Mary Jane Gowen, [William Benjamin8, Wil

Mary Jane Gowen, [William Benjamin8, William, Jr.7, Lt. William6, John5, William4, William3, Thomas2, Mihil1], daughter of William Benjamin Gowen and Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Nunley Gowen, was born in 1848, probably in Davidson County and probably in September. It is believed that her middle name was in honor of her grandmother, Jane Nunley. She appeared as a one-year-old in the 1850 census return of the household of her maternal grandfather taken in Grundy County, Tennessee on September 6, 1850, and she reappeared in the same census of Davidson County on September 9, 1850 as a two-year-old in her father's household.

She was enumerated as an 11-year-old in her father's household in the 1860 census of Grundy County. She did not appear in his 1880 enumeration nor in his probate in 1881, suggesting that she had died prior to this time.

Eliza C. Gowen, daughter of William Benjamin Gowen and Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Nunley Gowen, was born in 1850, probably in Davidson County where she appeared in the census of that year in her father's household as a one-year-old. She did not appear in the 1860 census of her father's household suggesting that she was away on a visit. "Eliza Gowen, 26" was listed in the 1880 census report of her father's household in Madison County, Alabama.

She appeared in the probate records of her father October 19, 1881 as a member of his household. On August 14, 1884 Eliza C. Gowen, at age 36, was married to W. C. Berry, according to Madison County, Alabama Marriage Book 13, page 407. Both were residents of the county at that time. B. P. Hunt appeared as bondsman.

Apparently Sina Catherine Bradshaw [Harris?] Gowen, her father's widow, died in 1900, and Eliza C. Gowen Berry, as the oldest child in Alabama residence, was nominated to succeed in the administration of her father's will. However, it is believed that W. C. Berry died about June 1900 and that Eliza C. Gowen Berry declined to accept the post.

After the death of her husband she continued to operate a farm near Alabama City, in Etowah County, Alabama. She was killed in a fall from a horse about 1901. [She died of pneumonia, according to Nannie Belle Powers Berry, her daughter-in-law.]

Their only son then went to the household of his aunt Manerva Ann Gowen Riddick to live.

James Gowen Berry, son of W. C. Berry and Eliza C. Gowen Berry, was born March 15, 1886 in Madison County. When he was orphaned by the death of both of his parents he went to live with his aunt Manerva Ann Gowen Riddick about 1901. On December 31, 1908 he sold his interest in the inheritance from William Benjamin Gowen to Manerva Ann Gowen Riddick for $75, according to Madison County Deed Book 97, page 564.

On January 3, 1910 he was married, probably in Madison County, to Nannie Belle Powers. She was born August 4, 1887 in Madison County. He died June 7, 1932. Nannie Belle Powers Berry in April 1973 lived in Big Spring Manor, Huntsville, Alabama after undergoing a leg amputation. She continued there in June 1982 when visited by Arlee Claud Gowen.

Thomas Houston Berry, son of James Gowen Berry and Nannie Belle Powers Berry, was born about 1921. He died as a result of injuries received in a motorcycle accident in June 1982.

Sarah Burleson "Sallie" Gowen, daughter of William Benjamin Gowen and Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Nunley Gowen, was born February 14, 1851, probably at Pelham, Tennessee, in Grundy County. She appeared in the 1860 census of Grundy County in her father's household as "age 9, born in Tennessee, attending school."

"Sarah Goines" was married to Lucius Alonzo Gentry November 27, 1871, according to Lincoln County, Tennessee Marriage Book 5. He was born March 20, 1853 in Bledsoe County, Tennessee. His brother, Thomas Houston Gentry, was married to Harriett Elizabeth "Betty" Gowen.

Lucius Alonzo Gentry and Sarah Burleson "Sally" Gowen Gentry later lived in Madison County. On June 12, 1880 the household of Lucius Alonzo Gentry was enumerated in Madison County, Enumeration District 227, page 21, adjoining the household of his father-in-law. The household, No. 156-160 in Maysville precinct, was listed as:

In her father's probate proceedings dated October 19, 1881 Sarah Burleson "Sally" Gowen Gentry was shown as a resident of Madison County, but on September 15, 1900, date of the second probate, she was shown as living in Alabama City, near Gadsden, in Etowah County, following the death of her father's widow. She was recorded there in the 1900 census. She died there December 19, 1932 and was buried in Alabama City Cemetery in a double funeral service with her son, Frank Gentry who died December 21, 1932. Lucius Alonzo Gentry died May 25, 1939.

Children born to Lucius Alonzo Gentry and Sarah Burleson "Sallie" Gowen Gentry include:

Willie Gentry, daughter of Lucius Alonzo Gentry and Sarah Burleson "Sallie" Gowen Gentry, was born about 1872. She died in childhood and was buried in Rogers Cemetery in Hurricane Valley in Madison County, near where her grandfather would soon be buried.

Onnie May Gentry, daughter of Lucius Alonzo Gentry and Sarah Burleson "Sallie" Gowen Gentry, was born May 14, 1874 in Madison County. She was married about 1894 to Jim Martin Chandler. They continued to live in Madison County. She was buried there in Cameron Methodist Church Cemetery.

John William "Billy" Gentry, son of Lucius Alonzo Gentry and Sarah Burleson "Sallie" Gowen Gentry, was born July 6, 1876 in Madison County. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Army on leave when he died of pneumonia at the home of his sister, Onnie May Gentry Chandler, September 8, 1918. He was unmarried. His name was included in a list of the honored dead of World War I on a plaque mounted on Coosa River Bridge in Gadsden.

