J. E. COWNE One of the leading mercantile establishments of Greenwood is that conducted by the firm of Cowne & Townley. They have developed a trade of substantial pro— portions and have ever held to the highest standards in the line of goods carried, in the treatment accorded patrons and in the personnel of the house. J. E. Cowne, the junior partner. was born in Greenwood in 1886 and is a son of R. L. and Mahalie E. (Baker) Cowne. The father was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, and coming to Arkansas, was for some years actively engaged in farming and also for a considerable period conducted a hotel, spending his remaining days in this state. He wedded Mahalie E. Baker, a daughter of James J. Baker, who served as a private in the Confederate army throughout the Civil war and afterward established his home in Greenwood, where he conducted a grocery store. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Cowne were eight children: J. E., of this review; J. T., deceased; Arthur W.; Anna Belle. who is the wife of John Snodgrass; Susan J., who gave her hand in marriage to Minor Gordon; Virgie, deceased; Ed, deceased; and Robert L., who is also deceased. Cameron Cowne, a son of J. T. Cowne, and Robert Cowne, son of A. W. Cowne, nephews of J. E. Cowne, served in the World war. J. E. Cowne spent his boyhood and youth in Greenwood, pursuing his education in the public schools, and after his textbooks were put aside he started out in the business world in the mercantile establishment of C. R. Owens. He thus gained a thorough knowledge of the trade and of business methods and in 1912 he became associated with H. L. Townley in organizing the present firm of Cowne & Townley. They established a grocery store, which they conducted successfully for a decade, and in 1920 they purchased the store of Mr. Cowne's former employer, C. R. Owens. They are conducting a large general merchandise establishment, carrying an extensive line of goods, and their business is steadily growing, owing to their progressive methods. The nest and tasteful arrangement of the store and the thorough reliability of the partners have been the salient elements in the continuous success which they have enjoyed. Mr. Cowne was united in marriage to Miss Emily C. Lane of Plumerville, Arkansas, and they are now parents of three children: Dorothy Lane, John E. and Robert Herman. Mr. Cowne has always taken a deep interest in community affairs and served as local secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association during the war period. His cooperation can at all times be counted upon to further any plan or measure for the general good and his worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged.