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Erwin/Cowan Letters and Documents (1817 – 1853)

Compiled and collected by Kathy Munsel

❁ Letters of and documents from the children of Captain Thomas Cowan ❁

These letters and documents are in reference, mostly, to the estate of Thomas Cowan, a captain in the Revolutionary War who was my GGGG-Grandfather. Letters written by his son, James (of Paris, Tennessee) to Abel, the executor of their father’s estate (of Salisbury, North Carolina – living on his father’s old homestead), and other members of his family provide a window into the lives of this family and the history of the southern states of the United States of America. 

Most of the original documents belong to Ruth Cook, a descendant of Thomas Cowan, and were transcribed by Nanci Presley-Holley. Nanci posted her transcripts to the Bagpiper, a Web site created by Don Erwin, an avid Erwin researcher. Nanci had been researching the Cowan/Erwin line (formed by the marriage of the eldest daughter of Thomas Cowan, Catherine to Joseph Erwin). Through her research, Nanci found to her dismay, that she is not a descendent of Tomas Cowan, but of another Erwin line. Yet, in recognizing the significance of this history, she wanted to share it with those of us who are. I have cleaned them up a little bit and corrected some of the spelling and formatting, for an easier read. Ruth has asked that these letters not be published without her permission.

Kathy Burling Munsel (503) 362-2498
5100 Center St. NE       Salem, Oregon  97317 E-mail: kmunsel@comcast.net

Population Maps

The1820 population map on the following page, and the 1850 map on the page after that, give us a clear picture of how America was growing and where we, as a whole, were flowing over the landscape. As agreements were made through peace and war times, and more lands were opened up, we continued to move on, to follow the dream. Our founding fathers, those that came over from Europe to start new lives in America, followed a similar path. 

The Cowans and the Erwins both came to Pennsylvania from Ireland and Scotland, (some through England). Members of both groups migrated to North Carolina to an area near Salisbury and settled. There, Catherine Cowan and Joseph Erwin (our direct ancestors) were married. The next generation migrated onward to Tennessee and Kentucky, Texas and Mississippi, and the following generation to Georgia, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Our migration is quite similar to the migration within the states shown in the following maps. 

Table of Contents

The Letters

Oct 6, 1830  – James Cowan to Abel Cowan …………………………………………………….. Page 6

May 01(1834) – James Cowan to Abel Cowan …………………………………………………………………. Page 7

Apr 29, 1835 – James Cowan to Abel Cowan …………………………………………………………………… Page 9

Jul 04, 1835 – James Cowan to Abel Cowan …………………………………………………………………… Page 11

Sep14, 1835 – James Cowan to Abel Cowan ………………………………………………………………….. Page 13

Jan 19, 1840  –  James Cowan to James Cowan (son of Abel) …………………………………………… Page 14

Sep 25, 1841  –  James Cowan to Abel Cowan ……………………………………………………………….. Page 16

Nov 22, 1841 – Hezekiah F. Erwin to his uncle, Abel Cowan …………………………………………… Page 18

The Documents

Sep 09, 1817 – Carolina Watchman Newspaper, Salisbury, NC, Twenty Dollars Reward ……. Page 20 

Jan 15, 1818 – Payment Receipt from Executors for crying of sale ……………………………………. Page 20

Jul 14, 1819 – Payment Receipt from Executors to McCorkle for Joseph Erwin …………………. Page 21

Jul 14, 1819 – Payment Receipt from Executors to McCorkle for Joseph Erwin ………………… Page 21

Oct 01, 1822 – Carolina Watchman Newspaper, NC. Valuable Stock of Goods ………………….. Page 21

Oct 29, 1822 – Western Carolinian Newspaper, NC. Valuable House and Lands ………………… Page 22

Dec 03, 1824 – Carolina Watchman Newspaper, NC. At Private Sale  ………………………………. Page 23

Dec 06, 1824 – Carolina Watchman Newspaper, NC. Estate of Hezekiah Cowan ……………….. Page 24

Dec 14, 1824 – Carolina Watchman Newspaper, NC. Cowan & Vail Notice ……………………… Page 24

Mar 18, 1825 – Payment Receipt from Executor to John J. Erwin …………………………………….. Page 24

Dec 01, 1825 – Payment Receipt from Executor to Squire C. Erwin ………………………………….. Page 24

Nov 02, 1827 – Accounting of Catherine Erwin’s Legacy ………………………………………………… Page 25

Nov 02, 1827 – Refunding Bond from James Cowan to McClelland for Joseph Erwin ………… Page 26

Jan 23, 1830 – James Cowan Henry County, Tennessee Land Deed ………………………………….. Page 27

Oct 20, 1831 – Carolina Watchman Newspaper, NC.  Land & Negroes for sale ………………….. Page 28

August 1836 – Will of Mary Cowan (widow of Thomas Cowan) ……………………………………… Page 31

Jun 18,1831 – Carolina Watchman Newspaper, NC. Steam-Boat Explosion ……………………… Page 32

Nov 13, 1839 – Power of Atty from James Erwin to Squire Erwin ……………………………………. Page 32

Nov 28, 1839 – Power of Atty from John J Erwin to Squire Erwin ……………………………………. Page 33

Dec 13, 1839 – Carolina Watchman Newspaper, NC. Negros for sale ……………………………….. Page 34

Dec 21, 1839 – Payment Receipt from Executor to Squire Erwin for James Erwin ……………… Page 35

Dec 28, 1839 – Power of Atty from Joseph Erwin and Michael Biles to Squire Erwin …………. Page 35

Dec 21, 1839 – Payment Receipt from Executor to Squire Erwin  for Joseph Erwin and Michael Biles to Squire Erwin …………………………………. Page 35

Dec 21, 1839 – Refunding Bond from James Cowan to Executor ……………………………………… Page 35

Dec 21, 1839 – Refunding Bond from Joseph Erwin, John J. Erwin,and Michael Biles to Executor ……………………………………………………………….. Page 35

Dec 21, 1839 – Payment Receipt from Executors to Squire Erwin …………………………………….. Page 35

Dec 21, 1839 – Refunding Bond from James Cowan to Squire Erwin ……………………………….. Page 35

Jan 07, 1840 – Carolina Watchman Newspaper, NC. Abel Cowan Venue ………………………….. Page 39 

Mar 03, 1840 – Power of Atty from Benjamin H. Diggs to John Wall ……………………………….. Page 40

Mar 03, 1840 – Refunding Bond from Benjamin H. Diggs to Executor ……………………………… Page 40

Jul 14, 1841 –  Power of Atty from Thomas B. Erwin, Abel A Erwin, and Michael L. Erwin to William Sparks …………………………………………………. Page 41

Nov  22 1841 – Power of Atty from Hezekiah F Erwin to William Sparks …………………………. Page 42

Apr 25, 1842 – Payment Receipt from Executors to Hezekiah Erwin ………………………………… Page 44

Apr 25, 1842 – Refunding Bond from Hezekiah Erwin to Executor …………………………………… Page 44

Apr 25, 1842 – Payment Receipt from Executors to William Sparks …………………………………. Page 45

Apr 25, 1842 – Refunding Bond from William Sparks for Thomas, Abel, and Michel Erwin to Executor ………………………………………….. Page 45

Jan 26, 1843 – Abel Cowan Will, Woodgrove, Rowan County, NC ………………………………….. Page 46

Feb 13, 1846 – Carolina Watchman Newspaper, NC. Rowan Hotel For Sale ……………………… Page 46

Nov 04, 1851 – Carolina Watchman Newspaper, NC. Valuable Land for Sale ……………………. Page 49

Nov 11, 1853 – Revolutionary War Pension Application for Thos. L. Cowan …………………….. Page 50

Page 1

The first letter of the collection,  from James Cowan to his brother Abel Cowan. My additions are within brackets.

October 6, 1830 – Paris, Tennessee

Dear Abel,

This letter leaves us all well except Harriet Adeline [Abel’s wife], who has had a high fever for a few days. I hope she is not dangerous. The connections are generally well except Harvey McCorkle’s family. Harvey, himself, is very dangerous and it’s doubtful of his recovery. 

We have had no rain for better than 7 weeks, and of course very dry. The cotton, state [of] corn very much injured. 

Jo got a letter from home late, and get the fidgets for home all at once. He left me at a time I could but illy spare him. He, for the last 4 months, has improved very much and is now quite useful. He was very awkward at the beginning and of little account, but he can be well recommended as a young man of good moral habits. (Thank God.) Your deed is in my care, and all complete, except the certificate of the clerk of summer and can be done any time when the deed is sent. I would have sent it, but still expected to either be there or some of the connections. It’s now out of danger or risk.

The note I left with you on James Cowan is collected, and you said something about [Joe Erwin] owing the estate of father or Hez[ikiah]. I am very willing to take anything on him if you can make it out and have it adjusted. I expect there will be something coming to him, Caty, and myself from He[zikiah’s] Estate. All of which I want placed on my [illegible] note, and me pay them here. I wish how soon this could be done, as I am anxious to discharge that debt in some way. This late recover off [illegible] on for George McCullok’s debt, will enable Thomas to settle Hez’ Estate and while we are all living it had better be done. Jo can give you the news of the country and all about my business. We have made good sales since I got my new goods home, here and at the plantation.

We have sold better than 10 thousand dollars worth [illegible] its more money than I will collect soon. I have a very large family to support. It requires great industry to keep my business in order. I have but little time to spare, between the two stores and the plantation. Last week our boys run a cotton [illegible] for three days and the 2 [illegible] and old Caesar was out of the [illegible] and Saturday they all quit a little before night and they all picked in the 3 days 5,192 lbs. The highest any day for our [illegible] was 170 lbs. I expect I will only make between 60 and 70 thousand of [illegible] cotton, and at one time it was good for 100 thousand. I will make plenty of corn and almost every thing else. I am still searching to get an overseer that will do his duty. I can’t get one to take care of things after [illegible] rained, or to feed the stock (Thank God.) I don’t know what I will do for one next year. 

You must take this letter and read it to mother and tell her I would write to her, but this will answer as well. I am glad to hear that she has got better again.  Tell her she can get the news fully from James, who will go and see her. Porter and family paid us a visit some time ago, and I believe they were well pleased with this section. Give our respects to Maria, and all the brothers and sisters, also the news if they want it.

Yours respectfully, James Cowan

Tell mother I can’t now say when I will be in N.C., but wish to be there as soon as I can spare the time from home.

Page 6

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From James to Abel Cowan, addressed to-and-from the names of their plantations.

From: James Cowan, Mount Holyoke, Henry Co, TN,  

To: Mr. Abel Cowan, Woodgrove, Salisbury, Rowan Co, NC

May 1st (about 1834)

Was it not for the pleasure I now enjoy with my family, I don’t know what I should do. It’s my only comfort here. We have such a low life? set. Mary is now nearly grown, not very handsome in the face, but truly an amiable and affectionate girl. She has been well managed so far, and her mother’s companion.  She plays and sings well [illegible] was known to give me a frown. She is now finishing her education in Nashville.  Seth [illegible] is truly beautiful. [He] is quite a large boy possessing in a very high degree, an amiable and affectionate disposition, remarkable chaste in his manners and general deportment. [He] is very mechanical, he has been home all year, at work, to lay a good foundation for his Constitution, he is now at a respectable academy. Ann Eliza is just Sister Jenny in disposition, that is enough, a little cross-eyed and perhaps the plumpest (and A. Kerr says), the handsomest girl he ever saw. Angeline, a little dwarf, grows but little, except in intellect –very smart–. Jas Temple, very much like your Tommy, a real butt hail hearty boy, very smart, and mischievous. Frances Irwin, the babe, now near two years old, a firm child. Every one with coal black eyes. – All this is for the edification of my Sisters who might like to hear of my children.

