More on the Bayard Cowen brick wall
I found another prison record for Bayard Cowan, also from Linn, IA. This record indicates two 15-year sentences, which he was sentenced to on October 26, 1929 and began on the 29th. Other dates in the record are 10-9-1930 (S.S. is the abbreviation next to this date) and 3-7-1932 (Discharged). Unlike in the other prison record, this record makes no indication of parole (the other record states 10-6-31, paroled & 5-22-34, final discharge from parole). However, both records are from the Iowa Consecutive Register of Convicts from the Men’s Reformatory at Anamosa.
The 1930 Census also indicates that Bayard was in prison on April 1, 1930. He is indicated as being married at this time, and that he was married at age 24.
A U.S. City Directory from Cedar Rapids, IA in 1928 indicates that his wife’s name is Edith; the 1929 directory indicates “Edith S”.
I was second-guessing my facts about Bayard’s family tree so it was nice to find additional documents supporting a wife named Edith. I still believe this to be Edith Irene Sturtevant.
However, the Cook County, IL Marriage Index for 1912-1942 indicates an Edith I Sturtevant marrying a Bayard D Coman. Is this the same person?
In 1938, Bayard D Cowan registered to vote at 3316 San Marino St. in LA County, California. A Mrs. Edith S Cowan also registered to vote at the same address. The 1938 Los Angeles City Directory confirms Bayard and Edith S Cowan living at this address as well.
The 1939 Los Angeles City Directory lists Bayard D Cowan at the same address as 1938. Edith S is not listed in this directory.
In the 1940 Census, a 40-year-old Edith Cowan is listed as the Head of household and the only other person associated with Edith is Richard Cowen, age 13. Edith’s marital status is listed as wd (widowed). They are still living in Los Angeles, at 3316 Monette Place.
This would indicate that Bayard died (or divorced? was disowned?) between 1938-1940. Also, did San Marino St. change names to Monette place, or is it just a coincidence that they live at the same house number on a different street within 2 years?
For other reasons I don’t believe that my previous information about Richard Cowen’s spouse is Lois Marcelia Hildreth… more to come.
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