Margaret Sample Cowan, 1802-1881

COWAN, SAMPLE, FITZPATRICK

Posted By: Sheryl McClure (email)
Date: 3/24/2023 at 15:46:43

COWAN: Died, at her home in Tama county, November 19, 1881, Mrs. Margaret Cowan, wife of Alex. T. Cowan.

She failed during the summer and was confined to her bed for six weeks previous to her death. She was born in Mercer county, Penn., on the 2d day of November, 1802, consequently had entered her 80th year. Seventeen days previous, lo the summons to leave this world to enter upon the unspeakable joys of those redeemed and clothed in the white robes of the Lamb, she was sprightly, cheerful and quick to observe. At an early period manifested an independent character that greatly aided her through her entire earthly career.

At an early day she took a decided Christian stand in the Presbyterian church at Sewickley, Penn. Christian principals moulded her life, which was one of great delight, in doing good to and obliging the will of God. Her original name was Margaret Sample. She was married to Alex. T. Cowan, June 30, 1829, and entered their fifty-third year of wedded life, uniform in Christian love, faith and works; thoroughly in harmony with her husband in every duty, both religious and secular. She was a true woman whom, when in her 80th year, and on her death bed, her devoted husband, children and a large circle of friends rise up and call her blessed. Until 1855 their home was in Western Pennsylvania, when they came to Linn county, Iowa, and settled on the farm now owned by Mr. R. Kirkpatrick, where they made their home until November, 1878, the last three years being spent in Tama county. Her last illness was borne with great patience. She gave frequent expressions of gratitude for the blessings of a long life, and for the "Ministry of Love" by her husband and children and many deeply attached friends she met in her new home. We feel that no tear of sorrow need be shed for her by bereaved friends for her life was well filled with deeds of love as a most devoted wife and mother and consistant Christian who died joyfully, entering into eternal life. She leaves four sons and two daughters who deeply feel the loss of their mother, namely: Joseph, David Kirkpatrick, John, Robert, Sarah and Lizzie, and about thirty grand-children all of whom give promise of upright lives devoted to the service of the Master whom their ancestors loved so well and at last shared abundantly the triumphs of faith in Jesus Christ.

Mount Vernon Hawk-Eye
Friday, Dec. 16, 1881