For my own part, I am growing old in feeling. In appearance, not much altered, except my locks are growing white, and I have lossed my upper front teeth, which prevents me from articulating as well as formerly. My weight is generally 206 lbs. Harriet, I think, looks as well as ever, rather more fleshy, 170 lbs. She seldom goes from home and takes great pleasure, as usual, in her garden and poultry, together with the house. [illegible] She has a splendid wooden house, but well finished and well furnished. No family need wish to live better than we do. As to comforts and sound intercourse, she is a mother to all the young men. I refer you to J[illegible] on that subject. So much for family news. [illegible] all of which you can use with your own discretion.

You know that the land old Jo [Joe Erwin] lives on is paid for by me. This amt now is upwards of [illegible] $1000. I never have received the first cent yet. Can’t you manage her estate in such a way as to throw it into Thos’ hands who I owe, thereby let me have at least the int. of the money paid for the land? If you can do so, if you wish to protect an innocent man, who did not foresee who he was dealing with the [illegible] on the purchase money is justly due. And you know, that old Jo still keeps insolvent, and if he gives up the land with the improvements it will not pay me by $300. That family lives better than you or me, and how they do it, god only knows. All they get is common stock and now Caty has Bill and his wife. Bill as lazy as his Uncle Bill. And you know Caty [the daughter of Joe and Catherine Erwin] is lately married. Her and her man (Wilson) is also there. My land to live on, and my servant to wait on them. Now, is not this truly provoking? I had them broken up, but they have go to the old notch. To be plain, these two families [illegible] H is our grand cause of my wishing [illegible] from here. I don’t know when I have seen Nancy. They are doing well as to the worldly affairs. Old Jo never asked us to the wedding when old Caty was married.

I feel sorry that Charlotte [daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Cowan] is about to deceive her parents. So far, it’s really what I expected for she was practicing all the influence, in conjunction with her mother, upon his liberate and kind indulgence when here. I was sorry to see it, and I hope Betsey’s good sense, united with Charlotte’s intelligence, may yet learn to know how highly they are favored with such a husband and father. I say, let a woman mind her own business and let the prudent man attend to his. There is a certain dominion that is due to every good wife and there is certainly one due to a good husband. I hope these ideas will not be misconstrued, as you know I have no other feelings save those of the purest kind. 

My love to all, and as much of this letter as you can communicate to my old mother, do so, and write me soon and come to see us, or send Tommy or James. Harriet joins me in all that is written you.

Affectionate brother, Jas Cowan

If you will save me a copy of [illegible] letter I will be glad, and be assured that I will not use it in any other way than you may [ask of] me. I never expect to have anything to do with him. I’ll be confidential.

Page 7

_____________________________________________________________________________ From James Cowan to Abel Cowan.

April 29, 1835, Mount Holyoke, Henry County, TN

Dear Abel,

Your long & welcome letter of the 10th instant is just at hand, & as I intended writing to Thomas, I will write you in his place as he is not at home. Our family has all had the bowel complaint but gotten well, both black & white. I wrote Thos about my journey down in

Mississippi. I need say nothing on that subject, save that I bot 442 acres of land, what I am to pay $ till for next March. I expect, there, to have 100 acres in cotton & 50 in corn, which is all the crop this year, having to open 100 acres this spring. 

I have 14 good hands there, which leaves me pretty bare here & I think I will go near 100 bales. It is the greatest country to make money in I ever saw, yet it equally is to spent it. Everything is high, & land rents for $5 per acre, corn $1 per Bushel & Bacon from 15 to 20 S H, I think when I [the economy] is tolerably healthy. I have been sinking money ever since Thos was here, owing to failures in cotton crops & people breaking that owed me. You know, I always advised you to stay, when you were in preference to coming to the District, & I yet stay so, as I never was pleased here. 

Altho, the soil is as productive as you could wish it & the more splendid farms are not in the County than mine, especially this one. I have $970 acres here, 400 open. 470 on the other 160 open besides these wood land tracts of 640 each & a number of scattering small plans. My town property cost near $10,000. I yet have, say 50 slaves here, a good many small.

I find this a very hard country to get along with. Money is so hard to realize, & my debts have to be paid. I owe a good deal & my debts will be hard to pay all at once. I think my property here at fair valuation, or cost would be say $[illegible] out of that my debts must come. I am out of business now except farming a little, say 100 acres in corn, 60 of wheat, 10 rye, 10 oats & 10 of Millett. The balance of my land is rented at $2 per acre, or 2 barrels of corn. I have a serious notion of leaving this state & selling all off. I hoped this year 6 mares and colts, & have now 7 with colt, 3 of which has five colts, two of them to a $40 horse. Old Yankee is yet alive, & has a fine colt. 

The “choice girl” Thomas refers to below is a slave girl that he owned.

The letter you eluded too, written by Logan, I had heard of before yours was at hand. He is just up to all he has written. He certainly has been my greatest enemy in this State & a polished hypocrite. I gave him the use of a choice girl 4 or 5 years, & when I wanted her, he refused to send her & besides, he even refused to let her clothes come. Thos can tell you all about this. Unfortunately Thos got me into another scrape with Caty [Erwin], by saying, if yes, if I could see a girl for $300 that I thought would suit Caty, & one that would suit him, to purchase her & send her to Caty

Well, that was hard to do, to please both and myself too. It could not be done. All hands was on the look out & Solomon-Boils found one, & before I got to see her she died. Well I thought I would, for peace sake, send one of mine, & she has been there ever since Thos left. And when I was sending [the family] below, I wanted her to go with the family. I sent for her, which was refused (expecting to send one in her place). Well, her father got her out & bot her off two cases with two sisters precisely in point, & it so happened that neither of the two girls fathers, had any instructions from me to [illegible] do. Well, I kept that girl, & did not send any back till I let them sweat. I then sent one better & she is now there. 

Now you can judge of both cases. As for them blaming Aunt Harriet, they all know if they would tell the truth, that her influence over me is only confined to her wants in the house. Out of doors, she never meddles with my affairs. If you don’t believe this, I refer you to Thos, & as for them or any one else speaking hard of her, she cares but little about, and they all know better than to do so to her face. Her character & standing wherever she is known, is such that no one will for amount believe she would descend to anything but what is honorable. It affords me pleasure to tell you that she knows no distinction in persons, when their actions & character is good. She always was, & is yet the advocate of Maria, time after time, when you & her knew nothing of it, she has reassured her love to me. For my part, Harriet was better acquainted with Maria than I was. And admitting she was in some degree guilty of charges alleged to her, She now has the pleasing reflection to know, that too much [illegible] cannot be heaped upon her, for the kind, motherly and impartial stand she has taken & still continues to pursue towards your motherless children. A trait in her character, that even you yourself can place no estimate upon, [illegible] the good & tender feelings, which all your connections ought to have for her. These faults are all admitted, but I fear not properly appreciated my many. It is my duty to let you both know that we believe what I say.

If you or any one of the connections have a little pleasure with your kindred, as I have done for Caty & family, look what I am now doing & then compare her vilifying language with. Look at the pretended station that Logan holds & reflect for a moment that he has good sense, that for purposes to answer the diabolical disposition of his heart he would so far descend, as to be the instrument of perusing that what he knows, & did know, was well calculated, to stain not only my reputation, but that of an innocent woman, whose ideas of courtesy is as far above his as the heavens is from earth. 

She has her faults, who has not? I have mine; I regret they are so numerous. We are all from the same family and, of course, naturally prone to do that which is evil. I must confess that the hypocrisy of profession, & especially that of the Methodists, perhaps done me more harm than I now can state. I have long since found out, from sad experience, the true principles & necessary qualification to complete a good and profound Methodist and it would be a happy day for me had

I never saw one. They are well calculated to destroy all good feelings for the Cause of

Christianity. If you have, will you [illegible] favored in having the pleasure of [illegible] happening in the very church that gave you birth you would, I am sure, feel grateful. It’s a blessing you cannot too highly appreciate.

Page 9

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From James Cowan to Abel Cowan.

July 4, 1835, Mount Holyoke, Henry County, TN

Dear Abel,

I answered your letter some time ago, & have not heard from you or Thomas since– our folks are all from home to day except our children & Harriet & myself and I thought I would write you a letter informing you of our health. My children are all at home at present but I do not expect it to be the case long. Mary is going to the Female Academy at Nashville, (if the cholera leaves) & I don’t expect to see her for 6 months. She is quite a large girl, and much esteemed by all who know her. Seth is going to Jackson Academy this next session. Ann Eliza & Adeline in Paris, I suppose. They begin to be a considerable tax to us now. 

I have had Seth at the plow during the vacation. I had a very large crop of wheat, say 60 acres, but it got ruined by the wet weather. Our corn crops are but sorry compared to other years. Oats is fine but blown down. Our millet is very good, also potatoes, cotton is more promising than usual. I heard lately from my lower country place, they only got 75 acres in cotton & about 50 in corn.  It is said to be very fine & well attended to. Jacob was down there lately, in the middle of June there were plenty of blooms. They say then the prospect was good for 400 lbs clean cotton to the acre, if this be so, & the forecast price holds on, it will be cheap land at $8 50 ($8.50?) per acre. I have the offer of ginning about 400 thousand for the neighbors, no gin being near mine. If I succeed in this I hope my crop may go 100 Bales.

You can’t conceive the difference in that climate, for cotton, & this or where you live. They plant a different seed, called the Polly Gulf, 300 lbs of which makes our common hands get 200 lbs per day & I have 300 lbs. I saw in a paper where 3 hands [illegible] down gathered 1500 lbs in one day. It is very healthy so far, where my place is, but the water is not good. I am in hopes I am out of the seeky? county, but not certain. I have it in [mind] to go down there the last of this month. I would like to see about 30 such hands as I could select out of Thomas gang settled upon 300 acres good open land there, in a fair season. Every hand would be good for 7 Bales of 400 lbs each. At the present price that would be fine, but say half this price I look at that present from $16800, half that $8,400 per annum. If I was out of debt, with my present force, I could nearly go the big sum. And if I had your force or Thomas’ in there, and could find a man I could trust, I would try it. You don’t know how many less you can do with out till you try it. I have but few hands at home this year & I get along almost as well as when I had all together. The children do almost a hands work in the crops.

Page 11

Our country is quite healthy, although the cholera has been on the Cumberland River in

30 miles of us, we apprehend it will be with us this summer. My old overseer, Mr. Monfort (Morford?) died here the 9th June, he had been low down in Miss last year, took sick, & I got him here, where he lay near 3 months before he died. The dropsy finally carried him off. He suffered a great deal, & was much trouble to us all. He was an honest, clever man.

I heard from J. G. Spears in the nation. He wrote me he would call but did not. I have seen Logan several times lately, he says nothing about his & Catys letter – neither do I, although I mentioned it to John. I don’t think I have saw Nancy 4 times since Thomas was here. 

I want you to tell Thomas to appoint some one else to procure a girl for Caty, as I never could get one to please him & her both at the price, except the one I was about to purchase, which died a few days before I was to get her & they never let me rest till I sent one of mine there to fill the place of Thomas’ [illegible] and because I took that one away & sent another in her place, is the cause of all this fuss. I don’t think Thomas will like to pay her for one every year for $40 to $60 per year, to work for Catys children & allow them to go idle. The one she has now is worth $60 a year &, if it was not for the respect I have for Thomas, I would take her away. And if he does not do something soon, I will take her away, as I can’t afford to make a slave of my wife for no man’s children. Not only that, but I won’t be slandered & abused by both old & young of my whole connections in this country, and especially the old ones. Old Caty Jane is married & I believe made a tolerable good bargain, much better than I expected her mother would have made for her, and they now have Caesars’ oldest daughter there, as big as she ever will be, and young Caty is in the habit of whipping her regularly, a thing I never done. I have born with it till I would hear from Thomas. Can’t you fix it no way to give Thomas that old legacy, so that I can get some compensation for my land. If that can’t be done, I shall be under the necessity of selling the land & they will then find out who supports them. It’s high time I would support my creditors, in place of those who care not for me or my family. These are all facts & you can easily perceive the situation I am placed in. I don’t care but little about Catys or Lewis’ above & slanderous tales wrote to N.C. if they would let their tongues be still at home. And it is all done by sly insinuations of the most poisonous character. Logan is just as afraid of me as I want him to be. He has been a Methodist so long that he has Methodiscal hypocrisy to some degree of perfection. He has a great advantage over new beginners. Write me on receipt of this and give me all the news.

