Edgar Cowan

Edgar Cowan was an American lawyer and politician who served as a Republican U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania during a pivotal period in American history, including the American Civil War. Born on September 19, 1815, in Sewickley Township, Pennsylvania, Cowan's career spanned various professions before he entered politics. He was a prominent figure in Pennsylvania's political landscape, representing the state in the Senate from 1861 until 1867.

Early life and career

Edgar Cowan was born into a modest background in Sewickley Township, Pennsylvania. His early education took place in Westmoreland County, where he engaged in various occupations, including carpentry, teaching, and working as a boatman. These experiences provided him with a diverse skill set and a strong work ethic. After completing his education at an academy in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, he briefly returned to teaching before pursuing higher education at Franklin College in New Athens, Ohio. Cowan graduated in 1839, where he notably delivered the valedictory address for his class.

Following his graduation, Cowan studied law under the guidance of Henry Donnel Foster, who would later become a significant figure in his political career. After being admitted to the bar in 1842, Cowan began practicing law in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. His legal career coincided with a growing interest in politics. Initially aligned with the Jacksonian Democrats, Cowan became active in the Whig Party, serving as a campaign speaker and organizer for various presidential candidates, starting with William Henry Harrison in 1840.

As the Whig Party began to decline, Cowan transitioned to the newly formed Republican Party in 1855, where he continued to engage in political activities. He was an organizer and supporter of John C. Frémont during the 1856 presidential election. Cowan's political affiliations and activities positioned him as a significant player in Pennsylvania politics, and he was a delegate at the 1860 Republican National Convention, where he initially supported Simon Cameron for the presidential nomination. However, he later shifted his support to Abraham Lincoln when Cameron endorsed him.

Senate tenure

Cowan's Senate career began in 1861 when he was elected by the Pennsylvania legislature to fill the seat vacated by Democratic incumbent William Bigler. The election process was competitive, as the Republican caucus considered multiple candidates before nominating Cowan on the sixth ballot. He secured his Senate seat with a decisive victory over his former law teacher, Henry Donnel Foster, in a vote that reflected party lines.

During his time in the Senate, Cowan served on several committees, including a notable role as the chairman of the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office for the majority of his tenure. His leadership in this committee allowed him to influence legislation related to intellectual property and innovation during a time of significant technological advancement in the United States.

Cowan's Senate term coincided with the tumultuous years of the Civil War, and he was an active participant in the legislative discussions surrounding the conflict. His alignment with Pennsylvania Republican leader Simon Cameron was crucial, as Cowan sought to maintain party unity and support for the Union's war efforts. However, his support for President Andrew Johnson's Reconstruction policies later alienated him from more radical elements within the Republican Party, leading to challenges in his political career.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his Senate tenure, Cowan's legislative focus included infrastructure development and military service policies. One of his notable contributions was advocating for modifications to legislation concerning the construction of a railroad bridge over the Ohio River at Steubenville, Ohio. Cowan expressed concerns that the original design of the bridge would hinder navigation for boats and ships, which were vital for transporting goods. His efforts led to a revised proposal that increased the bridge's span and height, ensuring that it would not obstruct river traffic.

In addition to infrastructure, Cowan played a role in shaping military service policies during the Civil War. He authored a proposal that allowed individuals drafted into military service to pay a commutation fee to avoid service. This fee was intended to alleviate the financial burden of hiring substitutes, a practice that had become contentious among different social classes. While the commutation fee aimed to support the Union's war efforts financially, it faced criticism for disproportionately benefiting wealthier individuals who could afford to pay their way out of service, leading to protests from poorer citizens.

Cowan's legislative contributions were significant during a period marked by conflict and change. However, his support for Johnson's Reconstruction policies ultimately cost him the backing of influential Republican leaders in Pennsylvania, culminating in his defeat for reelection in 1867. Following his Senate career, Cowan's political affiliations shifted, as he began supporting Democratic candidates in subsequent elections.

After leaving the Senate, Cowan continued to engage in political discourse, supporting various Democratic candidates, including Horace Greeley in 1872 and Samuel J. Tilden in 1876. His later years were marked by declining health, as he battled mouth and throat cancer, which ultimately led to his death on August 31, 1885, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Cowan was laid to rest at St. Clair Cemetery in Greensburg, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent figure in Pennsylvania's political history during a critical era in the United States.