ROWAN, James

ROWAN, James. (Dublin, Ireland, 1835--Unknown). At the age of of ten, Rowan sailed for America. Landing in New York City, he moved on to Paterson, New Jersey where he learned the trade of gardening. He there worked at $2 per month for a time. He received instructions in the classics from a Presbyterian minister, Rev, Mr. Honbloer.

In 1846 he enlisted with the Columbia , N. Y. Volunteers for service in California , under Colonel Stevenson. He was engaged in duty throughout the Mexican War and was honorably discharged. During his service gold was discovered in California and he engaged in gold mining on the American River until 1849, when he returned to New York City . He then sailed for Dublin to visit his parents and friends.

After his return to the United States, Rowan came to Dubuque. He purchased land in Dubuque County and began improving the same, devoting his time and attention to agricultural pursuits. Because of wet seasons, this venture did not prove profitable and he left the farm and returned to the city. Here he engaged in the grain business, shipping to the eastern markets and to St. Louis, Missouri. In 1852 he went into merchandising in partnership with Christian Healey, a business which was continued for two years. He then began dealing in real estate, handling both city and farm property.

In 1856 he became interested in LEAD mining. He struck a rich source and continued to operate it until 1860. The following year he again entered the grain business, in which he continued until the close of the CIVIL WAR, but he lost quite heavily because there was not sufficient shelter for his grain along the route. When the war ended he began dealing and speculating in real estate, which has been his chief occupation until 1880.

In the fall of 1887 he was elected to the Iowa Legislature as Representative. He served until 1890. (1)

Rowan was married in 1852 to Miss Christina Healey, a native of Ireland; they had four children.

See: J. ROWAN

---

Source:

1. The Iowa Legislature, "James Rowan." Online: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/legislator/legislatorAllYears?personID=4155

Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties, Iowa. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1894, p. 143