John Gowing

He rose to be in charge of the mercery department and lived above the store, as was common in the era.

Five years later, he and his younger brother, Preston Robert Gowing (1839–1900), opened the Mercery and Glove Depot in George Street, Sydney.

John Gowing managed the store for £200 per year and a half share of the profits.

In time, ladies' gloves and silk umbrellas became less important, and Gowings became known as a high-class gentleman's outfitter.

His funeral service was held at All Saints' Anglican Church, Petersham, before his masonic burial at Rookwood.