowin and Josephine Howland Gowin, was born January 28, 1892 in Rutherford County. Her parents removed to Texas in 1896. She was married there December 20, 1914 to William Leroy Helton. He was born February 2, 1891 to David L. Helton and Damie Choate Helton in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. In 1954 William Leroy Helton and Letha Estelle Gowin Helton continued to live in Fannin County, Texas.

She wrote a letter to her uncle, James Madison Gowin, Jr. September 19, 1967. In it she mentioned that her mother had died in 1954 at age 85. She stated, "My parents had eight children, all dead now, except myself and brother John." "My husband was born at South Pittsburg, Tennessee, and I was born at Rucker, Tennessee, south of Murfreesboro. I came to Texas with my parents at age 4. My father had T.B. and died in 1906. We went back to Tennessee, but returned to Texas in 1907. My husband and I were married in 1914. We had one son, Leroy. He had five children, four girls and a boy, Ray William Helton. The two oldest girls are married now and live south of Bonham, Texas."

She died there February 5, 1979 and was buried in Arledge Ridge Cemetery.

One son was born to them:

Leroy Helton born February 5, 1918

Leroy Helton, son of William Leroy Helton and Letha Estelle Gowin Helton, was born February 5, 1918 in Fannin County. He was married about 1941 to Mary M. Pinkston. In 1986 he lived at 1302 N. Center Street, Bonham, Texas.

Lurley Gowin, daughter of Drury W. Gowin and Josephine Howland Gowin, was born in Rutherford County December 3. 1894. She appeared at age five in the 1900 census of Fannin County. She died March 1, 1906 in Bonham, Texas and was buried in Arledge Ridge Cemetery..

Henry Lewis Gowin, son of Drury W. Gowin and Josephine Howland Gowin, was born in Fannin County September 21, 1899, according to his death certificate in Lubbock County, Texas death records. His brother Drury Rayburn "Doc" Gowin wrote a letter to their grandfather October 16, 1915 in which he stated that "Lewis has quit school, got him a job on the Good Roads Program, makes $1.40 a day."

He was married to Hester Lee Shields November 30, 1918, according to Fannin County Marriage Book U, page 458. Hester Lee Shields was born in Hunt County, Texas in 1902. One report states that she was born in Bryan County, Oklahoma.

Henry Lewis Gowin gave warranty deed to J. W. Burleson May 21, 1924 for a lot in Lubbock, according to Lubbock County Deed Book 87, page 580. In 1926 he was listed as a carpenter living with his wife, Hester Lee Shields Gowin at 2104 8th Street, according to the Lubbock City directory. From 1928 until 1931 he was listed as a contractor at that address. From 1932 until 1941 he was shown as the Owner of Gowin Grocery located at 520 Avenue Q. From 1932 until 1946 he maintained his residence at 2002 18th and 1708 Ave. T.

From 1946 until 1952 he was manager of Texas Roofing Company and in 1953 organized Plains Roofing & Supply which he operated until his death from pneumonia December 27, 1964. He estate was filed for probate January 7, 1965, according to Lubbock County Probate Minute Book 159, page 64.

Hester Lee Shields Gowin was listed as the widow of Henry Lewis Gowin residing at 1713 28th Street in the Lubbock City directory from 1965 through 1972.

Children born to Henry Lewis Gowin and Hester Lee Shields Gowin include:

Juanita Marcella Gowin born September 12, 1919

Lela Maxine Gowin born January 16, 1925

Mary Lewis Gowin born April 7, 1931

Juanita Marcella Gowin, daughter of Henry Lewis Gowin and Hester Lee Shields Gowin, was born at Bonham, Texas September 12, 1919. From 1938 through 1940 she was shown as a student at Texas Technological College living on the home of her parents at 2002 18th Street, according to the Lubbock City directory.

On March 3, 1940 she was married at Clovis, New Mexico to Charles Ferguson who was born November 27, 1918 in Nashville, Tennessee, according to Curry County, New Mexico Marriage Book 22, page 675. At that time Charles Ferguson and Juanita Marcella Gowin Ferguson lived at 2107 16th Street, Lubbock, Texas.

In 1973 Juanita Marcilla Gowin Ferguson lived in Houston, Texas. In 1995 they lived at Hemphill, Texas.

Lela Maxine Gowin, daughter of Henry Lewis Gowin and Hester Lee Shields Gowin was born in Lubbock, Texas January 16, 1925, according to Lubbock County birth records. She was married to Billy Bob Buster November 15, 1942, according to Lubbock County Marriage Book 11, page 53.

Mary Lewis Gowin, daughter of Henry Lewis Gowin and Hester Lee Shields Gowin, was born April 7, 1931, according to Lubbock County Birth Book 3, page 87. In 1950 she was listed as a Sophomore at Texas Technological College, living at 1713-28th Street in Lubbock with her parents according to Lubbock city directory.

She was married to Stanley Gordon Steele on July 9, 1950, according to Lubbock County, Texas Marriage Book 18, page 272. Stanley Gordon Steele was an employee of Plains Roofing & Supply and lived at 2114-54th Street. He was injured in a fall from the roof of the Lubbock Coliseum during its construction on the campus of Texas Tech.

Later the couple was divorced and Mary Lewis Gowin Steele was remarried to Earl Trostle. They made their home at 6001-34th Street in Lubbock. Following a second divorce, Mary Lewis Gowin Steele Trostle resided at 4515 48th Street, Lubbock in 1995.

Drury Rayburn "Doc" Gowin, son of Drury W. Gowin and Josephine Howland Gowin, was born at Bonham, Texas September 1, 1901, according to Fannin County Texas Birth Book 12, Certificate No. 1410.

On October 16, 1915 he wrote a letter to his grandfather, James Madison Gowin in which he stated that he was in the eighth grade. He also mentioned that "Lewis has quit school, got him a job in the Good Roads Program, makes $1.40 a day. Leatha has been married 10 months. Ethel, her husband and three boys are doing fine."

About 1922 he was married to Moselle E. Hollis Drury Rayburn Gowin received a warranty deed October 18, 1946 from Clyde Duff, according to Fannin County Deed Book 271, page 433. In 1954 Drury Rayburn Gowin and Moselle E. Gowin were living in Lorain County, Ohio.

He wrote a letter to his uncle James Madison Gowin, Jr. August 17, 1967 from Panama City, Florida in which he mentioned that he was planning to move back to Ohio. In the letter he mentioned, "We are all descended from Richard Gowen who landed in Virginia from England."

He owned an amusement ride in a park there. He died there in December 1979. Children born to Drury Rayburn "Doc" Gowin and Moselle E. Hollis Gowin are unknown.

Pascal Paul Gowin, son of Drury W. Gowin and Josephine Howland Gowin, was born September 15, 1904 in Fannin County. He died April 26, 1906 and was buried in Arledge Ridge Cemetery.

John Gowin, son of James Madison Gowin and Sarah Jane Parker Gowin, was born about 1867 in Tennessee, probably Rutherford County. He appeared in his father's household in the 1880 census of Rutherford County as an 13-year-old. Of this individual and descendents nothing more is known.

Leola Gowin, daughter of James Madison Gowin and Sarah Jane Parker Gowin, was born January 19, 1875 in Tennessee. She appeared in the 1880 census of Rutherford County as a four-year-old in her father's household. She attended college for seven years where she became an avid baseball fan.

She was married about 1895 to Oliver Skidmore. Leola Gowin Skidmore took her father's minor children into her home for about a year after his death. Later they were placed in foster homes.

A letter written in 1913 was addressed to "Miss Leola Gowin, Evangelist & Missionary for the Church of God, 819 Norman Street, Danville, Illinois.

Later she was remarried to Solomon Franklin Jones, an evangelist as his second wife. He was first married to her cousin, Lilly Gowin. She died in Vermillion County, Illinois in 1946. No children were born to her.

Solomon Franklin Jones and Leola Gowin Skidmore Jones were both evangelistic preachers. They commuted in their work from Illinois to Tennessee

Janie Lee Gowin, daughter of James Madison Gowin and Mary Belle Cox Gowin, was born May 14, 1912 at Murfreesboro, Tennessee according to her brother, James Madison Gowin, Jr. Her birth certificate recorded in Dallas County, Texas Book 43, page 389 shows 1914 as her birth year. Mary Belle Gowin Jones, her mother, was the informant for the birth certificate data. She was married about 1930 in Texas to William Woodrow Barrow. She died in 1984.

Children born to them include:

Barbara Barrow born about 1932

Charlie Barrow born about 1935

Virginia Gowin, daughter of James Madison Gowin and Mary Belle Cox Gowin, was born July 3, 1913 in Rutherford County. She was married in Charlotte, North Carolina about 1933 to Herman Monroe Christenbury who was born there September 30, 1905. He was an accountant and died there March 23, 1971. He was buried there in Elmwood Cemetery. Virginia Gowin Christenbury worked for 44 years in public service. In March 1995, she, victim of a stroke, lived in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

One son was born to them:

Thomas Henry Christenbury born August 11, 1939

Thomas Henry Christenbury, son of Herman Monroe Christenbury and Virginia Gowin Christenbury, was born August 11, 1939 in Charlotte. He was married about 1958 to Marcia Jean Barman who was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1942. Later he was remarried to Nancy Campbell. Two children were born to them before they were divorced in 1965:

Thomas Dwayne Christenbury born February 22, 1960

Cynthia Ann Christenbury born July 21, 1961

Thomas Dwayne Christenbury, son of Thomas Henry Christenbury and Marcia Jean Barman Christenbury, was born February 12, 1960 in Charlotte.. In 1995 he lived in Kenosha where he was caring for his grandmother.

Cynthia Ann Christenbury, daughter of Thomas Henry Christenbury and Marcia Jean Barman Christenbury, was born July 21, 1961 in Charlotte.

James Madison Gowin, Jr, son of James Madison Gowin and Mary Belle Cox Gowin, was born August 25, 1915 in Rutherford County.

After the death of his father and the removal of his mother to Texas, young Jimmy Gowin was taken to the Thomas Fresh Air Camp, an orphanage in nearby Kingston Springs, operated by Bro. Frank Houser and Nannie Lou Hatcher Houser. He immediately ran away, headed for Murphreesboro, but kindly Bro. Houser intercepted him and finally persuaded him to give the Fresh Air Camp a trial.

The place he dreaded, in a few days, became the most pleasant spot of his entire life. He enjoyed the Fresh Air Camp so much that in his retirement, he went back to that spot and bought property at Craggie Hope, a mile away from Thomas Fresh Air Camp.

The next four years with the Housers and the other children in the orphanage brought joyous days to young Jimmy. He recalls fondly those happy days under the tutelage and influence of Bro. Houser who gave great attention to each child and used every day and every event to instill in them a love for life and for their creator. He recalls:

"One day he took five of us 12-year-old boys in the wagon to gather apples. On the way, he cautioned us not to eat a single apple until we had finished gathering. He showed us the difference between a good apple and a bad apple and had us put only the good apples in the baskets. The bad apples with the rotten spots we piled up on the ground.

After we had gathered about a dozen bushel basketsful and loaded them on the wagon, Bro. Houser had us all sit down at the sorry apple pile. Then Bro. Houser gave thanks to God "for the bounty we are about to receive." I marvelled at this and impertinently challenged with, 'Why do we give thanks for a bunch of rotten apples?'

'Because there's some good in every bad apple--all we have to do is look for it,' replied Bro. Houser. Then he took his pocketknife, trimmed a wormy spot off an apple and began to eat. He passed the knife around to each of us, and each learned to remove the bad and savor the good.

On our way home, with the wagon loaded with baskets of apples and the boys dangling their feet over the sides, Brother Houser spotted a dead tree which he wanted to remove. I was riding on the coupling pole which extended out behind the wagon. Bro. Houser had me climb the tree and fasten the chain from the coupling pole around the trunk, high above the ground.

With everyone back aboard, Bro. Houser said 'Giddup' and slapped the mules' rumps with the lines. The startled mules, Mary and Sarah, pulled with a will, the tree didn't budge, and the wagon flew high into the air, like a button on a string!

Boys and apples sailed out of the wagon, landing on the grass, scattered and disheveled. When Bro. Houser determined that no one was hurt, he had us all kneel down on the spot and gave thanks for our safe deliverance."

The fall of 1929 brought another change to the life of young Jimmy Gowin. The Great Depression struck, and he moved to nearby Willowbrook Farm to live with his third set of parents, the John B. Treanors. The farm consisted of 10,000 acres of crops, grass and trees. It produced horses, cattle, sheep, hogs and chickens. And, even better, 14-year-old Fannie Kranz, whom he dearly loved, made the move to Willowbrook with him. That year, the became a cowboy and fell in love with Fannie. It doesn't get any better than this!

After a few years, Jimmy Gowin saw the need to go out on his own and enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps, a public works camp which performed construction projects for the community and worked under a military discipline. After learning the rudiments of the construction trade, he began work at the sprawling Oak Ridge defense plant at the beginning of World War II. There he worked on the building which produced the prototype of the first atomic bomb. He was married about 1935 to Ethel Capps who was born April 1, 1915. They were divorced about 1946.

He had enlisted in the U.S. Army in the early days of World War II and worked in the 731st Engineers as a steel rigger. He went overseas June 6, 1945 and was stationed on Okinawa where his unit prepared for the coming invasion of Japan. Shortly before the planned invasion, the Enola Gay dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima August 6, 1945. Three days later, a second bomb fell on Nagasaki, and the war was over.

Jimmy Gowin's unit was assigned to occupation duty at the Osaka submarine base, 30 miles from Hiroshima. He and some comrades took a Jeep and drove into the ruins of the city, not having been warned about the hazards of the deadly radiation lingering there. They even spread their lunch on the tops of marble columns "that had been sheared off like a stick of butter."

The life of James Madison Gowin, Jr. was changed forever. He was plagued with radiation sickness for the next 50 years. He was in and out of Army hospitals in Japan. Once, in a dizzy spell he fell off a dock in Tokyo Bay and severely injured his leg. The Army doctors had not been briefed on how to diagnose and to treat radiation sickness. It was a new field of medicine, and the curriculum of the pre-war medical school had not prepared them for it.

Most of the physicians played it safe and entered nothing about radiation sickness in James Madison Gowin's medical record.

At the conclusion of World War II, he was serving in the 242nd Combat Engineers as a private first class. He was honorably discharged at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina August 27, 1946, according to Cheatham County, Tennessee Discharge Book 2, page 504.

James Madison Gowin was remarried April 24, 1947 to Lucille "Lucy" Tudor, daughter of L. C. Tudor and Carrie Cathey Tudor. She was born October 10, 1931 at Craggie Hope, Tennessee.

Despite the debilitating effects of radiation sickness and frequent work interruptions it precipitated, James Madison Gowin, Jr. was employed as an ironworker until his retirement. He has conducted a 50-year battle with the Veterans Administration in an effort to secure proper medical treatment. To complicate matters, his medical record was lost from the Army's records, making it even more difficult to prove that his illness was service connected.

James Madison Gowin, Jr. was interviewed in 1986 by Lance McCerley, staff writer for the "Nashville Banner." His article was published in the November 11, 1986 edition:

"James Gowin Jr. toasted the end of "the war to end all wars" with his first Coca‑Cola. It was Nov. 11, 1918, and he was 3 years old. Gowin, who now lives on Charlotte Pike, remembers the day as if it were yesterday. His father took him to the Murfreesboro town square, where revelers were celebrating the successful conclusion of an armistice that would end the Great War.

The youngster didn't realize the significance of that first Armistice Day, now marked annually as Veterans Day. Gowin, 71, recently wrote down his memories of the Armistice Day celebration:

"This day there was a lot going on up and down the streets and tho square. There were bands marching, flags waving, people shouting and me hanging on the front gate of our yard marveling and wondering what was going on.

"My dad says to me 'Jim, come and let's go.' Well I was so excited I could feel my: heart pounding in my chest." Gowin and his dad, then a 77‑year‑old Civil War veteran, ducked Into a crowded store near the center of town, where his father bought them each a Coke.

