An American Connection: Lawrence Gowen (1857 - 1919)

Source: Karen Bliss

Lawrence is a fairly common name among the Ballyhooly Gowens - and one that has crossed the Atlantic (as tracked down by Brendan Gowen).

This Lawrence Gowen was born in 1857 in County Cork (Cappagh?). While still in Ireland he married Ellen Coughlin. They both emigrated to the US in 1882. Lawrence became a US citizen on  Oct. 18, 1886 sponsored by Michael L. Gowen (Michael is also one of the most common names among the Ballyhooly Gowens). Lawrence died on May 15, 1919 in New York; his wife Ellen (Coughlin) died in 1923.

Their son, Lawrence J Gowen was born in Brooklyn, New York at about 1896 and later married Helen House. This family had a son - another Lawrence born in Queens, New York in 1928.

Helen House died in 2009 at the age of 107 in Queens New York.

The obituary of one of his grandsons gives more background of the Gowen branch in Florida that can trace their origins back to this original Lawrence Gowen from Ballyhooly:

GOWEN-Lawrence James, 73. of Vero Beach, died Thursday, October 24, 2002. Mr. Gowen was born in Queens, NY and was a retired member of the footware industry. He was a member of St. Helen's Catholic Church in Vero Beach. Mr. Gowen was the son of the late Lawrence Gowen [son of the original Lawrence Gowen] and Helen Gowen (nee House).

Mr. Gowen is survived by his wife of 22 years, Susie Gowen; his mother, Helen Gowen of Ozone Park, NY; his brother, Robert Gowen of Massapequa Park, NY and his eight children: Thomas Gowen of Vero Beach, FL; Kevin Gowen of Celebration, FL; Terrence Gowen of Tampa, FL; Sally Bowdon of San Diego, CA; James Gowen of Tallahassee, FL; Mary Motes of Gainesville, FL; Eileen Bedinghaus of St. Petersburg, FL; and Joseph Gowen of Tampa, FL. Mr. Gowen is preceded in death by his son, Lawrence Gowen Jr. Mr. Gowen is also survived by his 21 grandchildren.

Mr. Gowen was a man of eclectic interests. He was a voracious reader who was well-versed in areas from the mundane to the esoteric, a quality that was evidenced whenever he engaged in discussion or debate with one of his family's members. He was an avid sports fan, and loved Saturdays with his Fighting Irish and Sunday with his Miami Dolphins. A cosmopolitan gentleman, he had a love of travel and visited many locations abroad, such as the United Kingdom, France, and his ancestral homeland of Ireland. Whether he was at home or abroad, Mr. Gowen was a lover of food who enjoyed new culinary experiences, although his favorite meals were those shared with a gathering of his children and grandchildren. Of all his joys in life, none was greater to Mr. Gowen than his family. He was dedicated to having special, unique bonds with each one of his children and grandchildren. His memory shall be cherished and he shall be sorely missed by all of them.

The connection came to light when Karen Gowen Bliss (Lawrence's great grand-daughter) published the headstone image and Brendan Gowen was able to make the connection with Ballyhooly. From Karen, Brendan learned that the grand-son Laurence (from the obituary) used to visit Ireland often but never knew exactly what part of Ireland his grandfather was from. Karen was able to help to identify a whole branch of Gowens now living in the Florida area who are decendents of Lawrence.

The following photograph was taken in 1912. Standing is another William Gowen. Sitting l-r is Ellen Coughlin Gowen (wife of the original Lawrence and mother of William & Gracie) and she is holding Catherine, Gracie and Anna holding Veronica.




Source: Karen Bliss

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