William W. McGowan was born at New York City, March 12, 1840. His parents were James McGowan and Louis A. (Anderson) McGowan. He came to Minnesota September 20, 1861; served in Company I, First Minnesota Mounted Rangers and Company H, Second Minnesota cavalry; was clerk of the district court four terms, probate judge two terms and registrar of deeds one term and was admitted to the bar by examination November 22, 1911. He came to Beaver Falls September 20, 1870, and now resides at Morton.