"He said to me, 'Jim, you just stand right there and drink that, I'm going to look around a bit," Gowin recalled in a recent interview at his home. "And I didn't want my dad to get away from me so I tried to swallow the whole bottle at one time. And when I did, it came out my eyes, ears, and nose, and I was blinded. "But through the fog I saw my dad, the Civil War veteran, so I sat that bottle down and stuck by his side like glue for the rest of the day."

Gowin, a spry, silver‑haired man, speaks reverently about his father, who died in 1925. A retired iron worker, Gowin thinks he may be one of the last surviving sons of a Civil War soldier.

James Gowin Sr, born in 1841, was a native of Tennessee whose family moved to Illinois shortly before the outbreak of the War Between the States. The elder Gowin served throughout the conflict with the Union Army's 33rd Indiana Regiment. He fought in several battles, including Shiloh, with its shocking casualty list, and settled in Murfreesboro after the war.

More than 50 years later, on that first Armistice Day, the aging Civil War veteran told his son there would be no more wars. "I never saw the old man so happy in all my life," Gowin said. "He said, 'This is the end of the war. You'll never have to go to war.' And I was so happy to see the old man as happy as he was."

The old man didn't live to see his son called to serve in the Army during World War II. Gowin was stationed in the South Pacific, where he eventually was one of the first soldiers to occupy Japan after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. "They said it was going to take a million lives to invade Japan," Gowin said. "And I was going to be one of the first ones in there."

The atomic bombs were dropped, however, and there was no invasion. Gowin believes he and others in his platoon who toured the ruins of Hiroshima suffered radiation poisoning. He remembers seeing huge concrete pillars "that looked like they had been cut with a knife" by the atomic blast. He said he and the others were not warned about radiation exposure, and soon became sick.

Several months later, dizzy and nauseated, Gowin fell off a pier In Tokyo and badly injured his leg. He was shipped home and eventually discharged as a disabled veteran. "They thought I was going to die," he said. Gowin said he is seeking recognition for "atomic" veterans like himself from the government in the form of special medical care.

He admits he has been luckier than others exposed to radiation. But Gowin believes the radiation he was exposed to 41 years ago will inevitably cause him to develop cancer and die. "If I had not lived close to the Cross and taken medication all this time, I would be dead like all these other atomic veterans," he contends.

Gowin and his wife, Lucy, have five children. Unlike his children, Gowin grew up in foster homes after his father's death. Gowin said his father would gather him and his two sisters around him each night to pray, sometimes telling them stories of his war days."

In retirement, he returned to Craggie Hope with his memories of the nearby Thomas Fresh Air Camp and Willowbrook Farm and their happy days. There the "First Atomic Veteran" has built a memorial garden in honor of all atomic veterans.

James Madison Gowin, Jr. was employed as an ironworker until his retirement.

Children born to James Madison Gowin, Jr. and Ethel Capps Gowin include:

Dan Sheridan Gowin born June 1, 1937

James Madison Gowin III born December 31, 1940,

Children born to James Madison Gowin, Jr. and Lucille "Lucy" Tutor Gowin include:

Carolyn Constance Gowin born July 18, 1949

Marion Gowin born December 9, 1950

Julie Gowin born July 14, 1951

Frank Houser Gowin born December 4, 1952

James Madison Gowin, III born August 24, 1958

Dan Sheridan Gowin, son of James Madison Gowin, Jr. and Ethel Capps Gowin, was born June 1, 1937. He was married about 1954 to Evelyn Bernice Parker who was born March 12, 1937.

Children born Dan Sheridan Gowin and Evelyn Bernice Parker Gowin include:

Dan Sheridan Gowin, Jr. born July 19, 1955

James Capps Gowin born December 24, 1956

Sherrie Gail Gowin born June 13, 1960

William Sherman Gowin born May 6, 1962

Claudia Mai Gowin born July 17, 1964

Dan Sheridan Gowin, Jr, son of Dan Sheridan Gowin and Evelyn Bernice Parker Gowin, was born July 19, 1955. He was married June 21, 1986 to Melinda Linder Hilton.

Children born to Dan Sheridan Gowin, Jr. and Melinda Linder Hilton Gowin include:

Amanda Lynn Hilton born April 8, 1982

April Nicole Hilton born June 29, 1983

James Capps Gowin, son of Dan Sheridan Gowin and Evelyn Bernice Parker Gowin, was born December 24, 1956. He was married September 19, 1973 to Theresa McCoy who was born December 28, 1959.

Children born to James Capps Gowin and Evelyn Bernice Parker Gowin include:

Angel Elizabeth Gowin born July 21, 1981

Jessica Elaine Gowin born August 16, 1982

James Capps Gowin, Jr. born April 14, 1984

Stephanie Maxine Gowin born March 5, 1987

Sherrie Gail Gowin, daughter of Dan Sheridan Gowin and Evelyn Bernice Parker Gowin, was born June 13, 1968. She was married October 14, 1983 to Charles Thomas Young who was born March 27, 1959.

Children born to them include:

Pamela Gail Young born August 30, 1987

William Sherman Gowin, son of Dan Sheridan Gowin and Evelyn Bernice Parker Gowin, was born May 6, 1962. He was married about 1979 to Donna Marie Richardson who was born August 26, 1963. They were later divorced.

Children born to William Sherman Gowin and Donna Marie Richardson Gowin include:

Tausha Marie Gowin born March 8, 1980

Tabitha Renee Gowin born February 13, 1982

Claudia Mai Gowin, daughter of Dan Sheridan Gowin and Evelyn Bernice Parker Gowin, was born June 13, 1960. She was married about 1980 to Michael Anthony Bailey who was born March 6, 1962. They were divorced December 22, 1989.

Children born to them include:

Jamie Michelle Bailey born May 14, 1982

James Michael Bailey born August 17, 1987

Mary Lynette Bailey born May 6. 1003

James Madison Gowin III, son of James Madison Gowin, Jr. and Ethel Capps Gowin, was born December 31, 1940. He died August 14, 1943 in an accident while his father was away from home working at Oak Ridge, Tennessee in a defense factory.

Carolyn Constance "Connie" Gowin, daughter of James Madison Gowin, Jr. and Lucille "Lucy" Tudor Gowin, was born July 10, 1949 in Dickson County, Tennessee. On February 14, 1970, she was married in Brooklyn, New York to Larry Edward Stewart. He was born November 17,1946 to E. Webb Stewart and Rita Magnera Stewart in Lynwood, California.

One son was born to them:

Grant Webb Stewart born December 8, 1970

Marion Arlene Gowin, daughter of James Madison Gowin, Jr. and Lucille "Lucy" Tudor Gowin, was born December 9, 1950 in Dickson County. She was married to Charles M. Jackson about 1972. He was born December 1, 1951 in Nashville to Thomas Willard Jackson and Naomi Michael Jackson.

One child was born to them:

Christin Michelle Jackson born July 12, 1970

Julie Melissa Gowin, daughter of James Madison Gowin, Jr. and Lucille "Lucy" Tudor Gowin, was born July 14, 1953 in Dickson County, Tennessee. She was married March 10, 1972 in Hohenwald, Tennessee to James Patrick Allen, son of Carl Brian Allen and Oleta Adams Allen. He was born November 26, 1946 in Cleburne, Texas.

One daughter was born to them:

Bethany Melissa Allen born October 28, 1980

Frank Houser Gowin, son of James Madison Gowin, Jr. and Lucille "Lucy" Tudor Gowin, was born December 4, 1956. He was married June 5, 1982 to Sheila Ann Gustafson in Rustic, Colorado. She was the daughter of Ellsworth K. Gustafson.

One son was born to them:

Josh Gowin born May 3, 1983

Josh Gowin, son of Frank Houser Gowin and Sheila Ann Gustafson Gowin, was born in Ft. Collins, Colorado May 1, 1983.

James Madison Gowen III, son of James Madison Gowin, Jr. and Lucille "Lucy" Tudor Gowin, was born August 24, 1958.

Mary Elizabeth Gowin, daughter of James Madison Gowin and Mary Belle Cox Gowin, was born January 15, 1917 in Rutherford County. She was married about 1939 to George Washington Jones, son of Solomon Franklin Jones and Lillie Gowin Jones. George Washington Jones died in 1973, and Mary Elizabeth Gowin Jones died in 1993.

One son was born to them:

James Franklin Jones born February 28, 1936

James Franklin Jones, son of George Washington Jones and Mary Elizabeth Gowin Jones, was born February 20, 1936. In 1995 he lived in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

Mary E. Gowin, daughter of Drury M. Gowin and Elizabeth B. Rash Gowin, was born about 1843. She died before 1852.

John H. Gowin, son of Drury M. Gowin and Elizabeth B. Rash Gowin, was born about 1847 in Crawford County. On October 26, 1865 he was married to Mary E. Shelton who was born in Illinois about 1845. John H. Gowin joined Mary E. Shelton Gowin in selling her inheritance of 40 acres of land to her brother, William Shelton for $160 September 16, 1867, according to Crawford County Deed Book B, page 180

John H. Gowin died in 1874, and Mary E. Shelton Gowin died shortly afterward, leaving four children who were all born in Lawrence County, Illinois.

Children born to John H. Gowin and Mary E. Shelton Gowin include:.

George William Gowin born August 10, 1866

Oliver Goldsmith Gowin born about 1867

James Albert Gowin born July 3, 1878

Lilly Bell Gowin born December 25, 1874

George William Gowin, son of John H. Gowin and Mary E. Shelton Gowin, was born August 10, 1866 in Lawrence County. He was married July 14, 1889 to Jennie Senteny, daughter of Henry J. Senteny and Mary Jane Apple Senteny, who was born in Crawford County in December 1868. George William Gowin died December 6, 1942 at Gary, Indiana and was buried in Calumet Park at Crown Point, Indiana. Jennie Senteny Gowin was buried in Oblong Cemetery.

Six children were born to George William Gowin and Jennie Senteny Gowin:

Elma G. S. Gowin born September 10, 1890

Marie Jane Gowin born June 14, 1892

Henry Hill "Pete" Gowin born August 21, 1894

Augusta Mae Gowin born August 14, 1896

William M. Gowin born November 16, 1900

Beatrice Jennie Gowin born in October 1898

Elma G. S. Gowin, daughter of George William Gowin and Jennie Senteny Gowin, was born September 10, 1890 in Illinois. She was married July 17, 1911 in Oblong to Benjamin E. Plummer, son of Selwyn Plummer and Sarah Browning Plummer. He was a photographer. She died in 1917 in Indianapolis.

Three children were born to them:

Edna Plummer born about 1910

Lloyd Plummer born about 1913

Josephine Plummer born in 1917

Marie Jane "Molly" Gowin, daughter of George William Gowin and Jennie Senteny Gowin, was born June 14, 1892. She was married about 1922 to Henry Berning in Los Angeles. She died in 1943 in Sarasota, Florida and was buried in Los Angeles. No children were born to them

Henry Hill "Pete" Gowin, son of George William Gowin and Jennie Senteny Gowin, was born August 21, 1894. He was married January 1, 1921 in Robinson, Illinois to Bessie Laffoon. Both were deceased by 1982. No children were born to them.

Augusta Mae Gowin, daughter of George William Gowin and Jennie Senteny Gowin, was born August 15, 1896. She was married in Mexico to John L. Maurice on her birthday in 1922. She was still living in 1981. No children were born to them.

William M. "Willie" Gowin, son of George William Gowin and Jennie Senteny Gowin, was born November 16, 1898 in Crawford County. He died November 16, 1908.

Beatrice Jennie Gowin, daughter of George William Gowin and Jennie Senteny Gowin, was born February 5, 1901 in Crawford County. She was married there November 16, 1908 to William B. Leggitt. She died May 17, 1979 and was buried in Palestine Cemetery, No children were born to them.

Oliver Goldsmith Gowin, son of John H. Gowin and Mary E. Shelton Gowin, was born about 1867 in Illinois. He was married about 1890 to Clara Alice Heck and lived in Aurora, Illinois. Oliver died in August 1951

Children born to Oliver Goldsmith Gowin and Clara Alice Heck Gowin include:

Elmer Lee Gowin born December 7, 1893

Myrtle Belle Gowin born June 9, 1896

[child] born in 1898

Elmer Lee Gowin, son of Oliver Goldsmith Gowin and Clara Alice Heck Gowin, was born December 7, 1893.

Myrtle Belle Gowin, daughter of Oliver Goldsmith Gowin and Clara Alice Heck Gowin, was born June 9, 1896. She was married about 1913 to Frank Vorwald.

A child was born to Olier Goldsmith and Clara Alice Heck Gowin in 1898 and died in infancy.

James Albert Gowin, son of John H. Gowin and Mary E. Shelton Gowin, was born July 3, 1870 in Illinois. He was married about March 30, 1892 to Ella Mae Stoltz, daughter of John Stoltz and Jennie McNeal Stoltz. About 1916 they removed to Indianapolis. He died there December 13, 1955 and was buried in Floral Park Cemetery. Ella Mae Stoltz Gowin worked for 15 years for Indianapolis Brush & Broom Co.

Five children were born to James Albert Gowin and Ella Mae Stoltz Gowin:

Clyde Arthur Gowin born November 30, 1892

Clifford F. Gowin born December 19, 1894

Lela Mae Gowin born August 11, 1896

Pearly Gowin born in 1908

Donald E. Beeman Gowin born about 1910

Clyde Arthur Gowin, son of James Albert Gowin and Ella Mae Stoltz Gowin, was born November 30, 1892 at Sumner. He was married about 1915 to Jessie Adda Hook, twin daughter of Samuel Preston "Bud" Hook and Susan Estella Mae Bailey Hook. They were divorced, and he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War i in which he was awarded the Purple Heart. He was remarried to Marie Amberg July 31, 1919 in Koblenz, Germany. They returned to Indianapolis where he was a barber for 35 years.

Children born to Clyde Arthur Gowin and Jessie Adda Hook Gowin include:.

Preston Hook Gowin born September 1, 1912

Two children were born to Clyde Arthur Gowin and Marie Amberg Gowin.

Marguerite Lela Gowin born February 19, 1921

Mary Kathryn Gowin born July 6, 1934

Preston Hook Gowin, son of Clyde Arthur Gowin and Jessie Ada Hook Gowin, was born September 1, 1912 in Crawford County.

Marguerite Lela Gowin, daughter of Clyde Arthur Gowin and Marie Amberg Gowin, was born February 19, 1921. She was married November 20, 1946 to William M. Blackburn. No children were born to them.

Mary Kathryn Gowin, daughter of Clyde Arthur Gowin and Marie Amberg Gowin, was born July 6, 1934. She was married about 1954 to Martin D. Ray.

Children born to them include:

Deborah Joann Ray born February 1, 1956

Michael Wayne Ray born May 20, 1958

Clifford F. Gowin, son of James Albert Gowin and Ella Mae Stoltz Gowin, was born December 19, 1894. In 1961 he lived at Stanford, Illinois.

Lala Mae Gowin, daughter of James Albert Gowin and Ella Mae Stoltz Gowin, was born August 11, 1896. She was married about 1915 to Uriah Earl "Beige" Beeman.

Pearly Gowin, daughter of James Albert Gowin and Ella Mae Stoltz Gowin, was born in 1908 and died the same year.

Donald E. Beeman Gowin, adopted son of James Albert Gowin and Ella Mae Stoltz Gowin, was born about 1910. He was a brother to Uriah Earl "Beige" Beeman. He lived in Indianapolis.

Lilly Bell Gowin, daughter son of John H. Gowin and Mary E. Shelton Gowin, was born December 25, 1874 in Bridgeport, Illinois. She was married to Solomon Franklin Jones, son of George William Jones and Angeline S Hoglan Jones, who was born in February 1871 in Brooksville, Indiana. She died after eight children, and Solomon Franklin Jones was remarried to her cousin. Leola Gowin. He died about 1930 in Clinton, Indiana.

