:
: Would like any info on Smith or MagowanI have Smith/McGowan ancestors who settled in Brooklyn,NYC prior to 1849. Charles, son of Terrence and Jane Goodwin "Smith/McGowan" was born in that year. Family lore says that he changed his name from McGowan to Smith to join the Union Army at age 13. His wife lists his father's name as Terrence Smith on Charles' death cert., but that does not really mean it couldn't have actually been "McGowan". I have not had any luck finding this family in a census. Charles supposedly had atleast one brother who also joined the Army. Charles settled in Wallingford, CT after the war and married Margaret Wrinn (whose family was from Gortnaguillion, Co. Leitrim).
I do not know where in Ireland the Smith/McGowans were from, but both Terrence and Jane were born in Ireland.
Any connections?
Mary in Charlotte
Marypitkin@aol.com