The first home of James P. and Eliza Magowan was on the Spencer Pike. My grandmother
lived there as a little girl and remembered it being a large wood structure. This house
burned down in the 1930's. The Magowan graveyard is on this property. in 1856 James P.
Magowan developed face cancer and underwent what must have been very painful treatments
for the cancer, dying November 9th 1858. He began and in his will directed that the
Magowan house be built for his wife Eliza. The following was written on a Masonic parchment
that the Hoover sisters, later owners of the home found buried in the root cellar and gave
to my great-grandmother Gladys Samuels Robertson.
Eliza Jane Magowan
Nov. 5th, 1859
"This house was built in the years 1858-1859 commenced in May 1858 by
James P. Magowan who died the 9th of November the same year of cancer of
the face, and after long and painful suffering which he bore with great
patience and christian fortitude he died in hope of a blissful immortality
through the merits of the blessed Saviour.
He was the son of James Strode Magowan, both were men of untiring energy, industry,
and perseverance, and had accumulated a large property. James P. Magowan was a man universally respected
for his integrity, social and moral conduct. He married Eliza Jane daughter of Captain Cuthbert Banks of
Mt. Sterling, among whose property this Masonic parchment was found and used by his daughter to perpetuate
the memory of her much lamented husband, James P. Magowan. He directed his executors to finish this house
for the use and benefit of his wife during her life, as a testimony of his love and gratitude for her
many kind and affectionate attentions during the 31 years of their married life. He had six children
Gabriella B. died in the 16th year of her age. Mary Owings in the sixth year of her age. His living
children are William C. Magowan who married Caroline (daughter of the Hon. Garrett Davis, they have one
living child, Eliza Davis Magowan.) James Asa Magowan, John Traughber Magowan, and Anna Eliza Magowan.
this house is to descend to John T. Magowan after my death and whoever occupies it, may they all so live
that we may all meet in that house not made with hands eternal in the heavens. I am in my 54th year;
and have a good hope through grace."