New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-04-13
OBITUARY..
ELLIOT C. COWDIN.


Elliot O. Cowdin died suddenly last evening at his
house, No.14 West TwentyRrst-st. He taken sick
on Friday with an acute attack Of Brights disease
of the kidneys. No alarm was felt by his physician
or family until yesterday morning. when he became
unconscious with pain. all remedies having proved
Intellectual. He did not again recover consciousness
and died ebOut p. m. yesterday. He was sur
rounded by all the members Of his family except
one son, who IS away at school.
Mr. Cowdin was widely known and esteemed.
His private character was spotless He was noted
for his public spirit, the interest that he always
took in Republican politics and the earnestness
with which he serted. both with his voice and his
purse. in advancing good government in this city
and State.
MIR. Cowdin was born in August, 1919. at Ja-
maioa, Vt. He spent his early years in Boston.
where he received in the public schools sound ed
uchtiOn. AS young man he was prominent in the
Boston Mercantile Library. in which he took great
interest. On finishing his school life he entered
at once into business He was employed by the
firm OF w. II. Mann g. Co., in which later he be-
came partner. The association was continued
until his removal to New-York in 1852, when no
established the firm of Elliot G. Cowdn g. Co., well
known for nearly o quarter Of a century. The
business Of this house. as had been the case with
the Boston firm, the Importation of silks and rib
bOns. While Mr.. Cowdin was in business in Boston
he did the buying for the firm for long time and
in consequence visited Europe twice year for
many years. The New-York firm remained I'M
changed until Mr.. Cowdin's retirement in 1870,
when it was succeeded by the present firm Of Han
son, Wood s. Co.
Mr.. Cowdin was prominent not only in business
affairs but also in social and political circles. He
was an active member Of the Chamber Of Com
merce. the meetings of which he rarely missed,
and at the time Of his death chairman of the Ex-
ecutlvc Committee. He was an ex-presdent of the
New-EnRand Society; vce-president of the Union
League Club and member of the Century Club.
OF the Union League Club no was one of the
founders, and took the GREATEST interest IN its
affairs. In politics he was a staunch Republican,
but in general be held himself alOof from accepting
political honOrS. He ran for Congress at one time
but was defeated. Ho was elected to the STATE AS
sembly few years ago. and was an industrious
legislator. Independent in his opinions always.
his feelings caused him to swerve from his
allegiance to the Republican party. Frank and
outspoken in all things, he was faithful in his
friendships and strong in his enmities. He made
his own way in life. and. perhaps in consequence,
positive and emphatic in all his opinions.
Mr. COwdin wrote much and spoke frequently on
important public matters. He had lived for sew
era years in Paris, where two of his children were
born, and was in Paris with his family during the
Franco-Prussian war. They obliged to quit
the city on tho approach Of the Prussian army.
As Commissioner to the last French
Exposition Mr. Cowdin made the
report on silk culture in France. which received
much praise. After his return no delivered an adj
dress the Fronch Commune at the Cooper lnst-
tute. and aftorward repeated it on several occa-
sions. Ho was extremely fond of agriculture
and spent bis Summers on his farm at New
castle. Westchestor County. 1t was his habit
there to work mt his favorite occupation like
common laborer. 1t Is by no means certain, his
physician said, that his health was improved by
this unusual exertion.
Mr. Cowdn was exceedingly hospltable no liked
TO entertain his friends fond Of good dinners,
and liked to give them. Ho will DO missed by
large circle OF friends, not only in this country, but
in Europe. He attended All Souls Unitarian Church
lthe Rev. DR.. Bellows pastorl. Of which he was q
member. He had never been seriously i'll until he
was attacked by his last sickness
Mr.. Cowdn was married in 1912 to Boston Indy
who. with Six children. survives him. OF his three
sons. John Elliot COwdn was graduated ut Harvard
College last year and has recently entered business
in this city. Tho second son Is away ct school and
the third is a lad.