Bartholemew James McGowan (1882 - 1909)

Born 14 Jun 1882 in Tara Township, Swift County, Minnesota [uncertain]

Ancestors

Husband of Pearl Jeanette (Huntley) McGowan — married 2 Jun 1903 in Fargo, North Dakota

Died 10 Dec 1909 at age 27 in Hancock, Minnesota

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Biography

Bert McGowan was the third child of James and Bridget Mattimore McGowan. He was named for his grandfather, Bartholomew Mattimore who was also called Bert, and for his father. The family lived in Pillsbury Township, near Kerkhoven, Minnesota from 1883^[1] until 1895,^[2] but settled in Hancock, Minnesota when Bert was about 15. In 1900, he was identified as a clerk on the census, perhaps in his father's meat market.^[3] The following year, he was also working for a well driller, H. R. Edy & Son in Hancock.^[4]

Marriage

In May 1903, Bert left for Fargo, North Dakota to look for a job in a meat market.^[5]But the real purpose of the trip may have been to marry his Hancock girl friend Pearl Huntley, in a Presbyterian ceremony. ^[6] The local newspaper expressed regret that the couple "have found it not to their advantage to make their home here as Hancock does not like to lose such young folks."^[7] However, they apparently returned to Hancock shortly after their marriage, and Bert worked at various jobs.^[8]

Death

Bert died at his parents home when he was 27 years old, of a heart condition that he had suffered with for more than a year.^[9] He received a lengthy obituary in the Hancock newspaper, which described him as "Quiet, unassuming, a perfect gentleman in deportment, habits, and all that goes to make up a real gentleman, no one ever heard him use profane language, no one ever saw him take a drink or use tobacco, with perfect courtesy to all." His funeral at the Catholic Church "was packed so that many were unable to gain admittance."^[10]. Bert is buried in Lakeside Cemetery, Hancock, Minnesota.^[11]

Sources

1. ↑ "Minnesota, State Census, 1885," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11580-173718-81?cc=1503044 : accessed 23 Jul 2014), Swift > Pillsbury > image 6 of 7; citing State Library and Records Service, St. Paul.
2. ↑ "Minnesota, State Census, 1895," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12332-169933-67?cc=1503031 : accessed 23 Jul 2014), Swift County > Pillsbury township > image 10 of 21; citing State Library and Records Service, St. Paul.
3. ↑ "United States Census, 1900," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11601-68800-72?cc=1325221 : accessed 23 Jul 2014), Minnesota > Stevens > ED 264 Hodges & Moore Townships Hancock village > image 18 of 21; citing NARA microfilm publication T623
4. ↑ Hancock Record, October 4, 1901, p. 5, col. 4.
5. ↑ "Hancock Happenings," Hancock Record, June 12, 1903, p. 5
6. ↑ "Hancock Happenings," Hancock Record, May 29, 1903, p. 5.
7. ↑ Hancock Record, June 12, 1903.
8. ↑ "Minnesota, State Census, 1905," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-159387-28757-98?cc=1503056 : accessed 23 Jul 2014), Stevens > Hancock village, Moore township > image 8 of 11; citing State Library and Records Service, St. Paul.
9. ↑ Swift County Monitor, Dec. 17, 1909
10. ↑ "Death of Bert McGowan," Hancock Record, December 17, 1909, p. 1
11. ↑ Bert James McGowan at Find A Grave #111669499.