My Genealogy Hound

Capt. D. C. Cowling is a highly respected old citizen of Centre Point, and although he was born in Franklin County, Tenn., in 1830, he has been identified with the interests of Arkansas for many years past, having been a resident of this State since he was eleven years of age. He came thither with his parents, J. S. and Francis (Champion) Cowling, the former of whom was a Georgian, and the latter a native of Tennessee. They settled in what was then Hempstead (now Howard) County, and here Mr. Cowling purchased a tract of land near Columbus, upon which he lived until 1858, when he sold out and went to Texas, but returned in two years' time. He immediately purchased an other farm near the old homestead, but after residing thereon until 1868, he moved to Mineral Springs, where he passed from life in 1877, his wife dying in 1874, both being members of the Primitive Baptist Church. D. C. Cowling, the immediate subject of this sketch, received good educational advantages, and in addition to attending the common schools of Tennessee and Arkansas, he finished his literary education in the Arkansas College at Fayetteville, graduating in 1858. In June, 1861, he enlisted in the company known as the Davis Blues, and was chosen second lieutenant, taking part in the battle of Oak Hill, after which the company was disbanded and Mr. Cowling returned home. He then assisted in recruiting Company G, which was attached to the Nineteenth Regiment Arkansas Infantry, and was chosen its captain, and was commander of the same in the battle of Pea Ridge. His next service was in Indian Territory, after which he went into camp near Pine Bluff, and the next engagement in which he participated was Arkansas Post, where he was captured. He was sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, but was afterward exchanged at City Point. Upon the reorganization of his regiment, he was sent into Tennessee, to the army of Gen. Bragg, with which army he remained until the battle of Nashville, Tenn., in December, 1864, when he was captured and sent to Johnson's Island, where he was kept in captivity until the war was over. Upon his return, Mr. Cowling at once engaged in teaching school, and has followed that occupation constantly ever since, a calling he carried on for three years before the opening of the war. He has always been remarkably successful as a pedagogue, is one of the oldest educators in the State, and is still in the harness. His marriage, which occurred in June, 1866, was to Mrs. Sallie (Draper) Stuart, who died in December, 1885, having borne a family of five children, three of whom are living: Susan F. (wife of C. C. Custer), J. J. and D. C. Mr. Cowling's second marriage took place in August, 1886, to Mrs. H. N. Oakley, nee Suddarth. She was born in Franklin, Tenn., was married there to Mr. Oakley, and in 1860 came to Arkansas, where she was left a widow in 1874, she having borne him ten children: Rev. J. C. (who is stationed at Mount Holly, Union County, Ark.), D. A., Fannie (wife of Dr. Weaver, of Nashville, Ark.), Laura (widow of W. J. Scott), Rev. George M., Jasper B., Joseph B., and three that died in infancy. The family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mr. and Mrs. Cowling are earnest workers in the same.