Gow (sept) facts for kids

The Gow family name is a special part of the Clan Macpherson, which is a famous Scottish clan from the Highlands. The Clan Macpherson is also a member of a bigger group called the Clan Chattan. The name Smith is often seen as the same as Gow. This is because the first person in the Gow family line was either named Smith or worked as a Blacksmith. In Scottish Gaelic, they are known as the Sliochd an Gobh Cruim. This cool name means "the race of the crooked smith."

The Gow Family: A Scottish Story

The Famous Battle of North Inch

In 1396, an important event called the Battle of the North Inch happened in Perth, Scotland. This was a special kind of fight called a trial by combat. It was watched by Robert III of Scotland, who was the king at the time.

One side was the Clan Chattan, and the other was the Clan Cameron. Each side chose thirty brave warriors to fight. But just before the battle, one of the Clan Chattan warriors got sick. To make it fair, it was suggested that the Camerons should also lose one man.

However, a local man from Perth stepped forward. His name was either Henry Wynd or Henry Smith. He worked as a smith or someone who made armor. Henry offered to take the sick man's place. He only asked to be paid if he survived the fight.

Henry Smith: The Hero of the Battle

Henry was known as Gow Crom, which means "Crooked Smith" in Scottish Gaelic. The battle was fierce! Only one man from Clan Cameron survived. On the Clan Chattan side, eleven men survived, including Henry Wynd or Smith.

Historians say that Henry, who was a great swordsman, helped his side win a lot. Some even say he was the only survivor on the Clan Chattan side who wasn't hurt. His amazing sword skills really helped them win the day.

After the battle, Henry Smith was invited to live in the north. He was welcomed into the Clan Chattan. He became the first person in the family line known as Sliochd an Gobh Cruim. This means "the race of the crooked smith." Some stories say Henry had twelve followers. They learned to make and use swords to stay in his favor. Over time, many Gows took the surname of Mackintosh, who was their chief.

The Gows were part of the Clan Macpherson, who were also part of the Clan Chattan. This shows how different clans and families were connected long ago.

Gows Through History

The Gow name appears in old records over the years. For example, a man named Thomas Gow signed an agreement in 1589 in Dunkeld. James Gow was a tenant (someone who rented land) under the Mackintosh chief in 1635 in Badenoch.

Later, in 1679, William Gow and Ewen Gow were noted in places like Crathiecoy and Laggan, Badenoch. During the Jacobite rising of 1745, which was a rebellion, an Alexander Gow from Ruthven, Badenoch was part of the Jacobite army.

Skilled Craftsmen: The Gow Legacy

The Highlands of Scotland were famous for their skilled workers. This included smiths and jewelers. These craftsmen often passed their skills down through their families. Sons or sons-in-law would learn from their fathers. Each new generation became even more skilled. They were very proud of their work, just as they were proud of their family name. A famous musician named Niel Gow (1727–1807) may have also been connected to the Clan Chattan.

See also

• Gow (surname)