Mary Gentry, daughter of Lucius Alonzo Gentry and Sarah Burleson "Sallie" Gowen Gentry, was born February 13, 1880. She was married about 1900, husband's name Macklin. Later she was remarried to Dave Hight. She died November 30, 1948 in Calhoon County, Alabama and was buried there.

Annie B. Hight, daughter of Dave Hight and Mary Gentry Hight, was born January 17, 1901. She died October 8, 1918.

Ogie Hight, son of Dave Hight and Mary Gentry Hight, was born October 26, 1906. He was deceased prior to June 1982.

Jimmie Hight, son of Dave Hight and Mary Gentry Hight, was born September 30, 1914. He died July 7, 1919.

Viola Hight, daughter of Dave Hight and Mary Gentry Hight, was born January 3, 1916. She died three days later.

Minnie Gentry, daughter of Lucius Alonzo Gentry and Sarah Burleson "Sallie" Gowen Gentry, was born December 24, 1882 in Madison County. She was married about 1900 to Bob Elders, and she died January 11, 1909.

Jimmy Gentry, son of Lucius Alonzo Gentry and Sarah Burleson "Sallie" Gowen Gentry, was born about 1883 in Madison County and died in his childhood.

Frank Gentry, son of Lucius Alonzo Gentry and Sarah Burleson "Sallie" Gowen Gentry, was born April 13, 1884 in Madison County. He died December 21, 1932 in Etowah County. A double funeral was held for him and his mother who died two days earlier.

Burleson Gowen Gentry, son of Lucius Alonzo Gentry and Sarah Burleson "Sallie" Gowen Gentry, was born July 27, 1887 in Madison County. He was married about 1910 to Ethel Collier. He served in the U.S. Army in World War I in 1918 and received an injury in his foot with the A.E.F. in France. He was remarried September 25, 1925 to Ocie Mary Magdalene Walker in Guntersville, Alabama, according to Marshall County, Alabama marriage records. She was born June 7, 1909 to Tant Alexander Walker and Savannah Holliday Walker.

Burleson Gowen Gentry died September 15, 1966 in Etowah County and was buried in Alabama City Cemetery. No children were born to Burleson Gowen Gentry and Ethel Collier Gentry. Children born to Burleson Gowen Gentry and Ocie Mary Magdalene Walker Gentry include:

Sallie S. Margaret Gentry, daughter of Burleson Gowen Gentry and Ocie Mary Magdalene Walker Gentry, was born April 5, 1927 in Alabama City. She was married in 1950 to Kendall Joseph Johnston who was born August 5, 1921 in Covington County, Alabama. In June 1982 they lived in Jacksonville, Alabama where she was employed as a nurse. She was active in family history research and published a book on her ancestry. In 1993 they continued there in retirement.

Billy Acton Gentry, son of Burleson Gowen Gentry and Ocie Mary Magdalene Walker Gentry, was born July 18, 1928 in Alabama City. He was married December 3, 1969 to Opal Ione Beal who was born in Texas February 14, 1927. She died in Texas December 1, 1974. No children were born to them.

Maggie Irene Gentry, daughter of Burleson Gowen Gentry and Ocie Mary Magdalene Walker Gentry, was born December 18, 1929 in Etowah County. She was married June 1, 1951 to Howard E. Hazelton who was born in New York June 12, 1932. Seven children were born to them. In 1993 they continued to live in New York.

Orville A. Gentry, son of Burleson Gowen Gentry and Ocie Mary Magdalene Walker Gentry, was born April 10, 1932 in Etowah County. He was married July 5, 1958 to Melvie Weaver who was born June 1, 1942 in Alabama. Four children were born to them.

Betty Lou Gentry, daughter of Burleson Gowen Gentry and Ocie Mary Magdalene Walker Gentry, was born July 18, 1936 in Etowah County. She was married November 1, 1958 to W. J. Stevens who was born September 14, 1928. Four children were born to them. In 1993 they lived in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Savannah Ann Gentry, daughter of Burleson Gowen Gentry and Ocie Mary Magdalene Walker Gentry, was born March 10, 1939 in Etowah County. She was married August 7, 1963 to Dan Tschappat. Four children were born to them.

Mary Sue Gentry, daughter of Burleson Gowen Gentry and Ocie Mary Magdalene Walker Gentry, was born November 15, 1944 in Etowah County. She was married about 1968 to Albert D. East and was remarried May 10, 1969 to Richard Smith. One child was born to her.

Burleson A. Gentry, son of Burleson Gowen Gentry and Ocie Mary Magdalene Walker Gentry, was born June 20, 1946 in Etowah County. He was married October 19, 1973 to Bobbi Atwater who was born in Florida September 19, 1944. Two children were born to them.

Freddie Gentry, son of Lucius Alonzo Gentry and Sarah Burleson "Sallie" Gowen Gentry, was born about 1889 in Madison County and died in his childhood.

Tulah Catherine Gentry, daughter of Lucius Alonzo Gentry and Sarah Burleson "Sallie" Gowen Gentry, was born November 7, 1892 in the Hays Store Community of Madison County, Alabama, according to the county's birth records. On June 20, 1910 she was married to her first cousin, Thomas Josiah Riddick, Jr, son of Thomas Josiah Riddick and Manerva Ann Gowen Riddick in Etowah County, Alabama. He was born in Madison County May 30, 1885. He died in Etowah County February 14, 1964 and was buried in Alabama City Cemetery. In 1973 Tulah Catherine Gentry Riddick continued to live in Etowah County. She died there January 7, 1982 and was buried beside her husband. [For children born to them, see his section.]

