James Cowan, farmer, Craig Township, was born in this township in 1818, and is a son of Donald Cowan. His boyhood was passed in a manner common with farmer's sons, and in the district schools he obtained a practical education. His first wife, Lucy, daughter of Lewis Golay, he married in 1851, by whom he had three children; one living -Emma -Lewis and James deceased. Mrs. Cowan died in 1858. He married Olive, daughter of David Trowbridge, for his second wife in 1861, by whom has had three children: David, Malcolm and Lillie. Mr. C. has acceptably served as trustee of Craig Township ten consecutive years. He has been a member of the Christian Church for twenty years. His wife for a longer period of time.
Source: History of Switzerland County, Indiana 1885. Chicago, Illinois: Weakley, Harraman & Co., 1885
Transcribed by: Sheila Kell