Record. Land Records for John Cowan, son of Samuel Cowan and Ann Walker

Abstract—State of North Carolina, No. 1421. Know ye, that we have granted unto John Cowan. Two hundred and eighty acres of land in Greene County, being an island in French Broad River, lying opposite to lands now occupied by Andrew Henderson: Beginning &c To hold to the said John Cowan, his heirs and assigns forever.
Dated 19th February 1797. Saml. Ashe.
J. Glasgow. Secretary. Warrant No. 1965. Surveyed by Saml. Jack. Andrew Henderson, and John Henderson, Chain Carrier.

We find the names of John Cowan, Alexander Cowan, and Hugh Cowan in the company of Captain Charles Bilderback, of Crawford's expedition against Sandusky, in 1782. Pa. Archives. Ser. 2, vol. 14, p. 694.

No. Carolina Records. Samuel Cowan signed a petition to Governor Josiah Martin for a division of Orange County, North Carolina. He lived in the northern part. Vol. 9, p. 809.

Capt. John Cowan, witness to treaty with the Cherokee Indians, date Nov. 28 1785 and concluded at Hopewell on the Keowee. Vol. 17, p. 586. John Cowan member of the Assembly, Bladen County 1789. Was allowed pay and number of miles traveled. Vol. 15, p. 237. Poll Books Wilmington in 1780.

In the Durrett Collection in the library of the University of Chicago, are original manuscript papers of Isaac Shelby. Among them is the following: "Day Book. Augt. 1st 1776 for Isaac Shelby's company stationed on Bever creek." Under date of September 30th, is this entry: "And'y Cowan, a spye from Clinch, To 6 lb, flour on his way home."

The names of John and William Cowan occur in a list of "S. E. Carriers," certified by Stockley Donelson, S. E. D. "Registered in Knox County, late part of Hawkins.—in Book, B, folio 54, 55, 56.—June 3rd 1796. Thomas Chapman, R'r." (Drapr Mss. 5 XX. 28-g, h.) William Cowan was one of Capt. Samuel Handler's party when attacked by Indians at Crab Orchard.

* * Just before Lieper came, Wm. Cowan, an uncle of Mrs. Handley, and a man of great intrepidity, from a hollow tree near by shot Red Bird through the belly—one of the 4 with tomahawks to kill Capt. H.

(He was carried on a litter to Wills'g & rec'd) Some of the warriors started in pursuit of Cowan—he was swift footed & soon outstripped his pursuers." (Draper Mss. 5 XX 41.)

Excerpt from letter of Willie Blount, Knoxville, Dec. 13, 1794, to Gen. Daniel Smith, Sumner County, Mero District. (Draper Mss. 4 XX 41.) "The quiet of this district has been in some degree disturbed within a few weeks past—the Indians killed a man on the 28th Ultimo near Sharp's Station on Clinch.—and a few nights past fifteen Indians fired on a Mrs. Cowan and her son at their own house, the former returned into the house from the yard unhurt, the latter's clothes were pierced with eight balls, and made his escape into the woods unhurt." Excerpt from "Laws of the State of Tennessee". (Knoxville, 1803). Chap. XII, pp. 167, 168.

An Act to establish a town by the name of Leesburgh, on the lands of Michael Fraker, Abraham Campbell and John Campbell, in the County of Washington.— (Passed Jan. 1, 1799.) Sec. 2. Be it enacted, That from and after the passing of this act, Alexander M'Linn, John Blair, John Cowan, John Ferguson and Joseph Tucker, be and they and every of them are hereby constituted commissioners for the further designing, building and improving the said town. Paul Teeter, overseer from top of Allegany to mouth of Sinacor, with the tithtables on the No. Fork from Michael Abermans to Jos. Heau's. Tithables to be taken in following Companies Capt Paul Teeters. &c. Cowan. Aug 19-1766 Wm. & Edward Cowan appraisers. Aug 24-1767 James Cowan, returned no inhabitant Aug. 20, 1768 James Cowan Jr. appointed Constable vice John Hunter. March 1770. Cowan vs Cowan. Letter of Andrew Cowan to David Cowan living in Albemarle, dated Jan 13-1766. Loving Brother: This comes to let you know that we are all in good health at present, blessed be God for his mercies. Hoping that these lines will find you in the same, I desire that you will go to James Cowan's and ask him for a note of mine that lies in my little trunk—a note of 2 pounds and five shillings, which Wm. Teas (?) is due me against March 25, and get the money, for I am going to Carolina. I have nothing material to write, But desire to be remembered to you all. Sept 1747. Hughes vs Sawyers. A joint note of Wm Sawyers and James Cowan.