James Carroll Gowen, son of William Benjamin Gowen and Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Nunley Gowen, was born in Grundy County, Tennessee July 12, 1852. He appeared in the 1860 census of Grundy County as an eight-year-old living in his father's household.

On July 15, 1875 James Carroll Gowen, "over 21," was married to Frances "Frank" Griffis, "over 18," according to Madison County Marriage Book 8, page 63. She was the daughter of Elizabeth Griffis. Lucius Alonzo Gentry, his brother-in-law, was his bondsman on the marriage application.

Following the death of Frances "Frank" Griffis Gowen he was remarried to her sister, Elizabeth "Miller" Griffis who had made her home with them. The marriage was performed November 26, 1884 by L. W. Bruce, minister, in Lincoln County, Tennessee, according to marriage records of that county.

The Griffis sisters appeared in the census of 1870 living in the household of their brother, W. Griffis, in the 20th Civil District of Lincoln County. The family was enumerated at Molino, Tennessee July 30, 1870 as Household No. 82-86:

James Carroll Gowen was married a third time following the death of Elizabeth "Miller" Griffis Gowen. On September 17, 1893 he was married to Sarah Dicie McAfee at Molino, again by L. W. Bruce, in Lincoln County. Sarah Dicie McAfee was a daughter of Lawson Huel W. McAfee of Tennessee and Martha C. King McAfee of Alabama.

James Carroll Gowen "of Lincoln County, Tennessee and Madison County, Alabama," in partnership with Thomas Houston Gentry, his brother-in-law, purchased 108 acres of land from J. E. Poindexter November 20, 1898, according to Lincoln County Deed Book FF, page 409. Consideration was $14 per acre, totaling $1,512. Relationship between J. E. Poindexter and the Poindexters who were associated with the family of Jeremiah Benjamin Nunley Gowen in Texas, if any, is unknown.

In 1909 James Carroll Gowen for $75 sold his inheritance, a 1/5 interest in an 80-acre "tract of land known as W. M. Gowen Home Tract" in Maysville Precinct, Madison County to his sister Manerva Ann Gowen Riddick, according to Madison County Deed Book 97, page 564.

He removed to Madison County about 1913. On September 12, 1919 he purchased land from Thomas J. Slayton in Madison County for $2,500, according to Madison County Deed Book 121, page 543. On the same date he, along with Woodfin Grady Mitchell, his son-in-law, deeded 67 acres of land in Madison County to Thomas J. Slayton and S. H. Paul of New Orleans, Louisiana, according to Madison County Deed Book 156, page 188.

He died March 4, 1921 at age 68 and was buried in Charity Lane Cemetery located 2.5 miles northwest of Hazel Green, Madison County, Alabama. Sarah Dicie McAfee Gowen survived until October 3, 1951 and was buried beside her husband. Their tombstone inscriptions read "J. C. Gowen, born July 12, 1852, died March 24, 1921; Sara D. Gowen, born September 2, 1876, died October 3, 1951." In an adjoining plot is the grave of their grandson, Tracy Carroll Gowen "born December 23, 1933, died May 18, 1939."

No children were born to James Carroll Gowen, Frances "Frank" Griffis Gowen and Elizabeth "Miller" Griffis Gowen Children born to James Carroll Gowen and Sarah Dicie McAfee Gowen include:

Mary Alice Gowen, daughter of James Carroll Gowen and Sarah Dicie McAfee Gowen, was born in 1894 in Lincoln County, Tennessee. She died in 1898 and was buried in Bryant Cemetery, Lincoln County.

Flonnie Mae Gowen, daughter of James Carroll Gowen and Sarah Dicie McAfee Gowen, was born March 11, 1897 at Coldwater, Tennessee in Lincoln County.

On October 21, 1917 she was married to Daniel Ozro Hughes, according to Madison County Marriage Book 43, page 234. The groom, a farmer, was born in Alabama. Throughout his adult life Daniel Ozro Hughes was a farmer and a grocer in Madison County and later in Lincoln County. He was a deacon in Fayetteville Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Tennessee. He died August 19, 1970. In May 1973 Flonnie Mae Gowen Hughes lived in Huntsville, Alabama. She died there October 6, 1975 and was buried in Riverview Cemetery, Fayetteville, Tennessee.

Jessie Cecil Hughes, son of Daniel Ozro Hughes and Flonnie Mae Gowen Hughes, was born September 28, 1918. He was married about 1940, wife's name Jo. He died in 1963 in Washington, D. C.

James Ashworth Hughes, son of Daniel Ozro Hughes and Flonnie Mae Gowen Hughes, was born December 1, 1920. He was married August 17, 1941 to Ellen Irene Smith in Madison County. In 1981 they continued to live in Huntsville following his retirement from real estate and motel operation.

Ellen Hughes, twin daughter of Daniel Ozro Hughes and Flonnie Mae Gowen Hughes, was born in July 1928. She died in 1934.

Evelyn Hughes, twin daughter of Daniel Ozro Hughes and Flonnie Mae Gowen Hughes, was born in July 1928 and died in childhood.

Annie Belle Gowen, daughter of James Carroll Gowen and Sarah Dicie McAfee Gowen, was born June 1, 1900 in Lincoln County. She was married February 23, 1916 to Woodfin Grady Mitchell, according to Madison County, Alabama Marriage Book 41, page 429. The groom was shown to be 22 years old, born in Alabama. The bride was shown to be "over 18" although she was only 15 at the time.

