The pottery of P.J. McGowan was established in 1880 by the present proprietor, in company with T. O'Gorman and M. Golula, but this partnership did not last long, since which time Mr. McGowan has operated alone. He now has about three acres of land in the city, connected with the works. The building he occupies is 60x30 feet in size, with an L 30x50. The entire plant is valued at about $3,000. He employs about 15 hands. The works have a capacity of turning out 16,000 gallons of stoneware, and about $500 per month of terra cotta ware.

P. J. MCGOWAN was born in the city of New York, March 12, 1855, and is a son of Charles and Mary (Murphy) McGowan, natives of Ireland. They removed from New York to Akron, O., in 1865, where they still reside. The subject of this sketch was educated at Akron, where he also learned the trade of a painter, and has since followed that business. He came to Illinois in 1872, and worked as a "jour" some four years, when he engaged in the business near Quincy. In 1880 he was married to Addie Brickart, a native of Greene county. By this union there was one child - Mollie. Mrs. McGowan's death occurred in 1883. Mr. McGowan is a member of the Benevolent lodge, No. 227, I.O.OF. He is a successful business man, and has won many friends by his genial manner, his honesty and fair dealings.