Yours affectionately,   Harriet & Mary send their love to all & when Mary gets her James Cowan  education, I will let Seth & her visit your country.

_____________________________________________________________________________ A letter from James Cowan to Abel Cowan Reporting Catherine Erwin Wilson’s Death

September 14, 1835 – To Mr. Abel Cowan, Woodgrove P.O. Mount Holyoke, Rowan County, NC

Dear Abel,

Yesterday (Sunday) about 2 o’clock, our niece, Catherine Wilson (formerly Erwin) closed her eyes in death. She was married last February but has had but little health since. Her complaint is unknown to me, except the fever. She was in the family way & I presume the Drs could not give her such medicines as she needed.

Our county, & in fact the whole District never was more unhealthy. For the first time, the chills & fevers have made their appearance on this place. I have been quite unwell for three weeks, not bed fast, but nearly so. I am yet unwell. Our youngest child has been quite low, most of our negroes have been down, but better. M. Boiles is very low & nearly all his family. I expect the Sham Dr. will lay him out, as he believes in no others, in short. The one-half of every family nearly in the whole County is or has been down, but few deaths yet, except when those murderous clan of Sham Drs has been called in. 

The only object in writing you now is for to let our connections know of this death, & the health of the Country.

Our crops of corn are only tolerable. The cotton will be better than it has been for 4 or 5 years. Indeed it proves to be the best since I have been here & the fall has been very favorable, very cool & dry. Yellow Sam was up from my Mississippi place a week ago. He says a better crop to its size is not in the State. He says the 70 acres will make 70 bales. This will weigh from 4 to 500 lb & 45 acres in corn very good. They have all been well. I had 40 acres open land since the crop has been laid bye. I expect to go down there in a few weeks, if I am well enough. This is all the news I have at present. I will try & go to the burial today, and the time of starting is at hand.

Give our respects to all, & tell Mother the news.

Yours Affectionately, James Cowan

N. B. I enclose this in a Paris newspaper that has a list of Murals Gang in it from the different states.

Page 13

______________________________________________________________________________ A letter from James Cowan, Sr. to his nephew James L. Cowan (son of Abel)

February 19, 1840 

Dear James

This letter is intended for you, your father, and your Uncle Thomas. Your part I will give first. 

I got home from Missi a week ago and found my family all well. 

I wrote your Uncle Thos, while there, that it was my intention to remove all my hands up here, which I have done. They landed safe before I got home and they are all busy repairing and improving my place, for a large crop. Our Roads are almost impassable and our winter has been very severe. All the stock looks very bad.

I rented my place below. It’s a choice place, but the trouble, expense, and [illegible] tensly override? the profits.  Besides I am getting old, and a large family to provide for, that are all as yet helpless.

Missi is in a wretched condition, broke, broke and what money they have is perfect trash.

Although  five crops of cotton raised this year, they were spent by the time they were planted. About 7 out of 10 of the whole community broke, or run away to that Garden Spot Texas, where honesty or morality has no abiding place. What this Country had enough till I become acquainted with Mississippi. Yet Texas far surpasses Mississippi. I could count at least 12 or 15 murderers gone there from the County. My farm is in independent of smaller offenses. The extreme pro[illegible] of the times, here, and 10 times worse there, is well calculated to test the honesty of all who feels them. And as you have been brought up in the good old school, by those who not only profess, but endeavor to practice honesty, and as you spoke of removing yourself to the west or south, I would advise you to ponder before you come to that conclusion. Still, I would be pleased to see you, or any of my connections here or even located near me, yet I do not approve of advising them contrary to my own judgment. Rowan County is a good County of land and possesses many advantages, you know nothing about till you are deprived of them. [illegible] society, morality and honesty. If you had the most distant idea how I have been swindled from time to time, you would be surprised. Come and see us, or if you can’t come perhaps it would add to your brother’s health to do. I wish to visit your Country if I can between now and fall.

Your father’s letter, I found here on my return, giving one the object of Cowan Erwin’s visit and success. He is the flower of the flock in this Country. I have not seen him yet, nor does he want to see me, nor any one of that family. As for the old man paying me one cent of what he owes me, he is the last one that thinks of it. Jno J. E. is about to remove to Ky where they all will be, I hope, shortly. He has been doing as bad and worse than ever his father done before him. His little dividend came in good time to feed his children, which will not last long. He is poor indeed. Big Joe, no better. Cowan & Jim with 8 or 9 children each, all in 16 feet square cabin in Ky. you can guess how things are there.

Page 14

Tell your Uncle Thomas that old Joe had represented that he, Thos, had of his money about $6700?, and that Cowan would bring it out for him. When he came the money was not there. He was asked why? His reply, that “them damned rascals” had swindled him out of it. And to mend the matter, he said that the receipt he held of your Uncle Thos was out of date and he would not pay it. So you can all guess what I have suffered by that family both in feeling and character, so far as their influence extends. Tell Thos, I read that part of his letter to Jno J. E. and Jas McCorkle which relates to that receipt, and they both appear content. I have not seen any more of them yet, but I will not spare them when I do. I am sorry he ever gave up the original papers. If ever Cowan shows them to me, I will yet save them, lest [illegible] not. I wish your Uncle Thos would send me a full statement. So much for what we all have done for the old wutch!

I suppose you have heard of the death of Michael Boils. He died about 10 days ago. He had been in bad health for near 3 years and was tinkering with these abominable Sham Doctors, who no doubt in my mind were instrumental in carrying him off. All I could do & say to him he would [illegible] in the Shaming business. He left broke [illegible] children. The Shamans laid out his [illegible] at the Eldest children some time ago, besides 2 or 3 negroes. Mike’s affairs here was easy, yet he had not been accumulating? fast. Our Country is, and has been, very healthy but few escape when a Shaman is called in. Yet the ignorant will persist in their mode of practice.

As respects those negroes of mine & Thos, I am yet unprepared to say what I will do with them. I rather think, (if I can help it), I will leave them in N.C. and as I owe Thomas, should he want them particularly, it would seem, he should have them. Yet I do not wish to take them out of the family, or to have them separated—neither do I want any of them to marry till some conclusion is determined on, if they do, they do it at their own risk.

This part is written on the side and over the words on the third page:

Write me often, and don’t wait for my answers, and remember me, and all my family affectionately to all, our connections there. If you intend coming out, do so soon & I can take your [illegible] there you [illegible] or even that of, always contact your father and you [illegible] before you make any move  [illegible] recollect you and the oldest, and [illegible] will be [illegible] from you in support of your brothers and sisters. 

Farewell, James Cowan

Fourth page

I have had a great many losses within a few years and I fear all is not yet over. That Yellow Sam has cost me more than he ever earned me. I heard from Mr. Hayes, who has been on the way to Texas, they were near the [illegible] going on well I have a hope he may get $[illegible] for him yet. A greater scoundrel never walked this part of the earth. Hays will not return for 1 or 2 months yet.  My family are all well, and my children all at home except Ann Eliza, who is at Nashville at school.

In the middle of the fourth page is the address – the letter would have been folded into an envelope so that the address showed as follows:

Mt. Holyoke, TN 

From James Cowan Sen

19 Feby  

Mr James L. Cowan, Woodgrove P O, Rowan County, No Carolina

She was at a wedding at Jno Buntin’s lately, his 2d daughter . Jno is wealthy and lives in style. Our youngest Thomas, now 3 months old, weighs 24 lb. The finest child we ever have had. Our children would be pleased to see you, or any of their connections they are a happy set when altogether. It’s the greatest pleasure I have, to be in the midst of them.

_____________________________________________________________________________

From James Cowan to Abel Cowan.

September 25, 1841,

Brother Abel,

Your letter was duly recd. but a few days, after brother Thomas left for Sister Polly’s. I wrote you the letter upon the subject of the negroes, during the stay of Thomas here, & I did not inform him of the fact. Although, I intended it, but we had so much to talk about, & so much was I disposed to meet his views, & notions, that I disliked to annoy his feelings in any way. I was truly surprised at the valuation, & more so, when similar overtures were made to him. The hire was merely nominal in my opinion, or it would have been so here, yet under all the circumstances I did submit, not doubting at the time, but he would, or could not, refuse a reconsideration. To show this fact, I proposed, to hire of him 10 of the same quality, as my best, or average, at the same price, for two years & take them from, & return them to his own place, at my expense, to which he turned a deaf ear, this was bringing the matter up to his way & preferences of doing business — that would have settled the hire. Again in the sale I begged, to leave out the $300 girl, as a remnant of the flock, which I wished to inherit.  That was refused.  This was one I never saw again. There was great afflictions in the whole family, all doubtful, save John, yet a strong desire to own the whole.

Page 16

What I done was done contrary to my views of justice between man & man, & very contrary to the opinion of my family. Yet I will stand it, if him & his conscience will bear it.  It surely is a concern. I do not possess, much less, envy such a [illegible] again, When  he (Thos) was here before, when he unburdened  himself & authorized me to purchase a girl for our Decd Sister Caty, at the price of $300, & give it to her during her life time, & then to revert to him & his heirs, I could not do so satisfactorily to myself, nor with any degree of justice to his, or her views, (negroes [illegible] daily).  In order to carry out his kind, views, I placed in his possession, a girl, worth double the $300 for near or quite six years, still, advising him of the fact, & looking to him, & her, alone, for hire, to which he never made me any reply. My letters to him will show this fact. Me, not doubting, but he would account, for the hire of said girl, as I had done this, on the good faith of good wishes for the comfort of his eldest deceased Sister.

In confidence to you, & you alone, I am sorry to say, his reply was, that I had no authority from him to do so, just as though I did not know that. Men may be misguided by their own interest. If I am in this, I do not know it. One thing I do know, old as I am, I would remunerate a brother of mine who would have done a similar act for me, if I had to have earned the amt by labor at moon light. But there is different views of things of this sort, even in the same families. When I done this, I had no more doubts of my brother Thomas compensating me to my entire satisfaction, & also receiving his grateful thanks for so doing, than I would doubt you paying me $10– loaned money. I have written to Thos twice since he left here, up to Gallitan, I have not heard from him yet. I said nothing to him on this subject, as I wished to make him as comfortable as I could, while so long from his family, & with his difficulties at home & in Miss. I will when I have time explain other matters as well as these, that falls very far short of my expectations, or calculations.

I have sent to Giles for Col. Brandon’s Will, when recd I will not delay in forwarding it on to you. Adeline & Temple has both been quite sick since Thos left, but both better, all the Bal in good health.

Lewis family has been sick, but getting well– I hope Thomas may arrive safe home, to the bosom of his beloved family, in the same health he was in when he left Mt. Holyoke. I have nothing more to say now, but will shortly give you a more full detail of matter & things our love to your family, & all connections. Answer this soon & don’t wait for another, I think Thos will get home about the time this reaches you.

