Dear Cousins

January 1999- August 1999

January 1999
Dear Cousins

I am a descendant of Nathaniel Gowin, bc1794 VA, and Sabra Midgett Gowin, bc1796 NC, through their daughter, Hester Gowin, b1825 TN. After Sabra died, Nathaniel was remarried to Silvia Wilcox in 1862, and they produced another family, which I believe, includes John F. Gowin, bc1862; Louisa, bc1864; Mary I, bc1867, m1882 Jasper Morgan; Francis, bc1870 and Marsilla, bc1872.

Nathaniel and Silvia were enumerated in the cs1870 of Jersey County, IL. Nathaniel died there in 1879, and Silvia was named as the head of a household in cs1880 there. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who is working on this second family of Nathaniel Gowin. Martha Howard Heinrichs, 1407 Hamilton Way, San Jose, CA, 95125, 408/265-7505, ichs@earthlink.net.

==Dear Cousins==

I wanted to pass along a piece of information I found over the weekend that might tie in to the article about George Washington Goings in the November Newsletter. In the book, "Rockingham County, NC Missing Marriage Bonds," Vol. 3 compiled by Don Hoover I found George W. Gowins and Elizabeth Partain married September 13, 1838. This is possibly the same couple who appeared in Surry County, NC and Carroll County, VA. Other researchers please confirm. Glennie S. Goins, 1285 Webb Lp, Madison, NC, 27025, 336/286-4516, goins@leaders.ccl.org.

==Dear Cousins==

I wanted to inform you of the death of my father, Wayne Ross Gowin, son of Lewis Oliva Gowin and Nettie Culbertson Gowin, who died January 23, 1999. His long fight with cancer is now over. Thank you for all the assistance the Foundation provided to him during the years he searched for his Gowin ancestors. Robert Wayne Gowin, 247 Sawgrass, Fayetteville, GA, 30215, 770/719-5225 GowinRob@usarc-emh2.army.mil.

==Dear Cousins==

Just wanted to tell you how much we enjoy the Foundation Manuscript on the Website. We haved learned so much by the vast amount of family information that has been assembled for our use online!

I am still looking for Nancy An Goins, Arlie's g-g-g-grandmother. Our only clues are from the family bible: William Dillard was married to Mary Jane Norris [Harris?] at the residence of "Dock Goins." Mary Jane's mother was Nancy An Goins. I found "Doctor Goins" in the cs1880 of Oregon Co, MO. Can anyone assemble this jigsaw puzzle? Arlie & Ionia Sipe, 2622 N. Walnut St, Tucson, AZ, 85712, 520/326-8637, imgs@uswest.net.

February 1999
Dear Cousins

      I am in search of information on Mary Goins, b1860 AR, m. Robert Sharp.  She d1927 in Kaufman Co, TX.  The cs1910 of Kaufman County enumerates Robert & Mary with seven living children: Ola, b1882; Alonzo & Lonnie, twins, b1886; Robert T. & William Pinkney, not twins, but born in the same year, 1892; Samuel, b1898 and Pugsey b1901.  Robert T. and Pugsey are said to have died from eating "crow's bait" by a creek, thinking it was wild onions.

      Mary told family members that Robert married her "straight off the reservation."  Robert died December 17, 1917.  He had taken a wagonload of cotton into town and sold it for $35.  He was followed by two men who ambushed him, robbed him and beat him to death.  He was buried in the County Cemetery at Athens, TX.  Any information on him or her would be greatly appreciated.  Shirley Hardee, 74 Sunny Gap Rd, Conway, AR, 72032, sah@cyberback.com.

                                             ==O==

      A big thank you for inserting my query in "Dear Cousins!"  I had an immediate response from Dr. C. C. Waldrep III of Yanceyville, NC.  He had information on the parents of my Henry Goings that I have been seeking f-o-r-e-v-e-r.

      This was my first contact with the Foundation, and it paid off BIG.  My membership is enclosed.  Sharon Miller, 5249 Onion Rd, Pylesville, MD, 21132, miller_sharon@phh.com.

