COWIN, Edward T. 1847-1907

COWIN, COX, GLASS, MILLER

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 1/6/2014 at 18:12:14

[Semi Weekly Reporter, Tuesday, April 30, 1907, Waterloo, Iowa]

E. T. Cowin died this morning at 8:46 o'clock, after months of struggling with insidupus disease. In that fight toward the approaching death angel Mr. Cowin exhibited those qualities which made him beloved and honored by all who knew him. The death was not unexpected, but the shock comes to every person in the city as a personal blow. The cause of death was progressive muscular atrophy, and the first symptoms were noticed about two years ago when he complained that his right hand was growing weaker, and it has perhaps been eighteen months since he has had the constant care of a physician. For the last five days of his illness he was practically unconscious, but at times was able to recognize the members of the family. A brother arrived from Omaha yesterday and he recognized him by a smile. He has been for several days under the influence of sedatives, but none were administerd this morning as the patient seemed bright and restful. Before the end came he recognized those about the couch, and he passed peacefully to that bourne from which no traveler returned.

Extending beyond those of his family and those who were closely associated with Mr. Cowin in social and business affairs there is universal sorrow occasioned by his passing away. Since he made Waterloo his home nearly forty years ago he has been prominently identified with every private and public improvement which was commenced for the upbuilding and beautifying of Waterloo. His history while a resident of Waterloo would be a history of the advance and progress, both financially and morally, of the city in which he took so much pride and for which he often endangered his private interests.

Mr. Cowin came to Waterloo in the month of June, 1870. and commenced the practice of law in the old Union block, where the McGovern store is now located. A short time later he moved his office to the upper floor of the First National bank, and his office was again moved when he formed a partnership with William Galloway. This association continued until the death of Mr. Galloway.

His office was moved two years ago to the Lafayette block, in the building of which he was largely interested and in fact was one of the principal stockholders. His reason for the change was that he had grown tired of clirnbing stairs and he was then feeling the effects of the disease which caused his death.

The clientele of this young lawyer was quickly formed and it was a lucrative and constantly growing one. He invested largely in property and his estate today is one of the largest holders of real estate in Black Hawk County. He early conceived the idea that he must grow with the city and the city must grow with him, and in the furtherance of this idea, he with H. B, Allen, was the organizer of ths first "booster" club of Waterloo. This organization, was later absorbed by the Board of Trade as it now exists and for a number of years Mr. Cowin devoted much of his time to its work and was the secretary. He was a member of all the important committees which brought so many factories to Waterloo, and he seemad never to grow tired of his work.

He was one of the founders of the Waterloo Improvement syndicate, an organization which has lapsed, but was instrumental in securing the packing plant for this city and also of the building of the immense gas plant. The syndicate donated the land for
both these enterprises. Later he was connected with the Waterloo Improvement Company which built the Logan House. President of the Old Cedar Park Association, he was one of the steadfast members for a clean and better Chautauqua Association. His dream in this respect, was realized, as was also his dream to see Waterloo a beautiful city, with parks and driveways. He was the first to advocate the system of driveways and parks and also paved streets, and when only the rudimentary steps had been taken to carry out and complete the idea he promptly placed curbing in and around all his property. He was laughed at them, but his foresite proved true and of great value.

Anything that had for its object the improvement of Waterloo, even the building of a humble cottage, was not too small to receive the attention of Mr. Cowin. For years he was connected with the Waterloo Loan and Building Association and several other financial institutions which had for their object the upbuilding of his home town for which no man ever had greater love.

E. T. Cowin was born on a farm in Cuyahega County, O., on Sept. 29, 1847. This was near Cleveland and when only l6 years of age he enlisted in Company A. One-hundred and Seventy-seventh regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He saw nearly two years of service in North Carolina and remained with his company until the war was over. It was his proud claim that he went through the service without taking a drop of whisky or grain of quinine. He returned to Cleveland and set up in a small way the real estate business, and the profits of his venture were sufficient to support his mother and secure for himself a better education. His mother resided at West Union, O., while he attended Cornell College, O., and later he was graduated from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and was admitted to the bar.

It was in 1870 that he came west, first settling at Omaha, Neb., where he practiced law for a few months with his brother, and then cast his lot in Waterloo, where his long and useful life was terminated.

It was not until June 15, 1880, that he was united in marriage to Miss Maria T. Cox at Beaver, Pa., and this union has been a most happy one. One son, R. N. Cowin, survives to console and comfort his mother, and there is also an adopted daughter, Miss Irene who is attending St. Joseph's college at Duhuque. The son has had the practical management of the estate since the illness of his father.

One brother, General John O. Cowin, resides at Omaha and was present when the end came. Another brother, W. C. Cowin, is a resident of Cleveland, O., and two sisters, Mrs. Sophia Glass, of Caldwell, Idaho, and Mrs. Nellie Miller of Belyria, O., also survive.

The deceased was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was also associated with the fraternal order of the Masons, Knights of Pythias and the G. A. R.

It was the request of the deceased that the funeral services should be private, but the members of the family have felt compelled to grant the wishes of hundreds of friends. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the home at the corner of Franklin and East Fourth Streets. The Rev. E. D. Hull of Grace M. E. church will be in charge. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery.

Black Hawk Obituaries maintained by Karen De Groote.
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