Henry Cowgill 1847-1905

COWGILL, TENEYKE

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/27/2018 at 13:18:00

12 October 1905 - West Branch Times

Henry Cowgill, who has been in poor health for the past year with paralitic trouble, was taken suddenly worse on last Tuesday and was unconscious until he passed away at 4 o'clock on Wednesday morning. Mr. Cowgill was one of the pioneer farmers of this section and a highly respected citizen. The funeral will be held tomorrow (Friday) afternoon at 3 o'clock. Services at the home.

19 October 1905 - West Branch Times

Henry Cowgill was born in Belmont county, Ohio, on his grandfather's farm, May 25, 1847, and died at his home near West Branch, Iowa, Oct. 11, 1905.

When a boy five years of age he came with his parents to Iowa, first settling a mile or two west of the present home, in Johnson county. In the summer of 1852 Mr. Cowgill's father built on the present homestead and moved his family there. Here Henry grew to manhood on the farm. He has always farmed, by choice. He enjoyed it and succeeded in it.

On the 16th of March, 1870, he was married to Cornelia TenEyke, near the Brick Chapel, between West Branch and Iowa City. For four years they lived on a farm one mile south of the present homestead, which, ever since, has continued to be their home. Brother Cowgill, with his family spent two years in Oregon, in search of health for members of his family. They returned to their old home in Iowa and have continued to live here ever since.

Six children were born in this home, three sons and three daughters. The oldest daughter, Bertha, died sixteen years ago, at the age of fourteen years and was buried at Brick Chapel. There survive, the wife and five children to cherish the memory of the departed husband and father. Of Mr. Cowgill's own family there remains but one brother, Branson Cowgill, editor of the Kansas Farmer of Topeka, Kansas.

One departed brother was descended from a long line of Friends. Ralph, his forefather, came over from England in the vessel known as "the Friends Adventure" in the same year with William Pen, settling in Philadelphia. All his early training was under the influence of this quiet but sturdy class of people. He came into the Methodist Episcopal church during the pastorate of Rev. Craft, about the year 1888. For a goodly number of years brother Cowgill served as a steward of the church and was faithful in his church membership and in all his work. A year ago he desired to resign his place from the Board, but the members of the Board desired him to retain his place as long as he lived and he did so till the last. He was beloved in the home, in the church and in the community. A good man has gone to his rest and his reward.

The funeral service was held at the residence, one mile west of town, and was conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. B. Davis. The burial was at the West Branch cemetery. The service was largely attended.