Zachariah Cowen Sr.

M, #9880, b. May 19, 1770, d. Oct 18, 1846

Family

Zeruiah Streeter b. Mar 20, 1772
Children

Chronological Events

Birth*May 19, 1770 Zachariah Cowen Sr. was born on May 19, 1770 at Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts, United States
Marriage*May 19, 1791 He married Zeruiah Streeter on May 19, 1791 at Bath, Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States
Death*Oct 18, 1846 Zachariah Cowen Sr. died on Oct 18, 1846, at age 76 at Lyman, Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States
Book Excerpt* 
NOTE: Zachariah Cowen's daughter, Deborah Cowing B. 30 Apr 1793 in Bath on Town Record; Zachariah Cowen was on the Bath Inventory only in 1794; he had 4 children recorded in Lyman Town Record born in Lyman from 1795 to 1801; he was on Lyman Tax record in 1800-1802; his daughter, Ruth Cowing B. 10 Oct 1802 in Bath on Town record; he was on Bath Inventory, from 1803 through 1819.

RESIDENCE: Lyman, Grafton, NH Town Records; FHL film 15,212; p. 358; A record of Zech'h Cowing's children, David Cowing born 6 Feb 1795, Charles Cowing born 19 Nov 1796, Hannah Cowing born 28 Jan 1799, Zechriah Cowing born 31 Mar 1801.

RESIDENCE: 1793-1794 in Bath; 1795-1802 in Lyman; 1802-1819 in Bath.

NOTE: Researcher Mrs. Harold Pickwick said Zachariah's possible mother, Hannah Whitmarsh Cowing, widow, married a Hessian, John Charlow of Braintree on 13 Mar 1784 in Weymouth, and he was also known as John Charles, and John Schnell, and they moved to Bath. I found John Charles was in Bath Town Records 1793 through 1814, except for 1 year in 1798; on 1800 Bath Census, a son of John Charles, Sr. born 1784/5; the son, John Charles married 21 Sep 1809 Abigail Page in Bath. He may be a half brother to Zachariah. There aren't any death records for the mother's or John Charles, Sr. in Bath records. I cannot find record of the mother's name.

BIR-MAR: Archive Record. Michael Hart of CA called 11 Nov 1993; he found it. It gave his father as Thomas Cowen, then had "error" handwritten beside it. Archive source: 1. True copy of Cowen Fam. Hist. of the Lisbon, NH Hist. rec. at town clerks office Lisbon, NH. Norman C. Fox, town clerk. 2. H.st. sketches of Lyman, NH by E.B. Hiskins p. 62, 64.

MAR: Bath, NH Vital Records; sent by Michael Hart; p. 242; FHL film 015,068; Zachariah Cowing marriage to Zaraiah Streeter on 14 May 1791 by P'r (Parson?) Jacob Hurd, Just. Peace. Also, p. 1656 on farm census.

NAME-MAR-DAUGHTERS: Bath, NH Vital Records; FHL film 15,068; sent to me by Michael Hart; p. 242; Zachariah Cowing to Zaraiah Streeter, 14 May 1792, pn. Jacob Hurd; p. 263; Zechariah Cowing Birth's, Deborah Cowing B. 30 Apr 1793, Ruth Cowing B. 10 Oct 1802; p. 1656; Zachariah Cowing on Farm census.

HISTORY: New Hamp; p. 1954-5; FHL book 974.2 D2s; v. 4. Name is Cowan here.
"This a very ancient American family, coming probably originally from Scotland and is found very early in Newton, Scituate, Brookfield, and other towns of Massachusetts. It has been impossible, however, to trace the connection of the line herein given (Zachariah Cowen and descendants) to the original American ancestor." This is a quote from the above history.

HISTORY: Address Delivered to the Inhabitants of Bath, on the Evening of 23 Jan 1854, by Rev. David Sutherland. Bath is 150 miles from Boston. John Hurd, Esq. was one of 100 grantees in First Charter (of Bath) from King George in 1769. Jacob Hurd was a soldier in Rev. War. In early 1784, Jacob Hurd came from Haverhill (NH or MA?) & lived on the farm (in Bath) of his father, Col. John Hurd. Col. Hurd was originally a lawyer in Boston; then Sec. to Gov. Wentworth in Portsmouth, NH; then settled in Haverhill, NH; returned to Boston and died there. Jacob Hurd was Sealer of Weights and measures in 1784. He was Town Clerk in 1784-1786, 1789-1793.

