Kentucky: A History of the State, Battle, Perrin, & Kniffin, 6th ed., 1887,
Shelby Co.

LOUIS CHOWNING was born at New Liberty, Owen Co., Ky., January 20, 1840,
the elder of two children born to C. C. and Lucy (Wright) Chowning.  His
parents were natives of Fayette County, Ky., but of Virginia ancestry.
Louis Chowning was educated in the schools and academies of his town; was
reared to business pursuits; engaged in merchandising, and was also in
the revenue service for a term.  In 1873 he married Mrs. Sallie Owens, of
Shelby County, a daughter of George Smith, one of the wealthiest farmers
of that county.  Two children have been born to this union: A. Branham
and George Smith Chowning.  Mr. Chowning has been in the drug business in
Shelbyville four years, and is also engaged in the boot and shoe business
at the same place.  He is a deacon in the Christian Church, of which he
has been a member twenty-seven years, also a member of the board of city
council.  He enjoys a large patronage in his business, and is classed
among Shelby County's best citizens.  Mrs. Chowning is a charming and highly
cultivated lady, and beloved by all who know her.

Chowning Wright Owens Smith
=
Owen-KY Fayette-KY VA

http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/shelby/chowning.l.txt