SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS

Dr. J.B. COWAN

CHIEF MEDICAL DIRECTOR

to

Lt. General Nathan Bedford Forrest

Forrest Cavalry Corps.

Camp 155

Tullahoma, Tennessee

Dr. J. B. Cowan

Camp #155 in Tullahoma is named for Dr. J. B. Cowan, Chief Surgeon of Forrest's Cavalry Corps. J. B. Cowan was born in Lincoln County where his father was a Cumberland Presbyterian minister in Fayetteville. Dr. Cowan received his medical education in Philadelphia and was practicing medicine in Meridianville, Alabama, when the war began. He joined the army and went to Memphis along with other men from the general area who were led by The Reverend David C. Kelley (later Colonel Kelley). When Forrest formed his brigade Cowan was assigned to serve with it and stayed with Forrest for the rest of the war.

Cowan had a lively sense of humor and was often spoken of as "the life of the staff's encampment." He personally attended Forrest when he was wounded and once lanced a boil on the general's butt. Cowan later said that was the most dangerous duty he performed during the entire war since the boil was especially painful. After the war Dr. Cowan was active in several veterans organizations, including the UCV and the association formed by the Escort and Staff of General Forrest.

Cowan was related to the Montgomery family, the family of Mrs. Forrest. After the war Cowan moved to Tullahoma, a town on the railroad where there was more business for a surgeon, and lived here the rest of his life. On his death in 1909 he was buried in the town cemetery. A Confederate marker will be placed on his grave this fall.

Notes by:

Michael R. Bradley
Life Member
Camp #155 Chief Medical Director of Forrest's Cavalry Corps
Dr. J. B. Cowan Camp

Camp 155, News-Letter

Month of May, 2008.

SCV Camp 155 holds its regular monthly meetings the second Tuesday (no longer on Thursdays!) of each month at the Harton House, located on Jackson Street, Tullahoma, TN.

The meeting time is 7:00 p.m. for additional information contact The Camp Adjutant: Russell Sells...931-857-3483

E-MAIL YOUR COMENTS TO:

Charles Mitchell-Webmaster

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