If your ancestor was born in Virginia in the latter part of the seventeenth century, and if his surname sounded like “Goin” or “Going” or “Gowen,” then you have your genealogical work cut out for you. Trust me, I know.

But, this past year, descendants of James Burns Gowen were much luckier as they discovered their ancestor’s burial ground.

Gowen was born in Bedford County, VA in 1786, and he left for the “West” at the turn of that century into what is now middle Tennessee. In an article published in the Lynchburg (TN) Sentinel on May 21, 1880, Gowen’s grandson, Rev George Gowen, pastor of the Vine Street Christian Church, Nashville, Tennessee, wrote the following: Read the rest of this entry »

Posted by river queen at 10:46 PM PST

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When the Rockbridge Historical Society (RHS) was founded on 9 August 1939, its purpose was “collecting, preserving and disseminating all things relating to the history of the County of Rockbridge and the City of Lexington, Virginia.” That is exactly what the Society has done for over five decades. The Society works to preserve area landmarks, place historical markers, collect objects and documents, and publish historical studies.

Rockbridge Historical Society (RHS) is one of the oldest, largest, and most active, county historical societies in Virginia. Its mission is local history education and historic preservation. It owns a half-square block of downtown historic Lexington, including three historic buildings, formal gardens and extensive grounds. It sponsors local history scholarship, produces related publications, operates a museum of local history, publishes a newsletter, and conducts six free public history programs annually.

For information regarding Society membership and upcoming events, call (540) 464-1058, or visit the RHS Website at www.rockhist.org.

Posted by river queen at 5:44 PM PST

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Richard (Dick) Cheatham, a descendant of John Rolfe and Pocahantas, will provide a “Welcome to the Virginia Colony” to attendees at the National Genealogical Society banquet at the NGS Conference in the States & Family History Fair on Friday 18th May 2007 at the Richmond Marriott Hotel.

Appearing in the character and dress of John Rolfe, Cheatham, a 14th generation descendant of John Rolfe and Pocahontas, will provide the same welcome that John Rolfe would have given to new arrivals to Jamestown. Rolfe will talk about many of the important events that preceded their arrival and about many of the important individuals who played a part in the founding of Jamestown in 1607 and during the next several years. At the end of his presentation, he will answer questions that John Rolfe would not have been able to answer. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted by river queen at 11:47 PM PST

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