Children born to them include:

Adolphus W. "Ivin" Jones born in September 1890

Donald Jones born in April 1894

` Johnny Roy Jones born in July 1895

Glenn Geneva Jones born October 7, 1898

Blanch Jones born about 1905

Alonzo Jones born about 1909

Casey Jones born about 1912

George Washington Jones born July 23, 1916

George Washington Jones, son of George William Jones and Angeline S. Hoglan Jones, was born July 23, 1916. He was married about 1939 to Mary Elizabeth Gowin, daughter of James Madison Gowin and Mary Belle Cox Gowin. George Washington Jones died March 6, 1973 in Payne, Ohio and was buried in the Lehman Cemetery there. Mary Elizabeth Gowin Jones died in 1993.

One son was born to them:

James Franklin Jones born February 28, 1936

James Franklin Jones, son of George Washington Jones and Mary Elizabeth Gowin Jones, was born February 20, 1936 in Clinton, Indiana. He served in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957. In 1959 he was employed in Ft. Wayne by International Harvester Co. He was married January 6, 1976 in Paulding, Ohio to Mrs. Helen Marie Iholts who was born in Manchester, Indiana in 1938.

In 1995 he lived in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

William Hamilton Gowin, son of Drury M. Gowin and Elizabeth B. Rash Gowin, was born May 17, 1850 in Crawford County. He was married to Josephine Catherine "Josey" Highsmith June 29, 1871 at Robinson, Illinois. She was born about 1853 to Christopher M. Highsmith and Martha Jane Allen Highsmith in Crawford County

In the 1880 census of Enumeration District 183, Haney Creek Township, Crawford County was the family of:

"Gowin, William 30, born in Illinois

Catherine 27, born in Illinois

Charles 5, born in Illinois

John 1, born in Illinois

Oliver 13, born in Illinois, nephew"

Josephine Catherine "Josey" Highsmith Gowin and died there in 1883. On April 23, 1885 William Hamilton Gowin was remarried to Mary Elizabeth Rich, daughter of Samuel Rich, Jr. and Mary A. Highsmith Rich who was born January 2. 1847 in Crawford County. When they were married, she already had a daughter whom the family claims to be a daughter of William Hamilton Gowin...

William Hamilton Gowen "wore out a teachers certificate from carrying it in his pocket, but never used it to teach," according to descendants.

He died April 25, 1898 at Oblong, Illinois in Crawford County. Mary Elizabeth Rich Gowin died December 22, 1909 and was buried in the Rich family cemetery on the Rich farm.

Children born to William Hamilton Gowin, Josephine Catherine "Josey" Highsmith include:

Charles Franklin Gowin born August 21, 1874

[child] born about 1876

[daughter] born December 30, 1877

John Harley Gowin born December 17, 1878

Emma Jane Gowin born October 29, 1880

Samuel Carlton Gowin born December 7, 1882

Children born to William Hamilton Gowin and Mary Elizabeth Rich Gowin include:

Rosa Inez Rich Gowin born November 25, 1876

Anna Olive Gowin born March 6, 1886

Thomas Redmon Gowin born February 1, 1888

Lillie May Gowin born April 12, 1892

Charles Franklin Gowin, son of William Hamilton Gowin and Josephine Catherine "Josey" Highsmith Gowin, was born August 21, 1874 at Flatrock, Illinois in Crawford County. He was married there to Mary Ann Littlejohn September 12, 1897. She was born September 13, 1880 to Francis Marion Littlejohn and Sarah Bailey Littlejohn.

Donna Vee Gowin Johnston wrote of him:

"Frank, as he was known, was six feet tall, lanky and slim-boned with high cheek bones and was very agile. He told his son, Millard that he was one‑sixteenth Indian. His family remembered him as being very handsome with brown wavy hair that later turned grey, a dark complexion and blue eyes. He always liked to look neat.

He was a hard working farmer and took special pride in his work. His farm, of 40 acres, was four miles south and two miles west of Oblong on the same farm his father owned, just a short distance west of Seeds Chapel. Neighbors called on him to stack their hay and wheat. He had a special way of stacking the wheat shocks so that they would shed water. His special talent even took him as far as Vincennes. No job was too big or too small for him. He took pride in his hogs and enjoyed standing and watching them eat and was known as a good stock handler.

Carpenter, woodcutter, log hauling and skidding was another means to earn money. He was thrifty with what little money he had and was a hard loser.

Frank served his community as a part‑time tax assessor. Politically, he was a staunch Democrat and always went to a good friend and neighbor's home to hear the election reports until he was finally able to buy his own radio. He loved to read and argue politics. He was good with numbers and his penmanship was pretty and neat. He once took part in a Literary Society Debate held at Watts School.

He was well known for his honesty. To quote his son, William 'I went to the bank with my Dad once to borrow money to buy a 1929 Model A Ford car. He said to the banker, 'I need some money, Fletch'. [Fletcher O'Dell] O'dell said, 'How much, Frank?' My Dad told him. He got a note, filled it out for the amount. Dad signed it and got the money. No questions, no security, just his word. I was pretty proud of my parents.'

Frank loved his children and wanted them to make a name for themselves and wanted them to have the very best he could afford to give them. He would do without so that his children could have something. He very seldom corrected his children, but when he did, they were careful not to repeat their error.

Frank always chewed tobacco and had definite patterned eating habits. He was a Protestant and attended the Pilgrim Holiness Church irregularly. He had no major witnesses, only once did he have an ear problem requiring minor surgery. He died on October 23, 1938 from high blood pressure and a stroke. He was buried in the Oblong Cemetery.

Mary Ann Littlejohn Was about five feet ten inches tall, large boned, with lots of long, wavy brown hair and a fair complexion. She never cut her hair and wore it in a twist or bun on the back of her head.

She was as hard‑working as her husband. They had very little money, and she raised a big garden to be able to can enough food to last through the year. She also raised turkeys. She was a good seamstress and made most of the clothes for her family. She was ambitious, clean, a good organizer and took pride in her white. bright washings, which of course were scrubbed by hand on a scrub board. She was a good cook and everyone clamored for her pies.

She was an old fashioned Methodist as a young girl and then became a member of the Pilgrim Holiness Church. She was true to her religious convictions which made her at odds with many other relatives and friends. Her religious zeal guided her in many decisions concerning her activities and what her children were allowed to do. She taught respect and obedience. In the evening she left her work and spent a time in prayer.

After the deaths of her husband and two grown children, all happening within a few years, she had a complete nervous breakdown, but was able to recover. In her later years, an arthritic condition in her hip made the use of a cane necessary. Even though she was in a great deal of pain, she still had the welfare of her family uppermost in her mind. Her prayers were always seeking help for her loved ones. In her later years of disability, she lived with her daughter and son‑in‑law, Junia and Mac GILL. She lived with them for 14 years and did some of the cooking. pieced quilts and embroidery work.

Mary Ann died November 30, 1957 in Robinson and was buried beside her husband in the Oblong Cemetery. They were the parents of 12 children born in Crawford County."

Children born to Charles Franklin Gowin and Mary Ann Littlejohn Gowin include:

Raymond Pearl Gowin born April 2, 1899

Daisey Violet Gowin born March 3, 1901

Junia Francis Gowin born June 20, 1903

Golden Ruth Gowin born February 1, 1905

Bertha Leona Gowin born January 10, 1907

Carl Kenneth Gowin born September 12, 1908

Sarah Josephine Gowin born August 14, 1910

William Hamilton Gowin born November 26, 1913

Millard Franklin Gowin born April 12, 1915

Trevah Fern Gowin born October 27, 1917

Mary Maxine Gowin born August 19, 1920

Mildred Wanda Gowin born September 28, 1922

Raymond Pearl Gowin, son of Charles Franklin Gowin and Mary Ann Littlejohn Gowin, was born April 2, 1899 in Crawford County. After service in the 149th Army Field Hospital during World War, he was working in the Salt Creek Oilfield in Matrona County, Wyoming. There he met and was married to Dorothea Mae Weeks July 7, 1921. She was the daughter of Samuel Vance Weeks and Nellie Mae Burton Weeks.

He homesteaded on 640 acres in Matrona County and there established a farm and ranch operation on the headwaters of North Casper Creek. He influenced three brothers and a sister to remove to Wyoming during the decade, according to Donna Vee Gowin Johnston. She wrote:

"He was building a reservoir dam for his younger brother, Millard, when he had an appendicitis attack. Instead of going to Casper right away to a doctor, he insisted on finishing all of the work he had set out to do. By the time a doctor was allowed to help him, his appendix had ruptured and peritonitis had set in. He died October 1, 1938 in Casper and was taken to Oblong, in Crawford Co., Ill. for burial. Ray was a member of the Masonic Order in good standing for 13 years. He was a Past Commander of the George W. Vroman Post #2, of Casper. and also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars."

One daughter was born to Raymond Pearl Gowin and Dorothea Mae Weeks Gowin.:

Dorothy Darlene Gowin born July 13, 1926

Dorothy Darlene Gowin, daughter of Raymond Pearl Gowin and Dorothea Mae Weeks Gowin, was born July 13, 1926 at Casper. She was married about 1946 to Luther Kidwell. Later she was remarried to James William Gullett.

Daisey Violet Gowin, daughter of Charles Franklin Gowin and Mary Ann Littlejohn Gowin, was born March 3, 1901 in Crawford County. She died unmarried March 6, 1920 and was buried in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Junia Francis Gowin, daughter of Charles Franklin Gowin and Mary Ann Littlejohn Gowin, was born June 20, 1903 in Crawford County. She was married November 25, 1922 to DeMack Gill, son of Rolla Alexander Gill and Elizabeth Thomas Gill. DeMack Gill died September 8, 1966 and was buried in Oblong Cemetery.

Junia Francis Gowin was remarried to Lee Wise November 26, 1970 in Crawford County. She spent the majority of her life teaching in the Crawford County School System. No. children were born to her.

Golden Ruth Gowin, daughter of Charles Franklin Gowin and Mary Ann Littlejohn Gowin, was born February 1, 1905 in Crawford County. She was married to Carl Owen Neeley about 1925. He was born February 24, 1906 to Elmer Harrison Neeley and Sarah Olive Sears Neeley. They removed to Casper, Wyoming to join her brothers there. She died in a diabetic coma February 8, 1935 and was buried in Oblong. He was remarried to Mabel Lula Tracy.

Children born to them include:

Howard Kenneth Neeley born May 23, 1927

Mary Pauline Neeley born January 23, 1929

Alan Clair Neeley born in January 1933

Bertha Leona Gowin, daughter of Charles Franklin Gowin and Mary Ann Littlejohn Gowin, was born January 10, 1907 in Crawford County. She died at age 12 and was buried in Prior Grove Cemetery.

Carl Kenneth Gowin, son of Charles Franklin Gowin and Mary Ann Littlejohn Gowin, was born September 12, 1908 in Crawford County. He joined other family members in removed to Casper, Wyoming during the 1920s.

He was married there September 12, 1929 to Mary Pauline Alexander, daughter of John Thompson Alexander and Nellie Evaline Stoltz Alexander. She was born in Crawford County July 11, 1905. Of them Donna Vee Gowin Johnston wrote:

"Kenneth followed his brother, Ray, to Wyoming to work in the Salt Creek Oilfield. While there, he also obtained a homestead on the headwaters of North Casper Creek. Kenneth moved to Mills, Wyoming,. a suburb of Casper and became a railroad engineer. He was also part owner of a ranch with his brother, Millard. When World War II was over, Kenneth sold everything in Wyoming and moved back to Illinois to try to help the asthma he suffered from. He and his brother, William, had an auto repair shop in Oblonq before moving to Olive Branch, Illinois. where they purchased a John Deere dealership. In 1983, Kenneth still owned and operated a hardware store in Olive Branch.

Pauline was about five feet tall and had brown hair. She was a good mother and was very thrifty. She always did a lot of canning to help feed her family. She had a good sense of humor and had a high level of tolerance for teasing."

"Kenneth C. Gowin," president of Gowin & Sons Implement Company, and his wife M. Pauline Gowin, vice president of the firm, lived in Olive Branch, Illinois in 1958, according to the Cape Girardeau, Missouri City directory. The implement firm was located at 238 South Spanish, Cape Girardeau.

The son of Kenneth C. Gowin, Terry K. Gowin and his wife Gladys Gowin also lived in Olive Branch.

The son of Kenneth C. Gowin, William H. Gowin and his wife Joy I. Gowin, also lived in Olive Branch. William H. Gowin was listed as secretary-treasurer of the company and Joy I. Gowin was listed as assistant secretary.

"James Gowen" appeared in the 1880 census of Rutherford County, Enumeration District 199, page 19:

"Gowen, James 51, farmer born in TN, father born in

TN, mother born in TN

Elisa 45, wife, born in born in TN, father

born in TN, mother born in TN

John 29, farmer, born in TN, father born

in TN, mother born in TN, single

Josie [?] 20, born in TN, father born in TN,

mother born in TN

James 17, farmer, born in TN, father born

in TN, mother born in TN

Charley 12, born in TN, father born in TN,

mother born in TN

Maggie 6, born in TN, father born in TN,

mother born in TN"

Children born to Carl Kenneth Gowin and Mary Pauline Alexander Gowin include:

Terry Kay Gowin born July 4, 1931

Teddy Clair Gowin born January 12, 1935

Carol Ann Gowin born October 14, 1945

Terry Kay Gowin, son of Carl Kenneth Gowin and Mary Pauline Alexander Gowin, was born in Casper July 4, 1931. He was married October 4, 1950 in Cache, Illinois he was married to Gladys June Simpkins, daughter of William Isaac Simpkins and Lelia Ellen Lewis Simpkins. She was born July 30, 1932 in Chicago. In 1952 they lived in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. In 1983 he was a machinist in Slidell, Louisiana.

Children born to Terry Kay Gowin and Gladys June Simpkins Gowin include:

Tony Kent Gowin born March 22, 1952

Timothy Karl Gowin born August 1, 1954

Tommy Keith Gowin born April 29, 1958

Tony Kent Gowin, son of Terry Kay Gowin and Gladys June Simpkins Gowin, was born March 22, 1952 in Cape Girardeau. He was married about 1975 to Donna Toler. Children born to Tony Kent Gowin and Donna Toler Gowin are unknown.

Timothy Karl Gowin, son of Terry Kay Gowin and Gladys June Simpkins Gowin, was born August 1, 1954, in Cape Girardeau. He was married November 18, 1977 to Estelle Eldridge. He was remarried August 14, 1982 in North Carolina, wife's name Lois. Children born to Timothy Karl Gowin, Estelle eldridge and Lois Gowin are unknown.

Tommy Keith Gowin, son of Terry Kay Gowin and Gladys June Simpkins Gowin, was born April 29, 1958.

Teddy Clair Gowin, son of Carl Kenneth Gowin and Mary Pauline Alexander Gowin, was born at Columbine, Wyoming January 12, 1935. He was married August 8, 1955 at Victorville, California Rachel Louise Anselmi, daughter of Henry John Anselmi [Tyrolean] and Desiree Evelyn Broutin [French.] She was born August 16, 1935 in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Teddy Clair Gowin served in the U.S. Air Force, and upon retirement, became a teacher. He died May 21, 1980 at Cairo, Illinois and was buried in Olive Branch where his widow and children lived in 1983.

Children adopted by Teddy Clair Gowin and Rachel Louise Anselmi Gowin include:

Carl Kelly Gowin born August 12, 1964

Michelle Louise Gowin born June 27, 1965

Matthew Carl Gowin born April 14, 1968

Carol Ann Gowin, daughter of Carl Kenneth Gowin and Mary Pauline Alexander Gowin, was born in Casper October 14, 1945 in Casper. She was married July 2, 1966 in St. Louis to Larry Douglas Guffy who was born January 22, 1945 in Newbury, Missouri to Walter Lee Guffy and Stella Mae Webb Guffy. Two children were born to them in Missouri before they were divorced. In 1983 she and her children lied in Olive Branch.

Born to them were:

Jeffery Scott Guffy born January 20, 1967

Tisa Annelle Guffy born May 2, 1968

Sarah Josephine Gowin, daughter of Charles Franklin Gowin and Mary Ann Littlejohn Gowin, was born August 14, 1910 in Crawford County. She died May 5, 1911 and was buried in Prior Grove Cemetery.

