James Rich Cowan (May 22, 1858 – July 14, 1911) was an American farmer, banker, and politician from New York.

Life

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Cowan was born on May 22, 1858, in the Cowan homestead near Hobart, New York.[1] His parents were Hector Cowan and Helena Jane Rich.[2]

Cowan attended Stamford Seminary. He initially worked as a farmer, owning 600 acres and between 75 and 100 cattle. In 1891, he became president of the National Bank of Hobart.[2] He served as town supervisor of Stamford from 1889 to 1891, serving as chairman of the board in 1891. He was also a justice of the peace and served on the Hobart High School board of education for 16 years, much of it as president of the board.[1]

In 1891, Cowan was elected to the New York State Assembly as a Republican, representing Delaware County. He served in the Assembly in 1892,[3] 1902,[4] 1903,[5] 1904,[6] 1905,[7] and 1906.[8]

Cowan was unmarried. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church in South Kortright.[2]

Cowan died of typhoid fever on July 14, 1911. He was buried in Locust Hill Cemetery.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Death of Hon. James R. Cowan". Catskill Mountain News. Vol. XVII, no. 21. Margaretville, N. Y. 21 July 1911. p. 1.
  2. ^ a b c Biographical Review: This Volume Contains Biographical Sketches of the Leading Citizens of Delaware County, New York. Boston: Biographical Review Publishing Company. 1895. p. 267.
  3. ^ Lloyd, Will L. (1892). The New York Red Book. Albany: James B. Lyon. p. 119.
  4. ^ Murlin, Edgar L. (1902). The New York Red Book. Albany: J. B. Lyon Company. p. 117.
  5. ^ Murlin, Edgar L. (1903). The New York Red Book. Albany: J. B. Lyon Company. p. 123.
  6. ^ Murlin, Edgar L. (1904). The New York Red Book. Albany: J. B. Lyon Company. p. 131.
  7. ^ Murlin, Edgar L. (1905). The New York Red Book. Albany: J. B. Lyon Company. p. 119.
  8. ^ Murlin, Edgar L. (1906). The New York Red Book. Albany: J. B. Lyon Company. p. 125.
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New York State Assembly
Preceded by New York State Assembly
Delaware County

1892
Succeeded by
Preceded by New York State Assembly
Delaware County

1902-1906
Succeeded by