I believe the John Bowen listed in 1870 Gibson Co, Tenn census was a brother to my gr-grandfather, Thomas George Bowen, b 1825 Rutherford Co, TN; died 1882 Phelps Co, Mo.

John W Bowen mar Sarah Barkley in Rutherford Co, TN on 10 Oct 1846. They were in Cannon Co, TN 1850; John & Sarah were listed between Elizabeth Barkley (believed to be Sarah's mother) and children, and Brinkley Lassiter and his wife, Mary Bowen (believed to be a sister of Thomas Bowen (1799-1862), John W. Bowen's father. Nearby was Absalom Bowen and some of his sons. Not sure how he relates, but kin, and possible older half brother to Thomas, b 1799.

In 1850 John 23 and Sarah Bowen 24 had two ch: Mary E. 3, & Thos H. 1.

In 1860 John 38 and Sarah Bowen 38 were in Coffee Co, TN: Mary was 12 & Thhomas 10; Additional ch were: William 8; Rebecca 6; Nancy 4; Julia 3. Also James, age 1 & James Sr 22. Not sure if James belonged to John or James, since any older male by the same name, even though not in direct line, might be called Sr.

In 1870 John 43 (?) was in Gibson Co, TN; wife Sallie 35;. Sallie was often a nickname for Sarah, but if she is the same person here, her age is off quite a bit. John's age in 1870 corresponds with 1850, but is off in 1860. But we all know how they messed up the ages.

Mary, Thomas, Wm, & Julia, with corresponding ages are still in the home; Rebecca and Nancy are not listed. (Married? Deceased? Living away from home?) Additional ch in 1870 are: John b ca 1860; Robt b ca 1864; James b ca 1866; Adda b ca 1866; & Jennie b ca 1868.

Would like to hear from any descendants of this family.