Background
He was born in County Leitrim, Ireland in 1825, the son of Patrick Cowan, and was educated there, earning a teaching certificate.
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William Cowan
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He emigrated to North America and arrived in Bytown around 1845. He taught school in North Gower for five years. Cowan was reeve for the township from 1865 to 1869.
In 1866, he served as warden for Carleton County.
Cowan also served as justice of the peace, was clerk in the division court for 21 years and became a captain in the local militia. In 1870, he was named secretary for the county and, in 1873, was named county treasurer.
With these postings, Cowan sold his farm and moved to Ottawa, where he served on the board of Water Commissioners. Obituary
(condensed) On Saturday morning, at 8:30, Company
Treasurer William O"Gara, when their spirited horses took fright and ran away.
The Parry Sound train was just rounding the curve at the head of the deep cut, and into this the horses dashed, striking between the tender and the baggage car........ Mr. Cowan made his last will on Friday. William Cowan was born in the county Leitrim, Ireland, December 17, 1825.
He came to Bytown in 1845.
He taught school for five years in North Gower and then settled upon a farm which he had purchased. About the same time he was appointed clerk of the Division Court, including North Gower and Marlboro.
He held that position for 21 years. He was township councillor for eight years and reeve for five years.
In 1870 he was appointed county clerk and in 1873 county treasurer, a position he held till his death.
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Born
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Died
January 7, 1899 (aged 73) -
Nationality
Canada