On September 12, 1919, they joined her father in a real estate transaction in the transfer of 67 acres and in mortgaging 50 acres they had purchased. Woodfin Grady Mitchell died about 1931.

About 1934 she was remarried to Carl Gorde. Annie Belle Gowen Mitchell Gorde died January 18, 1970 and was buried in Charity Lane Cemetery, 2.5 miles northwest of Hazel Green, Alabama. No children were born to Carl Gorde and Annie Belle Gowen Mitchell Gorde.

James Buford Mitchell, son of Woodfin Grady Mitchell and Annie Belle Gowen Mitchell, was born February 20, 1917. Of this individual nothing more is known.

Everett Mitchell, son of Woodfin Grady Mitchell and Annie Belle Gowen Mitchell, was born about 1920. He died about 1922.

Geneva Aline Mitchell, daughter of Woodfin Grady Mitchell and Annie Belle Gowen Mitchell, was born January 7, 1929. She died at age five with diphtheria.

Woodfin Gowen Mitchell, son of Woodfin Grady Mitchell and Annie Belle Gowen Mitchell, was born January 7, 1929 in Madison County. In 1981 he continued to live in Huntsville, Alabama where he was a realtor. He, a member of Gowen Research Foundation, contined there in 1999.

Garland Carroll Gowen, son of James Carroll Gowen and Sarah Dicie McAfee Gowen, was born July 8, 1903 at Coldwater, Tennessee in Lincoln County. About 1913 his family moved across the state line to Madison County, Alabama.

On November 9, 1926 he was married to Lena Edna Cantrell, a native of Alabama, according to Madison County Marriage Book 52, page 155. The groom was shown to be 5'9", weight 135 pounds, and the bride was shown to be age 18, 5'3", weight 135 pounds. Gus Patterson, a brother-in-law, was the bondsman.

Garland Carroll Gowen farmed most of his life in Madison County and Lincoln County. In April 1973 he had retired and was living at 805 West Market Street, Fayetteville, Tennessee. He died March 22, 1979. In June 1982 Lena Edna Cantrell Gowen continued to live in Fayetteville.

Helen Alease Gowen, daughter of Garland Carroll Gowen and Lena Edna Cantrell Gowen, was born December 17, 1928. About 1947 she was married to Donald Turpen. In October 1981 they lived in Fayetteville where he was employed as a corporation pilot.

Tracey Carroll Gowen, son of Garland Carroll Gowen and Lena Edna Cantrell Gowen, was born December 23, 1933. He stepped on a nail with his right foot at his home on May 12, 1939, and tetanus developed. He died at age five May 18, 1939, according to Tennessee DVS Death Certificate No. 10761, signed by Dr. R. T. Odom of Fayetteville. He was buried beside his grandparents at Charity Lane Cemetery in Madison County, according to Garland Carroll Gowen, "informant of Clay & Market Streets, Fayetteville."

James Burleson Gowen, son of James Carroll Gowen and Sarah Dicie McAfee Gowen, was born April 17, 1906 at Coldwater. In 1931 he, a salesman, was living at 403 East Holmes Street, Huntsville, Alabama, according to the city directory.

He was married May 21, 1932 to Cecil Mae Mitchell in Giles County, Tennessee. She was born January 30, 1905. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and served overseas in 1944 and 1945. When he was discharged, he settled in Washington, D.C. and was living there in 1960 at 5714 Eastern Avenue NE. In Washington he was chef for the Ambassador Hotel and later for the old soldiers home there. At that time Cecil Mae Mitchell Gowen, a teacher, was employed by Rural Electrification Administration, USDA. He died May 24, 1963 and was buried at Fayetteville. Cecil Mae Mitchell Gowen in April 1973 lived at 2609 Pansy Avenue SW, Huntsville, Alabama until she died in February 1992. She was buried in Fayetteville with her husband. No children were born to them.

Willie Aline Gowen, daughter of James Carroll Gowen and Sarah Dicie McAfee Gowen, was born September 1, 1909 in Lincoln County. Her parents removed to Madison County in 1913. She was married April 5, 1928 to Robert Levoid Hicks, a native of Alabama, according to Madison County Marriage Book 53, page 564. G. Boone Rudd was bondsman. Robert Levoid Hicks was born in 1905 in Tennessee, according to Pamela Leigh Hicks, a granddaughter.

He was a millwright at Redstone Arsenal. Robert Levoid Hicks died October 10, 1972. In April 1973 Willie Aline Gowen Hicks lived at 2366 Whitesburg, and in September 1981 she lived at 415 Arthur Street, Huntsville. She continued there in December 1993.

Willie Aline Gowen Hicks died November 7, 2002 and was buried next to her husband in Charity Cemetery on November 10, according to an E-mail message from her granddaughter, Pamela Leigh Hicks.

Willie Laverne Hicks, daughter of Robert Levoid Hicks and Willie Aline Hicks Gowen, was born January 15, 1929 in Molino, Tennessee. She was married to Forrest Edward Aderhold January 6, 1951. She was remarried April 14, 1967 to Alonzo Wesley Parker. In October 1981 they continued to live in the area of Huntsville where he operated Parker Window Covering Company. In 1989 they continued there in retirement. In April 2003 they lived on Karter Avenue in Huntsville.

