John and Mary had two other children of their own and adopted a third.

On July 15, 1876, Maggie Louise McGowan(#16) was born. Unfortunately, within one day of her 14th birthday, she died. It is unknown to what her death was attributed.

Another child, Veronica McGowan(#17) was born on February 20, 1882. She also passed away when she was three years old.

Francis White(#18), born in 1885, was adopted into the McGowan family. He was raised on the farm and is shown in at least one picture taken around 1900.

Altogether, John and Mary had six children over a 14 year period and adopted a seventh.