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The purpose of this list is for the discussion and the sharing of information on McGowan family history and genealogy. Welcome to those researching the McGowan surname, or any of its spelling variations, anywhere and anytime. Some of these variations I've found in early records are M'Gowan, MacGowan, Mackgowen, Magowan, Magowne, Magoen, McGound, McGoune, McGowan, McGowen, McGowin, McGowing, McGown, Megoin and Smith.

The most common spellings I've found in American records are McGowan, McGowen and McGown. It is advisable in your family research, when checking an index, to check out everything from M'Gowan to Megoin. It must be remembered that early clerks, especially on a county level, were often only half literate themselves. And it can easily be imagined, that on hearing a name spoken with a brogue or a lilt different from their own, the spelling would suffer. Good hunting, and may you find that long lost relative in the next email. And anyone helping us discover our illusive Immigrant Ancestor and his place of origin will receive our eternal gratitude!

Good News: If you are interested in the genealogy and history of the McGowan family, please join with us. Our discussions list is open to anyone researching any spelling variations of the McGowan name, covering any time period and any geographical location.

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The McGOWAN Mailing List is now Archived and Searchable. So if there is any message you missed, or accidentally deleted, :-) , click on:

Since all messages on this list deal with McGowans, in the space provided for the name or subject to be searched, enter the name, like "John" or a place like "Ireland" (without quotes) and the search engine will retrive all messages containing that name or subject.

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We welcome your comments and suggestions concerning the McGowan Mailing List and the Origin and History of the McGowan name. Please contact us: Robert D. Parrish or John B. McGowan. We are cousins, part of an extended McGowan / McGowen family (yes, both spellings) which has been in America since the late 1600's / early 1700's and now extends from North Carolina to Washington state.