- DEACON AARON J. COWLES, an honored citizen of Beloit, was
born in Otisco, Onondaga
- Co., N.Y., April 6, 1803, and is a son of Amos and Dolly
(FORD) COWLES, both of whom were natives of Meriden, Madison
Co., Conn., the former born June 2, 1770, and the latter in January,
1770. Their wedding was celebrated June 3, 1793, and unto them
were born the following children: Lois, wife of Solomon GLEASON,
died April 16, 1839; Anna, who married Timothy EVERETT, died
in September, 1850; Amos C., whose death occurred Feb. 27, 1830,
was a soldier in the War of 1812; Horace, born Nov. 1, 1797,
died Nov. 25, 1873; Elisha, born June 17, 1799, died May 17,
1826; Benjamin died in infancy; Aaron J. is the next in order
of birth; Sylvester born Jan. 28, 1805, resides in Cattaraugus
County, N.Y., and is a minister of the Presbyterian Church; Verona,
born May 22, 1807, married Harvey JANES, and died in Cattaraugus
County, N.Y., Aug. 15, 1831; Diantha, born Nov. 20, 1809, wedded
Harvey BAKER and died Oct. 5, 1840, in Otisco; Dr. L. P., born
May 26, 1811, died in northeastern Pennsylvania, May 28, 1845;
Allen E. H. died at Whitewater, Wis., May 6, 1888. Amos COWLES
and wife were members of the Congregational Church and for many
years he served as Deacon in the organization to which they belonged.
His death occurred in Dec. 26, 1840, and his wife departed this
life Dec. 21, 1849.
- The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native
county and received his education in a
- pioneer school-house built of logs, with rude slabs for seats
and with no floor. At the age of thirteen years, while working
in a corn field, the Spirit called unto him, and for several
days that call of the Lord was repeated in his heart. He felt
that he must do something for the Master's cause, and the following
winter organized a children's meeting which resulted in much
good. In the following spring-time, the Spirit of the Lord came
to their home and three of his brothers were converted. The earnest
efforts of the children awakened their parents, and a general
revival in the neighborhood was held. In 1817 Mr. COWLES, with
many others, joined the church, but of that number he is he only
one yet living. For the long period of seventy-three years he
has been an active and conscientious member of the church. Much
could be said of the noble life of this man whose example is
worthy of emulation by all. His piety consists in a cheerful,
steady and faithful devotion to his profession, and his place
in church and Sabbath-school is never vacant. For seventy-two
years he has been scholar, teacher or Superintendent of the Sabbath-school,
and his labors for its advancement are unceasing. He loves to
sing the songs of Zion and to chant his Redeemer's praises, and
for many years has been a member of the choir, while his voice
in melody is always heard in the prayer meeting. He has ever
sought and worked for the peace and prosperity of the church
and society. Prompt, decided and possessing excellent judgment,
his earnest counsel is sought by many. His faith in God is strong
and steadfast and his belief in the power of prayer is unbounded.
At the family altar he lifts his voice in supplication and thanksgiving
to his Maker, while through that medium rich blessings have descended
upon his household. He is a warm friend of missions and a liberal
contributor to that cause. He never looks upon the dark side
but seeks out the good and bright in everything. A smile of encouragement
and gladness is ever on his face; no harsh word ever escapes
his lips, his trust in the promises of the Bible grow stronger
each day, and surely in the end he will receive a crown of righteousness.
- On the 9th day of December, 1824, in Otisco, N.Y., Mr. COWLES
was united in marriage with
- Miss Sally WHITMORE, who was born at Burlington, Conn., Aug.
12, 1804. They were acquaintances in early youth, and for the
past sixty-four years have traveled life's journey together.
Mrs. COWLES was also converted while young, has lived a consistent
Christian life and has been truly a helpmate to her husband.
Mr. COWLES was a Whig in early life and cast his vote for William
Henry Harrison. He supported the Republican party from its organization
until 1888. In 1843 he first came to the West, landing at Kenosha,
in June of that year, there making his home until 1851, when
he removed to Elgin, Ill., where he was engaged in the Sabbath-school
missionary work. In 1852 he located at Rockford, where he established
the first Sabbath-school, and in the autumn of 1862 became a
resident of Beloit.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, p. 424.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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