Private George Cowan received a hip wound in March 1862 during the First Battle of Winchester, but continued fighting in Jackson's Valley Campaign. However, two of his brothers died of their wounds that year: Capt. Robert E. Cowen died on March 30, 1862 of wounds received at the Battle of Kernstown, and Private John T. Cowan died within a month of receiving a severe shoulder wound at the Battle of McDowell on May 8, 1862. Both, and the death of their brother Bolivar in Bath County, Virginia that year, may have contributed to the discharge of Private David Cowan on June 8, 1862, and Private Thomas B. Cowan hiring a substitute by October 1, 1862. On August 9, 1863, George Cowan was severely wounded in the Battle of Cedar Mountain.