Lee Cowell (1866-1942) was born at Towaht, PA, on the same farm on which his father had been born, about twenty-five miles from Elmira, New York. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip William Cowell. His father's family had come to the United States from Ireland about 1760. His mother's family came from Holland and his grandfather, Dr. Houston, was a country doctor who traveled on horseback carrying medicine and instruments in saddle bags. His mother died when he was seven years old and his father married again. In 1883 Lee Cowell came to Dakota Territory with his family and a group known as the Elmira colony. The Cowells homesteaded on a quarter section near Eckelson, North Dakota. In 1888 Lee Cowell and Lucetta Church were married. (Lucetta) Lettie Church at the age of twelve years, came with her family from Detroit, Michigan and acquired land near Sanborn, North Dakota, in 1883. The Lee Cowells lived on his homestead north of Eckelson for a number of years. Five children were born to the Cowells: Ella - Mrs. John T. Heimes; Lynn former editor of the Times Record died in 1944; Vaughn married Grace Forbes; Vera - Mrs. Victor Wood; David died young.

Mr. Cowell sold the Eckelson farm and purchased a farm three miles west of Valley City. They later purchased a home on College Avenue. Mr. Cowell entered the implement business for some years and after that he was in construction with W. J. Curren, and then office manager for the Pegg garage. He served on the school board for ten years and was Mayor of Valley City, North Dakota. The Cowells celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 1938.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 50