                                             ==O==

      This letter is to notify you of the death of my mother, Evelyn Sandifer Hall of Shreveport on January 29.  Thank you for the pleasure and the assistance that the Foundation and its members gave to her in the pursuit of the family history which she enjoyed so much.  David Hall, 482 Merritt Rd, Benton, LA, 71006.

                                      ==Dear Cousins==

      The oldest Goings ancestor that I know of is my g-g-g-gf John Goings who was born in Virginia c1780.  He appeared in Ohio in 1820 and was enumerated in the 1830 census of Washington Co, IN,  He was recorded in the 1850 census of Iowa Co, IA at age 70, along with wife Catherine, age 50.  Other members of the household was son, George W, 30; his wife Susan, 22 and their daughter Nancy, 10 months. 

      I have been to the Iowa County courthouse and saw a bankruptcy paper filed about 1851 where his signature was an "X."  His will dated March 1853 listed his heir as George W. Goings.  I have reached a roadblock in finding out where in Virginia John Goings came from and who his parents were.  I would appreciate any help you can give.  Ronald S. Goings, 1717 Ridgevue Ave, Clifton Forge, VA, 540/862-7139, rjsp­kids@aol.com

                                      ==Dear Cousins==

      I recently read Dr. Brent Kennedy's book "The Melun­geons."  Coupled with the information the author provided and various physical traits I have observed in regard to my own family, plus the fact that they migrated from Spartanburg Co, SC to Neshoba Co, MS in 1840, leads me to believe that I may have a Melungeon heritage.

      My family has always, somewhat loosely, claimed a Scotch-Irish and Choctaw ancestry, but it seems to me to be more than that.  This is something that has haunted me all my life, and until I read "The Melungeons" I had nothing to tie my suspicions together.  I would be grateful for any information that anyone can share.  J. R. Willis, Rt. 8, Box 232, Carthage, MS, 39051-8814.

                                      ==Dear Cousins==

      Last Saturday we were coming home and passing our little local cemetery, we saw a sign that said "Eagle Meeting."  Be­ing curious, we drove down the pothole-filled drive, and at the end, in the cemetery we found a group of about 20 young men and women working furiously despite the cool weather and drizzle. 

      It was Boy Scout Troop 454 from Austin with their Scoutmaster Walter Roye and parents helping on an Eagle Project being done by Russell Yeager to survey the cemetery.  Russell was recording all the graves [names and dates] for a book to be placed in the Visitor's Center which is being built by the troop.  The data will also be sent to the Austin History Center as well as on their website. 

            This wonderfully worthwhile project which is being done by some fine young people is a good example that we as indi­viduals and institutions ought to emulate.  Linda Cooksey, 1060 White Oak Drive, Houston, TX, 77009-7566.

March 1999
Dear Cousins

I am in the process of trying to get the Goin families of Hamilton Co, Tennessee assembled into their correct family branch. All are descended from old Shadrack Goin of Hanover Co, VA and Patrick Co, VA. Five of his sons wound up in this area--Laborn/Laban Goin [my ancestor,] David Smith Goin, the Revolutionary soldier, Shadrack Goin [Jr.], Daniel Goin of Campbell Co, TN and Solomon Goin of Bradley Co, TN.

My problem is this: I have a cousin who was married to Grace Goan, daughter of Frank & Bessie Goan. His parents were Orville Rice Goan & Mary Elizabeth Hollen Goan. The father of Orville Rice Goan was Daniel Goan bc1816 in Jef-ferson Co, TN & Elizabeth Graham Goan. The father of Daniel Goan is Shadrack Goan of Jefferson Co, TN. I have found all of these in the census records in their respective families. No problem so far.

There are so many Shadracks that I am having a hard time separating them. Does anyone know which Shadrack this could be.? I know my ancestor Laborn Goin named one of his sons Shadrack. His brother Daniel had one named Shadrack also. His brother Solomon had one named Shadrack also. His brother, Shadrack, Jr. also had one named Shadrack. So there are at least 6 individuals with the name of Shadrack Goin in North Tennessee in the early 1800s.

