George Cowles (soldier)

Major General George Cowles
The home in which General Cowles resided still stands today
Born	c. 1780 Farmington, CT
Died	January 7, 1860(1860-01-07) (aged 79) Farmington, CT
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Rank	Major General
Commands held	Connecticut State Militia
Spouse(s)	Abigail Deming
Website	www.ct.gov/mil

George Cowles, was the Adjutant General of the State of Connecticut from 1823 to 1834. He also served as a representative in the Connecticut General Assembly and was an unsuccessful merchant in his home town of Farmington.

Career

The Cowles family was a prominent family of Farmington, Connecticut with many family members successful in farming and manufacturing. George, however, was not as successful in business and turned to a political career, being elected to the state legislature in 1815 as the representative from Farmington. He then served as the town assessor in 1821 and then as the First Selectman.

In 1823, with little military experience, he was appointed as the Adjutant General of the state's armed forces by Governor Wolcott. He served in this capacity for the next three governors, leaving office in 1834.

Personal life

George married Abigail Deming, also of Farmington, on December 3, 1803 and together they had four children. The home where they lived was built by his father, General Solomon Cowles in 1803. The house was presented to George and Abigail as a wedding present. The house still stands today and is listed on National Register of Historic Places.

References

• Davis, Harold H., Historic American Buildings Survey, 1936
• Listings of Adjutants General - State of Connecticut, 1999