William Hamilton Gowin, son of Charles Franklin Gowin and Mary Ann Littlejohn Gowin, was born November 26, 1913 in Crawford County. He was married December 1, 1935 to Joy Imogene Brownfield at Flat Rock, Illinois. She was born November 13, 1913 to Charles Burton Brownfield and Minnie Elnora Lough Brownfield in Crawford County..

"William was in Casper as a young man and worked in the oilfields with his brothers. While in Wyoming, he also applied for a homestead, but it was taken away from him because he was too young. William had a love for Wyoming that brought him back several times. He was an outstanding mechanic, which led him to a partnership with his brother, Kenneth, in an auto repair shop in Oblong. And later they bought a John Deere dealership in Olive Branch with William being in charge of the repair shop. He was retired in 1983 and living in Olive Branch.

Joy was about five feet four inches and had brown hair. She was slight of build and had a very gentle personality. She was a very good and loving mother and always placed her family's needs ahead of her own. Her house was always very neat and clean. When her family was raised, she did office work for several years."

Children born to William Hamilton Gowin and Joy Imogene Brownfield Gowin include:

Charles Barry Gowin born April 7, 1939

Barbara Jerene Gowin born July 2, 1943

Jere Duane Gowin born January 18, 1951

Charles Barry Gowin, son of William Hamilton Gowin and Joy Imogene Brownfield Gowin, was born in Centralia, Illinois April 7, 1939. He was married May 20, 1960 in Tamms, Illinois to Barbara Ann Baine. She was born October 17, 1942 in Sandusky, Illinois to Ernest Eugene Baine and Anna Mae Danner Baine. He was a teacher and later a principal in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. In 1983 they lived in Olive Branch.

Children born to Charles Barry Gowin and Barbara Ann Baine Gowin include:

Bret Eric Gowin born May 9, 1961

Dawn Annette Gowin born January 16, 1967

Barbara Jerene Gowin, daughter of William Hamilton Gowin and Joy Imogene Brownfield Gowin, was born in Crawford County July 2, 1943.

Jere Duane Gowin, son of William Hamilton Gowin and Joy Imogene Brownfield Gowin, was born in Crawford County January 18, 1951. He was married January 5, 1976 at Benton, Missouri to Ruth Ann Backfish. She was born August 20, 1957 in Cape Girardeau to Charles Backfish and Delephene Glastetter Backfish.

Jere Duane Gowin was a teacher and later became a Methodist minister. In 1983 they lived in Olive Branch.

Children born to Jerry Duane Gowin and Ruth ann Backfish Gowin include:

Julia Ann Gowin born March 11, 1978

Rebecca Dawn Gowin born October 7, 1980

Millard Franklin Gowin, son of Charles Franklin Gowin and Mary Ann Littlejohn Gowin, was born April 12, 1915 at Oblong. He was married November 1, 1932 at Vincennes, Indiana to Velma Opal Waggoner. She was born July 28, 1914 in Crawford County. Donna Vee Gowin Johnston wrote of her parents:

"Millard received his education at a small country school [Watts School] near his home and continued through the eighth grade. His parents then decided to keep him home to help with the farming. Millard was six feet tall, had blonde hair and hazel eyes. Just before his marriage in 1932, he "rode the rails" to Wyoming to visit his brother, Ray. This was during the great depression, and he had to travel with the hobos. He saw men so hungry that they were living on sparrows."

They lived in Illinois for a few months, and then moved to Casper where their first home was in the Salt Creek Oilfield.. In a short time, they moved from there to the site of the Lakota Oil Company field 34 miles northwest of Casper in Natrona County. There, Millard worked as a hired man for his older brother, Ray at his ranch. At the same time Millard and Opal homesteaded in the same area. Their homes for the next eight years on the ranch were one or two rooms of rough lumber covered with tarpaper.

Shortly after the death of his brother, Ray, in 1938, Millard and another brother, Kenneth, became partners and purchased the ranch from Dorothy, Ray's widow. This partnership was dissolved soon after World War II. From that time on, Millard and Opal were the only owners of the ranch that he started working on as a hired man. It grew to about 40 sections of deeded and leased land and a large herd of Polled Hereford cattle. Millard also spent about 30 years operating an irrigated farm on the Kendrick Project which was about 15 miles from the main ranch and on the South Fork of Casper Creek. This farm had 400 acres of alfalfa and grain which included 90 acres of corn.

Millard has served his community for over 35 years on numerous agricultural boards and committees, which led to his appointment by the Governor of Wyoming to the five-man board of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture on Mar 1, 1981. In March 1983, he was appointed chairman of the board for two years.

Opal was born in the same house her father was born in, Her father died when she was six, and she learned at a very early age how to get by on very little. She also attended a country school with her sisters and walked a mile through all kinds of weather to gain an education. She was short in stature, just under five feet, had blonde hair and blue eyes. She had a good voice and sang solos at the Prior Grove Church before her marriage. She gave of herself to her family, the ranch and the community. The most remarkable thing about her contribution to the community was that she continued to help others despite two broken legs and thirteen major surgeries, most of them for cancer. She has 'always set an example of courage and strength for her family."

Velma Opal Waggoner Gowin died April 7, 1987 in Crawford County, and he died May 6, 1989 at Casper,

Children born to Millard Franklin Gowin and Velma Opal Waggoner Gowin include:

LaVelle Rae Gowin born February 14, 1935

Donna Vee Gowin born August 22, 1936

Vaughn Millard Gowin born July 2, 1944

LaVelle Rae Gowin, daughter of Millard Franklin Gowin and Velma Opal Waggoner Gowin, was born February 14, 1935 in Casper. She died the next day and was buried in Highland Cemetery in Casper.

Donna Vee Gowin, daughter of Millard Franklin Gowin and Velma Opal Waggoner Gowin, was born August 22, 1936 in Casper. She was married to Phillip Sherman Johnston July 22, 1955 in Casper. He was born there to William Victor Johnston and Mary Agnes Scholz July 22, 1929. He was the fifth child of nine.

He enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1948 and was graduated from Aviation Structural Mechanics School at Memphis, Tennessee, standing second in his class. During the Korean War he served in Attack Squadron 195 and was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Boxer, Aircraft Carrier CV-21. Later he served aboard the carrier U.S.S. Princeton, CV-37. He was awarded the China Service Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Metal, the Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Star, United Nations Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged August 22, 1952 as a first class petty officer.

Having been employed as a sheet metal worker since age 14, he returned to that profession in civilian life. In 1973 he opened Johnston Sheetmetal Service.

Donna Vee Gowin lived with her parents on their ranch north of Casper until she was married. She was employed as a bookkeeper. She began teaching genealogy at Casper College Evening School in 1975 and serves as librarian for L.D.S. Family History Center Library in addition to being a bible school teacher. She also serves as receptionist in her husband's business.

They have lived in Canoga Park and North Hollywood, California and Logan, Utah in addition to several towns in Wyoming. Their trips have carried them into nearly every state in the Union as well as Mexico and Canada. They became members of the Mormon Church in 1964.

In 1978 she began assembling material for "Our Crawford County, Illinois Heritage" which she published in 1983, The 700-page hard-bound volume was composed of the research that she had gathered on her ancestry, including the families of Allen, Bailey, Enloe, Ford, Harris, Hicks, Highsmith, Leeman, Littlejohn, Martin, Neeley, Rash, Sanders, Thomas, Waggoner, and the four branches of her Gowin family that she has pursued.

In 1995 she served as Editorial Boardmember of Gowen Research Foundation, and it is through her courtesy that her Gowin research appears in this section of the Foundation Manuscript.

Children born to Phillip Sherman Johnston and Donna Vee Gowin Johnston include:

Eileen Rene Johnston born April 23, 1958

Mark Phillip Johnston born August 7, 1960

David Robert Johnston born March 23, 1962

Stephen Michael Johnston born May 10, 1971

Eileen Rene Johnston, daughter of Phillip Sherman Johnston and Donna Vee Gowin Johnston, was born April 23, 1958. She was married about 1980 to Raymond Ott.

Mark Phillip Johnston, son of Phillip Sherman Johnston and Donna Vee Gowin Johnston, was born August 7, 1960. He was married to Alicia Dawn Obert about 1982.

David Robert Johnston, son of Phillip Sherman Johnston and Donna Vee Gowin Johnston, was born March 23, 1962 in Logan, Utah. He was married June 1, 1983 in Salt Lake City to Deanna Rae Fisher. She was born June 28, 1962 to Gary Frank Fisher and Sharon Gail Jones Fisher

Stephen Michael Johnston, son of Phillip Sherman Johnston and Donna Vee Gowin Johnston, was born May 10, 1971 in Casper.

Vaughn Millard Gowin, son of Millard Franklin Gowin and Velma Opal Waggoner Gowin, was born July 2, 1944. He died July 11, 1944 and was buried in Highland Cemetery in Casper..

Trevah Fern Gowin, daughter of Charles Franklin Gowin and Mary Ann Littlejohn Gowin, was born October 27, 1914 in Crawford County. She was married June 1, 1942 to Cecil F. Kermicel in Jasper County. She died February 17, 1947 in Chicago, and he died July 3, 1958 in Crawford County. Both were buried in Oblong Cemetery.

Mary Maxine Gowin, daughter of Charles Franklin Gowin and Mary Ann Littlejohn Gowin, was born August 19, 1920 in Crawford County. She was married there March 17, 1939 to Marvin Albert Utterback, son of Glen Edgar Utterback and Nellie Albert Utterback. He was born in Crawford County March 17, 1919.

Five children were born to them:

Karen Elaine Utterback born January 18, 1942

Patricia Ann Utterback born October 24, 1946

Danny Wayne Utterback born January 28, 1950

Kevin Lee Utterback born July 14, 1955

Cinthia Sue Utterback born March 16, 1957

Mildred Wanda Gowin, daughter of Charles Franklin Gowin and Mary Ann Littlejohn Gowin, was born September 28, 1922 in Crawford County. She was married May 6, 1943 to Pearl Otis Watts, son of Linder Watts and Romildred Tracy Watts. He was born October 23, 1911 in Oblong. He was a cook at the Heath Candy Factory for many years. She became a high school English teacher at Robinson, Illinois.

Children born to them include:

Raymond Pearl Watts born September 6, 1945

Marilyn Kay Watts born November 17, 1950

Raymond Pearl Watts, son of Pearl Otis Watts and Mildred Wanda Gowin Watts, was born September 6, 1945. He was married about 1968 to Janet Mae Fuller.

Marilyn Kay Watts, daughter of Pearl Otis Watts and Mildred Wanda Gowin Watts, was born November 17, 1950. He was married about 1970 to Clinton Duane Gortney.

A child, name unknown was born to William Hamilton Gowin and Josephine Catherine "Josey" Highsmith Gowin about 1876 and died in infancy.

A daughter, name unknown, was born to William Hamilton Gowin and Josephine Catherine "Josey" Highsmith Gowin December 30, 1877 and died in infancy.

John Harley Gowin, son of William Hamilton Gowin and Josephine Catherine "Josey" Highsmith Gowin, was born December 17, 1878 in Crawford County. Pfc. John Harley Gowin served in the U.S. Army Coast Artillery following the Spanish-American War. He was on active duty from August 19, 1901 to August 22, 1904. Upon being discharged, he went to Morgan County, Indiana to work as a farm laborer. When he left his place of employment, he recommended his brother, Samuel Carlton Gowin for the job.

He was married December 24, 1906 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Mrs. Rena Mae Miller Bailey. She was born April 15, 1880 in Fountinet, Indiana to Charles P. Miller and Ida May High Miller. She had been married previously to George Bailey and had one child.

After John was married, he took his family south and lived in Kentucky. They eventually moved to Florida where he died June 28. 1955. He was buried in the Rosehill Cemetery in Osceola County. Florida. Rena Mae Miller Bailey Gowin died August 18, 1962, and her ashes were buried beside her husband.

Four children were born to John Harley Gowin and Rena Mae Miller Bailey Gowin:

Edwin Lavern Bailey born August 9, 1904

Harold Hamilton Gowin born March 29, 1908

Eva Mae Gowin born August 17, 1910

Jack Buel Gowin born June 20, 1920

Edwin Lavern Bailey, son of John Harley Gowin and Rena Mae Miller Bailey Gowin, was born August 9, 1904 at Fountinet. He was employed by Bill Bailey, perhaps a kinsman, who owned a horse show. When Bill Bailey died, Edwin Lavern Bailey took over the horse show and also his name. He was married to Blanche Hudgens May 12, 1939.

Harold Hamilton Gowin, son of John Harley Gowin and Rena Mae Miller Bailey Gowin, was born March 29, 1908 in Hardinsville, Illinois. He died April 23, 1922 in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Eva Mae Gowin, daughter of John Harley Gowin and Rena Mae Miller Bailey Gowin, was born August 17, 1910 in Hardinsville. She was married to Lester Daniels January 9, 1930. They were divorced in 1931. She was remarried to Armando Llaugett February 9, 1941 in Tampa, Florida. He was the son of Prudencio Llaugett and Ana Marie Gonzalez of Havana. She died October 1, 1970 in Celeron, New York. No children were born to them.

Jack Buel Gowin, son of John Harley Gowin and Rena Mae Miller Bailey Gowin, was born June 20, 1920 in Scottsville, Kentucky. He was married February 19, 1943 to Darlene Wagner. He served in the U.S. Army from October 21, 1942 to November 4, 1945. After World War ii, he worked in Yakima, Washington as an auto mechanic. They were divorced after the birth of two children there.

On December 9, 1955 Jack Buel Gowin was remarried to Kathryn Hager who was born in Linn, North Dakota. In that year he removed to Seattle where he was employed by Boeing Aircraft Corporation as an aircraft mechanic. He was promoted to corporate management and retired as an executive with the company in 1975.

Children born to Jack Buel Gowin and Darlene Wagner Gowin include:

Melissa Ann Gowin born November 22, 1949

Gregory Gowin born November 3, 1951

Children born to Jack Buel Gowin and Kathryn Hager Gowin include:

Michael David Gowin born November 7, 1954

Jeffrey Blair Gowin born March 6, 1959

Melissa Ann Gowin, daughter of Jack Buel Gowin and Darlene Wagner Gowin, was born November 22, 1949 in Yakima. She was married about 1970, husband's name McIntosh.

Gregory Gowin, son of Jack Buel Gowin and Darlene Wagner Gowin, was born November 3, 1951 in Yakima. In 1983 he was making a career of the U.S. Air Force.

Michael David Gowin, son of Jack Buel Gowin and Kathryn Hager Gowin, was born November 7, 1954. He was married to Lee Cunningham about 1977. Children born to Michael David Gowin and Linda Lee Cunningham Gowin are unknown.

Jeffrey Blair Gowin, son of Jack Buel Gowin and Kathryn Hager Gowin, was born March 6, 1959 in Seattle. He served six years in the U.S. Army and in 1983 was a self-employed carpenter in Seattle.

Emma Jane Gowin, daughter of William Hamilton Gowin and Josephine Catherine "Josey" Highsmith Gowin, was born October 29, 1880 in Crawford County. Emma Jane Gowin made a trip to visit her uncle James Madison Gowin in Murfreesboro, Tennessee where she met her husband-to-be.

She was married there to George Kelly Poff March 25, 1905. He was born January 15, 1881 to John Floyd Poff and Julia Ann Vaughn Poff. They removed to Ft. Worth, Texas where he was employed for several years before they returned to Rutherford County. He died there September 10, 1947, and she died there January 1, 1963. Both were buried in Evergreen Cemetery. They had no children. A niece, Julia Ann Poff who was married to James O. Waddell, lived with them.

Emma Jane Gowin Poff wrote her will May 12, 1953, according to Rutherford County Will Book 6, page 17:

"I, Mrs. Emma Poff, a citizen and resident of Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee, do hereby make and declare this to be my true last will and testament.

Item One: I direct that my funeral expenses and all just obligations f my estate be paid as soon as may be practicable out of the first funds coming into the hands of my Executrix.

