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From:
Subject: A delicate question about a possible out-of-wedlock birth
Date: Sun, 12 Dec 2004 19:40:24 EST


HI:
I'm researching ADELIA BOWMAN, daughter of ELIZABETH COWAN, granddaughter of
WILSON and MIHALY COWAN. Wilson was born in Tenn., and so was his daughter
Elizabeth. Mihaly was his 2nd wife.

They lived in BROWN COUNTY, OHIO.

I believe that Elizabeth either died or was otherwise not able to take care
of her daughter Adelia, who was born in 1869 in Brown County. Adelia was raised
by her aunt ELIZA (COWAN) EMMONS from age 11 onward.

Eliza signed Adelia's death certificate in 1914 and listed THOMAS BOWMAN as
her father.

Here is the very, very delicate question: I have found a THOMAS BOWMAN living
in Brown County.

I queried an email BOWMAN listserv about a Thomas Bowman in Brown Co., Ohio,
and got a response from one of his descendants. She sent genealogical
information that showed he was married, a minister, and had several children.

What makes this even more complicated: Elizabeth was African-American, and
Thomas was white.

Do I ask about children outside his marriage?

The respondent did not tell me anything about children out of wedlock, but
she gave me a lot of details about his history that demonstrates to me that
she's pretty knowledgeable about the family and may have an answer for me.

Then again, she might not know a thing and I just may be seen as making
trouble!

But it's just too coincidental for me not to follow up on -- that is, a man
by the same name, in the same county, as the possible father of my ggrandmother.

How would list members handle this? Would you ask these questions?
Would you answer if you had the information?

Is there another way to find out if he was her father, in case this person
won't respond to me?

Thanks for all input.
Kberry

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