Date of Death: April 4, 1897
Cause of Death: Shot
Interment source:
Bay View Cemetery Association, Corpus Christi, Texas. Record of Interments
NO HEADSTONE
Biography
Unfortunately the paper that would contain the obituary of Ramon McGowan is not known to be extant. Ramon is found as early as the 1880 census of Nueces County. In that census he is listed as living with Manuel Longoria who is a 28 year old laborer from Mexico. Ramon is listed as 13 years old and born in Texas. His parents do not appear to be with him (possibly both are dead), but the census states that his father is from Ireland and his mother is from Mexico (1880 census Nueces County, p. 25B). Ramon is also found in the Marriage Records of Nueces County (volume F page 216) that report his marriage to Sarah Ortiz on January 30, 1892. They had at least one child as the early
death records of the city (page 74 #978) note the death of a "child of Ramon McGowan" who was born prematurely and died on March25, 1893 (probably the firstborn of Ramon and Sarah). Possibly because of growing up without his parents and other difficulties he may have faced because of prejudices, an article in the Caller of 1894 reports a shooting fight in which Ramon was involved.
"Called Him What?"
The Caller reports a shooting scrape on the hill, the fight occurring about 1 0' clock, a.m. It is said the trouble took place at a Mexican wedding, when the girl marrying against her father's consent had to run away or was stolen away. The story as related to the Caller by bystanders was as follows: While the bridal party was in the house enjoying themselves drinking and dancing, Juan Wise, a half Mexican, and Ramon McGowen (sic), another half Mexican, got into a difficulty, which resulted in Wise getting shot twice-<mce in the neck and once in the leg. McGowan was arrested and placed in jail to be given a preliminary hearing when it is known whether or not Wise will recover, and of course be a better and wiser man.
Corpus Christi Caller, October 21, 1934 p. 4, col. 4 "Men and Events of Forty Years Ago"--quoting articles from the Caller of Oct. 19, 1894.
It may be that Ramon got into a number of altercations over the next years. However, only one other has been noted, and that one cost him his life. Again, the early death records of the city record that Ramon McGowan died of a gunshot wound (page 96 #1404) on April 4, 1897. According to this record, he was born in Brownsville, Texas and was about 36 years old at the time of his death. While the papers of early April that would have carried the story of the shooting are missing, the issue of April 30, 1897 (page 5, column 1) carries the following article regarding the trial of his killer.
"Olivares Acquitted"
One of-the important cases tried in district court since last issue was that of Jose Olivares, charged with the murder of Ramon Magowan (sic) on the 5th of April. The case, which was put on trial Saturday and which had numerous witnesses, went to the jury Tuesday evening, the jury bringing in a verdict of acquittal on Wednesday between 10 and 11 o'clock. The following are the names of the jurymen, who were on the case four days and four nights, holding forth at the courthouse: J. W. Ward, foreman; J. H. C. White, r.
H. Bingham, J. A. Hughes, Chas. Land, P. McBride, John Wright, Julian Priour, John
Uehlinger, W. H. Griffin, J. Atkinson, N. E. Noakes.
Further accounts of the actual shooting can no doubt be found in the criminal case
records in Nueces County from April of 1897.
Research and transcription: Michael A. Howell