Yours in hast, farewell, Jas Cowan

In the middle of this last page is the address, so that the pages could be folded into an envelope 

From Jas Cowan Jr.                             Mr Abel Cowan

Mt. Holyoke                                        Cowan’s mill

25 Sept                                                Rowan County, No Ca

 _____________________________________________________________________________ A letter from Hezekiah Franklin Erwin (son of Catherine Cowan Erwin and Joseph Erwin, Sr.)  to his uncle, Abel Cowan

Page 16

November 22, 1841

Abel Cowan Esqr., Wood Grove, Rowan County

Wm. Sparks  N. Carolina, Pleasant Hill, Troup County, Ga.

My uncle,

Perhaps from the first sight of this letter you may be at a loss to know what to make of it but I presume after reflecting you will understand the contents and know the writer from the Family which give him birth.–  Having learned from my Relations in Tennessee that there is a small legacy due me and my Brothers in Chambers Co Ala from my Grand Father or Mother as the case may be and you as the legal admr. of said estate and the proper person to call on for said effects, as you will see from Power Attorneys by Mr. Sparks.

You will discover the one made by my three Brothers of Ala bear date of the 14th July but at that time Mr. Sparks expected to go to S. Carolina but concluded to defer it to this time, and consequently I did not take out any letter until this time, you will find him a very Honest correct young man he has been acting as an overseer for me the last two years. His Parents Reside in Spartanburg Dst. S.C. who he now visits and as the distance is short to where you live and understood you was anxious to wind up the concerns of the estate we have thought proper to call on you through our agent Wm. Sparks for the effects coming to us, Mr Sparks is unfortunately destitute of Education to a very great extent, and I must ask of you to direct him in any thing connected with this business.

I have just heard from my Relations in Tennessee by Jacob Mayes (Mayer?) a Dutchman uncle

James raised who is out here for the purpose of selling some land belonging to himself and uncle James.  Our Friends are generally well save my sister’s family.  Mr. Biles, Uncle James, was gone to Mississippi, or I have considerable space I know of nothing else to write, but presume it will be of little interest to you but as you are the Brother of that dear Mother who give me birth I will take the liberty of conversing with you through letter.  I was born in Rowan county and was my mother’s sucking infant when she left that State, I lived with my Father in Tennessee until I was 14 and then came to this State and lived with my Brother Thomas until I married.  I am now thirty years old and have been married seven years and have a very agreeable companion and two promising children, a son and a Daughter.  My Bro. T. B. has four children and doing well my two other younger Brothers are both living in Chambers Co some 15 miles from me unmarried and doing very well.

It would be a source of great pleasure to me to see my Relations in N.C. as they are numerous and Strangers to me I never have seen any my Relations by mother’s side save uncle James & aunt McCorkle’s Family.  Should I ever pass through your State I will be certain to call on you and the balance of my Relations, you will please accept my best Respects and present the same to my unseen aunt & cousins and should you or any of your children ever pass through Ga I shall be more than glad to see them.

Page 18

You will please send a statement of the affects individually by Mr. Sparks. Any attention rendered Mr. Sparks will be thankfully Recd.  I will refer you to him for particulars.  I am yours affectionately,

Hezekiah F. Erwin

N.B.  Please have the Powers Recorded and let Mr. Sparks bring the originals Back or some satisfactory showing.

The Documents

September 9, 1817, Carolina Watchman Newspaper, Salisbury, North Carolina

Twenty Dollars Reward.

Ranaway from the subscriber on the night of the 2d ultimo, my negro man, Anderson, a mulatto, about thirty-five years of age, a little above the common height, very strong and stout built, large frame. Course features, with distended nostrils. No other particular marks about him recollected. He took with him a considerable quantity of clothing of a pretty good quality, which I cannot accurately describe, none or few of which wee of common homespun. It is supposed he is trying to make his escape to a free State; and it is probable he may have in his possession forged papers, and certificates of his freedom, and may pass as a free man. Any information concerning him will be thankfully received; and the above reward given for his apprehension and delivery to me, or for his confinement in some Jail, so that I can get him.

Tho. L. Cowan, Salisbury, NC.

Page 20

____________________________________________________________________________

From the auction of Captain Thomas Cowan’s estate:

January 15, 1818 – Payment Receipt for Abel & Hezekiah Cowan

Recd. of Abel & Hezekiah Cowan Executors of the Estate of Thomas Cowan Senr. decd. Six dollars & my change for crying the sale two days.

            Daniel Lewis

            his mark X

Witness

                Thos B. Erwin     

Page 20                  

 _____________________________________________________________________________

July 14, 1819 – Payment Receipt from Executors to Alexander McCorkle for Joseph Erwin

July 14th 1819. Received of the Executors of Thomas Cowan Sen. Decd. Four? Dollars; it being the Interest of Two hundred dollars; the specific Legacy left to Catherine Erwin in the will of the said decd. From fifteen months after the [death] of the said Thomas Cowan Senr decd. Until the present time. This money was paid by Hezekiah Cowan.

Alexr. McCorkle, Senr.  Attorney for Joseph Erwin

Page 21

 _____________________________________________________________________________ July 14, 1819 – Payment Receipt from Alexander McCorkle, on behalf of Joseph Erwin

To Hezekiah Cowan

July the 14.th 1819.  Received of Abel & Hezekiah Cowan Exrs. of the Estate of Thomas Cowan Senr. Decd the sum of two hundred dollars it being the amount of a specific legacy under the will of the said decd.

            Alexr. McCorkle, Senr.                                  Test.

            Attorney for Joseph Ervin                 Julius? J. Reeves

Page 21

_____________________________________________________________________________

I’m not absolutely sure if this is our James Cowan, in the following newspaper articles, but it seems likely. More research may give us a better idea about which businesses James was involved with in his day.

October 1, 1822, Carolina Watchman Newspaper, Salisbury, North Carolina

Valuable Stock of Goods.

For Sale, the stock of the goods formerly belonging to the firm of Cowan & Vail, of Charlotte, N. C. consisting of a general assortment of fresh and seasonable goods. Any person wishing to purchase, can call and examine for themselves, on or before the week of Mecklenburg Superior Court; at which time I will attend in Charlotte for the purpose of disposing of the same.

JAMES COWAN, Surviving Partner.

Page 21

_____________________________________________________________________________ October 29, 1822, Western Carolinian Newspaper, Salisbury, North Carolina

_____________________________________________________________________________ Dec. 3, 1824, Carolina Watchman Newspaper, Salisbury, North Carolina

Page 23

Page 23________________________

December 6, 1824, Carolina Watchman Newspaper, Salisbury, North Carolina

Page 24

Hezekiah was the youngest son of Captain Thomas and Mary Cown, and one of the two executors of his father’s estate. He was only 28 years old when he died. Able was left as the sole executor of the estate.

_____________________________________________________________________________

December 14, 21, 28, 1824, Carolina Watchman Newspaper, Salisbury, North Carolina

Notice.

Will be exposed to sale, in the town of Charlotte, on Wednesday, the 5th day of January next, all the effects belonging to the late firm of Cowan and Vail; consisting of a large and elegant assortment of household and kitchen Furniture, among which are one large Side Board, one set of Dining Tables, one set of Card Tables, one set of Tea Tables, all of the finest mahogany and most fashionable mechanism; – also, one of the best mahogany cased eight day London Clocks, one pair of large gild framed parlor Looking Glasses; about twenty-five beds, bedsteads and furniture, composed of the finest and best materials; several sets of Windsor Chairs, and a variety of tea ware and table furniture. All kinds of kitchen furniture in common use, a good Horse, two Milch Cows, the quantity of corn, hay and fodder, that may then be on hand, together with a number of other articles too tedious to mention.

The sale will be on a credit of twelve months. Bond and approved security will be required, for all sums over five dollars; for purchases under that amount, cash.

James Cowan, Surviving Partner of the firm of Cowan & Vail.

N. B. The Sale will continue from day to day until all is sold.

Page 24

______________________________________________________________________  

March 18, 1825 – Payment Receipt from Abel Cowan to John J. Erwin (his special share of the estate)

Recd. of Abel Cowan Surviving Executor of the Estate of Thos Cowan Senr decd the Sum of Sixty dollars & eighty one cents being a specific legacy left me by the sd. Thomas Cowan Senr. Decd this 18th day of March 1825

             Jno. J. Erwin

From Thomas Cowan’s will: “I give and bequeath to my two grandsons John Johnson and Squire Cowan fifty dollars each, to be paid to them when they arrive at the age of twenty-one, unless it should be needed to pay for schooling.”

Page 24

 ______________________________________________________________________ 

December 1, 1825 – Payment Receipt of monies received from Squire C. Erwin to Abel Cowan

From: Squire C. Erwin

To Abel Cowan Exr of the Estate of Thos. Cowan decd

Recpt Specific Legacy

Rec’d. of Abel Cowan surviving Executor of the Estate of Thos Cowan Senr. decd. the sum of Sixty four Dollars and Thirty cents it being a specific legacy left to me by the said Thos Cowan Senr. decd. this the twenty first day of December 1825. 

                        Squire C. Erwin          Test. John Andrews, Amos Andrews

Page 24

______________________________________________________________________   

November 2 1827 – Accounting of Catherine Cowan Erwin’s Legacy

Abel Cowan & Joseph Erwin – Settlement by James Cowan

Abel Cowan Executor of the Estate of Thos Cowan Decd. 

to Joseph Erwin & Catherine, his wife

To Amt due you, of said Estate, at being the              }                                  $167.99

_____ Legatee of said Estate–                                   }

          Contra On (Contract ?)

By cash as for receipt dated 29 Augt 1820                             $100

To Int on do 6 years & 9 months and 22 days is–                  40.40               140.40

                                                                            27:59  
To your note in payt for my proportion of the }    
land that belonged to Hez. Cowan Decd –       } 105.00  
due 9 April 1826 for– $105–                             }    
To Int on do from 9 April 1826 to 1 Nov 1827 } 9.80  
is 1 year 6 mo & 21 days to 1 Nov 1827–         }    
To your note due do on 9 April 1827 for                   $104.56  
To 6 mo & 21 days Int on do to 1 Nov 1827                 3.48       108.04
                                                                                      $250.43  

Nov 2 1827 Recd the above Two hundred & fifty dollars & 43 cents in full as agent for Joseph

Erwin & his wife Catherine

            James Cowan, Agent

Page 25

_____________________________________________________________________________

November 2, 1827 – Refunding Bond for Joseph Erwin and Catherine Cowan

James Cowan

Know all men by these presents that I James Cowan attorney for Joseph Erwin & Catherine his wife of the State of Tennessee are held and firmly bound unto Jno McCleland? Chairman of the County Court of pleas and quarter sessions for the County of Rowan & State of No Carolina or to his Successors in office in the sum of Two Thousand dollars for which payment well & truly to be made and done I as attorney for as aforesaid, do bind myself my heirs Executors & assigns as aforesaid by these presents, Sealed with my seal & dated this 2d day of Nov. 1827

The Condition of the above obligation is such that whereas Abel Cowan surviving Excr. of the last will & Testament of Thos Cowan Decd. hath this day paid over to me as attorney for Joseph & Catherine Erwin, hires & Legatees of said Estate, the sum of one hundred & sixty seven dollars & 99 cents, it being their part distributive Share of sd Estate after paying the Specific Legacies under the will. Now if it should hereafter appear that any debt or debts come against said Estate, or should any judgts Be recovered against Abel Cowan surviving Exr of said Estate, then & in that case the said James Cowan as attorney aforesaid shall refund & pay back to the said Abel Cowan Exr. as aforesaid, his full & equal part of said debt or debts, or judgts as they may be – then the above obligation to be void otherwise remain in full force & virtue.  Witness my hand & seal this 2d day Nov 1827.

