Background
Cowan who was born in Murray Bridge, South Australia, was the eldest son of John Cowan, a pastoralist and parliamentarian, and his wife Elizabeth, née Jones.
Cowan who was born in Murray Bridge, South Australia, was the eldest son of John Cowan, a pastoralist and parliamentarian, and his wife Elizabeth, née Jones.
Prince Alfred College.
He was educated at Prince Alfred College and served in the First Australian Imperial Force. In 1920, Cowan married Florence Yates. Cowan served as a councillor on the District Council of Mobilong including a number of terms as Chairman.
He also served as the President of the Local Government Association of South Australia.
In 1944, he unsuccessfully contested the House of Assembly seat of Murray. Cowan was elected unopposed to the Legislative Council on 26 May 1949 and retired during his second term on 28 February 1959.