History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century/4/James O. Gower

by Benjamin F. Gue

JAMES O. GOWER was born at Abbott, in the State of Maine, on the 30th of May, 1834. In 1839 he came with his father to Iowa City which became his home. He was educated at Knox College, Illinois, and at the Kentucky Military Institute. He then engaged in the banking business with his father at Iowa City. In June, 1861, he enlisted Company F for the First Iowa Cavalry and received a commission as captain. In September he was promoted to major of the Second Battalion and on the 26th of August, 1862, he became colonel of the regiment. During the latter part of his military services Colonel Gower was in command of a brigade. He was an able and accomplished officer.