Cowley, H. T. (Henry Thomas), 1837-1917

H. T. Cowley came to the Inland Northwest as a missionary to the Nez Perce in 1871. After two years there and disagreements with the Indian Agent, he moved to Mt. Idaho on the Camas Prairie. After a brief period there, he came to Spokane Falls in 1874 to become a missionary to the Spokane Indians. His was one of the first white families to settle in Spokane. He ran the Spokane Chronicle, a daily newspaper for a short time, and also served as the first teacher in Spokane. He founded the first protestant church. He died in 1917.

From the description of Cowley Papers, 1871-1891. (Spokane Public Library). WorldCat record id: 743217003

Indian missionary and educator.

From the description of Papers, 1871-1917. (Washington State University). WorldCat record id: 29852854

• 1838: Born, October 9, Seneca Falls, New York
• 1866: Married Lucy Abigail Peet in Russelville, Ohio
• 1867: Graduated, Antioch College
• 1871: Graduated, Auburn Theological Seminary. Ordained and appointed Protestant Missionary and Agency Teacher to the Nez Perce Indians with Henry Harmon Spalding
• 1873: Accepted position as school teacher in Elk City, Idaho, after being suspended from position at Kamiah
• 1874: Moved to Spokane Falls as missionary and Indian Sub-Agent to the Spokan Indians
• 1882: Resigned missionary and sub-agent positions
• 1883: Purchased Spokane Falls Chronicle
• 1886: Northern Pacific land suit initiated
• 1887: Sold Spokane Chronicle
• 1898: Northern Pacific land suit decided in Cowley's favor
• 1916: Died January 28, San Diego, California

From the guide to the Henry Thomas Cowley Papers, 1871-1917, (Washington State University Libraries Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections (MASC))