Hi There were Goins (Gowen, etc.) that I have seen in Hebert's Records of SW LA in the 1800-1820 era. It seems like one married into the Shaw family and that's why it caught my eye. >From the little that I've researched that family, I have found them living in Pendleton District, SC (which no longer exists, but did at that time) and they were also at the extreme west end of NC. There were several place names with one spelling or another of Gowen, goin' way back. I have also seen the name listed at the Melungeon site, which would make since--the Melungeons lived in the west end of the Carolinas. I'd like to find out more about them also, will gladly share info. Hope this gives you some little direction. Jan in CA Gene & Pam Tatum wrote: > > I hope someone out there can be of help. I have been butting my head > against a brick wall for too long now. I am in search of my Goins line > ancestors. They were in LA, Rapids Parish before moving on to Texas. > Prior to this I haven't a clue. I think they may have been dropped down > from Mars or Pluto. If anyone out there has ever ran across the surname > Goins and has information on it, PLEASE let me know. The one in > particular I am looking for is Thomas J Goins b Oct. 1820. He married > Rebecca the first marriage, I think, then Harriet. He was in the war, a > POW out of Rapids Parish and I have a list of children. I will refrain > from boring all of you with the details until this tidbit jogs someone's > memory. May I also note that the Goins name is spelled many different > ways. Goin, Goen, Gowen, etc. all with or without a s on the end. And > I have been a member of the Gowens Research Foundation for years and > they have nothing on my line. So if anyone has any suggestions, I would > be deeply appreciative. > Thanking You In Advance > Pamela Goyens Tatum > > ==== LA-LGHS Mailing List ==== > LGHS: Serving Louisiana Genealogist since 1953. Yearly dues are $25. > To learn more about us, visit our website at > http://www.rootsweb.com/~la-lghs/lghs.htm