            James Cowan Attorney for Joseph Erwin &Catherine his wife

Page 26

 January 23, 1830, Tennessee Deed to James Cowan, Henry County, Book C, page 182

Two of the subscribing witnesses thereto and the same was ordered to be certified for registrar

James Cowan 193                                                                                           James Weeks, Clk

Owe conveyed by James of Henry County Court

Geer registered 23d Jan/1830

This indenture made on the twenty first day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight between James Greer of the county of Henry and the state of Tennessee of the one part and James Cowan of the county of Jasper and the state of Georgia of the other part witnessith that the said James Greer for and in consideration of the sum of seven hundred seven and two [illegible] dollars to him in hand par by the said James Cowan the [illegible] whereof is here all acknowledged hath given ranted bargained sold [illegible] conveyed and confirmed and by these presents [illegible] Given granted bargain sell [illegible] conveyed and confirmed lent to the said James Cowan his heirs and assigns forever a certain tract or parcel of land situated lying and being on the county of Henry and state of Tennessee and bounded as follows (to wit) beginning at a hickory the south west corner of Lewis McCorkle’s tract of land running north with his line ninety seven poles to a stake Diggs; south east corner thence west ninety poles to the stake Diggs south west corner thence west south thirty four poles to a stake Borans south east corner thence west twelve poles to a hickory Campbell’s north east corner thence south eighty poles to a black oak Campbell’s south east corner thence east twenty one poles to a black oak thence south forty poles to a hickory thence east twenty six poles to a post oak thence south forty poles to a black oak then south twenty six poles to a small hickory thence east sixty seven poles to a stake black oak and hickory pointed thence north due east one hundred and for poles to a stake black oak and hickory pointers thence east fifty two poles to a stake with black oak pointers thence north thirty six poles to a stake black oak and hickory pointers thence north thirty six poles to a stake black oak and hickory pointers on L. McCorkles line thence west one hundred and seventy poles to the beginning containing one hundred and ninety three acres be the same more or less to have and to hold the aforesaid land with all and singular the rights profits emoluments hereditaments and assistancey of in and to the same belonging to in any wise ascertaining to the only proper use and behalf of him the said James Cowan his heirs and assigns forever and the said James Greer for himself his heirs his executors administrators or assigns that the before [illegible] land and affix his seal the day and year first above written signed sealed and delivered in the presence of us 

James McCorckle                                            JR Rand?

James Greer [his signature and seal]

Page 27

______________________________________________________________________________ October 20, 1831, Carolina Watchman Newspaper, Salisbury, North Carolina

Land & Negroes, for sale.

In pursuance of a Deed of Trust to me executed by William Long, and for the purposes therein mentioned, I shall expose to public sale, at the courthouse in Salisbury on Thursday the 15th day of December next, the following property, Viz”

Twenty-four or five likely Negroes consisting of Men, Boys, Women and Girls, several head of horses. Also his interest in a tract of land situate on the Yadkin River, whereon Wm Long now lives. Terms will be cash.

Thomas L

Page 28

_____________________________________________________________________________

Aug 1836 – Will of Mary Cowan   (Widow of Captain Thomas Cowan)

In the name of God, Amen. I, Mary Cowan, widow of Thomas Cowan, Sr., deceased, now in my 73rd year of age and in a declining state of health but of sound mind and memory, and calling to mind the mortality of my body and that it is appointed for all men to die, do make this my Last Will and Testament.

My body I consign the dust from whence it came and my soul to God, hoping through the mercies of Jesus Christ to meet with everlasting enjoyment in the world above. It is my wish that my body, after my death, should be decently interred in a Christian-like manner in the graveyard of Thyatira as near the grave of my beloved husband as is convenient, and the expenses of my funeral be first paid out of my estate to my executors to be hereafter named.

Item 1 – I give and bequeath to all my daughters all my wearing apparel of every description; also my bedsteads and furniture to be equally divided amongst them; except my blue calico bed-quilt I give and bequeath to my daughter Lydia Hyde; and this division will be made by my Executors and any three freeholders that they may select, and this division shall be binding on all legatees.

Item 2 – I will and bequeath my flax hackle to my daughters Lydia, Peggy, Ann, Jane and Betsy for their use severally, but the hackle to be left with Lydia for its home.

Item 3 – I leave and bequeath to my daughter Lydia Hyde my folding-leaf table, my flax wheel and winding swifts.

Item 4 – I leave and bequeath to each of my grand daughters who are named after me the sum of three dollars to be paid one year after my decease.

Item 5 – I leave and bequeath to my daughter Peggy McNeely my large Cherry-tree chest

Item 6 – I leave and bequeath to my daughter Lydia Hyde my gig and harness.

Item 7 – I leave and bequeath to my sons Thomas L. Cowan and James Cowan my wagon and gears; also my two mares Silver and Shock, to be equally divided between them. I also leave my negro man Charles to my son James at a fair valuation, so that James may for the accommodation of Phoebe and her husband, and Charles and his wife, swap Charles to John Feaster (Feaston) for Towney, and in case John Feaster or his heirs should fail to exchange with James for Towney, then and in that case Charles to be equally divided between my sons and daughters; My son Abel excepted. I also allow my son James to have $20.00 more than any of the rest of the legatees out of the hire of Charles.

Item 8 – I leave and bequeath to my son Abel Five Dollars to be paid to him one year after my decease.

Item 9 – I leave and bequeath my large Bible to my daughter Ann Graham. I also leave and bequeath to each of my daughters; Lydia Hyde, Peggy McNeely, Jane Graham, and Betsy Thompson one volume of Brown’s Dictionary and one of Burke’s . The oldest of the four girls mentioned above to have choice of said books, but it be remembered that each is to have only one volume of Brown’s or one of Burke’s.

Item 10 – I leave and bequeath to my daughter Abigail Spears my Hymn Book known by that of Hezekiah’s Hymn Book. My will is…Caty Erwin, Mary Buntin, and Nancy McCorcle live at such a distance that my wearing clothes, bed-spreads, beds, and furniture, will be all valued, and that Lydia Hyde, Peggy McNeely, Ann Graham, Jane Graham, Betsy Thompson, and Abigail Spears pay an equal dividend of the profits arising from the above mentioned property to Caty Erwin, Mary Buntin, and Nancy McCorkle.

I leave my kitchen furniture, with all the household furniture not otherwise appropriated, to be valued and divided amongst my daughters.

Every piece of property given to me by my children, I allow to be returned to them who gave it to me.

Item 11 – I leave and bequeath a large pewter beaker – one to Thomas L Cowan and one to James Cowan, my sons.

Item 12 – I  leave and bequeath one cow and calf to my daughter Abigail Speers, her choice of the stock.

I allow my Executors to sell as much of the stock as they may think proper to raise as much money as will pay off the different sums I left to my grandchildren.

Item 13 – If there should be any of the stock left after paying off sums I have left, I allow it to be equally divided among all my children, Abel excepted.

It is my will that if there be anything more not willed, that the same should be equally divided amongst my children; and if there is no money to pay specific legacies, each one should appropriate a proportional part so as to have all agreeable to this will.

Item 14 – I will and bequeath to Harry and Rachel, slaves left me during life of my husband,  Five Dollars’ worth each of my property to be valued to them by my Executors. I also allow Leach to have a dress worth Two Dollars.

This is for her obedience and honesty towards me. I also leave Charles, son Harry and Rachel, Four Dollars worth of my property to be valued by my Executors.

It is my request, and I hope for the happiness of my large family, that they will naturally agree and be satisfied with what I have done, and while I am now making my last request, I hope my children will all be convinced that I have done what is agreeable to my best judgment, equitable and just to all, and I hope they will not misconstrue this my Last Will and Testament, only agreeable to its intent and meaning; and may the Lord bless you all.

I nominate and appoint my trusted friends Richard Gillespie and William Kilpatrick as Executors to my Last Will and Testament, making all other wills void and of no effect, and acknowledge this to be my Last Will and Testament. In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal, this 17th day of May, 1828.

Mary O Cowan (Seal) mark

Test: David Foster, John Foster

Rowan County, August 6, 1836

I hereby certify that this will is duly proven in open court by one of the subscribing witnesses and recorded in B – 4, page 708

John Giles

Page 31

_____________________________________________________________________________ June 18, 1836, Carolina Watchman Newspaper, Salisbury, North Carolina

STEAM-BOAT EXPLOSION!

After our paper went to press, an accident of a most melancholy character occurred. The Steam Boat John Walker, owned by Doyle O’Hanlon, Esqr. Was, this morning, about daylight, blown up, and made a complete wreck.

It appears that she had raised a head of steam and run down along side the Brig Pinque laying at anchor in the steam, for the purpose of towing her down over the shoals. Soon after making her fast to the brig; and while in the act of heaving up the anchor, the boilers burst. – simultaneously blowing out the bow and stern of the boat, which in a few minutes sunk; and is now almost entirely under water. Capt. A. G. Dickson, who was standing on the engine house, by the side of the Engineer was blown over the stern of the brig, and has not yet been recovered. Damon, a black fireman, who was in the hole, and Purdie Jacobs, the pilot, were also killed. Isaac the Engineer, a black man, was blown on board the brig, and is dangerously wounded. Prince, a black man, was also slightly wounded. The boat had on board some goods for the interior; but we are not informed who are the owners. The Steamboats Carendon and Henrietta, are about towing the wreck into the dock, where she may be got on shore if possible. June 10, 1836.

In addition to the above we have learned from a private source, that Goods to a considerable account were on the boat for Thomas L. Cowan of this place; also to a small amount for Daniel Cress and Michael Brown. Some of the articles are of a kind not to be damaged.

FAYETTEVILLE.

Page 32

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James Erwin’s Power of Attorney and Receipt from Abel Cowan

November 13, 1839

Know all men by these presents that I James Erwin of the County of Calloway and State of Kentucky have and by these presents do nominate constitute and appoint Squire C. Erwin of the county of Henry and State of Tennessee my true and Lawful attorney in fact for me and in my name and for my own [illegible] benefit to ask demand sue for and recover of and from Abel Cowan of the county of Rowan and State of North–Carolina Executor of Thomas Cowan Late of Rowan–County aforesaid deceased all my distribution share or– Legacy or whatever may be due and owing to me as heirs of Catharine Erwin formerly Catherin Cowan willed to me by the said Thomas Cowan deceased and for me and in my name to have, take and use all, Lawful ways and means for the recovery there of and fully and in the same manner that I could do were I personally present and for me and in my name to execute receipts and accquittances for the same and to do all other acts necessary to be done in carrying into effect the forgoing Powers and I do hereby notify and confirm whatsoever my said attorney may Legally do or cause to be done in the premises– In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed my seal this 12th day of November A D 1839                  

 His Mark  X,  John Erwin  (Seal) Test: E N Curd

Reverse Side:

Commonwealth of Kentucky, Calloway County

I Edmund N Curd Clerk of the County Court for said County do certify that this power of Attorney from James Erwin to Squire C. Erwin was this day produced to me in my office by the said James Erwin and acknowledged by him to be his act and deed hand and seal for the purposed therein contained:

In Testimony of which I hereunto affix my Seal of Office and subscribe my name this 13th day of November 1839. And in the 48th year of the Commonwealth –

            E N Curd Clk

Commonwealth of Kentucky, Calloway County

I William Cradduck Presiding magistrate for said County do certify that Edmund N Curd who has given the preceding certificate is now and was at the time of signing the same acting Clerk of said court and that his attestation is in due form of law [illegible] under my hand this 13th day of November 1839.

Wm Cradduck P.M.C.C.

Page 33

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November 28, 1839, Power of attorney for John J. Erwin

To Squire C. Erwin, Wood Grove P.O, Rowan County, N. C.