I know that a lot of people think that the Goans in Jefferson Co, TN are from another family and do not stem from old Shadrack. But I am persuaded that they are just another branch of my family. The given names of every branch are identical and are repeated generation after generation. Does anyone have anything that would be helpful to a confused cousin? Louise Goins Dunn, 790 Dr. Johnson Road, Crandall, GA, 30711, 706/695-3679, Ggma105593@aol.com

==Dear Cousins==

I have created a Gowin Website hosted by Genweb, with the help of my computer buddies at the Family History Center here in Lincoln. Anyone who wishes may access it at:

http://www.genweb.net/gedcom/Gowin/Gowin.html. The website contains most of my Gowin ancestors, thanks to the Foundation, and particularly to Arlee Gowen who provided three generations in one exciting letter. Additionally James Crates of Kansas City and others have also helped immensely. This posting may help someone else as much as you have helped me. Francis Lloyd Gowin, 1742 Pepper Ave, Lincoln, NE, 68134, fg71015@navix.net.

==Dear Cousins==

I was directed to your Foundation today; what a terrific find!!! I found information about both my maternal and paternal families. Enclosed is my membership application!

The Gowen link provided me with very useful information. Quite by accident, I found myself looking at the word "Melungeon." I had been looking at the Kentucky Web, trying to locate the Gowens. No luck with that, but "Melungeon" piqued my curiosity. The rest is history.

I am descended from Charles Gowens b.1763, VA and Elizabeth Blair, mc1785. I am seeking info on David Gowens whom I regard as the father of Charles. I haven't been able to locate anything on Charles' parents and siblings; would appreciate any help.

I will furnish my research as a contribution to the Foundation files soon. I have a g-grandmother, Clara Romana who died at age 103 in Mills County, IA. The Foundation Website has answered several questions, which are sensitive to Clara's 94-year-old daughter. There were some things that were not open to discussion about Clara's heritage. Now when I speak to her about family, I will tread carefully. I find our heritage extremely interesting, thanks to the Foundation!!! Viola L. Lawrence, 43827 27th St, W, Lancaster, CA, 93536-5851, 661/945-2812, Flawr84722@aol.com.

==Dear Cousins==

The Portuguese Angolans [Newsletter, January 1999] who arrived at Jamestown in 1619 [not 1719, typo] are very interesting. I have a book that I bought in Jamestown which indicates that the 20-some-odd Angolans who arrived from the West Indies were not slaves. They were sold as indentured servants and were free to do as they pleased after their service. Evelyn McKinley Orr, 8310 Emmet St, Omaha, NE, 68134, jorre@juno.com.

==Dear Cousins==

I am looking for the parents of Edward Goins b1843 KY. He fled to Nebraska with two of his sisters, Ophelia Goins b1867 KY and Francis Goins b1875 KY, for their safety, sometime before 1880. They were enumerated in the 1880 census as mulattos living with his mother-in-law, Hannah Ford b1836 MO and his wife, Katie Ford Goins b1855 MO.

His father was white and had several children with his white wife. He also had many children with Edward's black mother. Edward was a barber. Only two of his children lived past childhood, Anna Mae Goins b1884 and Edward K. Goins b1885. Family legend has it that the two sets of children disliked each other, and there was attempted murder and murder between them. Thanks for any information you can share with me. Shelley Bush-Goins, 710 N. 800 W, #8, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116-2387, shelleybush@webtv.net

April 1999
Dear Cousins,

                I recently came across your Website, and I am interested to see if any of your researchers have records on John Goin of Gloucester, MA who was born May 2, 1780.  He was married to Sally Story March 16, 1806.  From a bible record con­tained in Gloucester Vital Records their children were: Han­nah, b1806; Sally, b1808; Mary G, b1810; Adeline, b1813; Ad­dison, b1815 and Lucy, b1817.  I am descended from Hannah Goin who was m1828 to Aaron Pool.  Thanks for any assis­tance you can give.  Richard Sherman, 2 Denbow Rd, Durham, NH, 03824-3103, rm­salp@worldnet.att.net.

                                      ==Dear Cousins==

                I'm searching for information on the following Arkansas Confederate soldiers: Pvt. William Goin, Co. A, 2nd Arkansas Infantry Regiment and Pvt. William Goings, Co. C & Co. I, Cocke's Regiment, Arkansas Infantry.

