The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-03-06
Capt. Louis o. Cowan.

The death Of the late editor and proprie-
tor Of this paper has cast gloom over this
community. Having filed many important
stations, and having, as publisher of paper,
for long period, given direction more or
les, to the opinions Of large numbers upon
matters of general interest, all feel the sad
ness of personal bereavement.
Capt. Cowan was born at Augusta, Oct.
7, 1872, where no passed his early child
hood. When eleven years OF age, his father
moved with his family to the town of Sidney,
where he had purchased farm. There Louis
assisted his father in his farming operations,
during tho spring and summer seasons, and
attended the Academy at Bloomfield during
the fall and winter, until no was nineteen
years of ago. At this school he obtained a
good knowledge Of tho English language,
considerable acquaintance with the Latin,
and cxcelled in geometry and other matho.
NAUTICAL studies. At nineteen, he left his
home and his school. and took position in
the store Of William NJ. Rogers Of Bath, as
clerk and salesman, and remained there until
no was twentyon one or two. Here, besides
attending to the duties of the store, he con.
tinucd to pursue his academical studies, in
connection with course Of general reading.
While there, no was offered n berth in the
Adjutant Generals Office at Augusta, which
no accepted, and. in addition to his other du'
ties, pursued the study of law. During this
time no boarded with Mrs. Fenno, and, in
due time, married her amiablo and accom-
plished daughter, his present widow. Al
lured by tho expectation. then prevalent,
that the Forks Of the Kcnnebec river was
destined to DO a large town, he left the Office
of the Adjutant General and opened q retail
store at that place. He continued in trade
at the Forks some one or two years, and find
ing his success not equal to his previous ex.
pectations, he sold out and returned to Au-
gusta. Hon. Luther Severance, the editor
Of the Kennebec Journal, approaching Mr..
Cowan's talents as u writer, employed him
to assist in editing his paper, and after MIR.
Severance was chosen Member Of Congress,
no gave Mr.. Cowan the entire charge OF its
editorial department during his absences at
Washington. In 1915, Mr.. Cowan and MIR.
William Noyes came to Saco and established
the Union newspaper, Mr.. @. acting as edit
or, and Mr.. Noyes rs foreman of tho press
and financial manager Of the concern. When
Gen. Taylor was nominated for President,
tho partners, differing in opinion, dissolved.
and Mr.. Cowan continued the paper Us pro-
prietor and editor under the name Of the
Union, for while, and then Us the Union
and Journal until the time of his death.
The public honors and trusts, conferred
on the subject of this memoir, have been nu'
merous. In lS4s, he was appointed dele
gate to the Wing National Convention which
nominated Gen. Taylor for President. In
1853. and again in 1855, no was chosen and
acted a. Secretary Of the Senate at Augusta.
In 1856 or 1857, no was appointed one Of
the Commissioners 10 revise the Statutes of
Maine and superintend the printing, and toI
prepare the index to the volume. In this
work no was engaged nearly year. In
1860 no was chosen Presidential Elector.
and was appointed by the Electoral College
messenger to carry the vote Of Maine TO
Washington. In 1861, he was commissioned
Post Master Of Biddeiord, and held the Office
until his deceass. In 1861, he was commits
stoned Captain in the first regiment OF cav
airy from Maine, and, while in tho military
service of his country contracted the disease
Of which he died Feb. %. 1868.
In all his various occupations and posi-
tons, Capt. Cowan was never accused, VIC be-
lievo, or suspected Of insincerity or dishones-
ty. Every where he acted with scrupulous
fidelity. As the editor Of public Journal,
few surpassed him. Mr.. Severance highly
appreciated his talents as writer. often cop
led from his paper, and gave him many up.
proving notices.
Capt. COwan was always courageous and
hopeful. His printing Office was three times
consumed BY Ere. and h's presses and type
ruined or greatly injured, yos he never do
SPARED. but at each time set about repairing
his losses with all tho energy Of . youthful
beginner in business. ,
To his immediate family, consisting Of a
vito and seven children, FIVE daughters and
two sons, Mr.. C.s loss Is irrepaable. His
children are oil Of moro than usual promise
and attest the aaectiouate and judicious man
eomsnof b b their parents. May this al