McCowan, John John MCCOWAN c1811-1884, innkeeper, auctioneer, police commissioner and Provost was a police commissioner in the first administration of the Burgh of Cumnock and Holmhead (formed in 1866). He was to remain for the next 15 years – performing the duties of Provost between 1878 and 1881. He died on 25th September 1884 and the Ayr Advertiser of 2nd October 1884 records the following intimation and short obituary.
At Hartfield, Cumnock, on the 25th Sept. in his 74th year, John McCowan
Cumnock – death of Mr McCowan, auctioneer – on Tuesday evening about 7 o’clock, the town was startled with the announcement of the sudden death of ex-Provost McCowan. Since the death of his wife his health has been failing, although he was still able for the most part to attend to his business. He was in the parlour conversing with his daughter when he suddenly fell forward, and was caught in her arms and expired. Deceased had a large connection as an auctioneer and appraiser, and was well-known all over the district. He was one of the first commissioners of the Burgh, and only retired from the Commission three years ago when his term as Provost expired
Family information – John was born c1811 – the son of William McCowan and Jane HART. He married Elizabeth CRICHTON in Cumnock on 29th November 1836 and their daughter Janet (or Jessie) was born in Cumnock on 22nd May 1842.
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