The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1869-10-12
From the st. Clairsville Gazette, 7th inst
DEATH OF HON, e. S. COvvEN.
Proceedings of 81. CIairsville Bar.

Sept. IS, 1869, the members of the
Bar Of Belmont County, met at the
Clerks office for the purpose of giving
expression to their feelings and senti
ment, as suggested by the death CT the
Hon. Benjamin S. Cowen
The meeting organized by calling
Hon. JAS. Weir to the Chair, and appoint
ing j. +. Charlesworth, Secretary.
| On motion, Hon. VIM. Kennon, R. E
Chambers, O. j. Swaney, L. Danford
and st. Clair Kelley, were appointed 6
Committee to prepare and report resolu
tions expressive Of the sentiments of the
Bar; and Geo. H. Umstead, NJ. J. W
Glover, r. j. Alexander, P Tsllman and
j. W. Shannon, were appointed a Com.
inittee of Arrangements. The Commit.
tee of Arrangements made their report
which was adopted.
The Committee on Resolutions sub.
mitted the following report:
A long life, adorned by many and
great virtues and full of useful labors
/ and their rewards. has closed.
Hon. Benz S. Cowen, for nearly forty
years member Of the Bar of belmont
County, died on yesterday, the 10Th an
niyersary Of his birthday
| In 1890 lie removed to Ohio from Ills
native State. New York, where he had
commented the study of law with his
brother, Esek Cowen, learned and en-
incnt law writer, and afterward Judge
of the Supreme Court Of that State.
Benjamin s. Cowen, after completing
his studies in Chic, was admitted to
practice in 1929 In 1882 he came to re-
side in St. Clairsvllle, and commenced
the practice Of law. Here he soon rose
to the front rank in the profession, and
won the esteem and Confidence of the
people and of the Bar He was success
I.sively member Of the State Legislature
a representative in the United States
Congress, where he was Chairman of one
of the important Committees, and for
seven years Presiding Judge of the
Courts of Common Pleas of the Circuit
composed of the counties Of Belmont,
Monroe, Guernsey, Harrison and Jeffer-
son. In all these positions he was dis
tinguished by industry and perseverance,
earnestness, ability and integrity. AS a
Judge.he was impartial and Just, and pa
tient and lahorious in the investigation
of cases. At the Bar he was courteous
to every one, faithful to his engagements
and to his clients, and, though always
Jealous to their interests, yet, regardful
of the rights and censiderate of the
feelings of others. He was unwilling to
do injustice even to an adversary. He
loved justice. He loved hin, that self
interest could not swerve from the truth
him ''that sweareth to his own heart,
and changeth not" ti.
The many able qualities and excellen-
cies of Judge Cowen, and his cheerful,
social disposition, endeared aim to his
and to the members Of the
Bar, and their respect for him deepened |
i'll his latter days into sympathy and af-
fection. As citizenhe was always ac-
tive, and leader in every movement in
tendedt to promote the material or moral
of the community in which
he lived. By his example he showed
the value of life of strict morality and
cheerful industry. He loved work for
its own sake TO him it was nota burden,
but pleasure and blessing; and he
never ceased in his labers while life and
remained. Only a few days
age, at the last term of the District
Court, we witnessed the last effort of his
expiring strength. He then made an elo-
quert law argument, showing his usual
research and learning, and that his rea-
soning faculties were still clear and un-
impaired.
Having finished his long and useful
career, he may be likened to the servant
who came to his Master, Saying, Lord,
thou dcllvereGst unto me five talents
behold have gained besides them five
talents more His Lord said unto him,
well done thou good and faithful ser
want
We sincerely sympathize with the chill
dren and relatives of the deceased, in
this, their and our, loss and affiiction.
Resolued, As mark Of respect for
the memory of our deceased friend and
brother of the law, we, with the officers
of the Court, will in a body attend his
funeral
Resolred, That a copy of the pro-
ceedings and resolutions Of this meeting
be presented to the relatives Of the de,
ceased5 and to, our Court of Common
Pleas at its next term.
WILLIAM KENNoN,
r. e. CHAMBERS,
O. j. SwANEY,
L DANroRD,
ST. CLAIR KELLEY.
Whereupon Peter Tallman, O. j. Swa-
ney, R, j. Alexander. L Danford, Jas.
B. Campbell, G., II. Umstead, R. E
mbers, St. Clair Kelley, John W.
Shannon, Alexis Cope and James Weir,
Esqs., made remarks expressive Of their
respect and admiration for the character,
virtues and talents of the deceased; and
the report and resolutions were uuani-
mously adopted. aaa..-
The Chairman appointed St. Clair
Kelley, Esq, to present the proceedings
and report of the meeting to the Court
of Common Pleas. The meeting then
adjourned until the hour appointed for
the funeral JAS. WEIR, Chm.
JAMES F. CHARLEswoRrH, Sec.
A DAsTARDLY AcT.-On Saturday
night the stable Of the National HOTEL of