Benjamin Rush Cowen | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 13th Ohio Secretary of State | |
| In office January 1862 – May 1862 | |
| Governor | David Tod |
| Preceded by | Addison P. Russell |
| Succeeded by | Wilson S. Kennon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 15, 1831 Moorefield Township, Harrison County, Ohio, US |
| Died | January 19, 1908 (aged 76) Cincinnati, Ohio, US |
| Resting place | Greenwood Cemetery, Bellaire, Ohio |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Ellen Thoburn |
| Children | eight |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Rank |  Brevet brigadier general |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Benjamin Rush Cowen (August 15, 1831 – January 19, 1908) was Union Army general during the American Civil War and a Republican politician who was Ohio Secretary of State.
Benjamin Rush Cowen was born in Moorefield Township, Harrison County, Ohio. His father, Benjamin S. Cowen was later elected to Congress. He grew up in St. Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio, where he attended a classical institute, and served an apprenticeship in printing at the Belmont Chronicle, where he became owner and editor at age 17. He completed studies in medicine, but never practiced.[1]
On September 19, 1854, Cowen was married to Ellen Thoburn of Belmont County. She had eight children, three of whom survived him.[2] In 1856, as an alternate, he attended the National Convention of the Republican Party in Philadelphia, which Nominated Fremont for the Presidency. He sold the Chronicle in 1858 and was in real estate in Bellaire. In the 54th General Assembly, he was Chief Clerk of the Ohio House of Representatives, and served during the 1860 and adjourned 1861 session. In October 1861 he was elected Ohio Secretary of State, but resigned for War duties in May 1862.[2]
- ^ Mackoy 1908 : 149–156
- ^ a b Smith 1898 : 128