Elias Alford Rowan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elias Alford Rowan
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1910s
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| Member of the Mississippi Senate from the 11th district |
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| In office January 1896 – January 1904 |
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| Preceded by | R. P. Willing, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Myron S. McNeil |
| In office January 1908 – December 10, 1912 |
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| Preceded by | Myron S. McNeil |
| Succeeded by | Jasper Felix Guynes |
| Member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from the Copiah County district |
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| In office 1884–1888 Serving with
Albert Brown Guynes (1884-86) T. J. Millsaps (1886-88) |
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| Preceded by | George S. Dodds |
| Succeeded by | J. F. Sexton J. L. Ramsey |
| In office 1876–1877 Serving with George W. Miller
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| Preceded by | D. Bufkin R. Chrismas |
| Succeeded by | R. N. Miller Joseph H. Catchings |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 31, 1837 Crystal Springs, Mississippi |
| Died | December 10, 1912 (aged 74) Wesson, Mississippi |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses | Mary Mobley (m. 1867-1869, her death) Julia Lamb (m. 1874-unknown) |
| Children | 7 |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service | Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1864 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | Civil War |
Elias Alford Rowan (born December 31, 1837 – died December 10, 1912) was an important politician from Mississippi. He served in the state government for many years. He was from Copiah County and lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Elias Alford Rowan was born on December 31, 1837. His birthplace was near Crystal Springs, in Copiah County, Mississippi. His father, Samuel Rowan, was from North Carolina and had French family roots. His mother, Jeannette (Alford) Rowan, had Scottish family roots.
Elias went to country schools in Copiah County when he was young. Later, he studied at Tulane University in 1860-1861. At that time, it was called Louisiana University. He was studying to become a doctor.
A Soldier in the Civil War
In May 1861, the Civil War began. Elias stopped his medical studies to join the army. He enlisted in the Twelfth Mississippi Infantry of the Confederate Army. However, he got sick and had to leave the army before his unit went to Virginia.
After he recovered, he joined the army again. He became a lieutenant in Company G of the Sixth Mississippi Infantry. He also helped as an assistant surgeon for his group. This happened after the original assistant surgeon was captured. Later, he was promoted to captain of Company G. This was after the previous captain died.
During the Battle of Nashville in December 1864, Elias was captured. He was taken to Johnson's Island, a prison camp. He stayed there until June 16, 1865, when the war ended.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Elias Rowan returned to Mississippi. He went back to Tulane Medical School. He finished his studies and earned his medical degree in March 1866.
He then started working as a doctor in Copiah County. In 1869, he moved to Wesson. He lived there for the rest of his life. He built a large, 24-room house in Wesson for his family. He had also planned for it to be a hospital. However, it was only used as a hospital once. This was in April 1883, after a tornado hit the area.
Becoming a Politician
Elias Rowan became involved in politics. He was a member of the Democratic Party.
Serving in the House of Representatives
His first political job was in the Mississippi House of Representatives. He represented Copiah County. He was first elected in 1875 and served in 1876 and 1877. He was also elected again for the years 1884 and 1886.
Serving in the State Senate
In 1895, Elias Rowan was elected to the Mississippi State Senate. He represented the 11th district, which included Copiah County. He was re-elected to the Senate three more times: in 1899, 1907, and 1911.
During the 1908-1910 sessions, he led the Quarantine committee. In the 1912 session, he was in charge of two committees. These were the Humane and Benevolent Institutions committee and the Temperance committee.
His Political Beliefs
Elias Rowan strongly supported making alcohol illegal. This movement was known as prohibition.
Death
Elias Alford Rowan died on December 10, 1912. He was in Wesson, Mississippi. Sadly, he was hit by a train and passed away. After his death, Jasper Felix Guynes was elected to take his place in the Senate.
His Family Life
Elias Rowan was a member of the Baptist Church. He also belonged to two groups called the Odd Fellows and the Freemasons.
In 1867, Elias married Mary Augusta Mobley. She passed away in May 1869. They did not have any children. In 1874, Elias married Julia Lamb. They had seven children together:
- Jeannette Alford Rowan
- Martha (Rowan) Wright
- Dr. Samuel Lamb Rowan
- Elias A. Rowan Junior
- Lillie (Rowan) Taylor
- Julia Franklin Rowan
- John House Rowan
When Elias Senior died, four of his children were still living: Lillie, Julia, Samuel Lamb, and John.
