BIO: I. W. COWEN, Clearfield County, PA
 
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From Twentieth Century History of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania,
and Representative Citizens, by Roland D. Swoope, Jr.,
Chicago: Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, 1911, pages 566 & 567.
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  I. W. COWEN, who is engaged in the livery business at Madera, Pa., where he is 
a substantial citizen and leading business man, was born June 4, 1861, in 
Becarria township, Clearfield county, Pa., and is a son of James and Rachel 
(Warrick) Cowen.
  James Cowen was one of the early volunteers from Clearfield county to enter 
the Federal Army for service in the Civil War, in which he lost his life at the 
battle of Chancellorsville.  His widow subsequently married William Riddle.  To 
her first marriage but one son, I. W. Cowen, was born, and to the second was one 
son, John D. Riddle.
  I. W. Cowen was a babe of but nine months when his father fell on the battle 
field.  He first attended the country schools, but, as a soldier's son, being 
entitled to the advantages offered at the Soldiers' Orphans' Home in Huntingdon 
county, he was placed there and remained there until he was thirteen years of 
age.  He then went to work to take care of himself, entering the employ of Flynn 
Brothers, in the lumber business, and remained with that firm for thirteen 
years, which fact may be recognized as a pretty fair testimonial of the 
character of this soldier's son.  He then bought a farm in Bigler township, 
Clearfield county, and resided on it for three years, when he sold and bought 
his residence and other real estate at Madera.
  Mr. Cowen was married first to Miss Lydia Kingston, by Rev. C. A. Biddle, a 
minister of the Methodist Episcopal church.  She died August 23, 1898, leaving 
one daughter, Roby.  Mr. Cowen was married second, April 7, 1903, to Miss 
Matilda Luther, a daughter of William and Eliza Luther, of Clearfield county.  
They attend the Presbyterian church.  In politics Mr. Cowen is a Republican and 
has frequently been the choice of his party for township offices, serving nine 
years as auditor of Bigler township, two years as tax collector of Gulich 
township, two years as judge of elections of Bigler township and at present is a 
member of the board of supervisors.  He belongs to the order of Odd Fellows at 
Houtzdale and is also identified with the Red Men and the P. O. S. of A.