HISTORY: Cowen Family, compiled by Hazel Pickwick in 1953, given to me by Michael Hart. Zachariah was born in MA and left fatherless at an early age. In Hoskins' History of Lyman, he came from New Ipswich, NH and brought up by Mr. Hurd. BUT, NH records DON'T show the presence of Cowen family. Mrs. Fred Bowles (Effie Smith, Grand dau. of Rev. Charles Cowen) said that the family lived near Boston; Zachariah's father went to the wharf in Boston to get a barrel of molasses. He bought it, had it sent home, but he was never seen again, and was said to have been pressed into service on a pirate vessel, which was in the harbor at that time. Carl Cowen of Lebanon said his father told him that Zachariah was born in MA, and his mother had to find homes for the children. A man named Porter from Lyman took him. (But, she COULDN'T find Porters in Lyman or Bath in records that early). Samuel Emery, who was living then, left record that Zachariah was brought to NH by Jacob Hurd, Esq. of Bath when he came up from MA. Jacob Hurd was in Bath in 1783. All sources agree he was reared by Jacob Hurd. In the 1790 Census, he is undoubtedly the male over 16 listed in Jacob Hurd's family. Died in Lyman on a farm near the east side of Young's Pond.

BROTHER-BIR-SPOUSE-DTH: Cleveland Genealogy, 3 Volumes; p.2285; FHL film 1,015,821. Zechariah Cowen, born New Ipswich, MA, 19 May 1770, was taken, when very young, by a Mr. Hurd, and brought up in NH. Was too young to remember his parentage. He settled in Lyman as early as 1796. He lived in Lyman all his married life, except short time in the Pettyboro District in Bath. Cowen Coat of Arms: Argent 3 foxes heads erased gules. Crest: on a winged globe & eagle rising ppr. His brother was John Cowen of near Alton.

RESIDENCE: Mike Hart found Cowing, Cowin, Cowen from 1803 to 1832 in Inventory lists in Bath, NH records. Also, 24 Mar 1803 Zachariah Cowing chosen Surveyor of Highways. Beverly Woods, Bath Town Clerk, 747-2454, has Bath Marr. Records.

