CHARLES COWEN , was born in New Hampshire, November 27, 1829. He was a son of John and Mary (Cory) Cowen, of that State. Charles Cowen came to Illinois and settled in this county in December, 1852, when he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He was married to Miss Cynthia E. Keller, September 4, 1851, at Jerseyville, Illinois. They had eight children. Mr. Cowen was a Republican in politics, and the first postmaster at Lowder. He was a member of the M. E. Church. He died April 6, 1874. Cynthia E. Cowen was born at Jerseyville, Illinois, February 8, 1832. She is living with her family on the old homestead; has her farm well stocked, and all under good cultivation. Her father, William Keller, was born in 1801. Mrs. Cowen says when she first came to Sangamon county the prairie had a wild appearance, the settlers being very far apart. They went to Waverly to mill. Their first church was at the log school house, which was a very small building, door and ceiling very low, and the tall people had to bow their heads to get inside. Bird England was the first preacher. He had about twelve members of different denominations. This church, or log school house stood where Prospect now is. Their second preacher was Balden, who preached there a short time, they having no regular preacher in those times. Balden was a very tall man, and a loud talker, a regular old school Methodist. The room being small, the members had no trouble in hearing him. He traveled as circuit rider, going from settlement to settlement. Mrs. Cowen's family are as follows: Mrs. Laura A. Hamel, living in Kansas; John C., also in Kansas; Wilburn E., Frank W., Rosa J., Minnie E., Lizzie M. and James S.