and in Canada, and John settled in Canada. "Capt. David Cowden, gentleman," and "James Cowden, gentleman," remained in Cambridge, Washington County, New York. Among the descendants of James Cowden, Jr., were the late Rev. David C. Cowden, Gallipolis, Ohio, and Rev. Truman S. Cowden of Cincinnati and Piqua, Ohio.

Robert Cowden was an esteemed citizen of Princeton, Mass., and held the highest town offices for many years. William lived in Worcester and in Rutland, Mass. Samuel settled in Rutland, and has prominent descendants. James Cowden, 1st, "died October the first, 1748." "Having gone to Worcester to execute his will, just written, he was taken suddenly ill, and died in a few hours." "He left real and personal estate of value." His widow, Mrs. Janet (Craige) Cowden, settled the estate.

Widow Janet (Craige) Cowden married Capt. James Craig, a prominent citizen of Rutland, Mass., April 16, 1755. Hence the form of record in the Bibles of her children, "Our honored mother, Jane Craige, departed this life February 19, 1776." Her full name was Janet, and was so signed by her in all legal documents.

Thomas Cowdin,* Esquire, of Worcester and of Fitchburg, Mass., the eldest son of James Cowden, 1st, and Janet (Craige) Cowden, was born in Ireland, December 25, 1720. His education was received chiefly in the quiet home in North Worcester, under the instructions of his father. With his ready apprehension and retentive memory he became well versed in Roman, English, Scottish and Irish history, and in the fundamental principles of jurisprudence. Keenly alive to the varied impressions of life about him,

*The Cowdins of Fitchburg have invariably spelled their name Cowdin, and not Cowden. Thomas Cowdin, Esq., for many years town clerk of Fitchburg, always signed

Thos Cowd in

his name Cowdin, as indicated by the accompanying facsimile.

and rarely gifted as a reader of character, the study of humanity was far more interesting to him than the study of books. We have proof that he early became familiar with ideals that fitted him to meet the needs of his time. In youth he served an apprenticeship in Marlborough as blacksmith, the trade then including the making of farm implements, as axes, scythes, augers, chisels, and a variety of edge tools. He afterwards established the business for himself on Main street in Worcester. He belonged to a company of cavalry and became very fond of military tactics. Aglow with the spirit of patriotism, he responded to the call of the governor, and, as sergeant, joined the brave little army of civilians that sailed from Boston for Louisbourg March 24, 1745, saying, "We can," while many of the assembly and wisest men said, "They cannot take that Gibraltar of America!"

Surely no one started with more buoyant spirit and elastic step, nor returned after victory to build a brighter bonfire than did Sergt. Cowdin of Worcester. During the siege the young officer was "in the thickest of the fight," distinguishing himself by that dash of movement that characterized him when occasion required quick and decisive action.

After the conquest Sergt. Cowdin returned to his business in Worcester. He married, Nov. 19, 1748, Experience Grey of Worcester, of whose family we find this record: "When the Scotch Presbyterian band of North Worcester was dispersed, the Greys remained.”

When trouble arose with the Indians upon the frontier prior to the French and Indian war, Sergt. Cowdin was pressed into service, and stationed at Charlestown No. 4 in New Hampshire. One of the tales of this perilous mission was that of bearing despatches from Charlestown No. 4 to Fort Dummer. With the documents in his knapsack, and accompanied by two soldiers, Sergt. Cowdin