Richard Cowan was born October 9, 1839, in Georgia, and married in April, 1865, in Illinois, Elzada Allen, born November 22, 1840, in Tennessee. They were the parents of Felix G. Cowan, born July 22, 1866, in Illinois; and Sarah Cowan, who married James A. Thompson, and is now deceased.
Mr. Cowan was educated in the Cherokee Nation, and married on June 1, 1886, Lulu Murry, and on March 22, 1909, he married at Indianola, Iowa, Rebecca Blair, daughter of Calvin C., and Cirthia Blair.
Mrs. Cowan had three brothers and one sister as follows: William E., Jane A., Almus C., and Joel O., Blair. Only the latter is now living.
Mr. Cowan was in the mercantile business in Vinita for twenty-seven years. He was elected County Commissioner of Craig County on November 5, 1918, but resigned from this office and was appointed steward of the State Hospital at Vinita. Pleasant, urbane and gentlemanly, Mr. Cowan has a host of friends. He is a member of the Methodist church, Hill Crest Club, Masons, Shriners, Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, Fraternal Aid, and Elks fraternities. He, was a member of the City Council of Vinita for twelve years, part of the time of which he acted as mayor.
Little seems to known about the elusive orgins and information on Richard “Dick” Cowan other than his being born in Georgia as given here. Another source suggests Arkansas. Another says he was married in Missouri, not Illinois. Whatever, he soon moved to and lived out an active life in Oklahoma and appears to be of Indian heritage? But, who were his parents? Also, he must be related to my Cowans who lived in Dade County, Missouri with his first wife Elzada Viana Allen listed above. Happy to share my Cowan info if you have any questions. Thanks!