Item Two: Out of any cash or cash assets, such as bonds etc. which may be left after payment of my debts, I will the sum of $200.00 to my husband's niece, Clarice Miller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; the sum of $200.00 to the general fund of the Central Christian Church of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and any balance remaining I will to my brother, John H. Gowin of St. Cloud, Florida. If he be dead, then to his two children in equal shares.

Item Three: I will and devise my house and lot at City Street No. 109 South Tennessee Boulevard to James 0. Waddell, his wife, Julia Ann Waddell and their daughter, Carol Ann Waddell, to each a one‑third undivided interest. But this bequest is made upon the condition, and solely upon the condition, that Mr. and Mrs. Waddell remain with me and see that I receive proper care and attention until the time of my death. Should they fail so to do, then they shall take no interest in my property. James 0. Waddell and wife shall have full power to encumber, sell and convey said house and lot during the minority of their daughter, and pass the full fee simple title thereto; and no purchaser shall be required to see to application of the proceeds, or any part thereof, for the benefit of Carol Ann.

Item Four: Should the said James 0. Waddell and wife fail to see that I receive proper care and attention as above provided, then I direct that my Executrix hereinafter named sell my said house and lot, on such terms as she deems best, and divide the proceeds as follows:

One‑third to my brother, John H. Gowin, or to his children, should he be dead;

One‑third to my niece, Mrs. Edna Melvin of 5 State Street, Indianapolis, Indiana;

One‑third to my niece Mrs. Jun1e Gill, of 314 S. Garfield Street, Oblong, Illinois.

Item Five: All of my household furnishings not otherwise disposed of shall go with my house and lot and pass to the parties receiving the house and lot or its proceeds,

Item Six: I will probably leave a list of specific articles, such as jewelry, etc., which I wish to be given to particular persons; and I trust my Executrix will see that my wishes are observed in this respect. Any other personal property which I may leave shall go and pass to my brother, John H. Gowin, or his children if he be dead.

Item Seven: I nominate and appoint Clarice Miller as Executrix of my estate, and request that she be excused from giving security upon her bond as such.

In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name to this my last will and testament which is typewritten on two sheets of paper and the first sheet bearing my signature for identification at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, this the 12 day of May. 1953.

Mrs. Emma Gowin Poff"

Samuel Carlton Gowin, son of William Hamilton Gowin and Josephine Catherine "Josey" Highsmith Gowin, was born December 7, 1882 in Crawford County. When he was just a small child, his mother died and for a short while he lived in the home of his mother's sister, Rhua Ann Highsmith Taylor and Taylor, according to Donna Vee Gowin Johnston.

On 29 Jan 1906, in Morgan County, Indiana, he was married to Bertha A. Carroll. She was born March 22, 1886 and died June 28, 1907 of tuberculosis. He was remarried July 27, 1908 in Franklin, Indiana to Lizzie Mabel Mallow Dewhurst, daughter of George Mallow and Joan Etter Mallow.

She was born April 3, 1883 in Johnson County, Indiana and had been previously married to Charles Dewhurst on September 6, 1905. They were divorced January 3, 1908 without having any children.

Samuel Carlton Gowin came to Indiana to work as a replacement on a job which his brother, John Harley Gowin, had first held.. Samuel Carlton Gowin remained in Indiana and finally had his own farm in Morgan County, near West Newton, Indiana.

One child was born to them. They also opened their home to a niece and nephew, children of her brother, and they were raised to adulthood in their home. He died there of tuberculosis May 8. 1930. She died May 4, 1946 in Indianapolis, and both were buried in the Mallow Family Cemetery, near Waverly, Indiana.

No children were born to Samuel Carlton Gowin and Bertha Carroll Gowin. One daughter was born to Samuel Carlton Gowin and Lizzie Mabel Mallow Dewhurst Gowin:

Edna Pearl Gowin born November 18, 1909

Edna Pearl Gowin, daughter of Samuel Carlton Gowin and Lizzie Mabel Mallow Dehurst Gowin, was born November 10, 1909. she was married to John Morton Melvin May 19, 1932. He was born in Madison County, Indiana May 15, 1860 to William Melvin and Mary Palmer.

He died May 21, 1954 in Indianapolis. She was remarried to Jesse A. Slayton February 9, 1956 in Franklin. He was born January 28, 1898 in Sumner County, Tennessee to Charles Slayton and Ella Trout Slayton. He died August 29, 1973 in Indianapolis. She died June 22, 1980 in Greenwood, Indiana at her residence of a heart attack and was buried in the Mallow Family Cemetery. No children were born to her.

Rosa Inez Rich Gowin, daughter of William Hamilton Gowin and Mary Elizabeth Rich Gowin, was born November 25, 1876 in Crawford County. She was married December 23, 1896 to Joseph Addison Love, son of James Wilson Love and Scytha Lucretia Goodlink Love. He was born June 20, 1876 in Crawford County. He belonged to the Presbyterian church and politically was a Democrat. He died July 19, 1934, and she died November 19, 1962. Both were buried in Tohill Cemetery.

Twelve children were born to them:

Henry Ellis Love born August 14, 1897

James William Love born September 18, 1899

Esther Ellen Love born March 29, 1901

Henry Kenneth Love born November 21, 1902

[child] born April 15, 1905

Mary Lucretia Love born December 15, 1906

[daughter] born August 11, 1908

Hallie May Love born April 17, 1910

Robert Theodore Love born April 27, 1912

Florence Christine Love born November 2, 1913

Ralph Vernon Love born April 28, 1916

Joseph Addison Love, Jr. born December 17, 1918

Anna Olive Gowin, daughter of William Hamilton Gowin and Mary Elizabeth Rich Gowin, was born March 6, 1886 in Crawford County. She was married October 31, 1904 to James Harvey Bays, son of John Bays and Elizabeth A. Bays, who was born August 8, 1888 in Old York, Illinois. She died February 29, 1940.

Thomas Redmon Gowin, son of William Hamilton Gowin and Mary Elizabeth Rich Gowin, was born February 2, 1888 in Crawford County. He was married February 3, 1909 to Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Yeager who was born to John D. yeager and Josephine H. Valbert Yeager March 19, 1891 in Jasper County. He operated and feed and implement store in St. Marie, Illinois. He died in July 1991 in St. Marie, and continued to live there in 1983.

Three children were born to Thomas Redmon Gowin and Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Yeager Gowin:

Merece Harley Gowin born February 5, 19108

Mildred Catherine Gowin born August 31, 1912

Paul Redmon Gowin born December 10, 1919

Merece Harley Gowin, son of Thomas Redmon Gowin and Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Yeager Gowin, was born February 5, 1910. He was married about 1923, wife's name Geraldine. Children born to Merece Harley Gowin and Geraldine Gowin are unknown.

Mildred Catherine Gowin, daughter of Thomas Redmon Gowin and Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Yeager Gowin, was born August 31, 1912. she was married about 1931 to Edward C. Helregel.

Paul Redmon Gowin, son of Thomas Redmon Gowin and Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Yeager Gowin, was born December 10, 1919. He was married to Amelia Dorothy Frohning September 25, 1946 in Wendelin, Illinois. She was born June 3, 1922 to Philip John "Dan" Frohning and Regina Cecilia Deimel Frohning. They lived in Mountain Home, Arkansas. No children were born to Paul Redmon Gowin and Regina Cecilia Frohning Gowin.

Lillie May Gowin, daughter of William Hamilton Gowin and Mary Elizabeth Rich Gowin, was born April 12, 1892 in Crawford County. She was married March 12, 1908 to Charles Warren Brush.

Eliza Jane Gowin, daughter of Drury M. Gowin and Elizabeth B. Rash Gowin, was born about 1851. She was married about 1869 to Harrison P. Waldrop. She was remarried to George W. Stewart January 25, 1886 as his second wife.

Children born to them include:

Duane Waldrop born in September 1870

Samuel Waldrop born about 1872

Sarah Waldrop born about 1875

John Waldrop born about 1877

America Waldrop born in July 1879

Elizabeth Gowin, daughter of Shadrack Gowin and Polly Bass Gowin, was born August 1, 1820 in Wilson County, Tennessee. "Eliza Gowin" was married January 12, 1843 to Stephen Scarlett in Crawford County. Ge was born at French Lick, Indiana January 16, 1815.

They were enumerated there in the 1850 census of Crawford County. They removed about 1858 to Taylor County, Iowa. Stephen Scarlett served as a private in Company F, Second Nebraska Cavalry Regiment during the Civil War. Shadrack Gowin was enumerated as a visitor in their home in the Iowa state census of 1865.

Later Stephen Scarlett removed to Nebraska City, Nebraska to homestead. Elizabeth Gowin Scarlett died about 1895 at White Cloud, Kansas while she was visiting a daughter there. She was buried there in an unmarked graves. Stephen Scarlett died about 1900 at Harbine, Nebraska and was buried there.

Six children were born to them:

Nelson W. Scarlett born November 16, 1843

Shadrack B. Scarlett born March 10, 1845

Charles Edward Scarlett born April 10, 1847

Theodosia L. Scarlett born April 3, 1849

Liddy Ann Scarlett born about 1853

George W. Scarlett born July 24, 1863

Ezekiel B. Gowin, son of Shadrack Gowin and Polly Bass Gowin, was born September 16, 1823 in Tennessee. He was married about 1846 to Frances Barker. Later he was remarried to Eliza Ann Miller.

Children born to Ezekiel B. Gowin and Frances Barker Gowin include:

Shadrack Gowin born May 14, 1847

Children born to Ezekiel B. Gowin and Eliza Ann Miller Gowin include:

John Wilford Gowin born in January 1855

Elvira C. Gowin born in September 1860

William Douglas Gowin born July 8 1861

Fannie Alice Gowin born in December 1865

Lewis Samuel Gowin born December 5, 1871

Shadrack Gowin, son of Ezekiel B. Gowin and Frances Barker Gowin, was born Mary 14, 1847 at Sumner, Illinois. He was married to Lydia M. Herring about 1867 in Jasper County, Illinois. He was remarried there to Mrs. Eliza Louisa Traynor Tripp March 15, 1883. He died suddenly February 20, 1920 at Olney, Illinois while waiting for a train to go to Sumner. He was buried in the Newton Cemetery.

Children born to Shadrack Gowin and Frances Barker Gowin include:

Emma Ettie Gowin born about 1868

Children born to Shadrack Gowin and Eliza Louisa Traynor Tripp Gowin include:

Fannie Mae Gowin born January 14, 1884

Laura E. Gowin born Dec. 21, 1885

[child] born October 24, 1888

Pearl P. Gowin born in August 1890

` [son] born in May 1894

Emma Ettie Gowin, daughter of Shadrack Gowin and Fannie Barker Gowin, was born about 1868 in Jasper County. She was married to Frank M. Rayburn April 14, 1887 in Richland County. He was born about 1865 in Mason County, West Virginia to Elexander Rayburn and Sarah Bale Rayburn.

Children born to them include:

Sed Rayburn born about 1889

John Rayburn born about 1891

Frank Rayburn born about 1893

Raymond Rayburn born about 1897

Nellie Rayburn born about 1901

Fannie Mae Gowin, daughter of Shadrack Gowin and Eliza Louisa Traynor Tripp Gowin, was born January 14, 1884. She was married to James L. Easton December 3, 1900 in Coles County, Illinois. He was born there about 1875 to V. D. Easton and Permelia Niece Easton.

Laura E. Gowin, daughter of Shadrack Gowin and Eliza Louisa Traynor Tripp Gowin, was born December 21, 1885. She was married to Miles Dobyns January 25, 1903 in Coles County. He was born about 1881 to Andrew Dobyns and Anna D. Dobyns.

A child, name unknown, was born to Shadrack Gowin and Eliza Louisa Traynor Tripp Gowin October 24, 1888 and died in infancy.

Pearl P. Gowin, daughter of Shadrack Gowin and Eliza Louisa Traynor Tripp Gowin, was born in August 1890.

A son, name unknown, was born to Shadrack Gowin and Eliza Louisa Traynor Tripp Gowin in May 1894 and died in infancy.

John Wilford Gowin, son of Ezekiel B. Gowin and Eliza Ann Miller Gowin, was born in Lawrence County in January 1855. On February 12, 1883 he was married there to Sarah Kimmel, daughter of a Lawrence County physician, Nathan Kimmel and Elizabeth M. King Kimmel.

Children born to John Wilford Gowin and Sarah Kimmel Gowin include:

Eva Mary Gowin born in August 1883

Lora Bell Gowin born in March 1886

Mary Eliza Gowin born in March 1889

Fern Alma Gowin born in December 1891

Harry M. Gowin born in August 1898

Eva Mary Gowin, daughter of John Wilford Gowin and Sarah Kimmel Gowin, was born in August 1883. She was married to Jesse A. Mock January 22, 1902 in Richland County in a double wedding ceremony with her sister, Lora Bell Gowin. They lived in Mississippi.

Lora Bell Gowin, daughter of John Wilford Gowin and Sarah Kimmel Gowin, was born in March 1886. she was married to Roy Swisher January 22, 1902 in Olney, Illinois in a double ceremony with her sister.

Mary Eliza Gowin, daughter of John Wilford Gowin and Sarah Kimmel Gowin, was born in March 1889.

Fern Alma Gowin, daughter of John Wilford Gowin and Sarah Kimmel Gowin, was born in December 1891. She was married about 1911, husband's name Bigard.

Harry M. Gowin, son of John Wilford Gowin and Sarah Kimmel Gowin, was born in August 1890 in Jasper County. He was married about 1920 to Anna Doran who was born about 1904 in Trowbridge, Illinois. She died February 22, 1853 in Jasper County, and he died there April 3, 1971. They were buried in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at Newton, Illinois.

Four children were born to Harry M. Gowin and Anna Doran Gowin:

Elizabeth Josephine Gowin born October 23, 1924

Robert Gowin born about 1926

[daughter] born about 1929

[daughter] born about 1933

Elizabeth Josephine Gowin, daughter of Harry M. Gowin and Anna Doran Gowin was stillborn October 23, 1924.

Robert Gowin, son of Thomas Redmon Gowin and Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Yeager Gowin, was born about 1926. He was married about 1949 to Evelyn Stanley. Robert Gowin and Evelyn Stanley Gowin lived in Newton, Illinois in 1971.

A daughter, name unknown, was born to Harry M. Gowin and Anna Doran Gowin about 1929. She was married about 1949 to Robert Eaton. In 1971 they lived in Tuscola, Illinois.

A daughter, name unknown, was born to Harry M. Gowin and Anna Doran Gowin about 1933. She was married about 1949 to Joe Flora. In 1971 they lived in Sibley, Illinois.

Jane Gowin, daughter of Shadrack Gowin and Polly Bass Gowin, was born about 1826 in Tennessee.

Elvira C. Gowin, daughter of Ezekiel B. Gowin and Eliza Ann Miller Gowin, was born in September 1890 in Illinois. She was married to Johnson Lytle, son of John Lytle and Jane Lytle. Johnson Lytle was born in January 1853 in Illinois. He made his living as a farmer in Jasper County in 1900. At least seven children were born to them:

Mary A. Lytle born in January 1878

Della M. Lytle born in December 1879

William H. Lytle born in June 1881

Minnie Ann Lytle born in November 1884

George E. Lytle born in December 1886

Harry E. Lytle born in November 1889

Emma E. Lytle born in March 1898

William Douglas Gowin, son of Ezekiel B. Gowin and Eliza Ann Miller Gowin, was born July 8, 1861 in Lawrence County, Illinois. On November 16, 1882 in Richland County, Illinois, he was married to Anna E. Boatman, daughter of Solomon Boatman and Rebecca Wade Boatman. She was born January 17, 1863 in Richland County

Four children were born to them in Jasper County, Illinois. By 1900, they were living in Ripley County. Missouri. William Douglas Gowin died the July 26, 1936, and Anna E. Boatman Gowin died there March 4, 1940, and both are buried in the New Hope Cemetery.

Children born to them include:

Lottie Lee Gowin born September 14, 1883

Charles Cleveland Gowen born February 18, 1885

Daisey Alice Gowin born June 1, 1886

Perry D. Gowin born December 28, 1896

Lottie Lee Gowin, daughter of William Douglas Gowin and Anna E. Boatman Gowin, was born in Jasper County September 14, 1887. She died there at age two January 6, 1890.

