Chittenden

COWLES, Pliny Jefferson

Encyclopedia Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical Sketches 
of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other States. 
Dodge. Burlington: Ullery Publishing Company, 1912, p 155

Pliny Jefferson COWLES, Burlington [Chittenden County, Vermont], accountant 
and bookkeeper, was born 11 February 1861 at Albany [Orleans County, 
Vermont], son of Jefferson and Orrel F. (JOHNSON) COWLES. Educated at Albany 
village school, and Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie [Dutchess County], 
New York. Began business life as clerk and assistant postmaster at St. 
Johnsbury [Caledonia County, Vermont], where he remained eight years; later 
passed the civil service examination and entered the customs service, being 
located at Richford [Franklin County, Vermont] four years under Collector G. 
G. BENEDICT; from Richford went to Hardwick [Caledonia County, Vermont], 
where he organized the Savings Bank and Trust Company of which he was 
treasurer five years; removed to Burlington, and was state cashier for the 
Equitable Life Assurance Society for four years; has made a specialty of 
office work and accounting, working in the office of the American Woolen 
Company about four years; is now office manager for George D. Jarvis & Son. 
Republican. Methodist. Past chancellor commander of Union Lodge, Knights of 
Pythias, of Hardwick; grand chancellor of Domain of Vermont one term, and 
representative to Supreme Lodge, Knights of Pythias; member of Masonic 
fraternity. In 1885 he [Pliny Jefferson COWLES] married [Miss?] Lilla I. 
MORSE, of Derby [Essex County, Vermont]; they have one daughter, Evelyn M.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly