Person:Edgar Cowles (1)

s/o Merril & Susan Richardson

Edgar W. Cowles, son of Merrill, was born Jan. 23, 1837, and, after attending Richburg Academy, when 17, entered the store of D. A. Newton as clerk, and continued there until 1859, when he became a farmer with his father. In August, 1861, he enlisted, but failing to get gransportation from Harrisburg returned home, and in October again enlised, joing the band of the 85th N. Y. Regimental bands were abolished and discharged in 1862, and Mr. Cowles returned to farm life until Feb. 1, 1865, then for 3 monthswas a member of a bridage band. In 1866 he was a member of the firm of Kenyon & Cowles, tanners and manufacturers of harnesses, etc. From 1880 to 1887 he was a harness maker. From 1888 to 1893 he was engaged in leasing oil lands and getting rights of way for pipe-line companies in New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and is now the junior member of the firm of E. W. Cowles & Co., undertakers. He has been justice of the peace 8 years, justice of sessions 2 terms, and supervisor of Bolivar 2 terms. He belongs to Macedonia Lodge, F. & A. M. (was its master two years), and to Bolivar Chapter. He is also a member of H. C. Gardner Post, G. A. R. He married, Feb. 22, 1863, Angela, daughter of George Kenyon. Children: Marcia (Mrs. F. M. Lowry) and Susie (Mrs. T. J. Connors), both of Pittsburgh.

Death of E.W. Cowles
Highly Respected and Life-Long Resident of Bolivar Passed Away Yesterday Morning.
Edgar Wales Cowles, a life-long resident of Bolivar, Civil War veteran, and retired business man, passed away at his home in this village at 11 o'clock yesterday morning, July 1, following a several weeks illness. He had been confined to his bed for the past four weeks. Urinate poisoning caused death.
He began to fail quite rapidly on Sunday, at which time he bade this family "goodbye". At 6 o'clock Tuesday evening he became unconscious in which condition he remained until the end, passing peacefully away. During his illness his devoted wife and daughters tenderly cared for him, doing everything in their power for his comfort.
The funeral will be held at the house at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon, in charge of the Masonic order. Rev. F.M Cole, pastor of the M.E. church and Rev. Harry Idle, pastor of the Episcopal church will conduct the services. The interment will be in the Bolivar cemetery.
Deceased was born in Bolivar, Jan. 23, 1837, being a son of Merrill Cowles, who was a captain in the militia; supervisor of Bolivar; justice of the peace and postmaster two terms.
Mr. Cowles was educated at Richburg Academy. When 17 years of age he became a clerk in the store of D.A. Newton, remaining there until 1859, when he became a farmer with his father. In August, 1861, he enlisted, but failing to get transportation from Harrisburg, returned home, and in October again re-enlisted, joining the band of the 85th NY Volunteers. Regimental bands were abolished and discharged in 1862, and Mr. Cowles returned to farm life until Feb. l, 1865, then for three months was a member of a brigade band.
Mr. Cowles was a member of the H.C. Garner Post, No. 247, G.A.R., Department of New York, in which he had served as commander and at the time of his death was the adjutant. He was a prominent Grand Army man, taking an active party in all of the affairs of the local post. He was also a pensioner.
In 1866 Mr. Cowles was a member of the firm of Kenyon & Cowles, tanners and manufacturers of harnesses, and from 1880 to 1887, he was a harness maker. From 1888 to 1893 he was engaged in leasing oil lands and getting rights of way for pipe line companies in NY, PA, and WV. He was for several years the junior member of the firm of E.W. Cowles and Co., undertakers, retiring a few years ago. He had also served as justice of the peace for eight years, justice of session two terms and supervisor of Bolivar two terms.
He was a prominent Mason, being a member of Macedonia Lodge No. 258, F. & A.M., and Bolivar Chapter No. 280, R.A.M. He was the oldest Mason in the lodge and was past master, having served as master of the lodge for two years.
Mr. Cowles was united in marriage Feb. 22, 1863, in he same house in which he died to Angelia Kenyon, they celebrating their golden wedding anniversary on Feb. 22, 1913. Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Marcia Lowry of Bolivar and Mrs. Timothy J.; Connors of Washington, PA; also two sisters Mrs. Dorr Cutler and Mrs. Abigail Newton, both of this village; and two grandchildren, Mrs. W. L. Flanagan of Sheridan, WY, and Edgar Lowry. To these relatives is extended the sympathy of all in their great sorrow.
Mr. Cowles was a life-long resident of Bolivar where he was held in the highest esteem by all. He was strictly honest and upright in all his dealings, of a kindly nature, broad in his views, and always looked upon the bright side of life. He was a loyal progressive citizen, always in favor of any improvement for the betterment of his home town. In politics he was a staunch Democrat, loyal to his party. He will be greatly missed by a host of friends.