John F. Cowan

John Francis Cowan (December 29, 1858 – November 25, 1917) was a prominent North Dakota lawyer, politician, Attorney General, and judge. While serving as the Judge of the Second Judicial District of North Dakota, Cowan became the first person in state history to face impeachment charges.

Early life John F. Cowan was born on December 29, 1858, in Moffat, Scotland. In 1862, he immigrated to Canada West, with his family. Cowan graduated from the Ottawa Normal School, and then studied medicine at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

Career In 1884, Cowan was elected justice of the peace in Devils Lake. In 1885, he was admitted to practice law before the Territorial District Court and opened his own law office. Cowan later formed the Cowan & McClory firm with P. J. McClory.

Attorney General In 1894, John Cowan was elected Attorney General of North Dakota, after becoming the Republican candidate. Cowan campaigned throughout the state and gained a reputation as a notable orator. Cowan served as North Dakota's Attorney General until 1900, when he decided not to seek reelection again.

District Judge After stepping down as North Dakota's Attorney General, Cowan returned to Devils Lake. In 1901, he was elected Judge of the Second Judicial District. He served in this role until 1912. In 1911, during his time as a district judge, Cowan became the first person in state history to face impeachment charges.

Impeachment For the first time in state history, in 1911, the North Dakota House of Representatives filed articles of impeachment against Cowan and forwarded them to the Senate.

At the end of March 1911, the Senate reconvened for the trial. As lieutenant governor, Usher L. Burdick presided over the trial. One of the members of the House on the prosecution team was future governor R. A. Nestos.

On May 4, 1911, after a month of hearings, the Senate found Cowan not guilty on all charges.

John F. Cowan is buried in Saint Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Devils Lake.

Personal life In 1885, Cowan married Mary Flynn of Henderson, Minnesota.

Political offices Devils Lake Justice of the Peace Superintendent of Schools for Ramsey County State's Attorney for Ramsey County Attorney General of North Dakota Judge of the Second Judicial District of North Dakota