William was ninth of a family of twelve of Robert McGowan 1824-1886 and Sarah Ann Blackstock 1835-1897 and a grandson of Hough McGowan 1800-1882 and Nancy Baird who emigrated from northern Ireland and their family of five.  Robert and Sarah married in 1855 and they lived on the homestead farm. E1/2 lot 6, Con. 12, East Garafraxa, Ontario at what's known as Price's Corners.  It was here that William was born and grew up and where he and Mary lived the rest of their lives.  He was known as WB to his family and friends.

1901 Census of Canada Page Information District:ON WELLINGTON (Centre) (#124) Subdistrict:Garafraxa (East/Est) D-2 Page 8
McGowan William M Head M May  24 1872 28 
McGowan Mary L F Wife M Nov 13 1871 29 
McGowan Mary W F Daughter S Aug 7 1898 2 
McGowan Annie I F Daughter S Jun 9 1900 

1911 Census / Ontario / Dufferin / 5 Garafraxa East / page 4
McGowan William B. M Head  M May 1873 38 
McGowan Mary L. F Wife M Nov 1873 37 
McGowan Mary W. F Daughter S Aug 1899 11 
McGowan Annie I. F Daughter S Jun 1900 10 
McGowan Robert C. M Son S Sep 1904 6 
McGowan Harry W. M Son S Jul 1907 3

His obiturary was in the Orangeville Banner on May 31, 1951, page 12.
William B. McGowan-A life long resident of East Garafraxa, William B. McGowan died in Guelph General Hospital on Friday, May 25th, 1951, in his 79th year.  An active farmer until the last two years when he divided his time between his daughter, Mayme, in Guelph, and his granddaughter, Mrs. Jackson of Rockwood, he had been ill for just one week prior to his death.  William McGowan was born in East Garafraxa, the son of Robert McGowan and Sarah Nodwell.  He received his education at Marsville school and on June 9, 1897 , he married Mary Layina Nodwell and took his place as a constructive and industrious member of the community.  He was a member of the Marsville United Church and for many years fulfilled the duties of elder, he was also a member of the Independent Order of Foresters.  He is survived by two daughters and two sons:  Mrs. Mayme Reed, of Guelph; Mrs. Lawrence May (Annie), of Fergus; Robert , of Galt and Harry of East Garafraxa.  There are also nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  The funeral service was held from the East Garafraxa home of his son Harry, on Sunday May 27th, at 3 o'clock to Marsville United Church for public service.  Rev. Eria Currey officiated and interment was made at Price's Corners cemetery.  During the service the Ladies Quartet sang The 23rd Psalm, and Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Nodwell sang a duet, "The Lights of Home".  The pallbearers were three nephews; Jas. Johnston and Wilfred Hunter, Orangeville and Jack Hunter, Oshawa and three neighbours, Wes McGowan, Leslie Woods and William Donaghy.  The flower bearers were Murray McGowan, Clifford and Murray Reed, Tommy May, Dianne Jackson, Wanda, Billie and Nelda McGowan.  Among floral tributes were: Pillow, the family; Gates ajar, the grandchildren; casket spray, great grandchildren.  Wreath, the neighbours; Mr. and Mrs. William Donaghy, Mr. and Mrs. Chester Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Price, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Woods, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Bayne.  Sprays, Florence and Jck Hunter, Mary and Jim Johnston, Bertha and Wilfred Hunter;  Session of Marsville United Church; Marsville Women's Association:  Aunt Tena Nodwell and family; Employees of Folliot Motors, Galt.