List O'Links

Pieces of online information that deal with my ancestors and families, or offer insightful background on the world surrounding them, will be linked here, with a short description for each.


1803 Agricultural Census, Ramoan, Antrim, shows some McGowan names who may be ancestors/relatives of Alexander McGowen.

Diocese of Down and Connor Ancient and Modern, by Rev. J. O'Laverty P.P.M.R.I.A. (pub. 1887), in the chapter "Parish of Ramoan" gives a brief history of Ramoan from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Ballycastle - Pride of Croaghmore, a poem by James (Poet) McGowan is introduced with plenty references to Ramoan and McGowans. 

Scotch Irish Pioneers in Ulster and America, by Charles Knowles Bolton, does not mention my McGowen ancestors per se, but offers rich background and insight into early immigration from Ulster to America.

Biographical Annals of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, mentions the line of Owen Bruner. McGowans are also mentioned but not of our line.

Religious Background of the Boehm Family of Lancaster Co., PA, is not concerned with our line but does offer background information on early Methodist church in Pennsylvania.

Bruner, Alfred Cookman & Family, a posting by Millie Mowry in PA-Roots with genealogical information on the Bruner line.

Naturalization Records 1798 - 1906,  at Chester County Archives & Records Services, shows Alexander's immigration index under the name "Alexander McGown".  Data fields show country of origin as "Ireland", declaration year as "1813" and declaration docket number as "3 , 190".

History of Chester County Pennsylvania, by J. Smith Futhey and Gilbert Cope (pub. 1881), a book that mentions Alexander McGowen as a local Methodist preacher, as well as Elijah Bull as the first class leader.

1814 Septennial Census Chester County Enumeration Returns, at Chester County Archives & Records Services, shows Alexander living in West Nantmeal Township, indexed as "McGowan" instead of "McGowen".

The Springfield Methodist Episcopal Church Book October 9th 1815, mentions Alexander McGowen as one of the trustees of the new church (later to become Elverson Methodist). Also mentioned are Elijah Bull, Owen Bruner, and more.

1821 Septennial Census Chester County Enumeration Returns, at Chester County Archives & Records Services, shows Alexander McGowen living in West Nantmeal Township.

Wills & Administrations 1714 - 1876, Chester County Archives & Records Services, shows Alexander McGowen's Will being filed in 1858.

McCord and Related Families, Chester Co. Penn, offers genealogical information including Alexander McGowen and his daughter Jane who married into the McCord family.

Bio of Owen F. Bruner, son of Jacob Bruner and Elizabeth McGowen, grandson of Alexander McGowen and Magdalena Bruner. He is also related to Magdalena Bruner through his paternal line.

A Light and Uncertain Hold: A History of the Sixty-Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, by David T. Thackery, a book that mentions John B. McGowen (Alexander's son) including his death at the Battle of Port Republic. Citations led us to other primary sources such as articles printed in the Urbana Citizen & Gazette, and photograph in the USAMHI (United States Army Military History Institute) archives.

U.S. Army Heritage Collection Online by USAMHI lists the Civil War photo of John B. McGown in its index but is not viewable online. Info shown:  Folder: RG98S-CWP 149.87; Title: Standing view of Sgt. John B. McGown, Co. G, 66th Regt., Ohio Vol. Inf.

66th Ohio Infantry, Wikipedia article dealing with the regiment that John B. McGown served in.

66th Ohio Infantry, Company G, on RootsWeb Cemetery Project. A list of those who served in the 66th OVI Company G with name, age, rank, dates entered and left unit, and remarks. Includes John B. McGowen.

The Irish In the Civil War, by Dennis Keating of the Cleveland Civil War Roundtable, talks about various Irish units serving on both sides of the war, with an extensive list of resources at the end. The Louisiana Tigers who attacked "the coaling", the artillery position that John B. McGown and his mates where defending, were predominantly Irish.

Minie Ball, Wikipedia article dealing with the type of musket ball that supposedly killed John B. McGown at the Battle of Port Republic.