Transcribed by Deb Thormahlen

p. 460

David Cowan, farmer, section 27, Ustick Township, has been a citizen of Whiteside County since June, 1854.  He is the son of Robert and Mary (Sellers) Cowan, and his parents were born and died in Scotland.  Their seven children were born in the following order: William, Mary, Robert, Adam, John, David and Elizabeth.

            Mr. Cowan, the youngest son, was born June 22, 1822 in Scotland.  He was educated in the parish school near his early home, and he was a farmer on his native heather until 1854.  In June of that year he bade a final farewell to the land of his birth, and on reaching Whiteside County went to the township of Union Grove, where he remained ten months.  He went next to Clyde Township, where he passed a similar period, working by the month.  In 1857 he located where he has since lived and managed his farm, which comprises of 123 acres in tillage.

            Mr. Cowan was married April 10, 1857. in Unionville, Union Grove Township, to Agnes, daughter of Archibald and  Agnes (Wilson) Taylor.  She was born April 25, 1882, in Scotland, which was also the native land of her parents.  Robert S., Archie T., Mary A., Lizzie W. and Margaret B. are the names of the children of which Mr. and Mrs. Cowan have been the parents.  The youngest daughter died when five years old.  The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church.

            Mr. Cowan is a Nationalist in political sentiment; in temperance principle he is a prohibitionist.  He has held office of School Director three years.

            Mrs. Cowan had ten brothers and sisters, born as follows: Roberts (1^st), Elizabeth, John, Robert (2d), Agnes, Archibald, James, Margaret (1^st), Gilbert, Margaret (2d) and Mary.  Five of the above only now living, all of whom are residing in the United States.