Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1891-06-20
DEATH OF nUEL 2. CowLEs.

l Useful and valuable Citizen and
Preminent Manufacturer-A sketch
Of His Life and Services. +
/ By the death of Ruel P. Cowles, which
occurred yesterday, the city loses valua-
de and much esteemed citizen, q man of
,igh integrity and aims, a useful Christian
worker and pubnc-spirited man The
news of his death circulated rapidly in the
city and to the general public it came as
surprise as well as a shock, as it was not
generally known that his health had been |
seriously impaired, and that in fact life's |
tenure with him had been felt to be more
than usually uncertain and precarious,
owing to complications affecting the heart,
with which he had been troubled for year
or two. His death is much regretted
throughout the city. His end was not
supposed to be SO near, even by those who
knew him best, and came Unexpectedly.
Up to within two or three weeks Major
Cowles had attended to his custom
airy official duties at the : office of
the c.. Cowles & Co, of which he was
the honored head and president. It is be.
lieved that his last illness was superin-
duced by an attack of the grip, which
seriously aggravated his other physical
ailments, among which was an affection of
the stomach, which had proved at times
intractable. The last time he was~at his
Office was about June 2. He had not been
feeling well, and remarked that he should
return and remain home until he felt de-
cided1y better, since which time he had
been confined to the house, and was 4at-
tended from time to time by DR.. Sanford.
For the last few days he had felt extreme
To- ,icaro1,1o ioir
provement in his case. Night before last
as he was about to retire to
rest he remarked that he was feel
ing much better, and > in much
improved spirits. He fell into quiet
sleep from which he did not wake for sew
eral hours. At IL o'clock his wife found
him resting quiet. Later, at about 4
O'clock, she went to his bedside again and
was struck by his appearance and upon
trying to arouse him it was found that the
vital spark had fled. The family, who
were Immediately summoned, were greatly
stricken, as the evening before their hopes
had been 80 much frightened.
Mr.. Cowles was native of Berlin, Conn,
born in August, 1899. He came to this
city in 1916, and then first became connec-
ted with the manufacturing concern of
which he has been for 30 many years presi-
dent. From 1850 to 1855 he manufactured
coach lamps and curtain fixtures, L. J.
Russell, also of this city, being his part
ner. In '55 the G. Cowles & Go.
was formed, Mr.. Cowles serving
as vice president, secretary and treas
urer, and later as president. Through
his fundamentally the firm has become
widely known, and big business has
been built up which recently necessitated
the building of it's large establishment on
Water street.
He has been director in the Mechan-
ics' bank, and from time to time has been
identified with other interests. He as
connected with the fire department of the
city of New Haven for seven years and was a
| member of the common council in 1859.
he was earnestly patriotic, and when the
war Of the rebellion broke out he became
one of three patriotic citizens who in 1852
| recruited q company for service. He later
| seventh regiment, Connecticut volunteers.
He was for many years superintendent
| of the Sunday school of the College street
Congregational church, a position he filled
with unfagging zeal and signal ability,
bringing to bear upon it his best efforts
| and talents as a Christian worker and
| speaker; and his work is fondly remem-
bered by the College street church.
He was also closely identified with the
Young Mems Institute, and was for a long
time its secretary and later its president
He was a most devout temperance man and
took an active part in the Sons of Temper
ance, of which he passed through the sub.
| ordinate and grand divisions and finally
became member of the national division.
He was at one time grand scribe of the or
| der, and whenever time permitted he at
tended the annual conventions, having
among others participated in those held al
Chicago, and Ocean Grove He hac
also expressed within few days his hope
of attending with his wife the coming ma
tional convention of the order, to be held
at st. Johns, New Brunswick, July 8. H
was next to John G. North the oIdes
member of the order in the state. Har
mony division will take action regarding
his death next Thursday evening. An in
formal meeting of the chief officers of tn,
order in this city was held last evening
with reference to the representation of tn
state and national bodies at the funeral.
| Deceased was also for a long time
member of the Governors Horse Guard
and after being elected major in 1856
and commanding it for about four year
he resigned. The last time he met witt
the command was when it made it's excur
sion few weeks ago to Seymour, on whicl
occasion he was one of the after-dinne
| SpcdhoIS duu WdS uObC SlhulJ W0COIuSu
Old associates then noted that he had no
the appearance of health and vigor
Mr.. Cowles was a very felicitou
and interesting speaker, ready and pun
gent, and his remarks were favored ant
spiced with wit and humor if occasion
called. He was firm republican and ,
member of the Republican league. Som
years ago he built the commodious and at
tractive residence on West Chapel stree
where he died. He was kind and consid
crate employer and the news of his deatl
caused deep sadness among his employees
| all of whom highly respected and esteemed
| him.
Deceased leaves a wife, who was Mis-
Harriet Leonard of Berkshire, New York
and two sons, Frederick L., who is secre
tary of G. Cowles & Co., and Lewis G..
also connected with the company. TIL
funeral will take place Monday afternoon
There will be prayers at the house at
o'clock. General services will be held a
the College street church at $3.50 p. m.
l which 1pi11 ha o,,or, RI tho 1,nh1io