John. J. Erwin, Power of Attorney to Abel Cowan

Know all men by these presents that I John J Erwin of the County of Henry and State of

Tennessee, have and by these presents do nominate constitute and appoint Squire C. Erwin of the County & State aforesaid my true and lawful attorney in fact for me and in my name to ask demand sue for and recover any debts legacies dues or demands which I may have or be en titled to or which may be due and owing to me in the State of North Carolina, either as one of the heirs, distribtees, or legatees of Thomas Cowan Senior late of the County of Rowan & State of North Carolina deceased, or otherwise and for me and in my name to have take and use all lawful ways and means for the recovery thereof, and one or more attorneys under him for the purposes aforesaid to appoint & again at his pleasure [illegible] And for me and in my name to give receipts & acquittances for the same, and for me & in my name to do & perform all other acts necessary to be done in the premises that I myself could do.  And I do hereby ratify & confirm whatsoever my said attorney may do or cause to be done in the premises.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal the 28th day of Nov.1839.

Jno J Erwin (Seal)

Third page

State of Tennessee, Henry County

Personally appeared before me William Porter Clerk of the County Court of Said County John J Erwin the within named grantor, with whom I am personally acquainted and who acknowledged that he had executed the within power of attorney to Squire C Erwin for the purposes therein mention In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said Court at office in the town of Paris November the 28th AD 1839 and 64th year of American Independence.

William Porter Clk (Seal), State of Tennessee, Henry County

I Samuel Kendall chairman and presiding magistrate of the county court of said county do certify that William Porter whose signature appears the foregoing certificate is now and was at the time of signing the same the acting clerk of said court duly elected and qualified according to law and that all due faith and credit is and ought to be given to his official acts as such and that his attestation is in due form of law given under my hand this 29th day of November.

A D 1839, Samuel Kendall, Chairman

Fourth page

 28th Nov —39

Since you left your family has enjoyed good health – nothing of interest has taken place – wishing you good weather home I Remain yours,

Jno J Erwin

Page 33

 _____________________________________________________________________________ December 12, 1839, Power of Atty for Joseph Erwin, Jr. and Michael Biles  

Unfortunately, the Power of Attorney for Joseph Erwin Jr., Michael Biles and J. H. Wilson (though Wilson’s name is scratched out in the body of the document as well as in the signatures of the Power of Attorney) dated 12 December 1839, is unreadable except for a very few words, but the date and signatures are clear enough to read.

It appoints Squire C. Erwin as Joseph Erwin, Jr.’s and Michael Bile’s (husband to Nancy

Erwin) attorney to obtain monies owed to them by Abel Cowan as Executor of his father’s estate (Captain Thomas Cowan).  They are seeking the portion not paid to their mother and motherin-law, Catherine Cowan Erwin, now deceased.  Joseph is asking in his own right for his share and Michael Biles is asking for his wife, Nancy Erwin Bile’s share.

My curiosity was peaked as to why Joseph H. B. Wilson decided not to claim his wife’s share.  I would guess that he chose not to continue the legal action because a) he had remarried by 1840; and b) according to the surviving executors, Abel and Thomas Cowan, none of the greatgrandchildren were entitled to any of Catherine’s legacy.  However, Thomas Cowan never specifies in his will that should Catherine die before her husband, that her share should not be given to her grandchildren.  It only specifies that should she die before her husband, then her share is to be divided among her children, share and share alike, after they reached the age of 27.

-Nanci

Reverse Side

2 lines of writing that have been scratched out and are unreadable.

State of Tennessee, Henry County 

Personally appeared before me William Porter Clerk of the County Court of said County A C Pritchett and John A Nickels the Subscribing witnesses: who being first duly sworn depose and say that they are personally acquainted with Joseph Erwin, Michael Biles & Joseph H. B. Wilson the within named Larganors to the within Power of attorney and that they Sa__ their Sign Seal & execute the Same In testimony where of I have here unto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court at office In the town of Paris November  13th. A.D. 1839 and 64th year of American Independence.

William Porter, Clk (Large Seal), State of Tennessee, Henry County

I Samuel Kendall Chairman and presiding magistrate of The county court of said county do certify that William Porter whose signature appears on the foregoing certificate is now and was the time of signing the same the acting clerk of said court duly elected and qualified according to Law that all due faith and credit is and ought to be given to his official acts as such and that his attestation is in due form of Law – Given under my hand this 15th day of November A. D. 1839.

                        Samuel Kendall, Chairman [illegible

Page 33

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December 13, 1839,  Carolina Watchman Newspaper, Salisbury, North Carolina

Page 34

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December the 21st 1839, Payment Receipt from Squire Cowan to Abel Cowan, Executor

Received of Abel Cowan surviving Exrs of Thomas Cowan Decd the sum of fifty four dollars it being in full of my distribution share of a specific legacy principal and interest, left by the will of sd. Decd. to my Mother Catharine Ervin and which was retained in the hands of the sd. Exrs under the will until the death of Catharine Ervin, and then to be distributed equally among her children then living

Squire C Erwin, Attorney for James Erwin

Test, James L. Cowan

Page 35

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December 21, 1839 – Payment Receipt from Thomas Cowan to Abel Cowan on behalf of Joseph Erwin, Jr and Michael Biles, Wood Grove N.C. Rowan County

Received of Abel Cowan, surviving Executor of Thomas Cowan Senr. decd. the sum of One hundred and eight dollars; It being in full of the principal and interest, of the distribution shares (coming to Joseph Erwin Junr. and Michael Biles & Nancy his wife) of a Specific Legacy, left by the Will of the said decd., to my mother Catharine Erwin, and which was retained in the hands of the Executor by instructions in the Will, until her (Catharine’s) death, and then to be distributed equally among her children then living.

Squire C. Erwin, Attorney for the above legatees Test, James L. Cowan

Page 35

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December 21, 1839 – Refunding Bond from James Erwin to Abel Cowan

Know all men by these presents that I. James Ervin of the State of Kentucky and County of

Calloway are held and firmly bound unto Abel Cowan of the State and County above written as Exrs of Thomas Cowan Decd. in the sum of one hundred dollars.  I bind my self my heirs and assigns firmly by these presents sealed this 21.st day of Dec 1839

The conditions of the above obligation is such that the said Thomas Cowan by his will left in the hands of Abel Cowan Surviving Exrs. of sd Thos. Cowan three hundred dollars for to be paid to Catharine Ervin at her husbands death or to the said Catharine Ervin’s Children Share & Share alike if she Catharine Ervin should die before her husband Joseph Ervin, now it appears that the said Catharine Ervin is dead and two of her children to wit Margaret Callahan & William Ervin heirs of her body now it appears that it was not the intention of the sd Thos Cowan that his great grand children should inherit any of the above named legacy.  That is the heirs of Margaret Callahan and William Ervin Decd. that they are not entitled to any share of sd legacy, now if the above named heirs of Margaret Callahan or William Ervin should hereafter bring suit against the sd Abel Cowan surviving Exrs of Thos. Cowan then in that case I bind my self my heirs and assigns to refund back to the said Abel Cowan my proportion of said suit or loss or any expense that may be brought against the said Abel Cowan by the above named heirs of Callahan & W. Ervin.  Now if there never is no suit brought against the sd Abel Cowan by the above named hires or their Guardians then the above obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.  Signed this 21.st day of December 1839

Squire C. Erwin, Attorney for James Erwin   James L. Cowan, Test. 

Page 35

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December 21, 1839 – Refunding Bond from Joseph Erwin & Michael Biles to Abel Cowan

Know all men by these presents that we Joseph Erwin, John J. Erwin and Michael Boyles all of the State of Tennessee and County of Henry are held and firmly bound to Abel Cowan of the county and State above written Exrs of Thos Cowan Decd. in the sum of one hundred dollars each we bind our selves our heirs and assigns firmly by these presents Sealed with our Seals this 21st day of December 1839.

The conditions of the above obligation is such that the sd. Thomas Cowan left in the hands of Abel Cowan three hundred dollars to be paid to said Catharine Erwin at the death of her husband Joseph Erwin or if she Catharine Erwin should die before her husband, Jos Erwin, then the above named legacy to be paid to her living children – Share and Share alike with 4 per cent Interest. Now it appears that the said Catharine Erwin is dead and agreeable to the will of the sd. Thos. Cowan – the above legacy is to be paid to her children but it appears that Margaret Callahan and William Ervin is dead with bodily heirs of Catharine Erwin Decd. and the said

Margaret Callahan & William Ervin has left bodily heirs and it is that from the will of the said

Thos. Cowan Decd. that this legacy does not go to the great Grand children.  Now if the hires of

Margaret Callahan or the heirs of William Ervin decd. should [illegible] bring suit against Abel Cowan Surviving Exrs of Thos. Cowan Decd. or his assigns for any part of the above named legacy then and in that case we Joseph Erwin (Nancy Ervin is scratched out), Michael Boyles and John (sic) P. Ervin promise and bind our selves our hires & assigns to pay to the said Abel Cowan or his assigns our proportion of said legacy and all costs that may accrue [illegible] now if there never should be any Suit or Suits brought against the said Abel Cowan or his assigns then the above obligation to be null & void otherwise remain in full force and virtue.  Signed and Sealed the above day and year written.

Test, Squire C. Erwin (Seal)               James L. Cowan, Attorney for the above named Legatees

Page 35

December 21, 1839, Receipt from John J. Erwin to Abel Cowan

Mr. Abel Cowan Executor or Admr of Thomas Cowan Estate Deceased will please pay to Squire C. Erwin the amount of my Patrimony at close? of the distribution, to said Estate.  

I oblige Decr the 21.st 1839, Jno J Erwin

Received of Abel Cowan Exr. of Thomas Cowan Ser. Estate the sum of fifty-four dollars paid in full of my share coming to me as one of the [illegible] Legatees of Joseph & Catherine Erwin.

Decr the 21.st 1839, Jno J Erwin

Test, Squire C. Erwin

 List of Legatees – No date, but was attached to John J. Erwin’s receipt

Thomas Erwin

James Erwin

Joseph Erwin

Nancy Erwin

John J. Erwin

Squire C. Erwin

Mary Erwin

Hezekiah Franklin Erwin

Abel A. Erwin

Michael L. Erwin      10 living Legatees

First part missing [illegible] Deceased

Eli Erwin

Catharine Erwin (Wilson)

Margaret Erwin (Callahan)

William Erwin

                            4 dead

Page 35

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December 26, 1839, Payment Receipt from Thomas Cowan to Squire C. Cowan, Wood Grove

Received of Abel Cowan surviving Exr of Thomas Cowan Senr. Decd the Sum of fifty four dollars it being in [illegible] of my distribution share of a specific legacy principal & interest left by the will of sd. Decd. To my mother Catherine Erwin and which was retained in the hands of the sd. Exc. Under the will until the death of Catherine Erwin; and then to be distributed equally among her children then living.

Squire C. Erwin

Test., James S. Cowan

Page 36

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December 26, 1839 – Refunding Bond for Squire C. Erwin

State of North Carolina Rowan County

Know all men by these presents that I Squire C. Ervin of the State of Tennessee and County of Henry are held & firmly bound unto Abel Cowan Surviving Exrs. of Thos. Cowan Senr. Decd. in the sum of one hundred dollars. I bind my self my heirs and firmly by these presents Sealed with my Seal and dated this_6th day of December 1839.

The conditions of the above obligation is such that the sd. Thos Cowan left in the hands of Abel Cowan three hundred dollars for to be paid to Catharine Ervin at her husbands death as to the sd. Catharine Ervin children Share and Share alike if she sd Catharine Ervin should die before her husband Joseph Ervin.  Now it appears that the sd Catharine Ervin is dead and two of her children to wit, Margaret Callahan and William Ervin and the [illegible] left bodily hires. Now it is thought from the will of the sd Thomas Cowan, decd. that the above Great grandchildren that is the hires of Margaret Callahan & William Ervin is not entitled to any Share of sd. legacy.  

