McGowan's from Ballyrashane & Maghera

[Boere]

Hi Morning,
I am new to this forum and I am not sure if I am posting this query correctly.
I am looking for information about James McGowan who farmed in the Ballyrashane area during the 1850's (Griffiths Evaluation) and his son William McGowan who was a Medical Doctor in Maghera during the late 1800's.
Thanks in advance.

[kingskerswell]

Hi,
   Welcome to Rootschat. William and his family appear in the 1901 and 1911 census in Maghera. See www.census.nationalarchives.ie

Regards

[Boere]

Hi Again,
Thanks for the info. Going forward is not my problem.
Going backwards is when the going gets tough.
I am trying to go back a couple of generations.
Cheers.

[aghadowey]

Welcome to Rootschat. You haven't told us what information you already have found or exactly what you are looking for but here's details about Dr. William McGowan's Will- (original Will not online but will be deposited in PRONI archives- see www.proni.gov.uk:
"McGowan William of Maghera county Londonderry and of 27 Holland Park Belfast medical practitioner died 16 December 1939 at latter place Probate Belfast 3 April to Cecil Reid McGowan civil servant. Effects £2403 11s. 6d."

Here's William in 1911 census- think should be NUI instead of NOI for son Casper's 'occupation'
www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Londonderry/Maghera/Main_Street/611401
In 1901 without any children listed-
www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Londonderry/Maghera/Maghera/1545330

[aghadowey]

You've posted as I was typing and see that you probably already have the details I found- which is why it helps to tell us exactly what you need help with.

Do you know the name of James McGowan's wife? do you have their marriage certificate?

[Boere]

Hi,
My source is a tatty piece of paper from the family that no one can confirm.
I think James's wife was Margaret Morris (25% reliable) and that they are buried in either Ballywatt or Ballyrashane Prebyterian Church.
I would really like to know when they were married and who their parents were.
Cheers

[aghadowey]

Know you are trying to trace the McGowans further back but came across Cecil Reid and Casper (sons of Dr. William) boarding at Campbell College in 1901-
www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Down/Ballyhackmore/Ballycloughan/1222793

According to 1911 Census Dr. William was born c1844. Not only is that well before the start of civil registration of births (1864) but since civil registration of non-Catholic marriages started in 1845 it's likely the only source for James McGowan's marriage will be from church records.

However, you are in luck since Dr. Hugh Mullin started collectiong records (and publishing books) years ago and has James McGowan's wife's family tree- NORRIS of Cloyfin:
Margaret (died 1892 aged 92) married James McGowan of Outhill. Family-
1. Mary died 1866 age 26
2. James died 1894 age 57
3. Hugh died 1906 age 71 married Ann Jane McLean, Park (d.1907 age 66)
4. Sarah died 1922 age 90
5. Dr. McGowan of Maghera
6. John Reid

Want more?

[Boere]

Hi Agian,
This is fanstastic. No wonder I could find no reords for Margaret Morris.
For 18 months I have been looking for Margaret Morris instead of Norris. I have no idea of the time spent searching.
Thanks a million.
Any further information will be greatly appreciated.
Regards

[aghadowey]

Connor Wills and Administration Bonds: 1742- Andrew McGowan, Kildollagh Parish

1832 Tithe Applotment Book- Outhill townland: Jno M'Gown (47 acres), Wm M'Gown (20 acres), Andw M'Gown (20 acres)- (rounded to nearest acre)

Hugh McGowan
1901- www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Antrim/Beardiville/Outhill/931861

Sarah McGowan
1911- www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Antrim/Beardiville/Outhill/130700

John Reid McGowan-
1901- www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Antrim/Portrush_Rural/Leeke/943783
1911- www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Antrim/Portrush_Rural/Leeke/127921

From PRONI website- "Probate of the Will of James M'Gowan late of Outhill County Antrim Farmer who died 18 May 1877 granted at Belfast to John Reid Norris Farmer" See for image from Will Book- mentions wife Margaret, dau. Sarah, son John Reid, dau. Jane McMullan (Govan, Glasgow), son Hugh and Dr. William.