No children were born to Alonzo Wesley Parker and Willie Laverne Hicks Aderhold Parker. Children born to Forrest Edward Aderhold and Willie Laverne Hicks Aderhold include:

Carolyn Diane Aderhold, daughter of Forrest Edward Aderhold and Willie Laverne Hicks Aderhold, was born October 25, 1951 at Huntsville. She was married about 1973 to Calvin Edward Balch. They lived in Knoxville, Tennessee where he was employed by Social Security Administration.

About 1984, she was remarried to Steve Luper in Knoxville where they continued to reside in August 2003.

Carey Edward Balch, son of Calvin Edward Balch and Carolyn Diane Aderhold Balch, was born January 21, 1977. He was married October 19, 2002 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Jessica Gree . In April 2003 they lived in Knoxville, Tennessee.

James Shelby Hicks, son of Robert Levoid Hicks and Willie Aline Hicks Gowen, was born September 26, 1936 in Molino. He was graduated from University of Alabama with a degree in aeronautical engineering. He was married June 8, 1963 in Cumberland Presbyterian Chuch in Nashville by Bro. Virgil Weeks to Carolyn Sharp whom he met while both were students at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She was born July 24, 1938 in Maury County, Tennessee to James Washington Sharp and Ruby Media Turner Sharp. They met at a wedding in Donelson, Tennessee where he was the best man and she was the pianist. In October 1981 and in April 2003 they lived in Huntsville, Alabama.

Pamela Leigh Hicks, daughter of James Shelby Hicks and Carolyn Sharp Hicks, was born December 26, 1973, in Huntsville, Alabama. She graduated from the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama with bachelor degrees in Psychology, Sociology and Criminal Justice in December 1997. In August 2003, she was enrolled in Middle Tennessee State University [Murfreesboro, TN] in pursuit of a Masters Degree in Information Systems and resided in Nashville, Tennessee.

Karen Alisa Hicks, daughter of James Shelby Hicks and Carolyn Sharp Hicks, was born May 8, 1975, in Huntsville, Alabama. She was graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a bachelor degree in English in May of 1997. In April 2003 she lived in Nashville and was employed by MCS Music America as a copyright administrator.

Tracie Aline Hicks, daughter of James Shelby Hicks and Carolyn Sharp Hicks, was born March 15, 1978 in Huntsville, Alabama. She was married January 3, 1998, at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama to Terry Patrick Lee of Hartselle, Alabama. He was born July 9, 1977. In August 2003 they lived in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where, like her father, she was pursuing a degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Alabama.

Thomas Huel Gowen, son of James Carroll Gowen and Sarah Dicie McAfee Gowen, was born November 30, 1913 at Coldwater, Lincoln County, Tennessee. He was a namesake of his grandfather, Lawson Huel W. McAfee. He was married December 23, 1933 to Verna Mae Bobo who was born March 30, 1916 in Madison County. She was the daughter of Thomas Denver Bobo and Mary Della Scruggs Bobo. Thomas Denver Bobo was born July 13, 1875 in Zaleski, Ohio in Vinton County, and his wife was born December 31, 1877 in Fayetteville, Tennessee. Thomas Denver Bobo died July 9, 1936 and was buried in Golightly Cemetery in the Bobo Community of Madison County, Alabama.

In 1935 Thomas Huel Gowen lived at Elkwood, Alabama in Madison County. By 1948 they had removed to Fayetteville, Tennessee and removed to Nashville about 1955.

In 1973 he was employed by Worthington Bag Company as a sewing machine repairman. He was interviewed in his home at that time by Arlee Claud Gowen. In 1973 and in 1982 they lived at 3942 East Ridge Drive, Nashville, Tennessee. He died December 7, 1993 at age 80 and was buried in Woodlawn Memorial Park. He was survived by his widow and children.

Billie Ray Gowen, son of Thomas Huel Gowen and Verna Mae Bobo Gowen, was born January 25, 1935 at Elkwood, Alabama in Madison County. He was married April 21, 1957 to Doris Faye Holloway. In 1972 he was a minister of the Church of Christ at Scottsville, Kentucky. In May 1973 he had returned to Nashville. In June 1982 he was meat manager of Foodtown Supermarket in Hermitage, Tennessee.

Edith Nell Gowen, daughter of Thomas Huel Gowen and Verna Mae Bobo Gowen, was born August 12, 1937, probably at Elkwood, Alabama. She was married May 5, 1956 to Vernon Albert Rowland. In June 1982 he was employed as a truckdriver in Nashville.

Wilson Thomas Gowen, son of Thomas Huel Gowen and Verna Mae Bobo Gowen, was born November 8 1939 in Elkwood. He was married February 2, 1961 to Betty Fay Meadows. In June 1982 they lived in Gardendale, Alabama where he was employed as a truckdriver.

Marjorie Elaine Gowen, daughter of Thomas Huel Gowen and Verna Mae Bobo Gowen, was born October 19, 1943 in Elkwood. She was married about 1962 to Kenneth Ray Moore. In June 1982 they lived in Nashville where he was employed by Tennessee Machinery Co.

She died there August 6, 2000 of kidney disease, according to her obituary in the “Nashville, Tennesseean.”

“Moore, Marjorie Elaine Gowen Age 56. August 6, 2000. Survived by son, Kenneth Ray Moore II; mother, Verna Gowen; sisters, Edith Rowland and Vickie Nicholson; brothers, Bill, Tom and Jerry Gowen. Her remains are at the Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road, where services will be conducted Tuesday, August 8, 2000 at 2 p.m. by Bro. Harvey Hearn. Interment is in Woodlawn Cemetery. Nephews will serve as Pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation.