1751-1751. Petition for road from Jos Kennedys mill by Francie Beaty's thence to Landing Road and Court House Road above James Cowan's. WASHINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA. Minute Book No. 1, page 172.

At a Court held in Washington County March 18th 1783, Present, John Kinkaid, Aaron Lewis, Joseph Black and Alexander Montgomery, Gentlemen. A Commission of his excellency Benjamin Harrison, Esquire, Governor of Virginia, bearing date November twenty ninth 1762, appointing Alexander Outlaw, Henry Smith, John Lowrey, Andrew Cowan, Samuel Newell, John Blackmore, William Cowan and Samuel Ritchie, Gentlemen, Justices of the peace and Justices of Oyer and Terminer for Washington Co. Being read whereupon Alex. Outlaw, Henry Smith, John Lowrey, Andrew Cowan, William Cowan and Samuel Ritchie took oath prescribed by Law.

At a Court held for Washington County August 19, 1783. Andrew Cowan, assignee of William McMahan allowed claim for one Wolfe head.

At a Court held for Washington Co. May 20th 1783. Ordered that John Osburn be Constable in Capt. Cowan's Company. Ordered that the following claims be certified to the Auditor's office of the Commonwealth of Virginia. David Cowan's claim for twenty eight diets for the use of Capt. Trimble's Company.

At a Court held at the Court House in Washington Co. Nov. 1778. "On motion of William Cowan Administration is granted him on the estate of Samuel Cowan who made oath thereto and entered into and acknowledged his bond with Andrew Colville and John Walker, his securities in the sum of six hundred pounds for the faithful performance etc. Ordered that William Trimble, James Wharton, Joseph Moor, Frederick Friley (Fraley?) and Edward Smith,—appointed appraisers of the estate.

Minute Book No. 1, page 42. At a Court held for Washington Co. June 20, 1780. Martin Dunkin orphan of John Duncan deceased with the approbation of the Court chose William Cowan his Guardian, etc.

At a Court held for Washington Co. May 20, 1783. William Cowan five hundred and fifty pounds of beef, ninety of Indian meal sifted, twenty four diets three horses in the service one day for the use of Washington Militia under command of Capt. John Snoddy in actual service.

Deed Bk. No. 1, page 33. David Cowan and wife Jane by deed dated January 30, 1786, recites. Between David Cowan late of the County of Washington of the first part and Charles Bickley of the other part— conveys a tract of land on the waters of the Clinch river.—A Certificate attached reads as follows: "This is to certify that we David Craig and John Clack two of the Justices for Sevier County, having received a Commission from the Court of Washington County to take the examination of Jane Cowan have according to said Commission this fourth day of April A. D. 1786 went to the house of David Cowan husband of said Jane Cowan etc." Deed Bk. A. page 475. By a deed dated 9th 1803 between Robert Craig and Jane his wife of the County of Washington and State of Virginia, to David Cowan of Lee County Va. conveys land on "Martins Creek on County of Lee." Surveyors Entry Book. No. 1784-1824. page 62. William Cowan, assignee of James Black, entered by warrant No. 1240, 150 acres of land in Washington County adjoining William Cowan's settlement right on the South east side, to include the old improvement joining Copper Creek Ridge.

August 20, 1784. Record of Surveys and Entries No. 1. page 153. Surveyed for John Cowan, heirs etc. 230 acres of land in Washington County, by virtue of a certificate etc, lying on both sides of McKinney's Run, a south branch of Clinch river, and beginning at the foot of Copper Creek Ridge at a poplar corner to William Cowan's land he now lives on and with the lines thereof etc.

March 25, 1783. We the Commissioners for the District of Washington and Montgomery Counties do certify that John Cowan, heir at law of Samuel Cowan deceased, is entitled to 284 acres of land by settlement in the year of 1772, lying in Washington County on a branch known by the name of McKenney's Run, and adjoining William Cowan. As witness our hands this 8th day of August 1781. Teste James Reid, C. C. Jos. Cabell, Harry Innes, M. Cabell, Commissioners.

Same book and page. Surveyed for David Cowan 264 acres of land in Washington County by virtue of a Certificate from the Commission ers for the District of Wash, and Montgomery Counties, etc., lying on both sides of Mill Creek, a south branch of Clinch River, etc. 14th March 1783. We the Commissioners for the District of Washington and Montgomery Counties certify that David Cowan is entitled to 264 acres of land by settlement made in the year 1769. Lying in Washington Co. bounded by William Robeson on the east and Samuel Porter on the south, known by the name of Cowans Forte, surveyed the 8th day of April 1774. by virtue of an order of Council passed the 16th day of August 1781. Teste James Reid. Commissioners same as above.

