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William J. Cowan

One of the prominent residents of Killarney, born August 12, 1866, in Prince Edward county, Ontario, and is a son of James and Ellen (Wilkins) Cowan, both natives of Ireland.  They emigrated to Canada about 1850 and located in Prince Edward county, Ont., they being pioneers of that district where the father followed his trade as a gunsmith.

Mr. Cowan was educated in the public schools of Hillar, Consecon and Salmont Point, Ontario.  In 188, he came to Wakopa and immediately took up a homestead near there, on which he conducted farming operations until 1890, after which he engaged in the livery business and buying and selling horses.  Of late years he has given more attention to the breeding of standard bred and thoroughbred horses, also of Clydesdale and Percheron stock.   His present barn is a handsome two-storey brick building, occupying a ground space of 62 by 102 feet, erected at a cost of $6,000, and is considered the best barn west of Winnipeg in the province.  Mr. Cowan has always taken an active interest in political affairs and for three years, served as councilman for the municipality of Turtle Mountain and for two years of Killarney.

Married 1899 Miss Addie Gouldie, daughter of A. Gouldie, of this province:  three children: Ruby Gladys, Sybil, James McIntosh.
Mr. Cowan is affiliated with Killarney Lodge No. 50, A.F. & A.M. and the Canadian Order of Foresters.  Politically he gives his support to the Conservative party.