Kenneth Ray Moore II, son of Kenneth Ray Moore and Marjorie Elaine Gowen Moore, was born March 5, 1975. In March 2003 he was living with his grandmother, Verna Mae Bobo Gowen.

Jerry Allen Gowen, son of Thomas Huel Gowen and Verna Mae Bobo Gowen, was born January 28, 1948, in Fayetteville, Tennessee in Lincoln County. On May 27, 1968 he was married to Sharon Mai Spaulding, age 18, of Pegram, Tennessee. At that time the couple lived at 1700 Ashwood Avenue, Nashville. They were divorced about 1970. In September 1971 Jerry Allen Gowen was remarried to Mrs. Corrinne Townes Pardue. She was previously married to Earl Delano Pardue. In 1973 they lived in Nashville where he was employed as a laboratory technician. In June 1982 they continued to live in Nashville. In 1989 they lived at Antioch, Tennessee.

No children were born to Jerry Allen Gowen and Sharon Mai Spaulding Gowen. To Jerry Allen Gowen and Corrinne Townes Pardue Gowen was born a daughter:

Richard Earl Pardue and Melissa Ree Pardue were reared by Jerry Allen Gowen, although he did not formally adopt them.

Lori Lynn Gowen, daughter of Jerry Allen Gowen and Corrinne Pardue Gowen, was born March 19, 1974 in Nashville. She was married in Joelton, Tennessee June 20, 1998 to Todd Maburn Nannie who was born June 21, 1972 to Jerry Maburn Nannie and Audrey Clarine Nannie of Joelton. They lived in Antioch until 1999 and then removed to Joelton. They removed to Bradenton, Florida December 26, 2002.

Vicki Lorraine Gowen, daughter of Thomas Huel Gowen and Verna Mae Bobo Gowen, was born July 15, 1955, probably in Nashville. In May 1973 she was a high school senior residing in the home of her parents.

She was married in 1974 to Robert Curtis Douglas. In June 1982 they lived in Nashville where he was employed by Twentieth Century Bookstore. Later she was remarried, husband's name Nicholson.

Lisa Ann Douglas, daughter of Robert Curtis Douglas and Vicki Lorraine Gowen Douglas, was born in 1976. She was married about 2000 to Adam Dunaway. In 2003 they lived in Florida where he was stationed in the U.S. Air Force.

Manerva Ann Gowen, twin daughter of William Benjamin Gowen and Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Nunley Gowen, was born in 1854, probably in Grundy County, Tennessee. She appeared as a six-year-old in the 1860 census of her father's household in Grundy County. She reappeared in the 1880 census of his household as "age 24" in Madison County, Alabama. On October 19, 1881 she was mentioned in his probate proceedings as "of Madison County."

On September 11, 1884, at age 30, she was married to Thomas Josiah Riddick, according to Madison County Marriage Book 13, page 429. He was born April 12, 1837. L. S. Berry, believed to be a brother of W. C. Berry, brother-in-law to Manerva Ann Gowen, was bondsman.

On January 23, 1891 Thomas Josiah Riddick and Manerva Ann Gowen Riddick were the parents of a son born in the Hays Store community of Madison County, according to Madison County Birth Book 39, page 19. On September 24, 1900 "Manerva A. Riddick, oldest child of said decedent," was appointed as administrator of the estate of her father, apparently after the death of her step-mother Sina Catherine Bradshaw [Harris?] Gowen, by the Madison County probate judge.

On May 21, 1901 she purchased a 1/5 inheritance in her father's land from her sister Sarah Burleson "Sallie" Gowen Gentry for $75. On December 31, 1901 she purchased another 1/5 interest in "W. M. Gowen home tract situated and lying in Madison County in Maysville precinct" from William Gowen Gentry for $75.

Thomas Josiah Riddick was killed in a cyclone January 12, 1906 and was buried in Cameron Methodist Church Cemetery in Madison County.

Manerva Ann Gowen Riddick purchased 40 acres, described as in Section 7, Township 3, Range 2E, on the Maysville-Deposit Road, from I. W. and Mary F. Howard April 23, 1907 for $425, according to Madison County Deed Book 98, page 62.

On December 31, 1908 she purchased the 1/5 interest of James Gowen Berry for $75, according to Madison County Deed Book 97, page 564. In 1909 Manerva Ann Gowen Riddick purchased from her brother, James Carroll Gowen a 1/5 interest in the "tract of land known as W. M. Gowen home tract" in Maysville precinct, composed of 80 acres for $75, according to Madison County Deed Book D97, page 564. She sold the property she had purchased from I. W. Howard to John S. Smith for $700 November 7, 1916.

Manerva Ann Gowen Riddick died September 26, 1919 and was buried beside her husband.

Thomas Josiah Riddick, Jr, son of Thomas Josiah Riddick and Manerva Ann Gowen Riddick, was born May 30, 1885 in Madison County. He was married June 20, 1910 to Tulah Catherine Gentry, his first cousin, and lived in Gadsden, Alabama. She was born November 7, 1892. He died January 13, 1973, and she died in Etowah County January 7, 1982.

Rudolph J. Riddick, son of Thomas Josiah Riddick, Jr. and Tulah Catherine Gentry Riddick, was born about 1912 in Etowah County. He died when seven weeks old.

Sarah Pauline Riddick, daughter of Thomas Josiah Riddick, Jr. and Tulah Catherine Gentry Riddick, was born April 18, 1914. She died unmarried January 26. 1975.

