The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1935-09-05
Death Takes Popular
Watertown Resident
John D. MCGOWAN, Is, Tax Collector, Former Baseball
Player, Umpire, Dies After Short Illness

Watertown's grand old man OF
community activities, politics, fra
ternalism and sports. John d. Nc
Gowan, died yesterday afternoon
after brief illness at his home on
Main street. He was a lifelong
resident of WATERFOWL, having been
born September ~, 1857 in the
old Porter house on Porter street
seventy eight years ago, the SON of
John and Ann Colgan MCGOWAN.
pioneer residents. For the past
thirty years he was tax collector
Of his native town, being the first
and only incumbent of that position
since its creation. He was also a
for the past twelve years. His per-
sonal knowledge of realty in Wa
tertown made him an valuable as
sistant for banks and insurance
companies in making appraisals.
Few men in the history of Water
town were more intimately familiar
with. the facts Of it's early history
and its developing for the past GEN.
fury than John d. MCGOWAN. He
was keenly interested in all COM
munity events and tok a enthusiasts
tic part in all political activities,
being one of the staunchest demo-
Gratis in this section of Connecticut.
Mr., MCGOWAN knew politics as well
as he knew baseball and from old
time fans came the tribute today
that Mr.. MCGOWAN was one of the
best informed men on the national
pastime in New England.
Former Umpire.
Many old time graduates of the
Taft school, former players on
semi teams of Water
bury and vicinity will recall the
services of John MCGOWAN as UNI
pire. He was not only an excellent
player in his day, but an efficient
arbiter for years after his active
participation in the game ended
He was widely admired for his
ability in this respect and esteemed
by players and fans. He was a rare
source of information on teams and
players not only in amateur and
semi-professional circles. but in the
major leagues. In fact, he was
a born baseball enthusiasts, and
maintained his interest until his
last illness. He was one of Water
towns foremost boosters for sports,
particularly baseball.
Fraternalist.
Recently supreme and state Of
ficers of the Foresters of America
paid a visit to WATERFOWL in OBJ
seryance of the 45th anniversary
OF the organization Of Court Mer-
rift Heminway of that town. Among
the charter members present were
ohm ID. McGowan, who has Ions
since been identified and honoret
as the founder of the court. Mr.
McGowan's son, Walter S., is a for
mer grand chief ranger of the
Grand Court of Connecticlt and for.
mer supreme beadle Of the organi.
cation.
He was very faithful attendant
at Grand Court conventions held
In various parts of Connecticut and
from time to time in his forty-five
years Of membership. He was a
personal friend of Supreme Chief
Ranger Marcus DonnelIy and the
latter's father Thomas Donnelly of
Jersey City, supreme secretary for
many years. Mr.. MCGOWAN, a COM
municant of st. Johns Church,
WATERFOWL, was tireless worker
for that parish and plaed no small
part in its early organization. He
was also veteran member of
Sheridan Council, knights of Co
lumbus, of this city.
Retired In 20.
The deceased spent SO years in
the service of the A. M. Woolson
Company and 81 years as an en-
ploye of the New York, New Haven
e. Hartford Railroad Company, re-
firing from the latter concern in
1929.
Personally. Mr.. MCGOWAN was
esteemed by hundreds for his broad
sympathies, kindness In speech and
action, courteous manner and per-
ennial friendliness. He was loyal
to his friends and to his convictions