Record of Entries & Surveys. No. 1, page 187.

Surveyed for Capt. William Cowan asse of David Gist four hundred acres of land in Washington County by virtue of a Certificate from the Commissioners for the District of Washington & Montgomery Counties etc. lying in Cassell's Woods on the waters of Clinch River & beginning at a black oak & white oak near the head of Sinking Creek. 13th November 1783. We the commissioner for the District of Washington & Montgomery Counties, do certify that David Gist is entitled to Four hundred acres of land by settlement in the year 1779, lying in Washington Co. on Cassells Woods on Clinch River, including a large sinking spring adjoining Samuel Cowan's land. As witness etc. Teste. James Reid. C. C. C. Jos. Cabell, Harry Innes, M. Cabell, Comrs. I do hereby assign all my rights of the within certificate to William Cowan for value received of him. Witness my hand this 4th day of May 1783. Teste. Walter, Preston. David Gist.

THIS INDENTURE made the eighteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight between James McKinney, of the County of Russell, in the State of Virginia, of the one part, and John Cowan, of Green County and state of North Carolina, of the other part witnesseth that the said John Cowan for and in consideration of the sum of sixty-six pounds current money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the said James McKinney doth grant, bargain and sell unto the said James McKinney and his heirs a certain tract or parcel of land in the County of Russell containing two hundred and thirty-five acres by survey bearing date the twenty-fifth day of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three, lying and being in the County of Russell, on both sides of McKinney's Run a south branch of Clinch River and bounded as followeth. to wit:: Beginning at the foot of Copper Creek Ridge at a poplar corner to William Cowen's land and with a line thereof north fifty-one degrees west one hundred and fifty-three poles to a white oak and ash sapling on the east side of the ridge, North thirty degrees cast one hundred and fifty-five poles to a black oak and white oak at the foot of a rocky ridge thence leaving said line North forty-seven degrees East, one hundred and fortynine poles, crossing the branch to two white oaks at the foot of a ridge South thirty-two degrees east forty poles to a black oak and white oak of the side of a ridge south forty-three degrees west forty-five poles to three white oak saplings on the west side of a ridge south Twenty-five degrees east eighty poles to a beech near a branch south four degrees west one hundred poles crossing the branch to a white oak and ridge at the foot of Copper Creek ridge and along thereon south forty four degrees west one hundred and twenty-six poles to the BEGINNING, together with all its appurtenances to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land with its appurtenances unto the said James McKinney and his heirs to the sole use and behoof of him the said James McKinney and his heirs forever and the said John Cowen for himself and his heirs doth covenant with the said James McKinney and his heirs that the said John Cowen and his heirs the said land with all the appurtenances unto the said James McKinney and his heirs against all persons what so ever will forever warrant and defend. In Witness whereof the said John Cowen hath hereunto subscribed his name and affixed his seal the day and year above written. John Cowen. (Seal.) At a Court held for Russell County the 18th day of November 1788. This indenture of Bargain and sale of land from John Cowen to James McKinney was acknowledged in court and ordered to be recorded. Teste: Henry Dickenson, C. R. C. A copy, Teste: E. R. Combs, Clerk Circuit Court, Russell County, Va.

THIS INDENTURE made the Twenty-third of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one between William Gilmore and Elizabeth his wife of Russell county county & State of Virginia of the one part and John Cowan of the County aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Gilmore for and in consideration of the sum of four hundred pounds current money to him in hand paid the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge have granted bargained and sold and by these presents do grant, bargain and sell unto the said John Cowan and his heirs forever one certain tract or parcel of land in the County of Russell containing three hundred and fifty five acres and granted to the said William Gilmore from this Commonwealth by patent bearing date the sixteenth day of August one thousand seven hundred and fifty six lying and being on the waters of Cedar Creek branches of Clinch River and bounded as followeth to wit Beginning at three white oaks by a gully north three west two hundred and sixty eight poles to a white oak and Hickory saplins near a gully north Seventy eight East Twenty live poles to two red oaks and double dogwood South Three East two hundred and forty five poles to a walnut South seventy three West two hundred and twenty six poles to the beginning. Together with all its appurtenances to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land with its appurtenances to the said John Cowan and his heirs, to the sole use and behoof of him the said John Cowan and his heirs forever and the said William Gilmore for himself and his heirs doth covenant with the said John Cowan and his heirs that he the said William Gilmore and his heirs the said land with all the appurtenances unto the said John Cowan and his heirs against all Persons whatsoever will forever warrant and defend in Witness whereof the said William Gilmore and Elizabeth his wife have hereunto subscribed their names and affixed their seals the day and year first above written. William Gilmore. (Seal.) Elizabeth Gilmore. (Seal.) At a Court held for Russell County the 23rd day of August 1791. This Indenture of bargain and sale between William Gilmore and Elizabeth his wife was exhibited in Court and acknowledged by the said William Gilmore and Elizabeth his wife being Privily Examined as the law directs and thereupon was Ordered to be recorded. Test. Henry Dickenson, C. R. C. A copy. Teste: E. R. Combs, Clerk, Circuit Court. Russell County, Virginia.