Charles Cleveland Gowin, son of William Douglas Gowin and Anna E. Boatman Gowin, was born in Jasper County February 10, 1885. He was married February 9, 1937 to Stella Beatrice Bethel in Ripley County, Illinois. She was born there April 12, 1885.

One son was born to Charles Cleveland Gowin and Stella Beatrice Bethel Gowin:

Enoch Gowin born about 1939

Enoch Gowin, son of Charles Cleveland Gowin and Stella Beatrice Bethel Gowin, was born about 1939. In 1956 he lived in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Daisey Alice Gowin, daughter of William Douglas Gowin and Anna E. Boatman Gowin, was born in Jasper County June 1, 1886. She died May 20, 1901 and was buried in Ripley County.

Perry D. Gowin, son of William Douglas Gowin and Anna E. Boatman Gowin, was born in Jasper County December 20, 1896. He died July 2, 1910 and was buried in Ripley County.

Fannie Alice Gowin, daughter of Ezekiel B. Gowin and Eliza Ann Miller Gowin, was born in December 1865 in Illinois. She was married to Charles Manning who was born in July 1851 in Indiana.

Children born to them include:

James O. Manning born in June 1888.

Orin A. Manning born September 1891

Lewis Samuel Gowin, son of Ezekiel B. Gowin and Eliza Ann Miller, was born on December 5, 1871 in Lawrence County. He was married March 17, 1893 in Jasper County to Mariah D. Kimmel, daughter of Nathan Kimmel and Elizabeth M. King Kimmel She was born in April 1873 in Illinois. Lewis Samuel Gowin made his living as a farmer in Lawrence County. She died in 1941, and he died on December 31, 1962. Both were buried in Whitehouse Cemetery in Lawrence County.

Seven children were born to Lewis Samuel Gowin and Mariah D. Kimmel Gowin:

Minnie Myrtle Gowin born in January 1895

Roscoe "Ross" Gowin born in May 1898

Bessie M. Gowin born November 6. 1900

Jessie Singleton Gowin born August 9, 1903

Lester D. Gowin born in December 1905

Zilphia V. Gowin born December 26, 1909

Violet Catherine Gowin b September 12, 1915

Minnie Myrtle Gowin, daughter of Lewis Samuel Gowin and Mariah D. Kimmel Gowin. was born in January 1895 in Lawrence County. She was married about 1915 to Glenn A. Rodgers who was born in 1894. He died in 1932. Later she was remarried to Theodore Lewis. In 1962 she was living in a nursing home in Sumner.

Seven children were born to Glenn A. Rodgers and Minnie Myrtle Gowin Rodgers:

Wayne Rodgers born about 1917

Lewis Rodgers born about 1919

John William Rodgers born about 1921

Glenn D. Rodgers born about 1924

John William Rodgers born about 1927

Ann Rodgers born about 1930

Irene Rodgers born about 1934

Roscoe "Ross" Gowin, son of Lewis Samuel Gowin and Mariah D. Kimmel Gowin. was born in May 1898. He lived in Sumner in 1962.,

Bessie M. Gowin, daughter of Lewis Samuel Gowin and Mariah D. Kimmel Gowin. was born November 6, 1900 in Lawrence County. She was married about 1918 to Arnold Knight and lived in East St. Louis, Missouri in 1962. No children were born to them.

Jessie Singleton Gowin, son of Lewis Samuel Gowin and Mariah D. Kimmel Gowin. was born August 9, 1903 in Lawrence County. He was married June 2, 1923 in Bridgeport to Viola M. Hopkins who was born November 7, 1903. He died December 14, 1962 at Sumner and was buried in the Whitehouse Cemetery. Viola M. Hopkins Gowin continued to live there in 1983.

Children born to Jessie Singleton Gowin and Viola M. Hopkins Gowin include:

Virginia Gowin born March 9, 1924

Fern Catherine Gowin born February 25, 1927

Grace Lorraine Gowin born January 3, 1930

Bessie Maria Gowin born March 18, 1932

Jesse Eugene Gowin born November 20, 1933

Carolyn Lee Gowin [twin] born May 15, 1943

Carol Dee Gowin [twin] born May 15, 1943

Walter Leroy Gowin born February 12, 1945

Virginia Gowin, daughter of Jessie Singleton Gowin and Viola M. Hopkins Gowin, was born March 9, 1924 in Whiting, Indiana. She was married about 1946 to Joe Holcy.

Fern Catherine Gowin, daughter of Jessie Singleton Gowin and Viola M. Hopkins Gowin, was born February 25, 1927 in Lawrence County. She was married about 1947 to Cash Miller, according to the research of Donna Vee Gowin Johnston.

Grace Lorraine Gowin, daughter of Jessie Singleton Gowin and Viola M. Hopkins Gowin, was born January 3, 1930 in Lawrence County. She was married about 1951 to Clinton Cafin.

Bessie Maria Gowin, daughter of Jessie Singleton Gowin and Viola M. Hopkins Gowin, was born March 18, 1932 in Crawford County. She died January 12, 1933 and was buried in the Whitehouse Cemetery.

Jessie Eugene Gowin, son of Jessie Singleton Gowin and Viola M. Hopkins Gowin, was born November 20, 1933 in Crawford County. He was married about 1956, wife's name Bessie. In 1983 he was farming the land that Shadrack Gowin settled on in the 1830s. Children born to Jessie Eugene Gowin and Bessie Gowin are unknown.

Carolyn Lee Gowin, twin daughter of Jessie Singleton Gowin and Viola M. Hopkins Gowin, was born May 15, 1943 in Lawrence County. She died the same day.

Carol Dee Gowin, twin daughter of Jessie Singleton Gowin and Viola M. Hopkins Gowin, was born May 15, 1943 in Lawrence County. She died the same day.

Walter Leroy Gowin, son daughter of Jessie Singleton Gowin and Viola M. Hopkins Gowin, was born February 12, 1945 in Lawrence County

Lester D. Gowin, son of Lewis Samuel Gowin and Mariah D. Kimmel Gowin. was born in December 1905. He was married about 1928, wife's name Anna M. who was born in 1903. In 1962 they lived in Lakeland, Florida. He died in 1967 and was buried in Whitehouse Cemetery. No children were born to them.

Zilphia V. Gowin, daughter of Lewis Samuel Gowin and Mariah D. Kimmel Gowin. was born December 26, 1909 in Lawrence County. She was married about 1930 to Cash Miller. She died June 30, 1943 and was buried in Whitehouse Cemetery. No children were born to them.

Violet Catherine Gowin, daughter of Lewis Samuel Gowin and Mariah D. Kimmel Gowin. was born September 12, 1915 in Lawrence County. She died at age six October 11, 1921 and was buried in Whitehouse Cemetery.

Margaret Gowin, daughter of Shadrack Gowin and Polly Bass Gowin, was born about 1830 in Wilson County. She was married about 1849 to Henry Murray.

Children born to them include:

Shadrack Murray born about 1853

Drury "Dude" Murray born in May 1863\

Lydia S. "Siddie" Gowin, daughter of Shadrack Gowin and Polly Bass Gowin, was born about 1834 in Illinois

William E. Gowin, son of Shadrack Gowin and Polly Bass Gowin, was born about 1836. He was married about 1849, wife's name Rachel.

Samuel T. Gowin, son of Shadrack Gowin and Polly Bass Gowin, was born in September 1837. He was married in Lawrence County, Illinois March 18, 1868 to Susan Ann Stout. She was born about 1841 in Marion County, Illinois to Abraham Stout and Elizabeth Stout.

Children born to Samuel T. Gowin and Susan Ann Stout Gowin include:

Mary Elizabeth Gowin born about 1861

Adeline Gowin born about 1864

Drury "Dude" Gowin born about 1866

Samantha J. Gowin born about 1868

Ezekiel "Zeke" Gowin born in September 1871

Nora Gowin born November 16, 1879

Mary Elizabeth Gowin, daughter of Samuel T. Gowin and Susan Ann Stout Gowin, was born about 1861 in Sumner, Illinois in Lawrence County. She was married October 9, 1880 to James A. Crawford.

Adeline Gowin, daughter of Samuel T. Gowin and Susan Ann Stout Gowin, was born about 1866 near Sumner.

Drury "Dude" Gowin, son of Samuel T. Gowin and Susan Ann Stout Gowin, was born about 1866 at Sumner. He was married to Elvira Rigley in 1887 in Lawrence County. Children born to Drury "Dude" Gowin and Elvira Rigley Gowin are unknown.

Samantha J. Gowin, daughter of Samuel T. Gowin and Susan Ann Stout Gowin, was born about 1868 near Sumner. She was married to Walt Stoltz in 1887 in Lawrence County.

Ezekiel "Zeke" Gowin, son of Samuel T. Gowin and Susan Ann Stout Gowin, was born in September 1871 in Petty township in Lawrence County. . He was married about 1894 to Elizabeth Perkins, daughter of William Perkins and Elizabeth Stiver Perkins, who was born in July 1879.

Children born to Ezekiel "Zeke" Gowin and Elizabeth Perkins Gowin include:

Delbert Gowin born in October 1898

Nora Gowin, daughter of Samuel T. Gowin and Susan Ann Stout Gowin, was born November 16, 1879 in Christy township.

Hezekiah M. Gowin, son of Shadrack Gowin and Mary "Polly" Bass Gowin, was born in October 1840 in Crawford County, Illinois. He was married about 1866 to Margaret Herrin. She was born about 1843 in Park County in Park County, Illinois and died about 1880. He was remarried to Elizabeth Herrin, regarded as a sister.

He was enumerated in the 1880 census of Richland County, Illinois, Enumeration District 169, page 2, Claremont Township:

"Gowin, Hezakier 39, born in Illinois

E. Isabell 38, born in Illinois

James F. 13, born in Illinois

Sarah A. 10, born in Illinois

John E. 6, born in Illinois

Emma R. 4, born in Illinois

Elexander 2, born in Illinois"

At least one child was born to them before they were divorced about 1900. He was remarried August 22, 1901 was to Mary Ann Sails, the daughter of James Sails and Margaret Ann Privet

Sails. She was born in 1842 in Gibson County, Indiana. It was his third marriage and her fourth. His fourth marriage on June 15, 1903 was to Ardelia Cardwell Mink, daughter of Vance Cardwell and Fannie Cardwell. She was born in January 1842 in Smith County, Tennessee and died September 25, 1916. She was buried in Sumner Cemetery. Children born to Mary Sails Gowin and to Ardella Mink Gowin are unknown.

Nine Children were born to Hezekiah M. Gowin and and his wives:

James F. Gowin born about 1867

Sarah Alice Gowin born in June 1870

John E. Gowin born in August 1873

Emma R. Gowin born in May 1876

Alexander Gowin born in April 1880

[child] born about 1884

[child] born about 1886

[child] born about 1889

[child] born about 1892

Children born to Hezekiah M. Gowin and Elizabeth Herring Gowin include:

Hannah Cleora Gowin born May 27, 1900

James F. Gowin, son of Hezekiah M. Gowin and Margaret Herrin Gowin, was born about 1867. He was married September 14, 1892 to Minnie E. Doan in Richland County, Illinois. He died in 1941 and was buried in Haven Hill Cemetery. Children born to James F. Gowin and Minnie E. Doan Gowin are unknown.

Sarah Alice Gowin, daughter of Hezekiah M. Gowin and Margaret Herrin Gowin, was born in June 1870. She was married August 2, 1888 to Jesse E. Sanders in Richland County. They were divorced after the birth of one child:

Frankie Sanders born in July 1899

John E. Gowin, son of Hezekiah M. Gowin and Margaret Herrin Gowin, was born August 6, 1873, according to the 1880 census. He was married about 1896, wife's name Mary who was born in July 1880 in Illinois. On November 13, 1919, he was remarried to Saidie Singer, daughter of Walter Singer and Bell Broadstone Singer, who was born about 1924 in Peneda, Indiana. Children born to John E. Gowin, Mary Gowin and Sadie Singer Gowin are unknown.

Emma R. Gowin, daughter of Hezekiah M. Gowin and Margaret Herrin Gowin, was born in May 1876. She was married about 1896 to Charles Ham and lived in Indiana.

Children born to them include:

Raymond Ham born in November 1894

Roy W. Ham born in February 1898

Alexander Gowin, son of Hezekiah M. Gowin and Margaret Herrin Gowin, was born in April 30, 1878 in Lukin township, according to the research of Donna Vee Gowin Johnston. He was married July 1, 1900 to Evaline Hudson. Children born to Alexander Gowin and Evaline Hudson Gowin are unknown.

A child, name unknown, was born to Hezekiah M. Gowin and Margaret Herrin Gowin, was born about 1883.

A child, name unknown, was born to Hezekiah M. Gowin and Margaret Herrin Gowin, was born about 1886.

A child, name unknown, was born to Hezekiah M. Gowin and Margaret Herrin Gowin, was born about 1889.

A child, name unknown, was born to Hezekiah M. Gowin and Margaret Herrin Gowin, was born about 1892.

Hannah Cleora Gowin, daughter of Hezekiah M. Gowin and Elizabeth Herrin Gowin, was born May 27, 1900 in Sumner. She was married about 1920 to Samuel S. Allen.

==O==

Mary Gowin was born about 1795 in Virginia. About 1820, she was married to George Midgett as his second wife. They appeared in the 1820 census of Wilson County without children. Four children appeared on the 1830 Wilson County enumeration.

They removed to Crawford County, Illinois where George Midgett died in 1846, naming their four children in his will which was recorded in Crawford County Will Book 1, page 122:

In the name of God Amen.

I George Midgett of Crawford county and State of Illinois. being in good health and of a sane mind but well knowing I must resign this fleeting breath, I comment my spirit to the God who gave it and my body to be decently interred.

Next I do will that my debts be hereafter discharge after which I will and desire that mv wife Mary Midgett shall have and possess all my property, both real and personal during her natural life or while she remains my widow. After her death or if she should remarry, then I do will and desire that a fair and assigned division of all the remaining property both real and personal shall be made by these children here mentioned, Viz; Stephen C. Midgett, Joseph Midgett, James A. Midgett, & Martha Midgett and I also do will that no Courts in these United States shall have any cognasence or jurisdiction on the settlement of this my last will except the recording of this my will the better to secure its execution, best that Mary MIdgett mv wife be sole executioner of this my last will and revoking all others.

I have this my last will and testament given under my hand and seals this tenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three.

George [X] Midgett

Attest:

John Dollahan

Mary [X] Midgett"

She and her family appeared there in the 1850 census. Later she and part of her children removed to Wabash County, Illinois. Children born to them include:

Stephen C. Midgett born about 1821

Joseph A. Midgett born December 7, 1822

James A. Midgett born about 1824

Martha Midgett born August 16, 1828

Stephen C. Midgett, son of George Midgett and Mary Gowin Midgett, was born about 1821 in Tennessee.

Joseph A. Midgett, son of George Midgett and Mary Gowin Midgett, was born December 7, 1822 in Tennessee. He was married about 1845 to Marianna Highsmith. He was remarried to Elizabeth E. Carter and married third to Millie J. Clark Neal.

James A. Midgett, son of George Midgett and Mary Gowin Midgett, was born about 1824 in Tennessee. He was married about 1849 to Harriet Clayton.

Martha Midgett, daughter George Midgett and Mary Gowin Midgett, was born in Tennessee about 1827. She was married about 1847 to Thomas T. Rich.

==O==

Delilah Gowin, born December 20, 1800 in Tennessee, was married September 21, 1820 to James Dunsmore in Lebanon, Tennessee in Wilson County with Shadrack Gowin as surety. James Dunsmore was born in North Carolina about 1800. They did a lot of moving: 1826, Grainger County tax list, Capt. Andrew Eaton's company; 1829, daughter born in Tennessee; 1835, son born in Virginia; 1846, lived in Rockcastle County, Kentucky; and in 1850, enumerated in Hancock County, Tennessee. Delilah Gowin Dunsmore died there October 18, 1859 and was buried in McGinnis Cemetery.

