Cowan was born on May 22, 1858, in the Cowan homestead near
Hobart, New York. His parents were Hector Cowan and Helena Jane Rich. 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.
1902,
1903,
1904,
1905, and
1906. Cowan was unmarried. He was a member of the
United Presbyterian church in
South Kortright. Cowan died of
typhoid fever on July 14, 1911. He was buried in Locust Hill Cemetery. == References ==