HISTORY: copy of a letter with the heading "A Letter from Mother's Cousin Frank Cowen from Lebanon, NH 15 Sep 1900"; a copy of this was sent to me by Jean Burkhardt Berry in Dec 1998. My dear Cousin Ellen...Now for answers to some of your questions, and the first was as I remember what was our nationality? I am SURE that my great grandfather Cowen came from Scotland and settled in New Ipswich, Massachusetts. Was employed in the Navy, and was supposed to have been captured by pirates as they often in those days of the long ago troubled our seaport towns. At least he went to his work as usual on Monday morn and did not return on Saturday as was his custom. And nothing was ever known of him afterwards, and it was learned that a piratical craft was in port that time, and it was supposed that he was taken and carried off. Of course his disappearence obliged the breaking up of his family, and the separating of his children. And my Grandfather Zachariah Cowen which was your great grandfather was taken by a man named Hurd. And brot up to manhood in the Northeren part of New Hampshire where he lived and died and there raised his family of thirteen children. Their names and date of birth I will send you with this letter. And when you read the list, just remember that the copy is from your Great Grandfather's own hand writing. He was a fine scholar in his day. Taught school for several years in winter, also was a teacher of vocal music. And was rated as a fine singer in those early days. He was a self-educated man. I once owned the farm among the hills of New Hampshire where he lived for years and where he died. He invented the first hand machine for making rope from flax ever made in Grafton County, N. H. It was said that he was the most skilled carpenter in all the country known as North New Hampshire. As regards any connection with Revolutinary War, none on the Cowen side took part as far as I am able to learn. But my Grandfather and Great Grandfather on my mother's side were both in the war of the Revolution. Their graves are over the hill not very far from my house. I always pass their resting place when visiting my friends in the more northern sections of our state. I can see their tombstones from the cars as I pass by. ... I will close this by saying that we all join in love to you & yours am as ever your cousin, William F. Cowen, Lebanon, N.H. P.S. Please write me in your next, wheter Aunt Elvira Landon is yet living. (Another page of the letter) The mystery of Zachariah Cowen. Who was Zachariah Cowen, born 19 May 1770, probably in Mas., died in Lyman, N.H. on 18 Oct 1846. He married on his 21st birthday in Bath, N.H. Zeruiah Streeter. Through four of his descendants, Miss Laverne Toynton, Mrs. Harold Pickwick, Mrs. Richard Dunham and Mr. Frank Y. Cowen, we know that family tradition agree that he was born in Mass., and left fatherless when very young.
TRADITION #1. Zachariah's father lived near Boston; he went there to the wharf one day to buy a barrel of molasses. He made the purchase, had it sent home and was never seen again by his family. It was said that he was pressed into service on a pirate vessel which was in the harbor at the time. TRADITION #2. Zachariah's father settled in Ipswich, Mass., where he was employed in the Navy. He went to work as usual on Monday morning and did not return on Saturday night as was his custom. Nothing was ever heard from his again. A piratical craft was in the harbor at the time so it was supposed that he was captured by pirates and carried off. (New paragraph) All traditions and records agree that the father disappeared, that his mother had to find a home for Zachariah at an early age, and that he was taken by Jacob Hurd, Esc., of Lyman, N.H., who reared him. Jacob Hurd is known to have been in Bath as early as 1783. The 1790 census of his family indicates that Zachariah was indeed living with him.
SUPPOSITION #1. Zachariah's parents were an Israel Cowen, Jr., who married Hannah Witmarsh of Weymouth, Mass. Intention of their marriage is given in Weymouth, V. R. on 20 Jul 1768. She was a daughter of Zachriah and Hannah Whitmarsh of that Town. Born there 4 Jan 1741 or 2. (V.R.) She is probably the Hannah Cowing, widow who married in Weymouth 13 Mar 1784 John Charlow of Braintree. (V.R.) Israel and Hannah Cowen recorded the birth of a daughter, Deborah, in Weymouth on 2 or 12 of Dec 1768. Was Zachariah Cowen named for his Grandfather, Zachariah Whitmarsh? Did Zachariah name his first daughter Deborah for his sister and his second daughter Hannah for his mother? SUPPOSITION #2. Was Israel lost in service? In Massachusetts, soldiers and sailors in the war of the Revolution, there is the reference of the service of Israel Cowing, foremast man, schooner "Hazard" shipped 8 Jan 1777, portage bill dated Boston 7 Apr 1777, made up for advance wages for 1 month. (4:40) Perhaps Israel bought his molasses with advance wages and was not pirated. SUPPOSITION #3. If Israel was from Ipswich, was this his fate? "On 4 Dec 1775 the town of Ipswich determined to fit out two vessels to procure a supply of grain ... gave leave to persons to adventure on them ... at their own risk ... on 21 Jan 1777 the town voted to pay for the vessel that was lost at Virginia in 1776." (History of Ipswich, by Joseph B. Felt 1834.) If Israel and Hannah Whitmarsh Cowen were the parents of Zachariah, who were the parents of Israel?
Children of Zachariah Cowen b. 19 May 1770 and Zeruiah Streeter Cowen b. 20 Mar 1772. James Cowen b. 20 Dec 1791, Debby Cowen b. 30 Apr 1793, David Cowen b. 6 Feb 1795, Charles Cowen b. 19 Nov 1796, Hannah Cowen b. 28 Jan 1799, Zachariah Cowen b. 31 Mar 1801, Ruth Cowen b. 10 Oct 1803, Sally Cowen b. 10 May 1805, John Cowen b. 12 Feb 1807, William Cowen b. 7 Feb 1809, Spafford Cowen b. 15 Feb 1811, Louisa Cowen b. 10 Mar 1813, Betsy Cowen b. 2 Mar 1815.
CONFLICT: the heading says Frank Cowen wrote it, but the name at the close of the letter was (Frank's brother's name) William F. Cowen. NOTE: Ella Cowen is probably the Ella who is the daughter of Ezra Cowen, brother to Frank and William F. Cowen.

NAME: email from Debbie Cubbedge, who has a letter from Willis Cowing, who is a descendant. David Cowing was the son of Z.? Cowing who took a load of hay into Boston for sale and never returned. He may have stopped at a bar and was given a "Mickey Finn" and woke up on a Slave Ship as a crew member. David was raised by a family named Newton. Cowing was a descendant of a John Cowing from Scotland who arrived in NewEngland, United Kingdom in the 1600's. The name was originally Cowen. The Cowens were a sub clan of the McDougals. NOTE: he obviously got the story attached to the son David, which belongs to the father Zachariah.

