Merrill Cowles, was born in Otsego Co. in 1806, came to Bolivar in 1819, was a farmer and lumberman, captain the militia, supervisor of Bolivar, justice and postmaster two terms. He married Susan, daughter of Alvan Richardson. Children: Abigail (Mrs. D. A. Newton), Walter, Edgar W. and Harriet (Mrs. Dr. Dorr Cutler). Merrill Cowles died April 17, 1864, his wife in May, 1890.