                I am attempting to connect my William Thomas Goin, b1838 KY to his parents who were born in GA.  Family lore indicates that William Thomas Goin was a Confederate soldier and was wounded during the war.  He was mc1870 Elizabeth Ann Cannon.  They had five known ch: twins, William Arthur and Willis Oscar, b1871; James Hunter, b1872, Anna Belle, b1876 [my grandmother] and Walter Lawrence, b1880.

                The first known record on William Thomas Goin is his listing in cs1870 Tarrant County, TX.  About 1890, he re­moved to Norman, OK Terr.  About 1895 he was near Okmul­gee, Creek Nation, Indian Terr.  He died about 1905 in Ellis County, OK Terr.  Jim Young, Route 3, Box 329-A, McAlester, OK, 74501, 928/423-4788, myoung@icok.net.

                                      ==Dear Cousins==

                I am researching the Goings family of Hardy County, VA [later WV].  My gggf Martin M. Goings was b1847 in VA and m1865 Jemima Gillenwater in Madison Co, OH.  Jemima died there in 1912, and he died there in 1926. 

                They had 10 ch: James Seymour, b1870; William Henry, bc1872; John Washington, b1874; Charles VanVert, b1876; Mahala, b1877; Noah Solomon, b1879; Cora May, b1883; Laura Belle, b1884; Nellie Mae, b1886 and Frank Ellison, b1893.

                We have a photo of Martin M. Goings standing beside the tombstone of his mother which is inscribed "Mahala, widow of S. Goings, died 1861, age 60 years."  My aunt, Betty Morett of Springfield, OH has extensive  in­formation on our family which we are willing to share with any researcher. David W. Goings, 329 Lyonnaise Drive, Creve Cour, MO, 63141, 314/205-9792, dwgoings@webtv.net.

                                      ==Dear Cousins==

                I have received a copy of a letter written in 1968 by Mrs. Freddie N. Tyer, daughter of J. D. Nelson, to a Mrs. Yowell stating that the William Goins family came to Louisiana from Bladen County, North Carolina before 1812.  According to this information, they settled along the road somewhere be­tween Bladen County and Nashville, Tennessee.

                There the Goins family met Hugh Nelson and his family.  Nelson's wife died after three children were born to them: Aaron Nelson, Robert Nelson and Charlotte Nelson.  Charlotte Nelson was later married to William Moses Goins, and they moved to Opelousas, Louisiana. 

                This was before Louisiana was divided into parishes.  Fan­nie Goins, sister to William Moses Goins, was married to Aaron Nelson.  Robert Nelson was married at Johnson's Bayou about 1832.  Later he went to Orange County, Texas and fought in the Mexican War.  He left his wife in Orange County.  Later she returned to Louisiana and was married to Isaac Perkins.  They lived on Bearhead Creek in Louisiana and raised a big family.

                Joshua Goins is a son of William Moses Goins.  Joshua Goins, Jr. was Mrs. Yowell's grandfather, according to the information included in Mrs. Tyer's letter to Mrs. Yowell.  I would like to know if any researcher has a census record of the Goins family from Bladen County, NC before they moved away.  No one seems to be able to prove conclusively the names of the parents of William Moses Goins.  Can anyone help?  Willie Dell Weaver, 151 John Burns Rd, Leesville, LA, 71446, 318/239-6606, williedell@yahoo.com.

                                      ==Dear Cousins==

                Daniel Gowen, of Fairfield County, SC and one of the five Gowen brothers who served in the American Revolution, named seven children in his will.  Hugh Gowen, his eldest son from whom I descend, was married to Nancy Fogg.  She and Hugh had nine children, five girls and four boys.  They are listed as pioneers of Butts County, GA where they lived for some 20 years.  After several way stops in Georgia, they spent their final years in Pike County, AL.  I have a lot of questions for any researcher who is actively pursuing this line.  William J. Wolfe, 1600 Dover Drive, Newport Beach, CA, 92660-4419, beetle72@aol.com.