Born on the Emerald Isle in 1835, and claims Dublin as his native city. He began his education in that country. When a youth of ten years he sailed for America, landed in New York City and thence went to Paterson, N. J., where he learned the trade of gardening. He there worked at $2 per month for a time. He received instructions in the classics from a Presbyterian minister, Rev. Mr. Honbloer, thus adding greatly to his education. For some time he was employed by Rosswell Colt, then the owner of the waters of the Passaic River. In 1846 he enlisted with the Columbia, N. Y., Volunteers for service in California, under Colonel Stevenson, He was engaged in duty throughout the Mexican War, and was then honorably discharged. During his service gold was discovered in California and he engaged in gold mining on the American River, being thus employed until 1849, when he returned to New York City. He then sailed for Dublin to visit his parents and the friends of his youth. After his return to the United States, Mr. Rowan came to Dubuque and has been prominently connected with its business and leading enterprises. He purchased land in Dubuque County and began improving the same, devoting his time and attention to agricultural pursuits, but owing to wet seasons this venture did not prove profitable and he left the farm and returned to the city. Here he engaged in the grain business, shipping to the eastern markets and to St. Louis, Mo. In 1852 he embarked in merchandising in partnership with Christian Healey, a connection which was continued for two years. He then began dealing in real estate, handling both city and farm property. In 1856 he became interested in lead mining and struck a rich lead mine from which he gained a handsome yield. This he continued to operate until 1860. The following year he again embarked in the grain business, in which he continued until the close of the war, but he lost quite heavily on account of there not being sufficient shelter for his grain along the route. When the war ended he began dealing and speculating in real estate, which was his chief occupation. He has become one of the substantial citizens of the community. Mr. Rowan was married in 1852 to Miss Christina Healey, a native of Ireland, who during her early girlhood was brought to America. The family is members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. In his political views Mr. Rowan is a Democrat. In the fall of 1887 he was elected to the Legislature as Representative from this district and served on several important committees. He takes an active part in political affairs and does all in his power to insure the success of his party.