Frank Cowan

Frank Cowan was an American lawyer, medical doctor, and writer, known for his diverse contributions to literature and public service in the 19th century. Born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, he initially pursued studies at Jefferson College but was expelled for a prank. His career took a pivotal turn when he moved to Washington, D.C. to work as a clerk for the Senate Committee on Patents, where he was influenced by his father, a U.S. senator. In 1867, at just 22 years old, Cowan was appointed as personal secretary to President Andrew Johnson, managing land patents during a tumultuous period in American history. After leaving the White House, he established a law practice and pursued a medical degree at Georgetown Medical College, graduating in 1869. Cowan's literary output included fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and drama, reflecting his multifaceted interests and experiences. He returned to Greensburg, where he married Harriet Jack and opened both a law and medical practice. Additionally, he founded and edited a newspaper, Frank Cowan's Paper, which served the Western Pennsylvania region for three years. His unique blend of legal, medical, and literary careers positioned him as a significant figure in the cultural and professional landscape of his time, illustrating the interconnectedness of public service and creative expression in the post-Civil War era.