Career
He represented York East in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1905 to 1913 as a Conservative member. He was born in Scarborough Township, the son of James West. McCowan, an immigrant from Scotland. He resigned his seat in the provincial assembly in 1913 and was appointed sheriff for York County, serving until 1934.
McCowan was a dairy farmer and was secretary-treasurer of the Toronto Milk Producers" Association, one of the first milk marketing organizations in Canada.
He was also secretary-treasurer for the Scarboro Agricultural Society.
