WM. A. COWGER DIED AT 11:25 LAST NIGHT

Death of One of Mt. Vernon's Most Highly Respected and Useful Citizens Is Deeply Deplored, and Universal Regret Expressed.

William A. Cowger died last night at 11:25 at the family home, 206 North Seventh street, after an illness of a little more than a week.

Mr. Cowger was stricken with influenza Saturday, January 31,and pneumonia developed, death following as stated above.

Mr. Cowger is survived by his wife and three sisters as follows: Mrs. Allen Britton, Step Rock, Ark.; Mrs. Cora Bullock, Twin Falls, Idaho, and Mrs. Malinda Baugh, Mt. Vernon.

One adopted son, William Cowger, survives.

Mr. Cowger was in his sixtieth year.

He was born in Jefferson county, and his entire life had been spent in Mt. Vernon and Jefferson county.

Mr. Cowger was perhaps the best known contractor in Jefferson county, and was prominent in building and like circles thirty two years.

He has left many monuments to his ability in this line, in substantial business blocks, public buildings, beautiful cottages and palatial homes in Mt. Vernon and Jefferson county.

He was in demand as a contractor, and one of the busiest men in M. Vernon. He did as much to advance the material interests of Mt. Vernon as any man in his day. No man stood higher in the construction world than Mr. Cowger, and it was impossible for him to accept all the business that was brought to him. He has a mind for detail as well as for large enterprises, and in the midst of his building and general constructive work, he neglected none of the smaller interests that went with them, or any of the matters intrusted to his care, judiciousmanagement to carry in many large operations at one time.

Mr. Cowger will be seriosly missed because of the things he wrought in aiding Mt. Vernon materially through a long and honorable business career.

No death in Mt. Vernon has called forth more expressions of deep regret than has that of William A. Cowger. From business men, professional men, the church, the fraternal world, the humblest, the highest, people from all walks of life join ion the tribute to his worth as a community builder, citizen, a neighbir, a man.

All deeply deplore his passing in the prime of his usefullness and vigor.

His word was implicitly relied on at all time. His word was accepted as his bond.

A man of probitu and honor, he has left his impress on his day and time.

Unassuming in manner and bearing, friendly and social in disposistion, he made and retained life long friends.

Public spirited, loyal to bis town and county, he gave liberally to promote all enterprises for moral, religions, industrial and commercial upbuilding of both. Quitely, unobstructively he did his part, without display, without hope or desire to advance his own intersts or to add to his reputation, or bring glory to honor himself.

He was a deeply religious man, and his life was an open book. He lived each day to itself, a complete record of accompichment as far as one day can be complete, and onee day linked with another made a chain which comprimise an honorable, a useful, a well spent life.

He was an active member of the First Baptist church and will be missed for the practical good he did. He lived his religion in his daily life, manifest by square and honorable dealing, a pure life, and a life replete with good works.

Mr. Cowger was identified with all branches of the Masinic Order, Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 31, A.F. & A.M.H.W. Chapter, No. 160, R.A.M., and Patton Commandery No. 69. Knights Templar, and served as master of the local lodge.

He was a member of the Court of Honor.

In the fraternal world as in the business and religious world, he did his part fully, and was held in the highest respect and esteem by the orders with which he was affiliated.

Mr. Cowger had a long and honorable connection, with the Royal Loan and Building company, of Mt. Vernon, being one of the organizers of that institution.

As a director in the association he did much to promote its advancement and growth, and thus aided materially in building up Mt. Vernon, providing homes for people and helping to solve the problems that confront the man of family, or the man who desires the profitable investment that loan and building associations insure.

Mr. Cowger born Nov, 7. 1860, and his age was 59 years, 3 months and 2 days.

January 8, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Mollie Frank, at Palbatton, Ark., who survives him. Their married life lacked a month of continuing forty years.

The funeral hour has not been definately set, but it is understood it will be 2:30 Wednesday afternoon at the First Baptist church.

Submitted by: Cindy Ford