Children born to them include:

Martha J. Dunsmore born Sept. 13, 1826

John Dunsmore born about 1829

Manerva F. Dunsmore born July 3, 1835

Martha J. Dunsmore, daughter of James Dunsmore and Delilah Gowin Dunsmore, was born September 13, 1826. She was married to James McGinnis June 28, 1846 in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. He was born March 30, 1822 and died August 20, 1864 at Macon, Georgia from Civil War wounds. She died December 21, 1907 and was buried in the McGinnis Cemetery. Six children were born to them.

John Dunsmore, son of James Dunsmore and Delilah Gowin Dunsmore, was born about 1829 in Tennessee.

Manerva F. Dunsmore, daughter of James Dunsmore and Delilah Gowin Dunsmore, was born June 3, 1835 in Virginia. She was married about 1852, husband's name Barbre. She died January 31, 1912.

==O==

Ella Nora Gowins, daughter of Nathan Gowins and Nancy Ann Lee[?] Gowins was born August 6, 1876 in Illinois, probably Jersey County. She was married June 21, 1893 in Jerseyville, Illinois to Isaac Newton Gettings who was born April 12, 1865, according to Diane Lee Stark Thurman, a Gowins researcher of Wichita, Kansas. She reported that he was born in Otterville, Illinois to Ozias Denton Gettings and Rebecca Ann Allen Gettings.

Ella Nora Gowins Gettings died December 6, 1953 and was buried in Vahlia Memorial Gardens in Otterville, Illinois. He died February 16, 1955 and was buried beside his wife.

Children born to them include:

William A. Gettings born October 29, 1896

James Newton Gettings born June 21, 1906

Ione Gettings born July 17, 1900

==O==

Paris Gowins was born about 1830, place and parents unknown. He was married about 1855 "to a Miss Patton," according to the research of Diane Lee Stark Thurman. In 1863 they lived in Illinois, probably Jersey County.

Children born to them include:

Minnie Augusta Gowins born in 1863

Minnie Augusta Gowins, daughter of Paris Gowins, was born in 1863 in Illinois, probably Jersey County. She was married in 1882 to Robert Allen Gettings, son of Ozias Denton Gettings and Rebecca Ann Allen Gettubgs, who was born in Tennessee July 16, 1860. They continued in Jersey County until about 1900 when they moved to St. Charles County, Missouri. In 1903, they were living in Logan County, Oklahoma. Minnie Augusta Gowins Gettings died April 9, 1905 in Longdale, Oklahoma, and Robert Allen Gettings died in Okeene, Oklahoma March 16, 1947.

Children born to them include:

Myrtle Ann Gettings born January 28, 1884

Pearl A. Gettings born September 18, 1885

Marie Gettings born about 1887

Cecil Clark Gettings born June 11, 1888

Daisy Gettings born in 1889

William McKinley Gettings born May 25, 1890

Newton Allen Gettings born about 1895

Dorothy Opal Gettings born December 25, 1903

[daughter] born about 1905

Dorothy Opal Gettings, daughter of Robert Allen Gettings and Minnie August Gowins Gettings, was born December 25, 1903 at Guthrie, Oklahoma. She was married September 14, 1931 at Taloga, Oklahoma to Asa Bryant Thurman. She died January 24, 1970 at Wichita, Kansas and was buried at Elk Falls, Kansas.

Children born to them include:

James Robert Thurman born January 9, 1933

James Robert Thurman, son of Asa Bryant Thurman and Dorothy Opal Gettings Thurman, was born January 9, 1933 at Canton, Oklahoma. He was married August 8, 1958 to Dianne Lee Stark. In 1991 they lived in Wichita, Kansas.

==O==

David Goens was married August 22, 1850 to Mary Ann Simmers, according to "Rockingham County Marriages, 1682-1850." Children born to David Goens and Mary Ann Simmers Goens are unknown.

==O==

David Goens was married October 31, 1850 to Phebe Ellen Ralston by Jacob Bachtell, minister, according to "Rockingham County, Virginia Marriages 1682-1850" Of David Goens and Phebe Ellen Ralston Goins nothing more is known.

==O==

Nineteen-year-old William Going and his First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line got off to a bad start when they began taking on the British Redcoats in the Revolutionary War [Newsletter, September 1997]. In his first encounter, the bloody Battle of Guilford Courthouse, the fighting raged all day, back and forth, in the cornfields north of present-day Greensboro, North Carolina.

The two armies, the Americans under Gen. Nathanael Greene and the British under Gen. Charles Lord Cornwallis, fought to a standstill on March 15, 1781, and casualties were heavy on each side. Each had to withdraw, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. New Garden Monthly Meeting, a Quaker church stood just west of the battlefield, and as soon as the firing ceased, the church building became a hospital. Churchmembers went to the scene of the carnage and brought the wounded, both British and American, to the church and began to bind up their wounds.

A month later, Gen. Greene had his reduced army of only 840 men facing Lord Rawdon in the Second Battle of Camden, South Carolina. Rawdon made a surprise attack on Greene April 19, 1781, inflicting 271 casualties and driving him from the field. The persistent Greene summed up the situation, "We fight, get beaten and fight again!"

William Going survived both of the disastrous battles as well as the subsequent campaign in South Carolina. Following the end of the war at Yorktown, he was discharged in South Carolina and walked back home to Henry County, Virginia.

William Going, a Melungeon/mulatto, was born September 13, 1761 in Rockingham County, Virginia. He stated that his date of birth was recorded in his family bible which was given to him by his father, name unknown. When he was very young, his family removed to Henry County, according to his Revolutionary pension application. He enlisted there under Capt. Shaw in the Virginia Continental Line.

He stated that he fought in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse and in the Second Battle of Camden. He marched to Salisbury, North Carolina, and continued southward, crossing the Dan River, the Yadkin River, the Catawba River, the Broad River, the Tyger River, the Enoree River and the Saluda River. His regiment joined the troops of Gen. Greene in the Siege of Ninety-six. He stated that he saw "Col. Washington and Col. Lee." He was discharged near Broad River. He stated that he "served with Manuel Hill of Stokes County, North Carolina and Joel Blankit of Patrick County." For his military service he received Bounty Land Warrant No. 26870-160-55.

When Patrick County was organized from Henry County in 1790, the Going land lay in the new county, according to "Genealogical Abstracts of Revolutionary War Pension Files" by Virgil D. White. He was married to Mary "Polly" Overman February 17, 1802 by John Nunn, M. G, according to Patrick County, Virginia Marriages, 1791-1850." Thomas Beasley was surety. Benjamin Haile was a witness. The bride was born about 1775.

William Going appeared in the tax records of Patrick County from 1798 through 1817. In 1814, he appeared as a taxpayer there, but a notation on the tax roll showed his residence "in North Carolina on Little Dan River." It appears that he sold his Virginia land about 1817.

William Going and William Going, Jr. were listed as heads of households in the 1810 tax list of Patrick County as reproduced in "A Supplement to the 1810 Census of Virginia." The two are not regarded as father-and-son. The enumerator probably appended "Jr." to designate the younger of the two.

In 1824, William Going removed to adjoining Surry County, North Carolina. William Going received a land grant in Surry County in February 1834. On February 12, 1834, while continuing there he applied for a Revolutionary pension at age 74, which was granted. He received $20 per year.

William Going was enumerated as the head of Household No. 275 in the 1840 census of Surry County:

"Going, William free colored male 55-100

free colored female 55-100"

The enumerator noted on the census form that he was "78 and drawing a pension for Revolutionary War military service."

Surrounding this household were those of their children: "Elizabeth Goings, No. 270; William Going, No. 273; Morgum Going, No. 274; Woodson Going, No. 276 and George Going, No. 290."

It is believed that William Going died about 1842 in Surry County. After his death, Mary "Polly" Overman Going returned to Patrick County. She was enumerated there in the 1850 census as the head of Household 660-699:

"Going, Mary 75, born in Virginia

Catherine 35, born in Virginia"

On May 23, 1853, she applied there for a pension at age 78. Mary "Polly" Overman Going received a widow's pension, No. W7546, March 30, 1855, at age 80 while living in Patrick County.

A notation by Virgil D. White reveals that "there were some family records on a sheet which was too dark to read on this film, see National Archives Series M804, Roll No. 1087 for entire file."

Children born to William Going and Mary "Polly" Overman Going include:

William Going, Jr. born about 1802

Woodson Going born November 2, 1803

Morgan Going born July 17, 1805

Ruckerson Going born about 1808

George W. Going born about 1810

Catherine Going born about 1815

William Going, Jr, son of William Going and Mary "Polly" Going, was born about 1802. Woodson Going, son of William Going and Mary "Polly" Overman Going, was born November 2, 1803, probably in Patrick County.

Woodson Going, "free colored," was recorded as the head of a household 276 in the 1840 census of Surry County, North Carolina, page 65:

"Going, Woodson free colored male 36-55

free colored female 24-36

free colored male

free colored female"

"Woodson Gowen" was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1850 census of Surry County, Household 216-216:

"Gowen, Woodson 47, born in NC

Martha 45, born in NC

William 14, born in NC

Letha 12, born in NC

Martha 10, born in NC

Samuel 8, born in NC

Eliza 5, born in NC

Filitha 3, born in NC

Franklin 1, born in NC"

Children born to Woodson Going and Martha Going include:

William Going born about 1836

Letha Going born about 1838

Martha Going born about 1840

Samuel Going born about 1842

Eliza Going born about 1845

Filitha Going born about 1848

Franklin Going born about 1849

Morgan Going, son of William Going and Mary "Polly" Overman Going, was born July 17, 1805, probably in Patrick County.

Morgan Going was married September 24, 1828 to Kerry Love, according to "Surry County Marriage Bonds, 1780-1868." Peter Norman was the bondsman. One researcher showed the bride's name as Kerry Lane.

Morgan Going, "free colored," was enumerated as the head of Household No. 274 in the 1840 census of Surry County, page 65:

"Going, Morgan free colored male 24-36

free colored female 24-36

free colored male 10-24"

Morgan Going was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1850 census of adjoining Patrick County, Virginia, page 396.

Children born to Morgan Going and Kerry Love Going are include:

William Hardin Goings born about 1830

William Hardin Goings, son of Morgan Going and Kerry Love Going, was born about 1830. "William H. Going" was married "January 25, 1853" [18544?] to Mary Kimbell by Wright Johnson, according to "Surry County Marriage Bonds, 1780-1868." The license was obtained January 10, 1854. Allgius Dunnagan was bondsman.

Children born to William Hardin Goings and Mary "Polly" Kimbell/Kimball Goings include:

William Morgan Goings born about 1856

William Morgan Goings, son of William Hardin Goings and Mary "Polly" Kimbell/Kimball Goings, was born in Patrick County about 1856, according to the research of Janice Goings. He was married about 1886 to Christine Philena Atkins.

Children born to William Morgan Goings and Christine Philene Atkins Goings include:

David Alexander Goings born about 1890

Another individual by the name of Morgan Going was enumerated in the 1850 census of Patrick County as the head of Household 673-712:

"Going, Morgan 38, born in VA, laborer

Casey 37, born in NC

William 20, born in VA

Reynolds, Hannah 27, born in VA"

Morgan Going was married April 5, 1862 to Sally Beasley April 5, 1862 by J. Gray, justice of the peace, according to "Surry County Marriage Bonds, 1780-1868." William Gilmer was surety. Children born to Morgan Going and Sally Beasley Goin are unknown.

Later in 1862, "James Goen" was married to Elizabeth Beasley, according to "Surry County Marriage Bonds, 1780-1868." On February 6, 1846, Jonathan Henry Gowen was married to Hannah Beasley, according to "Surry County Marriage Bonds, 1780-1868."

Children born to Morgan Going and Sally Beasley Goin are unknown.

Ruckerson Going, son of William Going and Mary "Polly" Going, was born about 1808 in Surry County. He was married about 1831, wife's name Rachel. They were enumerated in the 1850 census of Patrick County, Virginia as the heads of Household 606-640:

"Going, Rukerson 40, born in NC, blacksmith

Rachel 48, born in VA

Henry 17, laborer, born in VA

James 15, born in VA

George 13, born in VA

Morgan S. 9, born in VA

Susanah 8, born in VA"

Children born to Ruckerson Goin and Rachel Going include:

Henry Going born about 1833

James Going born about 1835

George Going born about 1837

Morgan S. Going born about 1841

Susannah Going born about 1842

Morgan S. Going, son of Ruckerson Going and Rachel Going, was born about 1833 in Patrick County. He was married there March 15, 1879 to F. Bowman, "daughter of J. Bowman and B. Bowman." Morgan S. Going was remarried January 14, 1891 to Mrs. Susan Belton Elliott, a widow in Patrick County. She was the daughter of T. Belton and Mary Belton.

George W. Going, son of William Going and Mary "Polly" Going, was born about 1810 in Patrick County. He was married about 1840 to Sarah "Sally" King. George W. Going was enumerated as the head of Household 672-711 in the 1850 census of Patrick County:

Going, George W. 40, born in VA, laborer

Sally 30, born in VA

Catherine 9, born in NC

Jefferson 7, born in VA

Allen 5, born in VA

Morgan 3, born in VA

Mary 1, born in VA"

Children born to George W. Going and Sarah "Sally" King Going include:

Catherine Going born about 1840

Jefferson F. Going born October 10, 1841

Allen Going born about 1843

Morgan Going born in March 1847

Mary Going born about 1849

Jefferson F. Going, son of George W. Going and Sarah "Sally" King Going, was born October 10, 1841 in Surry County. He was married to Martha A. McKinney October 23, 1869 in Stokes County, North Carolina. She was born June 9, 1849 to Lucy McKinney. He enlisted in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, but later deserted, according to Austin Dakota Holt.

Jefferson F. Going was enumerated in the 1900 census of Stokes County, page 981 as the head of Household 183-185 in the Quaker Gap area. Martha A. McKinney Going died there March 29, 1908. Jefferson F. Going died February 24, 1922 and was buried beside his wife in Dan River Baptist Church Cemetery.

Children born to Jefferson F. Going and Martha A. McKinney Going include:

Avery S. Going born about 1871 [daughter]

Daniel Going born in 1872

Delila Going born in 1873

James Going born in 1874

Andrew J. Going born in 1875

Spicy Going born in 1876

Reid Sanders Going born March 22, 1877

Rada Going born in 1879 [son]

Millard Going born in 1882

Lara B. Going born in 1883

Martha E. Going born in 1884

Mary H. Going born in 1886

David Allen Going born September 27, 1888

Eliza E. Going born in 1890

Rufus R. Going born in 1892

Allen Going, son of George W. Going and Sarah "Sally" King Going, was born about 1843.

Morgan Going, son of George W. Going and Sarah "Sally" King Going, was born in March 1847, probably in Patrick County, according to Austin Dakota Holt. He was married August 30, 1865 to Mrs. Nancy Jane Willard Prewitt, a widow. She was born about 1836 to Luke Willard and Jency Nicholson Willard. Nancy Jane Willard Prewitt Going died July 1, 1917.

Morgan Going was remarried July 24, 1918 to Rosy Lee Flippen, daughter of Milton Flippen and Ruth Flippin in the Quaker Gap community of Stokes County. The ceremony was performed by J. R. East, justice of the peace in the home of Laura S. McKinney. Witnesses, in addition to the hostess, were L. W. McKinney and E. R. McKinney.

Children born to Morgan Going and Nancy Jane Flippen Willard Going include:

George Robert Goins born in January 1872

George Robert Goins, son of Morgan Going and Nancy Jane Flippen Willard Going, was born in Stokes County in January 1872. He was married there to Martha Jane Owens July 13, 1892 by Rev. John H. Wright. She was born there in July 1868 to Floyd Owens and Mary Ann Collins Owens. Following the death of Martha Jane Owens Goins, George Robert Goins was remarried April 29, 1937 in Patrick County to Clara Pack. She was born there May 11, 1919 to Andrew Pack and Martha Pack. After the death of George Robert Goins, Clara Pack Goins was remarried there about 1945 to William Chester "Buck" Willard.