Now if the above named heirs should ever bring suit against the Excr Abel Cowan or his assigns and recover any thing I Squire C. Ervin agree and[illegible] my sixty-four to refund to the sd. Abel Cowan or his assigns my proportion of said Share and costs that may arise.

If the said heirs should now bring suit against Abel Cowan surviving Exrs of Thos. Cowan Senr. decd. then the written obligation to be null and void other wise to remain in full force and virtue.  Signed and Sealed this day and year as within written.

                Squire C. Erwin (seal)             

Test, James L. Cowan

Page 36

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January 7, 1840, Carolina Watchman Newspaper, Salisbury, North Carolina

Page 39

March 3, 1840 – Power of Attorney for Benjamin H. Diggs

Know all men by these presents that I Benjamin H. Diggs of the county of Henry and State of Tennessee do hereby nominate constitute and appoint John Wall of this county and State aforesaid my true and lawful attorney in fact for me and in my name to receive and receipt for any money that may be due and owing to me in right of my wife Mary B. Diggs formerly Mary B. McCorkle– who was formerly Mary B. Erwin. The daughter of Joseph & Catherine Erwin – from the estate of Thomas L. Cowen the Grand Father of the said Mary B.– Diggs which money is now in the hands of Abel Cowen of the county of Rowan and State of North Carolina. hereby notifying and confirming all the acts of my said attorney done in the premises, in as full and ample a manner as though done by me in proper person.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and seal this 3rd day of March 1840

Benj H. Diggs  (Seal) 54.84

Received of Abel Surviving Executor of Thomas Cowan Decd. the sum of fifty four dollars & eighty four cents it being in full of my distribution share of a specific legacy principal and Interest left by the will of the deceased to my Mother Catharine Ervin and which was retained in the hands of the said Executor under the will, until the death of Catharine Ervin and then to be distributed equally among her children then living.

John Wall, May the 13.th 1840

Attorney for Benjamin H. Diggs         

Test., James L. Cowan

Page 40

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May 13, 1840, Refunding Bond for Benjamin H. Diggs

State of North Carolina Rowan County Know all men by these presents that I Benjamin

H. Diggs, of the State of Tennessee, and County of Henry are held and firmly bound to Abel

Cowan of the County and State above written, Executor of Thomas Cowan Decd. in the sum of One Hundred Dollars I bind myself, my heirs, and assigns, firmly, by these presents sealed with my seal this 13th day May 1840—

The condition of the above obligation is such that the said Thomas Cowan left in the hands of Abel Cowan, Three Hundred Dollars, to be paid to the said Catharine Erwin, at the death of her husband Joseph Erwin or if she Catharine Erwin, should die before her husband, Joseph Erwin, then the above named Legacy to be paid to her living Children; share and share, alike, with 4 pr ct Interest.  

Now it appears that the said Catharine Erwin is dead, and agreeable to the Will of the said

Thomas Cowan; the above Legacy is to be paid to her Children; but it appears that Margaret Callahan, and William Erwin is dead, & left Bodily heirs, being of Catharine Erwin Decd. and the said Margaret Callahan & William Erwin has left bodily heirs, and it is that from the Will of the said Thomas Cowan Decd. that this legacy does not go the great grand Children.  

Now if the heirs of the sd. Margaret Callahan, or the heirs of sd William Erwin Decd. should ever bring suit against Abel Cowan surviving Exr. of Thomas Cowan Decd. or his assigns, for any part of the above named Legacy, than and in that case I Benjamin H. Diggs, promise and bind myself, my heirs, and assigns, to pay to the said Abel Cowan or his assigns, my proportion, of said Legacy, and all costs that may accrue thereon:  Now if there never should be any suit or suits, brought against the said Abel Cowan, or his assigns, then the above obligation to be null, and void, otherwise to remain to remain in full force and virtue.

Signed and sealed the day and year above written

John Wall, Attorney in fact for Benjamin H. Diggs (Seal)

Test, James L. Cowan          

Page 40                                  

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July 14, 1841 – Power of Attorney for Thomas, Abel and Michael Erwin

Note: The bottom of this document is crushed and probably would have cracked and broken off had it been straightened out to copy. It is also water stained and is unreadable in parts. The copy of the original has words cut off because of the limitations of the copier. 

Front of document

Abel Cowan Esqr. for Wm. Sparks, Wood Grove, Rowan County, N Carolina

The State of Alabama} To all people to whom Chambers County      } these presents shall know,

We Thomas B Erwin & Abel A Erwin and Michael L. Erwin three of the Sons and Legatees of Catherine Erwin late of Henry County & State of Tennessee decd. send greeting now know you that We the said Thomas B. Erwin Abel A Erwin and Michael L. Erwin have made constituted and appointed as and by these presents do notify [illegible] & appoint William Sparks of the County of Troup & State of Georgia our true & lawful attorney to ask demand sue for recover

[illegible] & receive of and from Abel Cowan of Rowan County and State of North Carolina Executor of Thomas Cowan decd of Whereas Catherine Erwin was the heir or in whose hands said the sum may be found, [illegible] legacy or bequest mentioned, in the Will of the said Thomas Cowan and [illegible] such other sum or sums of money debts & dividends whatsoever inherited [illegible] shall be due owing & [illegible] (the rest of the page is unreadable)

Second page

dividends of this Estate aforesaid giving and granting unto our said attorney by these presents our full & whole power strength and authority to have use? & take all lawful ways & means in our names for the purposes and upon the receipt of such legacy bequest debts or sums of money acquittances or our sufficient discharges for us & in our names to make seal and deliver hereby certifying allowing & holding for form unto official full? and [illegible] same attorney shall lawfully do by virtue hereof – In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and Seals this 14th day of July in the year of our lord A. D. one thousand Eight hundred & forty one

                Thomas B. Erwin (Seal)         Alex A. Erwin (Seal)              Michael L. Erwin (Seal)

There are witnesses and a seal, but it is unreadable.  It is obviously a justice of the peace since the initials “J.P.” appears after his name. If we look at the next document we find his name is Green D. Brantly.

Third page

Michael L. Erwin whose name appears to the fore going power of Attorney and acknowledged that they signed sealed. and delivered. the same to William Sparks the person therein named, on the day and year therein mention and for the purposes therein set forth.  Given under my hand and seal this the fourteenth day of July A D. 1841

G. D. Brantly J. P. (Seal)

State of Alabama } I Edward Croft Clerk of Chambers County} the County Court of said County do hereby certify that Green D. Brantly whose name appears to the above certificate signed J. P. is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly Commissioned and qualified and that full faith and credit is ought and should be given to all of his official acts as such –

Given under my hand and Seal of office this 14th day of July A D 1841 and the 66 Year

Edward Croft Clerk, Of C. C. C. C. Ala

More at bottom but unreadable of certification

Judge of the county court – of said county, Do hereby certify Edward Croft whose name appears to the foregoing certificate, as clerk of the county court, is clerk of said court – That his attestation is in due form of law and (crossed off words) as such full faith and credit– is due to all his official acts Given under my hand and Seal this 14th day of July 1841

                Evan G. Richards (Seal)         G.? C. C. C. C. Ala 

Page 41

 _____________________________________________________________________________ November 22, 1841Power of Attorney for Hezekiah F. Erwin

This document is very hard to read and is torn.

Georgia, Troup County

Know all men by these presents that I Hezekiah F. Erwin of the County and State aforesaid for [illegible]  good causes and considerations now hereunto moving? have [illegible] do ordained and appointed and by these presents do make ordain and appoint William Sparks of the County and State aforesaid my true and lawful attorney [illegible] in my name, and for my own proper use and benefit to ask demand sue for recover and receive of and from Abel Cowan of Rowan County and State of North Carolina Executor of Thomas Cowan deceased of whom Catharine Erwin was the heir or in whose hands so ever the same may be found, the Legacy or bequest mentioned and contained in the last will and testament of the said Thomas Cowan deceased; 

and also all such other sums or sums of money debts and demands whatsoever which are or shall be due and owing me payable to me by any means whatsoever for or on account of my full share [illegible] or dividend of the Estate aforesaid giving and granting to my said Attorney by these presents full ample and complete authority and power to have use and take all lawful ways and means in my name for the purposes aforesaid? 

and upon the receipt of such Legacy bequest, debts sum of money acquittances or other sufficient discharges for me and in my name to make [illegible] to do all other lawful acts and things whatsoever concerning the premises as fully and in every respect as I myself might or could do were I personally present at the doing thereof and one or more attorneys under him for the purposes aforesaid to make and again at his pleasure to revoke, ratifying and confirming and by these presents [illegible] owing whatsoever my said Attorney shall in my name lawfully [illegible] cause to be done [illegible] about the promises by virtue of these presents.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this twenty second day of

November Eighteen hundred & forty one Signed sealed and acknowledged before said Wm B

Stokes J. P.                                         

Hezekiah F. Erwin (Seal)

Reverse of document

Georgia

Troup County

I Joseph Laws Clerk of the Inferior Court for said County do hereby certify that William B.

Stokes whose name appears on the foregoing Letter of Attorney as a subscribing Witness is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County and that full faith and credit ought to be had and given to his attestation as such, and that the same is in due form (torn document) Given under my hand and seal of my office this twenty second (torn document) of November one thousand eight hundred and forty one.                                           

Joseph Laws Clk. J. C.

Troup County Georgia

I James M. Beall one of the Justices of the Inferior Court for the County and State aforesaid do certify that Joseph Laws whose name appears to the above and foregoing certificates Clerk of the Inferior Court for said County and that full faith and credit ought to be had and given to his attestation as such, and that the same is in due form Given under my hand and seal this twenty second day of November one thousand eight hundred and forty one.

J. M. Beall, J.J.C. (Seal)

Page 42

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April 25, 1842, Payment Receipt for Hezekiah Erwin from Abel Cowan (Wood Grove)

Received of Abel Cowan surviving Executor of Thomas Cowan Snr. Decd. the sum of Fifty four dollars. It being in full of the principal & interest of the distribution Share coming to Hezekiah F. Ervin of a specific legacy left by the will of the said decd to my Mother Catharine Ervin, and which was retained in the hands of the Executor by instructions in the will until her Catharine Erwin’s death and? then to be distributed equally among her children then living.

William Sparks Attorney for Hezekiah F Erwin

Test, John Cowan

Page 44

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April 25, 1842 – Refunding Bond for Hezekiah Erwin, State of North Carolina, Rowan County 

Know all men by these presents that I Hezekiah F. Ervin of the county of Troup & State Georgia are held and firmly bound unto Abel Cowan of the county & State above written surviving Executor of Thos Cowan Senr. decd. in the sum of one hundred eight dollars.  I bind my self my hires & assigns firmly by these presents sealed with my seal & dated this 25.th day of April 1842

The conditions of the above obligation is such that the said Thos. Cowan decd. left in the hands of Abel Cowan three hundred dollars for to be paid to Catharine Ervin at her husbands death or in case she should die before her husband Joseph Ervin. Now it appears that the said Catharine Ervin is dead and agreeable to the will the money is to be paid to her children Share & Share Alike with 4 per cent Interest allowing 2 per cent to Abel Cowan for his trouble.  

Now it appears that Margaret Callahan & William Ervin is dead hires & children of Catharine Ervin decd. & the sd Margaret Callahan & William Ervin has left hires.  Now it appears from the will of the said Thos Cowan that the above named legacy was to be divided amongst Catharine Erwin’s children & not her Grand children that is the heirs of Margaret Callahan & Wm Ervin is not entitled to any share of the above named legacy. 

