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Mrs. Cogswell, daughter of the
late George Douglas, who was one of the earliest settlers of Vernon
county, was born in the Indian Nation. Her father’s birth occurred in
Newcastle, England, in 1798, and while only an
infant he was brought by the family to the United States,
growing to manhood at Alexandria, D. C., and Wheeling, W. Va. Owing to
the death of his father when he was still a lad young George was
apprenticed to learn the stone mason’s trade but did not follow the
business long, soon after going to Cincinnati and subsequently to St.
Louis, at which latter place he entered the service of the American Fur
Company. Following this he went down the Mississippi river and thence
up the Arkansas to Fort Gibson, and for two years was occupied
in supplying and outfitting trains bound for the Rocky mountains.
Upon returning to Fort Gibson he was employed some time as a
Government contractor. In 1834 Mr. Douglas came to Vernon county and
settled on the farm now occupied by Mr. M. Shively, but which was then
owned by a Frenchman, whose wife was an Indian woman. After a residence
here of some 20 years he moved to Bates county in 1854, remaining there
until the outbreak of the war, when he went to Texas.
There his death took place April 14, 1865. About the year 1827 he had
married Miss Eliza Selden, of Hadlynne,
Conn., and of this union four
children besides Mrs. Cogswell were born: Ralph, Ellen, George S. and
Henry W. Mr. Douglas was connected officially with the affairs of this
county during his residence here, holding the position of county judge,
etc., and he was also colonel of the State militia. Mrs. Cogswell after
coming to Vernon county remained here until being taken to Wheeling, W.
Va., when about 10 years old, and there she lived three years. She
enjoyed unusual advantages for acquiring an education for that period,
and notwithstanding so much time spent in a city naturally contented
herself in her pioneer home after her marriage. September 5, 1854,
she became the wife of Henry Clay Cogswell, of Paris,
Ky., who was born in 1828, and
when 16 years old accompanied his parents to Jackson
county, Mo., living there until his removal to Vernon in 1853. He was a
large farmer and stock-raiser, and succeeded well in this calling.
During the war he enlisted in the State service and was commissioned
captain, and after his term expired he enlisted in the C. S. A.,
receiving a commission as first lieutenant. His military career was
that of a brave and efficient officer. His death November 26, 1872, was
keenly felt by the citizens of this county, for it was acknowledged that
a good man had been taken, and one whose place would be hard to fill.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Cogswell has resided upon the old
homestead, enjoying unbounded respect o those who are favored with her
acquaintance. Four of her children are living: Sterling P., George B.,
John B., and Mary. |
