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Permanent LinkRepresentative John A. Cousins View All Years
JOHN A. COUSINS.
Honorable John A. Cousins was born April 15, 1837, in what is now Dubuque County, but which at that time was a p art of the territory of Wisconsin. His father was Joseph Cousins, a pioneer farmer of that region and of English descent. His mother was Mary Baird Cousins. He received his early education in the log school house of the neighborhood and later he attended the Epworth Seminary and there completed his studies.
In 1890 the New Hartford State Bank was organized by E. Bourquin, E. C. Bellows, F. W. Paulger and Mr. Cousins, the latter acting as vice president. In 1898, Mr. Cousins with F. W. Paulger, W. W. Taylor and others organized the Plainfield Savings Bank at Plainfield, Bremer County, of which institution he was elected president and served the bank in that capacity up to the time of his death.
He served as Representative from Butler County in the 33rd and 34th sessions of the General Assembly of Iowa.
At Dubuque in 1859, he was united in marriage with Rebecca Fulmer, who has been his loving helpmate through fifty-nine years of happy married life and who survives him. To this union three children were born, two boys who passed away in their youth and one daughter, Nettie, who is the wife of Dr. J. G. Evans.
Mr. Cousins was a man of well and strong defined convictions and of a rugged honesty. The community keenly feels the loss of this man whose life was ever the constant support of the progress and uplift of the community. We all know where he stood on matters that effected the interests of the people. His life was appreciated by thousands who came in contact with him here and throughout the state.
On the 12th day of March, 1918, Hon. John A. Cousins passed away at the family home in New Hartford, Iowa. Funeral services were conducted from the Methodist Church at two o’clock Friday afternoon, Rev. Clements of Fonda officiated. Interment was made in Oak Hill cemetery. The funeral was in charge of Beaver Lodge, A. F. & A. M., F. E. Lee of Waverly conducted the Masonic service.
The pall bearers were: Harry Sherman, L. A. Hoffman, W. J. Harmon, N. A. Olmstead, Charlie Jennings, S. P. Larson, F. C. Harmon of Shellrock, Leo Paulger of Cedar Falls.
Therefore, Be It Resolved, That the House of Representatives take this occasion to express its appreciation of his character and public services, and at this time to extend to his widow and daughter its sincere sympathy in their sorrow, and,
Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the journal of the House, and that the Chief Clerk be directed to send an enrolled copy to the widow of the deceased.
O. L. MEAD,
W. W. SAYLOR,
C. J. LEVALLEY,
Committee.