Hi Pam,

I thought that John Phillip's Will was fascinating! I think the fact that Sophia Phillips has her mother's last name and that it's mentioned that Elizabeth intends to marry Cabell Wood makes me think that Cabell is not her father...so who is? I'm still looking for that info. Cabell Wood and Elizabeth Phillips got their marriage bond 23 Sept 1821 in Amherst Co.

I found Sophia Phillips marriage to William Gowen on 5 Sept 1832 in Amherst Co., VA but none before that for her [so far]. This marriage is consented to by Penelope Phillips and mentions "that I am willing for William Gowen to marry by granddaughter".

I also found a marriage for Jesse Tyree [age 70, widow] and Sophia Gowen [age 50, widow] on 13 Dec 1870 [Bk 2, Pg 189]. Her parents are not listed in the record. In the 1880 Census Sophia Tyree is listed as 68 years old and the mother of William M. Gowen. I only have John [who is my ancestor] and Mildred as Sophia children so far. I'm not 100% sure this is my Sophia. Do you have any more info on her children with William Gowen?

I have not looked at Rev war records or benefits [honestly, other than the Civil War, miliary records are new to me, but I'm learning]. When you say "court records for benefits" do you mean at Amherst Co. Circuit?

I will be going back to Amherst Circuit [I live in Amherst Co] and hopefully get into the land records. Hopefully I can find more info there.

I will keep you informed!
Susan