Ernest Gowen "Buddy" Riddick, son of Thomas Josiah Riddick, Jr. and Tulah Catherine Gentry Riddick, was born April 27, 1916. He was married about 1937 to Polly Jones. In June 1982 he was living in a state mental hospital. No children were born to them.

Jeanette Riddick, daughter of Thomas Josiah Riddick, Jr. and Tulah Catherine Gentry Riddick, was born June 23, 1918 in Etowah County. She was married September 7, 1935 to Carl Ballard. Carl Ballard died in 1971, and in June 1982 she continued to live in Etowah County.

Tommie Riddick, daughter of Thomas Josiah Riddick, Jr. and Tulah Catherine Gentry Riddick, was born January 2, 1921 in Etowah County. She was married about 1941, husband's name Tinsley. Later she was remarried, husband's name Womack. She died December 19, 1976.

Archie Riddick, son of Thomas Josiah Riddick, Jr. and Tulah Catherine Gentry Riddick, was born about 1924. He died in his childhood.

Archibald Gowen Riddick, son of Thomas Josiah Riddick and Manerva Ann Gowen Riddick, was born about 1898 in Madison County. He attended the University of Alabama where he played varsity football. After graduation he was employed by Alabama Power Company in Guntersville, Alabama.

Mildred Riddick, daughter of Archibald Gowen Riddick, was born about 1920. She died with cancer prior to 1981.

Archibald Gowen Riddick, Jr, son of Archibald Gowen Riddick, was born about 1922. He was killed in an automobile accident about 1961.

Donna Lou Riddick, daughter of Archibald Gowen Riddick , was born about 1925. In 1981 she was a social worker and looked after her mother.

Benjamin Franklin Riddick, son of Thomas Josiah Riddick and Manerva Ann Gowen Riddick, was born January 23, 1891. Sallie S. Margaret Gentry Johnston reported that his tombstone shows his date of birth as September 30, 1889.

In 1916 he was employed by Alabama Power Company in Guntersville, Alabama. He was married in July of that year to Mary Frances Foster, and they returned to Madison County to assist his mother with the farmwork.

He was elected sheriff of Madison County about 1926 and served one term. Following this tenure he returned to the farm previously operated by his grandfather William Benjamin Gowen and bought out the interest of the other heirs. In 1935 he continued to live on the farm in Hurricane Valley. He died January 13, 1973. Mary Frances Foster Riddick in June 1982 lived in a nursing home in Huntsville. She died before December 10, 1983

Children born to Benjamin Franklin Riddick and Mary Frances Foster Riddick include:

Edna Elizabeth Riddick, daughter of Benjamin Franklin Riddick and Mary Frances Foster Riddick, was born July 27, 1918 in Madison County. She was graduated from Howard College in Birmingham, Alabama and attended Irvine School of Drama in New York. She received a MA degree in drama and became a model and actress in New York. In 1939 she appeared in a Broadway play, "What A Life." She was married about 1942 to Leon Edgar Smith. In 1982 she was head of the Drama Department at Averitt College in Danville, Virginia. She continued there in 1989.

Edwin Laverne Riddick, son of Benjamin Franklin Riddick and Mary Frances Foster Riddick, was born February 10, 1923 in Madison County. He was married September 12, 1943 to Gloria Anne Goodwin. He received an MA degree in Education and taught school for some time. Following a tenure with Standard Oil Company he was employed by National Aeronautics and Space Administration at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. In 1981 he continued in that capacity, and in 1989 he was director of training there. At that time Gloria Anne Goodwin was afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

Miriam Riddick, daughter of Benjamin Franklin Riddick and Mary Frances Foster Riddick, was born February 18, 1926 in Madison County. Following graduation from high school she worked in Washington, D.C. until she was married August 7, 1945 to Troy Daniel Dendy. He retired as a lieutenant colonel after 40 years military service. In October 1981 and in 1993 they continued to live in Huntsville.

Thomas Daniel Dendy, son of Troy Daniel Dendy and Miriam Riddick Dendy, was born September 27, 1946. He was married in Huntsville February 14, 1968 to Cheryl Elizabeth Dison. In 1989 they lived in Rochester, Michigan. Children born to them include:

Gloria Anne Dendy, daughter of Troy Daniel Dendy and Miriam Riddick Dendy, was born November 8, 1947. She was married to James Martin Sanders in 1965. Following a divorce about 1973 she continued in Huntsville in 1989. Children born to them include:

William Edwin Dendy, son of Troy Daniel Dendy and Miriam Riddick Dendy, was born September 7, 1954. He was married October 10, 1987 to Ulrike Spradling of Worms, Germany in Huntsville. They continued there in October 1989 and were the parents of:

Richard Riddick Dendy, son of Troy Daniel Dendy and Miriam Riddick Dendy, was born December 17, 1955. He was married in January 1886 in Cullman, Alabama to Susan Waldrip. In October 1989 they lived in Birmingham, Alabama.

Michael Joseph Dendy, son of Troy Daniel Dendy and Miriam Riddick Dendy, was born December 17, 1955. He was married in September 1987 to Lori Thompson in Huntsville where they continued in October 1989.

Minnie Frances Riddick, daughter of Benjamin Franklin Riddick and Mary Frances Foster Riddick, was born January 31, 1928 in Madison County. She was married about 1945 while in college in North Carolina to Edwin T. Nash. In 1982 they continued to live in North Carolina. In 1989 she, a widow, lived in High Point, North Carolina.

