Background
COWAN, John was born on November 12, 1847 in Saint John's, Newfoundland. Parents from Moffat, Dumfriesshire, Scotland.
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John Cowan
Edit ProfileBusinessman manager politician
Education
Studied at General Protestant Academy, Saint John's, Newfoundland. At the age of 14 left school.
Career
Served his apprenticeship to the dry goods business. From that gravitated to office work, for which he was more suited. Held the position of book-keeper in two of the principal business houses in Saint John's for some 17 years, and in 1890 was appointed assistant manager for J. & West. Stewart, a large supplying firm.
After the bank crash of 1894, went into the commission business on his own account and built up a considerable business.
Was elected for the District of Bonavesta Bay, 1897. Member of Executive Council and Minister of Finance and Customs, Newfoundland, 1900-1906.
Membership
Cowan was a prominent member of the local freemason lodge.
Interests
Connections
Spouse 1874, Eliza Julia Earle, whose pareuts were from Devonshire.
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Born
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Died
1900 (aged 52) -
Nationality
British -
Religion
Protestant -
Political Party
Conservative