While reading through the online Race and Slavery Petitions for TN, I came across this interesting record:

PAR #: 11481927
Location: Cocke County, TN • Year: 1819

Abstract: Cocke County free man of color Obadiah Going seeks "the privileges of a citizen." He states that it is his misfortune to be the descendant of persons of mixed race.

Can't prove it - but I think I find him in later years as white:

Name: Obadiah Gowens
Age: 73
Estimated Birth Year: 1776
Birth Place: Virginia
Gender: Male
Home in 1850
(City,County,State): District 5, Monroe, Tennessee
Page: 36
Roll: M432_891

For al you Goins, Goings, Gowans researchers - here's another one to add to your databases

Denise