THIS INDENTURE made the twenty-first day of September in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and ninety three between John Cowan of Nox County in the south west Teratory of the one part and James McKinney of the County of Russell and state of Virginia of the other part, Witnesseth that the said John Cowan for and in consideration of the sum of sixty six pounds Current Money of Virginia to him in hand paid doth grant bargain and sell unto the said James McKinney and his heirs one certain tract or parcel of land in the County of Russell Containing two hundred and thirty five acres Bysurvey bearing date the twenty first day of March 1783 and granted to the said John Cowan from this Commonwealth by patent bearing date the fifth day of July in the year of our Lord 1785 and bounded as followeth (to wit) Beginning at the foot of Copper Creek ridge at a poplar corner to William Cowans (now James Osborns) land and with the lines thereof North fifty one degrees West one hundred and forty three poles to a white oak and ash sapling on the east side of a ridge North thirty degrees East one hundred and fifty five poles to a black oak and white oak at the foot of a rocky ledge thence leaving said lines North forty seven degrees East one hundred and forty nine poles crossing the branch to two white oakes at the foot of a ridge South thirty two degrees east forty poles to a black oak and white oak on the side of said ridge South forty three degrees West forty five poles to three white oak saplings on the west side of a ridge South twenty five degrees East Eighty poles to a beech near a branch South four degrees West one hundred poles Crossing the branch to a white oak and buckeye at the foot of Copper Creek Ridge and along the same south forty four degrees West one hundred and twenty six poles to the Beginning. Together with all its appurtenances to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land with its appurtenances to the said James McKinney and his heirs to the sole us and behoof of him the said James McKinney and his heirs forever. And the said John Cowan for himself and his heirs doth covenant with the said James McKinney and his heirs that he the said John Cowan and his heirs the said land with all the appurtenances unto the said James McKinney and his heirs against all persons whatsoever will forever warrant and defend. In Witness whereof the said John Cowan has hereunto subscribed his name and affixed his seal the day and year first above written. Signed and acknowledged, John Cowan. (Seal.) In presence of Richard Price, Henry Dickenson, Edward Dorton. At a Court held for Russell County the twenty second of October 1793. This Indenture of bargain and sale of land from John Cowan to James McKinney was Exhibited in Court and proven by the oaths of Richard Price, Henry Dickenson and Edward Dorton witnesses thereunto and ordered to be recorded. Teste; Henry Dickenson, C. R. C. A copy, Teste: E. R. Combs, Clerk, Circuit Court, Russell County, Va.

I certify that the name of JOHN COWAN (COWIN) appears in the Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia for the session 1833-4, Doc. 32, p. 13, known in this Library as "H. D., Doc. 32, 13"; and that this reference shows, under the caption "A List of Non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers of the Illinois Regiment, and the Western Army, Under the command of General G. R. Clarke, who are entitled to Bounty in Land", that the said JOHN COWAN (COWIN) was a private and that he was "entitled to land for 3 years." I certify that the name of JOHN COWEN (COWAN) is recorded in a manuscript document now in this Library entitled "A Pay Roll for Capt. Thomas Quirks company of the Illinois Regiment Raised for the Defence of the Western frontiers of Virginia and Commanded by Brigr. Genl. Geo. Rs. Clark," and known in the Library as "I. P., D. 12" and that this reference shows that the said JOHN COWEN served as a soldier in the said command from Jan. 10th, 1779, to May 28th, 1780, a period of sixteen months and eighteen days, with pay at the rate of six and two-thirds dollars per month, and that he received for his services the sum of £33 4s, Virginia Currency. Morgan P. Robinson Archivist, Virginia State Library. Richmond, Va., June 22nd, 1915.

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