[illegible] if the above named hires of Margaret Callahan or Wm Ervin should [illegible] bring suit against Abel Cowan or his admrs. or assigns & recover anything the above named Hez. F. Ervin is to pay his proportion of such debt or judgment or costs as the case may be should any be recovered against the said Abel Cowan then the above obligation to be void? Otherwise to remain [illegible] form & virtue.  Signed & Sealed the day & year above written

William Sparks (Seal), attorney for Hezekiah F. Erwin

Test, Not readable (but probably James Cowan)

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April 25, 1842, Payment Receipt from William Sparks, Attorney for Thomas, Abel and Michael Erwin to Thomas Cowan at Wood Grove

Received of Abel Cowan surviving Executor of Thomas Cowan Senr. decd the Sum of one hundred & sixty two dollars it being in full of the principal and interest of the distribution share of  coming to Thomas B. Ervin, Abel A. Ervin & Michael L Ervin of a Specific Legacy by the will of said decd. to our mother Catherine Erwin and which was retained in the hands of the Executor by instructions in the will until her Catherine Erwin’s death and then to be equally distributed equally among her children then living.

William Sparks Atty for Thomas B Erwin, Abel A Ervin & Michael L. Erwin | Test. John Cowan 

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April 25, 1842 – Refunding Bond for Thos Erwin, Abel Erwin and Michael Erwin

State of North Carolina Rowan County

Know all men by these presents that we Thomas B. Ervin and Abel A. Ervin & Michael L. Ervin of the County of Chambers — & State of Alabama all sons & heirs of Catharine Ervin, Decd. wife of Joseph Ervin of Tennessee Henry County are held & firmly bound to Abel Cowan of the State of North Carolina & County of Rowan Executor of the last will & testament of Thomas Cowan Senr Decd in the sum of three hundred & twenty-four dollars each we bind our selves our heirs Exers. Admrs. & assigns firmly by these presents Sealed with our Seals & dated this twenty-fifth day of April 1842

The conditions of the above obligation is such that the said Thos. Cowan decd. left in the hands of the sd Abel Cowan three hundred dollars to be paid to the sd Catharine Ervin at the death of her husband or in case she Catharine Ervin should die before her husband Joseph Ervin than & in that case it was to be paid to her children Share & Share alike with 4 percent Interest allowing 2 per cent to the Exrs for his trouble.  Now it appears that the sd Catharine Ervin is dead & agreeable to the will of the said Thomas Cowan decd. the above named legacy is to be paid to her children but it appears that Margaret Callahan is dead & also William Ervin & that the both have left bodily hires & it appears that from the will of the sd Thos. Cowan that the above legacy is to go to his Grand children & not to his great Grand children.  Now if the hires of Margaret Callahan or William Ervin decd. should ever bring suit against the said Abel Cowan Exrs. of Thos. Cowan Decd or his assigns for any part of the above named legacy then & in that case we Thos. B. Ervin Abel A. Ervin & Michael L. Ervin agrees to pay our proportion of such debts or judgments or costs.  Should any be sued for or recovered from the said Abel Cowan or his assigns.  Now if there never should be any Judgment or Suits or cost recovered against the said Abel Cowan Surviving Exrs. of Thomas Cowan decd. then the above obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full force and virtue. Signed & sealed the day & year above written. April the 25.th 1842

William Sparks, attorney for Thomas B Erwin (Seal)

                Abel A Erwin & Michael L Erwin                                         Test, John Cowan 

This may be Abel Cowan’s son, James

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February 13, 1846, Carolina Watchman Newspaper, Salisbury, North Carolina

ROWAN HOTEL FOR SALE

THE SUBSCRIBER WISHING TO REMOVE FROM THIS PLACE Offers his HOUSE

AND FURNITURE, For sale. Persons who wish to engage in Hotel keeping, have now a chance of getting gone of the most DESIRABLE STANDS they could wish for. I have made considerable improvements in the HOUSE, and the FURNITURE IS MOSTLY NEW and in GOOD REPAIR. I am warranted in saying to the purchaser that by strict attention, the HOUSE will yield a very handsome income. During the time I have kept this establishment, it has been extensively patronized both by the traveling and country custom. The House is well known from North to South, having been kept as a Hotel for a great many years. Thos wishing to make money now have an opportunity in purchasing this establishment, I would advise them to come and see me, as I intend to sell and will give a bargain. Terms will be make easy to suite the times. Letters addressed to me on this subject will be attended to in due season.

James L. Cowan, Salisbury February 4, 1846

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January 26, 1843, Able Cowan Will, Wood Grove, Rowan County, North Carolina

I, Abel Cowan, of the County and State aforesaid, and being sick and in low condition as respects my physical powers, but of sound and discriminating mind and memory and having the certainty of death, have thought proper to make disposition of what worldly substance the Lord has blessed me with, among my family viz:

First- It is my will that all my just debts be paid, which are not many nor very large in amount.

Second- I give my beloved wife Maria all my household and kitchen furniture, during her widowhood or until some of my children marry, and as they marry – then, it is to be divided among them at that time, share and share alike, as equitable as possible, reserving one-fourth share to herself. This division she is to make to herself. I also give her the benefit or use of the land joining the place, including the Beaver and Foster tracts, to enable her to raise the family, and that the plantation is to be worked and carried on just as it was heretofore been. Also that all the Negroes that have usually staid at this place remain here, except those hereinafter disposed of. I also will that the lower plantation (Thompson’s) be carried on in like or in the same manner as it has been heretofore, for the general benefit of the family; and that the wagons, gears, and all the farming implements remain at each place as they are now. And, as I leave discretionary with my Executors hereafter named. And of the profits of all this property I wish and so will that my children be educated. It is my will that all the above arrangements be continued and carried out no longer than she remains my widow. Now in case she should marry, I give and bequeath to her my two Negroes, Dick and Caroline, with their increase hereafter; together with two horses of common value with the others; two cows of her own choice; two beds and furniture of her own choice; and  her equal proportion of the household and kitchen furniture as above stated.

Third – It is my will that all my estate, real and personal, be kept together and managed for the benefit of all until my youngest child, William Albert, arrive at ten years of age, the Negroes together with their increase, be divided among my children equally, James and Thomas excepted.

Fourth – I give and bequeath to my son James L. Cowan my house and lot in Salisbury, bought of Cymer (?) W. West, with all the furniture and everything with it which I got at the time, he paying back into my estate the sum on One Thousand Dollars. I reserve, however, in this bequest, one pair of large branched silver candle sticks, which I give to my wife as long as she remains my widow, and if she remarry to be thrown into my estate. I also give the Negro that he now has in his possession, viz: Indy and her children, Isabel, Betsy, and Isaac.

Fifth – I give to my son Thomas my Negro George (son of Campbell) and my girl Nelly. Also his part of his mother’s bed and furniture, as is well known by his stepmother, which I request that she shall deliver to him after my death and that he receive the two Negroes above mentioned at some reasonable and convenient time after my death. 

Sixth – I give to my sons Hezekiah and Abel my tract of land composed of Thompson and Knox places, to be divided by the Branch or as they can agree when they become of age, as nearly equal as possible. I allow Hezekiah to have the exclusive privilege of his part when he arrives at 24 years of age; Abel in like manner of his part at the age of 21 years. 

I give to Hezekiah my watch; also a horse or mule of par value.

Seventh – I give to my son Richard my mill, with the land adjoining it as far as the upper part of the Robinson field, running from thence to the head of the Dam, including 8 acres over the creek covered by the water of the pond Also a horse or mule of par value at my death. 

Eighth – I give and bequeath to my four daughters, viz: Mary, Margaret, Maria and Charlotte the sum of Six Hundred Dollars each, to be kept in trust to be paid to them respectively at the time of 21 years of age. This to be arranged in one year and three months after my death.

Ninth – I give to my sons Leonidas and William Albert the balance of my Wood Grove tract, including the Foster place, equally divided between them, and to be divided by three or five of the Judicians, neighbors when Leonidas becomes of age.

Tenth – It is my will that my Executors sell the four following Negroes, viz: my Negro men Cooper and George (Tiall) and two girls Mary and Ann (daughter of George Campbell). This I wish done as soon after my death as convenience and prudence may dictate, and may also be sold at public or private sale as be thought for the best.

I have on hand five wagons and two can be conveniently spared. My will is that 2 of them be sold, leaving it discretionary which it shall be.

It is my will that if George (Campbell) should become lazy and trifling or refractory, that my Executors shall have the power to hire him and his wife out, one or both, from time to time as they think proper, or to sell if they think best.

Eleventh – It is my will that if there should be any balance of my estate after paying the legacies herein expressed, that it should be equally divided between my wife and my children, share and share alike.

I hereby appoint my trusty friend Alexander W. Brandon and my son James L. Cowan Executors of this my Last Will and Testament, being the only one I ever made.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and date above written, thereby declaring this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.

Abel Cowan (Seal)

Signed and Sealed in the presence of: Thomas L. Cowan, George B. Douglas, Samuel Jenkins

Points of interest:

  • Able had at least four plantations or farms with a grits-mill on one of them.
  • He owned houses and lots in Salisbury, NC.
  • He bequeathed to each of his four daughters the sum of Six Hundred dollars. This was a considerable amount of money in that generation.
  • In item 3 of Abel’s will, it specified that when his youngest son should arrive at the age of ten years, the Negro slaves should be valued, and as far as possible an equal valuation be allotted to his children with James and Thomas excepted. The total value of the Negroes was $11,151.00.

Although parts of the estate of Woodgrove are shown for sale in this newspaper advertisement, below, my understanding is that the property that the house stands on has stayed in the family, over these many years. A house on the property still stands today and is believed to have been build by Able Cowan for his family.

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Nov. 11, 1853 Revolutionary War Pension Application by Thomas L. Cowan Jr. in regards to his father’s pension:

On this 11th day of November 1853 personally appeared before the court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the county aforesaid now in session, it being a court of Record, Thomas L. Cowan, a resident of the town of Salisbury in the said county, aged about seventy three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4th, 1835 granting Pensions to certain widows, – 

that he is the son of the identical Thomas Cowan and Mary Barkley his wife and widow. That the said Thomas Cowan deceased, serv’d as a Private and an Officer in the Army of the Revolution in the North Carolina Militia; that he has frequently heard his father speaking of his services both as a private and as a captain in the Revolutionary War; that he heard him speaking of being at the Battle of Ramsour’s Mill, and of being in the Skirmish at Cowan’s Foard [sic] on the Catawba, when the British crossed that River, and also at the Skirmish at Torrence’s on the same day. 

That he thinks he has heard him speaking of being at the battle of the Cow-Pens, and various other places which he cannot now recollect; that he cannot recollect the names of the Officers under whom he served, except GenL Lincoln; and that he has often heard him speak of his services under that General. That from the tradition of the neighborhood, he thinks he was elected Captain in the year 1780, and that he serv’d his country in that capacity until [sic] the close of the War. 

He further states, that his father Thomas Cowan & Mary Barkley his mother were married on the 30th December 1773, as appears from the Record in the Family Bible; and that they lived together as man and wife, from that period until his death, which took place on the 4th day of December 1817, – that there is no other record proof of their marriage that he is aware of, that they raised a large family of children; the following of whom are still living, Viz, Thomas Lincoln, this declarant, Anna, Jane, James & Nancy. He further states that his mother Mary Cowan liv’d a widow from the time of her said husbands death, to the period of her own death, which took place on the 5th day of August 1836. He is not aware of any other evidence existing either as to the services of the said Thomas Cowan, or his marriage to the said Mary Barkley his mother, other than that herewith rent.

Tho. L. Cowan

Sworn to and subscribed in open court November 11th – 1853

James E. Kerr Clk.

I James E. Kerr, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Rowan aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration was produced in open Court, and was sworn to and subscribed by Thomas L. Cowan.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court, at office in Salisbury, this the 11th day of November 1853.

James E. Kerr Clerk

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