Husband John Loudon Gow 1
Born: 23 Sep 1797 - Hallowell, Kennebec Co, ME 1
Christened:
Died: 17 Aug 1866 2
Buried: - Washington Cemetery, Washington, Washington Co, PA
Father: James Gow ( - ) 1
Mother: Lucy Gilman ( - ) 1
Marriage: 12 Jun 1827 2
Wife Mary M. Murdoch 3 4
AKA: Mary H. Murdoch 5
Born: Abt 1808
Christened:
Died: Aft 1893
Buried:
Father: Alexander Murdoch (1770-1836/1837) 4 6 7
Mother: Elizabeth Henderson (Abt 1780-1863) 4 6 7
Children
1 M Alexander M. Gow 2
Born:
Christened:
Died: Bef 1893
Buried:
2 F Lucy Abigail Gow 2
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: James B. Charlton ( - ) 2
3 F Elizabeth Gow 2
Born:
Christened:
Died: in infancy
Buried:
Spouse: Did Not Marry
4 F Ellen Murdoch Gow 2
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Rev. George B. Gow ( - ) 2
5 M James M. Gow 2
Born:
Christened:
Died: Aft 1893
Buried:
6 F Mary M. Gow 2
Born:
Christened:
Died: Aft 1893
Buried:
7 F Eliza Gow 2
Born:
Christened:
Died: in childhood
Buried:
Spouse: Did Not Marry
8 M John L. Gow 2
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: [Unk] Harding ( - )
9 F Pamelia Gow 8
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Marcus Cunningham Acheson (1844- ) 5
10 M George Loudon Gow 2
Born:
Christened:
Died: Bef 1893
Buried:
11 F Annie M. Gow 2
Born:
Christened:
Died: Aft 1893
Buried:
Spouse: Rev. A. M. Darley ( - ) 2
12 F Virginia M. Gow 2
Born:
Christened:
Died: Aft 1893
Buried:
General Notes: Husband - John Loudon Gow
He was born at Hallowell, Maine. He received his education at the Academy of that town. When quite young he left Maine to avoid the rigors of the severe climate, seeking a home farther south. He taught school and studied law in Fredericksburg, VA, where he was admitted to the bar. He then removed to Washington, D. C., and became assistant editor of the National Journal, a Whig paper owned by Peter Force. He was connected with this paper for several years. In 1824 he became a resident of Washington, PA, where he began the practice of law. Soon after he held a professorship in Washington College, lecturing on International Law. He held this position for five years. He became interested in the common-school system, and was desirous of introducing New England ideas. As a professor in the college and as county superintendent, he earned a high place in the affectionate remembrance of the friends of classical and popular education. For many years he was a trustee of Washington College and the Female Seminary. In 1854 he was chosen the first county superintendent of schools, and served for two terms. In this work of education he was materially assisted by his son Alexander M., who was the principal of the Washington schools. At a meeting of educators held in Washington, September 23, 1850, A. M. Gow offered a resolution to establish an institute by which the teachers might be brought together for their improvement, and at a meeting of the association in 1855 he recommended establishing a normal school of four weeks' continuance; but it was not until three years later that this well-timed suggestion was acted upon. In 1831 Mr. Gow was appointed visitor and examiner to West Point by President Jackson, and again in 1849 by President Taylor.
Mr. Gow's first partnership was with Mr. King who came with him from Washington, D. C. His next associate was Thomas McGiffin, and his third and last was with Alexander Murdoch, his brother-in-law. In all he enjoyed for forty years an extensive and lucrative practice, in the management of which he displayed great ability, rare zeal and fidelity in the interest of his client, and incorruptible integrity. As a writer he had few superiors. He delivered many public addresses outside of his professional work, both political and literary, was a forcible speaker, argumentative and logical in his reasoning, and chaste in his style. He had many law students in his office. One of his students said of him after his death: “I spent two years in his office; he was to me a guide, philosopher and friend. During that time I learned to love him as a man, and admire him as a scholar, as a lawyer and as what we love to call an old-school Christian gentleman.” Quoting from the resolutions of the bar, one of his friends said of him: “All lawyers do not feel the same interest in their younger brethren that Mr. Gow did; for myself, I can say that I never went to him for advice or assistance that he did not give it, not grudgingly nor patronizingly, but as freely and cheerfully as if I had been his own son.” Another brother lawyer said: “When Mr. Gow came to town he was twenty-seven years of age and I was a boy of sixteen, but it was one of the good traits of our deceased friend's character that he loved the society of boys, and possessed the faculty of endearing himself to them. Thus it was amidst those hours of friendship and professional intercourse I acquired my knowledge of our deceased brother.” He was a courteous gentleman, and a true friend. He was an honorable opponent, and a skilful advocate. But it was in the sacredness of the home where he was best known and most loved, that his character shone forth in its most delightful traits. [CBRWC, 36]
He was a stanch Republican in his later days, and in all his life an uncompromising anti-slavery champion, never ceasing to fearlessly express his views on the subject. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which faith the entire family were brought up. To add to the comforts and happiness of his home he was a genuine lover of music, and played the violin and sang well, in which his family sympathized and took part.
He was an invalid for some years before his death.