Biography of John A. Cowan, M.D., pages 858.  History of De Kalb County, 
Indiana.  Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

John A. Cowan, M.D., was born in Decatur, Adams Co., Ind., March 1, 1843, a 
son of Israel R. and Eliza A. Cowan.  He remained with his parents till 1862, 
receiving a high school education.  In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company 
H, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and served till the close of the war; was 
discharged at Mobile, Ala., Aug. 19, 1865.  He participated in thirty-seven 
battles; was slightly wounded twice, and was taken prisoner three times.  He 
escaped from his captors twice and was exchanged once.  After his discharge 
he returned home and taught during the winter, working on the farm the rest 
of the year.  In the meantime he commenced the study of medicine under the 
tutelage of Dr. T.T. Dorwin, of Decatur.  In the winter of 1868-’69, he 
attended lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill.; subsequently 
attended Detroit Medical College, from which he graduated June 9, 1869.  In 
February, 1870, he located in Auburn and succeeded in building up a large 
practice.  He was married Sept. 9, 1869, to Lydia A. Teeple, of Decatur.  
To them were born two children---Jennie and Annis.  Mr. Cowan was a member 
of the De Kalb Lodge, No. 214, F. & A.M., and Delong  Post, No. 67 G.A.R., 
of Auburn.  He died June 18, 1885, of disease contracted while in the 
service of his country.

Submitted by:
Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
Agoodwin@ctlnet.com