Frank Henderson Riddick, son of Benjamin Franklin Riddick and Mary Frances Foster Riddick, was born June 30, 1929 in Madison County. He was graduated from Auburn University and taught school. Later he worked with YMCA and an engineering firm. He was married about 1956 to Barbara McDaniel.

Following service on the Huntsville City Council he was elected to the Alabama State Legislature. In 1981 he was serving his second term in the Alabama House of Representatives. He and his wife were members of the Church of Christ.

In June 1982 Frank Henderson Riddick owned the farm where his great-grandfather William Benjamin Gowen settled in Madison County more than 100 years earlier. Located on Riddick Lane leading to the property is the residence of a negro couple, Percy Rogers and Willie Rogers, brother and sister. Percy Rogers, age 69, reported in an interview with Sallie S. Margaret Gentry Johnston May 12, 1982 that he had lived on the Gowen-Riddick property all his life and that his father had lived there before him. He guided his interviewer to the old chimney and showed her the remains of the Gowen home.

Harriett Elizabeth "Betty" Gowen, twin daughter of William Benjamin Gowen and Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Nunley Gowen, was born June 18, 1855, according to her tombstone in Rogers Cemetery. She was probably born in Grundy County. She appeared as a six-year-old in the 1860 census of her father's household in Grundy County.

She was married November 30, 1875 to Thomas Houston Gentry, according to Madison County, Alabama Marriage Book 8, page 168. Lucius Alonzo Gentry, his brother, was bondsman.

Harriett Elizabeth "Betty" Gowen Gentry died January 10, 1877 and was buried in Rogers Cemetery where her father was later buried. Her father specified in his will dated July 16, 1880 that her share of the estate was to go to her son, William Gowen Gentry. Thomas Houston Gentry was remarried to Sarah Poole about 1880.

Thomas Houston Gentry joined his brother-in-law James Carroll Gowen on November 20, 1898 in purchasing 108 acres of land in Lincoln County, according to Lincoln County Deed Book FF, page 409. They appeared in the 1900 census of Lincoln County.

Children born to Thomas Houston Gentry and Harriett Elizabeth "Betty" Gowen Gentry include:

William Gowen Gentry, son of Thomas Houston Gentry and Harriett Elizabeth "Betty" Gowen Gentry, was born in 1876. After the death of his mother he was reared by his maternal grandparents. He appeared in the 1880 census of Madison County as a four-year-old living in his grandfather's home.

On August 16, 1880 he was mentioned in the will of his grandfather, William Benjamin Gowen, as the recipient of his deceased mother's interest in the estate. Following the death of his grandfather he was reared by his aunt, Manerva Ann Gowen Riddick.

On September 15, 1900 he was shown in the probate papers of his grandfather's estate as being in the U.S. Army and stationed in the Philippines. He died in Florida before 1940, according to Sallie S. Margaret Gentry Johnston.

Ruth Gentry, daughter of William Gowen Gentry, was born about 1920, probably in Florida. She was married about 1940 to Hershall Hall. In 1982 they lived in Miami, Florida.

Ella Gentry, daughter of Thomas Houston Gentry and Sarah Poole Gentry, was born in October 1881, according to the 1900 census of Lincoln County. She died single at age 30 in 1911.

Arthur Gentry, son of Thomas Houston Gentry and Sarah Poole Gentry, was born about 1883. He died at age 15 about 1898.

John Gentry, son of Thomas Houston Gentry and Sarah Poole Gentry, was born about 1885. He died young.

Garland Gentry, son of Thomas Houston Gentry and Sarah Poole Gentry, was born about 1888. He died young.

Alma Gentry, daughter of Thomas Houston Gentry and Sarah Poole Gentry, was born about 1891. She died young.

Bob Gentry, son of Thomas Houston Gentry and Sarah Poole Gentry, was born in June 1893, according to the 1900 census of Lincoln County. He was married about 1915, wife's name Laura.

Dealie Gentry, daughter of Thomas Houston Gentry and Sarah Poole Gentry, was born in February 1896, according to the 1900 census of Lincoln County. She was married about 1919, husband's name Parrish.

Maidie Gentry, daughter of Thomas Houston Gentry and Sarah Poole Gentry, was born in January 1891, according to the 1900 census of Lincoln County. She was married about 1911, husband's name Jones.

Dollie Gentry, daughter of Thomas Houston Gentry and Sarah Poole Gentry, was born in September 1898, according to the 1900 census of Lincoln County. Of this individual nothing more is known.

William R. Gowen, son of William Benjamin Gowen and Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Nunley Gowen, was born in 1858, probably in Grundy County, Tennessee. He appeared as a two-year-old in the 1860 census of Grundy County living in his father's household.

When he was three years old he was crushed under the wheels of a wagon. His brother James Carroll Gowen was hitching up a team of oxen to the wagon, and William R. Gowen attempted to climb into the wagon on the spokes. As he mounted the wheel the oxen lunged forward trapping the toddler under the heavy iron rim. He died the following day.

Dirk Calvin, 9596 Liberty Church Drive, Brentwood, Tennessee, 37027, 615/776-2848

Thomas Mason Gowen, Route 7, Box 7904, Manchester, Tennessee, 37355, 615/728-7495

Shari Lynn Southard, 5240 W. Las Palmaritas, Glendale, Arizona, 85302, 602/842-4419

Gowen Research Foundation 806/795-8758 or 795-9694

5708 Gary Avenue E-mail: [email protected]

Lubbock, Texas, 79413

Website: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~gowenrf

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