McCowan (McQuown)

by David McCowan (McQuown)
(Lexington, KY USA)

Us McCowans used to spell our name McQuown. However, we pronounced McQuown as Mc-Cow-an.


My earliest ancestor is a Laurence McQuown (b. abt. 1770 and d. 1826) and was my GGGG Grandfather. He came to Nicholas County Kentucky sometime around 1820 from Pennsylvania.

I'm assuming McQuown is an anglicized form of McEwen.

Visited Scotland just last week and drove to Otter Ferry and Kilfinan. Was warmly received at the Kilinan Hotel by a very nice lady name Madeline. She gave us directions to the Castle, but warned us that the weeds were high and that we probably needed better clothes. Sure enough, she was right and we had to turn around. Next time we visit the area, we'll come prepared.

BTW - Watch out for the stinging nettle plant. Ouch!

David McCowan
Lexington, Kentucky USA

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Oct 01, 2013
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I'm a McQuown too!
by: Anonymous

I'm a McQuown too! One of my ancestors had that name and we thought it was rare. I guess its just part of a bigger clan. Neat stuff, eh? :)

Sep 02, 2013
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Very Beautiful Setting
by: David McCowan (McQuown)

If was very beautiful setting and I can only imagine what the area looked like when the Castle and the Clan was at its highest. Interesting enough, my DNA reveals my origins are not gaelic but nordic. Of course this area was regularly visited by the Vikings and one can only speculate how my nordic ancestors became a MacEwen.

Jun 24, 2013
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Sorry About The Castle
by: Judy and Mark

Hi David,

Interesting information about the weeds being too high to hike to the Castle McEwen unless you have hiking gear. We were blessed with good weather when we were there. There were weeds, but not too high. Good to know for others who might want to see it. Hope you get to go back and see it... I mean, it's not all that impressive, but the setting is very pretty... and it's our castle after all, eh?

I'm pretty sure you're right about McQuown being part of the McEwen Clan. It really does seem to be spelled all kinds of different ways, doesn't it?

Thanks so much for sharing your story. Happy travels!
Reviresco, Judy and Mark

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