Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 648

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

0.2 linear feet (1 box and 1 oversize folder)

Preferred Citation:

Peter M. McGowan papers, 1832-1845, Ms. Coll. 648, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1832-1845 (inclusive)

Creator:

McGowan, Peter M.

Form:

Religious texts and Correspondence

Abstract:

Peter M. McGowan (1804-1889) was a Methodist circuit preacher and missionary in Arkansas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. This collection contains records from his ministerial services, particularly related to his work with the Creek and Cherokee Nations in Arkansas.

Peter M. McGowan was a Methodist circuit preacher and missionary in Arkansas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Born in Lisburn, County Antrim, Ireland on May 5, 1804, McGowan and his family immigrated to the United States in 1811, settling in Ligonier Valley in Pennsylvania. Early in his career, he served in the Monroe Circuit; Harrison, Virginia; Somerset, St. Clairsville, and Pittsburgh; and as agent for Allegheny College.

In the fall of 1835, he was transferred from the Pittsburgh Conference and appointed superintendent of the South Indian Missionary District which included the Cherokee and Creek Nations. According to a Dr. Hunter, McGowen "did everything in his power to forward the good works in the two Nations," but spent "only one year with the Indians," [before] he had a severe attack of sickness in the latter part of the summer; and believing that he was completely broken down in health, he returned to his old Conference, where for a number of years he did effective work," (Jewell, page 103). He served the communities of western Pennsylvania for the remainder of his life.

McGowan was married to Maria Dana, from November 19, 1829 until her death; and to Jane Beazell, on September 20, 1837. McGowan died in California, Pennsylvania on June 7, 1889.

Works Consulted:

Jewell, Horace. History of Methodists in Arkansas, 1892.

Minutes of the Annual Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 1889, pp. 372-3, obituary.

This collection contains correspondence concerning McGowan's work for the Methodist Church in Arkansas, particularly among the Muscogee and Cherokee Nations. It includes a letter from Methodist leader and missionary Charles Elliott; a small number of manuscripts concerning the Muscogee and Cherokee languages, including translations and transcriptions of prayers and hymns; and one issue of the Cherokee Phoenix & Indians' Advocate, dated March 31,1832 which was published in New Echota, Georgia.

In addition to documenting McGowan's work with Native Americans, there are a few more miscellaneous documents that may relate to McGowan's more general ministerial service. The collection includes a manuscript explication of Philemon 3:24, seven marriage licenses from Belmont County, Ohio, and a single claim for money for a Revolutionary War veteran.