James Rich Cowan (May 22, 1858 – July 14, 1911) was an American farmer, banker, and politician from New York. Life Cowan was born on May 22, 1858 in the Cowan homestead near Hobart, New York. His parents were Hector Cowan and Helena Jane Rich. Cowan attended Stamford Seminary. He initially worked as a farmer, owning 600 acres and between 75 and 100 cattle. In 1891, he became president of the National Bank of Hobart. He served as town supervisor of Stamford from 1889 to 1891, serving as chairman of the board in 1891. He was also a justice of the peace and served on the Hobart High School board of education for 16 years, much of it as president of the board. In 1891, Cowan was elected to the New York State Assembly as a Republican, representing Delaware County. He served in the Assembly in 1892, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, and 1906. Cowan was unmarried. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church in South Kortright. Cowan died of typhoid fever on July 14, 1911. He was buried in Locust Hill Cemetery. References External links The Political Graveyard 1858 births 1911 deaths People from Hobart, New York Farmers from New York (state) American bank presidents Town supervisors in New York (state) American justices of the peace School board members in New York (state) 19th-century American politicians 20th-century American politicians Republican Party members of the New York State Assembly Deaths from typhoid fever Presbyterians from New York (state) Burials in New York (state) 19th-century American judges 19th-century American businesspeople