Old Missoula

Charles L. Cowell Dies At Portland – 1926

Well Known Resident of Missoula Passes. Body to Be Brought Here.

Charles L. Cowell, an early resident of Missoula, died in Portland early yesterday after an extended illness. Word of his death was received in the city yesterday. Mr. Cowell, who had been in failing health went to the coast in August in the hope that the change in climate would benefit him. He had been afflicted with heart trouble for several years and a few months ago suffered a stroke of paralysis. His wife and family were in Portland with him at the time. The body will be brought to Missoula for burial.

Mr. Cowell was one of the best known men of Missoula and western Montana. He came to Missoula 40 years ago and saw the city grow an accumulated considerable property during his residence here. He was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, April 16, 1858 and with his parents went to Kansas in 1863. He spent his youth on a farm and came to Missoula with W. A. Simons in 1887 and they were associated in business for a number of years. In 1889 they toured South America and their partnership was terminated upon their return to the states.

During his later life Mr. Cowell had engaged in the real estate and loan business. In early days he was a wholesale liquor and cigar dealer and he was one of the organizers of the first electric light company established here. The plant was situated on the island west of the Higgins avenue bridge and part of the old foundation still is there. He and Joseph M. Dixon were the builders of the Montana block and joint owners of that building until about a year ago when Mr. Cowell disposed of his interest to Mr. Dixon. He also owned other business and residential property here. The family home was at 1414 Maurice avenue, just south of the university.

Mr. Cowell married Gladys Roberts, a Missoula girl, September 1, 1915, and she with three daughters survive. The children are Ann Gladys, Mary Jane and Catherine Virginia. There also is a brother, Daniel Cowell, of Stevensville, and a sister, Mrs. Joseph Greenough of Spokane. The body will be brought to Missoula for burial.

The above obituary appeared in The Missoulian on December 22, 1926.

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City Cullings – Daily Democrat-Messenger April 1, 1901

A herd of cattle numbering about 1500 head belonging to Charles Cowell were driven through the city at an early hour this morning on their way from the Bitter Root to the Clearwater country.

https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=lCh-sgrp-YMC&dat=19010401&printsec=frontpage&hl=en