Children born to George Robert Goins and Martha Jane Owens Goins include:

[infant] born about 1893

Franklin G. Goins born November 2, 1894

Charley E. Goins born in September 1897

Eugene Goins born November 1, 1898

William Samuel Goins born December 6, 1906

Children born to George Robert Goins and Clara Pack Goins include:

Reid Goins born about 1939

Myrtle Goins born about 1942

Annie Mae Goins born about 1945

An unnamed infant, born to George Robert Goins and Martha Jane Owens Goins about 1893, died in infancy.

Franklin G. Goins, son of George Robert Goins and Martha Jane Owens Goins, was born November 2, 1894. He was married about 1919 to Ida Lee Fulp. She was born November 8, 1894 in Stokes County to Sidney Fulp and Lou Nunn Fulp. Ida Lee Fulp Goins died there August 16, 1890 and was buried in Big Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Stokes County.

Children born to Franklin G. Goins and Ida Lee Fulp Goins include:

Stacy Inez Goins born September 13, 1916

Paul Goins born about 1919

J. D. Goins born about 1928

Charley E. Goins, son of George Robert Goins and Martha Jane Owens Goins, was born in September 1897. He was married about 1920, wife's name Cora.

Children born to Charley E. Goins and Cora Goins include:

Elmer Goins born about 1922

Edgar Goins born about 1924

Eugene Goins, son of George Robert Goins and Martha Jane Owens Goins, was born November 1, 1898. He was married December 28, 1914 in Patrick County to Bettie Wood. Later Eugene Goins was remarried to Cora Wilson. Childreb born to Eugene Goins, Bettie Wood Goins and Cora Wilson Goins are unknown.

William Samuel Goins, son of George Robert Goins and Martha Jane Owens Goins, was born December 3, 1906. He was married March 24, 1927 in Patrick County to Verda Gammons. She was born about 1904 to William Gammons and Elizabeth Hooker Gammons. Verda Gammons Goins died in childbirth about 1937, and the baby died also. They were buried together with the infant in her arms, according to Austin Dakota Holt. On November 9, 1937 William Samuel Goins was remarried to Nellie Willard in Patrick County. She was the daughter of Robert Willard and Polly Holt Willard. William Samuel Goins and Nellie Willard Goins were divorced in the late 1950s. She died May 9, 1995 in Patrick County.

Children born to William Samuel Goins and Verda Gammons Goins include:

Virginia Mae Goins born April 30, 1927

[infant] born about 1929

Harry Goins [twin] born April 27, 1930

Carrie Goins [twin] born April 27, 1930

Rachel Goins born February 7, 1932

Mary Alice Goins born August 10, 1933

Amos Goins [twin] born April 8, 1935

Andy Goins [twin[ born April 8, 1935

[infant] born about 1937

Children born to William Samuel Goins and Nellie Willard Goins include:

Anna Laura Goins born about 1939

Frances Goins born about 1940

Iris Nellie Goins born about 1942

Shirley Goins born about 1945

Clyde Goins born about 1947

Charles Bobby Goins born June 29, 1949

Walter Randolph Goins born September 13, 1950

Jerry Goins born about 1953

Linda Faye Goins born about 1957

Virginia May Goins, daughter of William Samuel Goins and Verda Gammons Goins, was born April 30, 1927. She was married about 1947, husband's name Easter.

An infant was born to William Samuel Goins and Verda Gammons Goins about 1929 and died soon afterward.

Harry Goins, twin son of William Samuel Goins and Verda Gammons Goins, was born April 27, 1930 in Patrick County. He was married there May 13, 1950 to Lelia Pearl Holt. She was born there May 18, 1923 to Robert Holt and Little Beverly Holt. Lelia Pearl Holt Goins died of a brain tumor December 2, 1952. He did not remarry. He died January 17, 1997 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina while in a hospital undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.

Carrie Goins, twin daughter of William Samuel Goins and Verda Gammons Goins, was born in Patrick County April 27, 1930. She was married about 1946 to Millard Bowman. He was born there December 13, 1921 to Peter Bowman, Jr. and Emma Holt Bowman.

Rachel Goins, daughter of William Samuel Goins and Verda Gammons Goins, was born February 7, 1932 in Patrick County. She was married about 1950 to William Davis from Advance, North Carolina in Davey County. A few years after marriage, they removed to California.

Mary Alice Goins, daughter of William Samuel Goins and Verda Gammons Goins, was born August 10, 1933 in Patrick County. She was married December 17, 1949 in Stokes County to John Lawson at Walnut Cove, North Carolina. He was born March 12, 1929 in Patrick County to Frank Lawson and Susan Inman Lawson. Witness to the marriage were Harry Goins, her brother, Susie Flynn, mother of John Lawson and Frank Lawson.

Amos Goins, twin son of William Samuel Goins and Verda Gammons Goins, was born April 8, 1935.

Andy Goins, twin son of William Samuel Goins and Verda Gammons Goins, was born April 8, 1935 in Patrick County. He was married about 1958 to Linda Kootz. In 1997, they lived in Lexington, North Carolina. Children born to Andy Goins and Linda Kootz Goins are unknown.

An infant was born about 1937 to William Samuel Goins and Verda Gammons Goins. Both mother and baby died at its birth, and the two were buried together, the baby in its mother's arms.

Anna Laura Goins, daughter of William Samuel Goins and Nellie Willard Goins, was born about 1939. She was married about 1956 to Dewey Fain and lived in the Patrick Springs area. Dewey Fain died about 1996.

Frances Goins, daughter of William Samuel Goins and Nellie Willard Goins, was born about 1940. She was married about 1957 to Marvin Hughes in Patrick County.

Iris Nellie Goins, daughter of William Samuel Goins and Nellie Willard Goins, was born about 1942 in Patrick County. She was married December 14, 1959 to Amos Odell Holt in Stokes County. He was born August 3, 1936 in Patrick County to Robert Holt and Lottie Beverly Holt. Iris Nellie Goins Holt was divorced from Amos Odell Holt in Surry County in 1967. She was remarried to James Robert Heath, son of Thomas Heath and Crystal Taylor Heath April 11, 1969 in Surry County. James Robert Heath was killed in an automobile accident August 4, 1974 in Surry County. Iris Nellie Goins Holt Heath was remarried about 1977 in Surry County.

Shirley Goins, son of William Samuel Goins and Nellie Willard Goins, was born about 1945. She was married about 1965 to Ardith Dale "Dixie" Bowman. Children born to Shirley Goins and Ardith Dale "Dixie" Bowman Goins are unknown.

Clyde Goins, son of William Samuel Goins and Nellie Willard Goins, was born about 1947

Charles Bobby Goins, son of William Samuel Goins and Nellie Willard Goins, was born June 29, 1949.

Walter Randolph Goins, son of William Samuel Goins and Nellie Willard Goins, was born September 13, 1950. He was married to Bonnie Sue Edwards March 25, 1969 in Surry County. She was born in 1954. She was involved in an automobile accident in which her car hit a bridge. She lapsed into a coma and died in 1984. Children born to Walter Randolph Goins and Bonnie Sue Edwards Goins are unknown.

Linda Faye Goins, daughter of William Samuel Goins and Nellie Willard Goins, was born about 1957. She was married June 29, 1978 in Surry County. He was born January 9, 1959 in Patrick County to Leonard Fain and Myrtle Poe Fain.

Reid Goins, son of George Robert Goins and Clara Pack Goins, was born about 1939 in Patrick County.

Myrtle Goins, daughter of George Robert Goins and Clara Pack Goins, was born about 1942 in Patrick County.

Annie Mae Goins, daughter of George Robert Goins and Clara Pack Goins, was born about 1945.

==O==

Michael Goins was married August 26, 1828 to Susan Ailstock by Joseph Samuels, Sr, minister, according to "Rockingham County, Virginia Marriages 1778-1850." Children born to Michael Goins and Susan Ailstock Goins are unknown.

==O==

Philipdina Gowans was married August 14, 1823 to Abraham Deal, according to "Rockingham County, Virginia Marriages 1778-1850."

==O==

David Gowens, "free colored" was enumerated as the head of a household in the 1820 census of Rockingham County, page 136A:

"Gowens, David free colored male over 45

free colored female over 45

free colored female 26-45"

David Gowens did not reappear in the 1830 census of Rockingham County.

Descendant Researchers:

Lela "Mac" Gowin Buster, 230 Willowwood Road, Levelland, TX, 79336

Marian V. Davison, Rt. 1, Box 320, Ft. Gibson, OK, 74434

Juanita M. Gowin Ferguson, Rt. 1, Box 1379, Hamphill, TX, 75948, 409/625-4020

James Madison Gowin, Jr, 1075 Lovers Leap Road, Kingston Springs, TN, 37082,

William Gowin, Box 297, Olive Branch, IL, 62669

Martha Rand Hix, 13531 Norland Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78232

Austin Dakota Holt, 9516 Timberlake Rd, #211, Lynchburg, VA, 24502,

E-mail: [email protected]

Jessie Madge Corbin Howard, 717 4th Ave. N, Great Falls, MT, 59401, 406/453-5522

Donna Vee Gowin Johnston, 1513 Westridge Terr, Casper, WY, 82684, 307/237-2631

Nancy Lytwyn, 4147 Kingshill Circle, Naperville, IL, 60564, 708/898-8734

Larry Austin May, 1540 Manor Drive, Salem, OH, 44460

Robert E. Midgett, 203 N. Main, Ravenwood, MO, 64479

Wilma Gowin Svenson, 101 Leahy Rd, Grass Valley, CA, 95945

J. Robert & Dianne Lee Stark Thurman, 3201 Wildflower Court, Wichita, KS, 67210,

E-mail: [email protected]

Mary Lewis Gowin Trostle, 4515 48th St, Lubbock, TX, 79414, 806/793-9101

RUSSELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA

Martin Going was listed in the 1810 tax list as a householder in Russell County. On March 20, 1810 he paid tax on one poll and two horses. He owned no slaves, according to "A Supplement to the 1810 Census of Virginia" by Nettie Schreiner-Yantis.

SCOTT COUNTY, VIRGINIA

Louisa Goins [Gains?] was married to Jacob K. Brown October 26, 1828, according to marriage records of Scott County.

SHENANDOAH COUNTY, VIRGINIA

Rachel Goans was married to John Hoop March 3, 1798. according to "Shenandoah County, Virginia Marriages, 1706-1850."

==O==

Henry Goings, regarded as the son of Michael Goings of Shenandoah County by Annette Miner, a descendant of Pharr, Texas, was born about 1769. He may have been a son of Michael Going who was listed in the 1785 tax list of Shenandoah County, according to Annette Miner.

Henry Goings was married July 19, 1792 to Lucy Blackwell, according to "Shenandoah County, Virginia Marriages, 1704-1850." In 1795 they lived in Hardy County, Virginia.

Henry Goings, "free colored" was listed as a taxpayer in the 1810 tax list of Hardy County, according to "A Supplement to the 1810 Census of Virginia" by Netti Schreiner‑Yantis. He paid a poll tax and a tax on two horses. Since Henry Goings was sometimes listed as "free colored" and sometimes "white," it is believed that he was a Mulungeon.

He reappeared in the 1820 census of Hardy County, page 86, as "white" and the head of a household:.

"Goins, Henry white male over 45"

white female over 45

white male 16‑26

white female 16‑26

white male 0‑10

~ white male 0‑10"

He did not reappear in the 1830 census of Hardy County. Annette Miner reports that children born to Henry Goings and Lacy Blackwell Goings are believed to include:

Shadrach Goings born about 1794

Michael Goings born about 1795

Jonas Goings born about 1796

Baldwin Goings born about 1802

Joseph Goings born about 1806

Shadrach Goings, son of Henry Goings and Lacy Blackwell Goings, was born about 1794. He was listed as a "blacksmith" in the 1820 census of Hardy County, page 86:

"Goins, Shedrick white male 26‑45

white female 16‑26

white male 10‑16

white female 0‑10

white female 0‑10"

He reappeared in the 1830 census of Hardy County, page 84:

"Goings, Shadrick white male 40-50

white female 20-30

white female 10‑15

white male 5‑10

white female 5‑10

white male 0‑5

white female 0‑5"

Michael Goings was born about 1788. He appeared as "free colored" in the 1810 tax list of Hardy County, according to "A Supplement to the 1810 Census of Virginia" by Netti Schreiner- Yantis. He paid a poll tax and a tax on two horses.

The household of "Michael Goins" appeared in the 1820 census of Hardy County, page 86, as:

"Goins, Michael white male 26‑45

white female 16‑26

white male 10‑16

white male 0‑10

white male 0‑10"

He reappeared in the 1830 census of Hardy County, page 84 as:

"Goings, Michael white male 30‑40

white female 30‑40

white female 20‑30

white male 15‑20

white female 15‑20

white male 10‑15

white female 10‑15

white male 0‑5

white male 0‑5"

Jonas Goings, son of Henry Goings and Lacy Blackwell Goings, was born about 1795. He was married about 1817 to Temperance Scott Howie, according to the research of Annette Miner.

He appeared as a "shewmaker," in the 1820 census of Hardy County, Page 85A as the head of a household:

"Goins, Jonas white male 16‑26

white female 16‑26

white male 0‑10

white female 0‑10"

He reappeared in the 1830 census of Hardy County, page 84 as the head of household:

"Goings, Jonas white male 30‑40

white female 30‑40

white male 10‑15

white female 5‑10

white male 0‑5

white female 0‑5

white female 0‑5"

Jonas Goings and Temperance Scott Howie Goings removed to Darke County, Ohio, then to Palestine, Indiana and finally to Greene County, Illinois. Children born to them are unknown.

Baldwin Goings, regarded as a son of Henry Goings and Lacy Blackwell Goings, was born about 1802. He appeared in the 1830 census of Hardy County, page 84 as the head of a household:

"Goings, Baldwin white male 20‑30

white female 30‑40

white male 10‑15

white female 5‑10

white male 0‑5

white female 0‑5

white female 0‑5"

Descendant Researchers:

Thomas Ladd, 2216 Wellesley Drive N, Bradenton, FL, 34207

Steve McKee, 11369 Road 11-J, Otttawa, OH, 45875, 419/538-6501

Annette Miner, 4809 N. Fourth St, McAllen, TX, 78504, [email protected]

Gene Goings, [email protected]

SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA

James Gowen was listed as the head of a household in the 1810 census of Southampton County, according to "Index to the 1810 Virginia Census" by Madeline W. Crickard.

STAFFORD COUNTY, VIRGINIA

Among ships "entering to inwards in Potomack District" from January 25, 1703 to September 29, 1703 was "the pink ship Josiah & Betty." She was "50 tons, built in Salem in 1689," according to "English Duplicates of Lost Virginia Records." Her master was Josiah Norvell, and her owners were "Mr. Henry Goan, Thomas Gowing and Edward Billing."

==O==

James Going and Alexander Going" appeared in Stafford County on Green's list of tithables in 1749. "James Going" registered to vote there in 1755.

==O==

Peter Going was married in Overwharton Parish to Mary Sullivant May 20, 1745, according to "Stafford County, Virginia Marriages, 1736-1850." Children born to Peter Going and Mary Sullivant Going are unknown.

SURRY COUNTY, VIRGINIA

James Gowan was named godfather to Stachan Niblett, son of Alexander and Jean Niblett March 21, 1762, according to "Albemarle Parish register of Surry & Sussex Counties, Virginia, 1717-1778" by John Bennett Bodie.

TAZEWELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA

Daniel Going was married to Lally Boling October 11, 1865 in Tazewell County, according to "Tazewell County, Virginia Annals, 1800-1922" by John Newton Harmon, Sr. Of Daniel Going and Lally Boling Going nothing more is known.

==O==

William H. Goins, a trustee of Mt. Pleasant Church received a deed of one-half acre of land in 1893, according to Tazewell County Deed Book 35, page 522.

==O==

Samuel Gowan was married in 1873 to Margaret Leedy, according to Tazewell County marriage records. Children born to Samuel Gowan and Margaret Leedy Gowan are unknown.

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