BIR-SPOUSE-DTH: email from Debbie Cubbedge, who has a letter from Willis Cowing, who is a descendant.

PARENTS: email from Debbie Cubbedge, who has email from Chester H. Cowen; he said, You would be a descendant of Israel Cowen/Cowing and Hannah Litchfield line. I (Chester) am from the John Cowen/Cowing, his older brother, and Deborah Litchfield line.

NAME: email from Debbie Cubbedge; 12 Feb 1999; Debbie found 2 very old querys from 1970's by Mrs. Harold Pickwick of 247 Main St. in Lisbon, NH 03585; 1. Israel Cowing, Jr. marrried Hannah Whitmarsh int. 20 Jul 1768 in Weymouth, MA; they had a daughter Deborah born Dec 1768; did they have a son Zachariah born May 1770; Zach's widowed mother sent him to Bath, NH where he was reared by Jacob Hurd; the widowed mother then married on 13 Mar 1784, a Hessian, John Charlow. 2. Need ancestry of Zach Cowing born 1770 in MA died 1846 in Lyman, NY, married 1791 in Bath. Did Israel and Hannah, whose daughter was Deborah, born 1768 at Weymouth have any other children. The widow married Joh Schnell and moved to Bath where he was called John Charles.

FATHER: email from Debbie Cubbedge; 12 Feb 1999; forwarded email from Chester Cowen; According to George Leander Randall in "Descendants of John Cowing", Deborah and perhaps Zachariah were the children of Israel Cowing, born 1728 in Scituate, MA, and Hannah Whitmarsh. Israel Cowings father was Israel born 1699, whose father was Israel born 1664, whose father was John. Leigh Cowing then says his problem is he comes from an Israel Cowen who died in Brunswick, ME on 15 Dec 1802 and according to his gravestone born abt 1728. His wife was Deborah and is buried with Israel in Brunswick, his sons Calvin and Charles were also in Brunswick for a time. They married into the Coombs and Holbrook families of MA. At this point he is wondering if the Israel b. 1724 in Scituate didn't have 2 families.

NOTES:
1. It's interesting, Jacob Hurd arrived in Bath, NH 1783 with Zachariah Cowen/Cowing. And Hannah Cowen/Cowing, widow, remarried in 1784. If she had to wait 7 years after the disappearance of her husband, to declare him legally dead, then he disappeared abt 1777.
2. If Hannah Whitmarsh Cowen Charles moved to Bath, maybe it was to be near Zachariah.
3. What happened to Deborah born in 1768? Who did she marry? Where did they live?
4. Zachariah's father's mother was born in Beverly, Essex, Massachusetts, which is between Salem and Ipswich; and the grandparents were married there, too according to Ancestral File.

NAME: Descendants of John Cowing; compiled by George Leander Randall; Housed at the New Bedford Free Public Library; retyped by Chester H. Cowen. He was listed as a child of Israel and Hannah, with sister Deborah.

MILITARY: Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the War of the Revolution; found reference on Ancestry.com search; there was an Israel Cowing, Scituate, Private, in Capt. Samuel Stockbridge's co., Gen. John Thomas's regt; muster roll dated 1 Aug 1775; enlisted 10 May 1775; service, 2 mos. 3 weeks 6 days; also, company return dated 7 Oct 1775; also, order for bounty coat or its equivalent in money dated Scituate, 27 Feb 1776.
Also, an Israel Cowing in Capt. Nichols's co., Col. Jeduthan Baldwin's regt. of Artillery artificers; Continental Army pay accounts for service from 14 Feb 1777, to 31 Dec. 1779; also, Private, Capt. Noah Nichols's co. of artificers, Gen. Knox's Artillery brigade; return of men in camp before Aug. 1777; also, Capt. Pattins's corps of Artificers stationed at Springfield under Gen. Knox; Continental Army pay accounts for service from 1 Jan 1780 to 14 Feb 1780; enlistment, 3 years; reported discharged by Gen. Knox 14 Feb 1780.

OCCUPATION: Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the War of the Revolution; found reference on Ancestry.com search; there was an Israel Cowing, Foremastman, schooner "Hazard", Capt. Benjamin Hammond, Master; shipped 8 Jan 1777; portage bill dated Boston, 7 Apr 1777, made up for advance wages for 1 month.1
 

Citations

  1. [S951] Book - New Hampshire History,.