Spouse:
Mary M. Frear (married on May 25, 1855 or May 25, 1865 in Monroe, Pennsylvania)
Children:
Six children: Ida M., Betsy, and Celeste (daughters); Dana Freer, and Walter (sons); Loren
Family Members Who Have Served in the Minnesota Legislature:
"William S. Chowen, born in Green county, N. Y., June 22d, 1826. Moved to Wyoming county, Pennsylvania. At twenty years of age, he went to White Haven, and engaged in lumbering; followed it for eight years, and one year lumbering in Virginia. Came to Minnesota in 1858, and located the farm in Minnetonka on which he now lives. Helped build the first school house in the town. In 1857, was elected to the first Legislature of the state, and introduced the Agricultural School bill and a memorial to Congress for an agricultural land grant, for college purposes. Both bills were passed while he was in the House. Enlisted, August, 1864, in Co. F. Eleventh Minn. Inf., with the rank of Sergeant. Stationed at Nashville and Gallatin, Tennessee. Mustered out, 26th of June, 1865, at Fort Snelling. Has been several times chairman of town board. Married, May 25, 1865, to Mary M. Frear; have six children." (History of Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis, 1881)
He died in Minnetonka, Minnesota and is burried at Groveland Cemetery in Minnetonka.
Religion, occupation, family details, and death details were provided by his great-great granddaughter.