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The Blue Book of Iowa Women A History of Contemporary Women

Compiled by Winona Evans Reeves, 1914.

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Mrs. W. H. Cowles

"There came to me the comprehension of the value of a woman's worth, the beauty and blessing of the American home, of the obedient daughter, the loving wife, the Madonna Mother, and of all that these mean as the very foundation rock of our nation's strength and honor."

Mrs. Elsie Merrill Ferguson Cowles of Audubon, was born in Peacham, Vt., the daughter of Paul F. Ferguson, who was born and reared in Scotland, and Ellen Kineison of New England birth.  She was educated in the Peacham Academy.  Married on Sept. 18, 1879, at Peacham, to W. H. Cowles.  Shortly after they came to Iowa taking up their residence in Audubon, where Mr. Cowles is a jeweler.  They have one son, N. N. Cowles, who is a jeweler, living in Ottumwa.  Mrs. Cowles is a member of the Presbyterian Church, interested and active in all its branches.  For two years she was chairman of the ninth district, Iowa Federation of Women's Clubs and during that time interest in the federation increased very materially in that district.  She has also been a member of the board of directors of the I. F. W. C.  She is a member of the P. E. O. sisterhood and has for several terms served as chapter president.  She is a member of the Columbian Club which follows two lines of study --- sociology and domestic science.  She has done a great deal of china painting in a semi-professional way.  Beside these manifold interests she has taken an interest in her husband's business and aided him many years.  She is a versatile woman, being an expert housekeeper and home maker, a business woman, one of artistic temperment and a woman having a helpful interest in the world outside her own little sphere.

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