Perry County, Illinois
|
James P. Cowens was born April 2, 1828 in Bedlington, near New Castle on Tyne, England. Mr. Cowens emigrated to America in 1851 and settled in Kentucky and while in this state was married to Miss Elizabeth Hunter of Hawesville on May 2, 1853. In the year 1857, he with his family, moved to DuQuoin and had resided in this community almost continuously until his demise, moving to this city in 1881. When war broke out in 1860, Mr. Cowens, then a resident of DuQuoin was one of the first to enlist for three years in Co. A 81st Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry and while the company was stationed at Anna, He was selected Captain, an honor he well deserved. Owing to his faithfulness, he was promoted Major of his regiment, June 10, 1864. He was a participant in the 20 battles fought by his regiment with one exception which occurred while he was suffering from a gun shot wound received at the battle of Guntown Mississippi, where he distinguished himself for conspicuous gallantry and courage in the field. During the last year of the war, Major Cowens served on the staff of General Geddes and was mustered out of the service at the expiration of his enlistment, August 5, 1865. Coming to Pickneyville in 1881, he became one of our best and most prominent citizens, engaging in coal mining and merchandising until two years before his death, when he retired from business. At his death, he being a prominent member of the G.A.R. Post, No. 219, located at Pickneyville, the name of the post was changed to J. P. Cowens Post, No. 219, G.A.R. He died at his -?- residence in this city on Wednesday, April 20, 1982 after a period of about three months' suffering. Besides his wife, he left five children, Mrs. Will Stumpf, of Ashley; Mrs. A.J. McElvain, W.P. Cowens, Mrs. Philip A. Gruner and Robert of this place. His remains were interred at the Odd Fellows' Cemetery, services conducted by Pickneyville Post G.A.R. assisted by the Du Quion Post, in accordance with his last wish.
In Memoriam Whereas, Pickneyville post No. 219, G.A.R., having sustained by the death of Major James P. Cowens a loss that we as comrades, deeply feel, and his family and immediate friends a still greater loss; therefore be it RESOLVED, That the call by death of Major Cowens from association with us as a post, forcibly reminds us that we too, are on the march to the final camping ground, and that the last roll-call will soon have been answered by us all. RESOLVED, That in view of the frequent manifestations of man's mortality, of life's uncertainty, of death's surety, we recognize a Providential hand ruling out the destinies of men. RESOLVED, That we sincerely condole with the family of the deceased in this their deep affliction, which God in his Providence has seen fit to visit upon them =, and commend them for consolation to Him whose chastisements are meant in mercy. RESOLVED, That in the death of Major Cowens this post has lost one of its zealous supporters; his wife a devoted husband, his children a loving father, and the community a worthy citizen. RESOLVED, that these resolutions be entered on the records of our post, and for the next thirty days our charter be draped in mourning. RESOLVED, That this testimonial of our sympathy be presented to the family of our deceased comrade, and copies of the same sent to the National Tribune, Pickneyville Democrat and DuQuion Tribune for publication.
H.P. Huntsinger } James P. Cowens was born April 2nd, 1828, in Bedlington, near New Castle, England. Emigrated to America in 1851; was married at Hawesville, Kentucky, on May 2nd, 1853 to Miss Elizabeth Hunter, who came from Casops, Near Durham, England; Moved his family to DuQuion in 1857 and has been a resident of Perry County for 32 years. In August, 1862, he was elected Captain of is Company A, 81st Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry; Promoted to Major of his regiment June 10, 1864; served on the staff of General Geddes during the last year of the war; was in all of the twenty battles participated in by his regiment with but one exception, which occurred while he was suffering form a gun-shot wound, received at the battle of Guntown Miss., where he distinguished himself for conspicuous gallantry and courage on the field. Major Cowens was mustered out of the service at the expiration of his enlistment, August 5, 1865, having served his country three years as a soldier. Departed this life at the family residence, in Pickneyville, Ill. At 1:30 A.M., Wednesday . April 20, 1892; aged 64 years and 19 days. He leaves a wife, five children and six grandchildren to mourn his loss. The funeral services, at the residence, were conducted by Revs. John Pearce and W.S.D. Smith. Burial services at the cemetery by the Grand Army of the Republic.
Major James P. Cowens Died at the family residence, in this city, at 1:30 A.M., Wednesday, April 20th , 1892, Major James Patterson Cowens, aged 64 years and 19 days. Major Cowens has been a sufferer for the past three months, being confined to his room much of that time, but for all that the news that the end had come, was a great shock to his multitude of friends. Coming to Perry County in 1857, and settling in DuQuion, he has resided here almost continuously ever since, moving to this city in 1881. Here he was one of our best and most prominent citizens, engaging in coal mining and merchandising until two years since, when he retires from business. Besides his esteemed wife, he leaves five sorrowing children; Mrs. Will Stumpf of Chestor; Mrs. A.J. McElvain, of Hoisington, Kas.; Mr. W.P. Cowens of Duquion; Mrs. Phillip A. Gruner and Master Robert, the youngest, of this city. Funeral services were held at the residence, at 9:30 this morning, and the remains interred in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Pinckneyville Post, G.A.R. of which he was an honored member, assisted by the DuQuion Post conducted the services in accordance with his last wishes.
|
© 2006-2008 Wayne Hinton