GEORGE W. COWGILL

    The subject of this sketch was born in Ross County, this State, July 14, 1811.  His parents were Alexander and Mary Cowgill. When about fifteen years of age with his father, he come to Union County, and settled in Leesburg Township, near what is now known as Magnetic Springs.  In 1835, he was united in marriage with Miss Susan Smart, by whom he had five children, three now living. viz.: Isaac, Sarah and Martha.  Shortly after, he purchased a farm of 200 acres on Fulton Creek in Claibourne Township, on which farm he resided until 1876, in which year he moved to Jackson Township, where his family now resides.  Just when life was becoming pleasant, he was called upon to part with the companion of his youth, leaving him with several small children.  In March 1849, he was again married, to Mrs. Elizabeth Robinson, widow of the late J. Robinson of Logan County.  By her he had four children, of whom three are now living, viz.: Marian, Reuben and George W.  Mr. Cowgill was taken sick in church on Monday evening January 10, 1881--he was stricken down, as it were, almost in a moment, and was carried home only to die on the following day, January 11, 1881.  All was done for him that loving hearts and friends could do, but he lingered only about twenty-three hours, when his spirit took its flight.  He had been a zealous member of the Christian Church for thirty years, and front the time of uniting with the church, until the day of his death, he lived a consistent Christian life.  He had been a member of the Masonic fraternity at Richwood, for many years.  During his last hours his brother masons afforded him all the aid in their power, and when life had fled they interred his remains in accordance with the usages of the order.  The funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Williams of Newton, this county, to a large and sympathetic audience, after which his remains were interred in the Bethlehem cemetery.  He was a loving father; a good and obliging neighbor, and respected by all who knew him.  Thus passed away one of Union County's early pioneers.  His bereaved widow resides at the home of one of her sons in Jackson Township.  George W. one of the sons of our subject was born in September 1854, in this county.  In April 1881, he married Miss Inez Harraman, daughter of Lafayette and Martha Harraman of Marion County.  They have one child Ira E. Reuben Cowgill, brother of the above, was born in Union County, April 18, 1852.  He was reared to man's estate on a farm.  In July 1875, he married Josephine Hurd, daughter of William Hurd (deceased) and Jane Hurd, now Mrs. Abraham Linsley of Summersville, this county.  They have one child-George W.  He owns fifty-six acres of land well cultivated.