Robert H. Cowley Papers

Collection

Identifier: RG 09-9.12

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection is comprised of the records and papers of Dr. Robert H. Cowley including correspondence, reports, photographs, artifacts, and other materials.

Important subject covered in the collection are: the practice of medicine in America between 1904 and 1935; the history of the Berea College Health Service; and the history of Berea College Hospital. Correspondents include: Anna Perry Cowley, President William Goddell Frost, President William J. Hutchins, various patients which were treated by Dr. Cowley, and various Berea College faculty members.

Dates

created: 1894-1948
Other: Majority of material found in 1904-1948
Other: Date acquired: 05/01/1996

Creator

Cowley, Robert H. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Records can be accessed through the Reading Room, Berea College Special Collections and Archives, Hutchins Library, Berea College.

Conditions Governing Use

Federal copyright regulations apply. Cite all information. Some items may be restricted if they contain personal information.

Extent

2.00 boxes_(general)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Robert H. Cowley was born in Lorain, Ohio, on October 25, 1871. After graduating from Lorain High School, Cowley attended Oberlin College, and studied at Western Reserve Medical School in the late 1890s. In 1904, after three years of practicing medicine, Cowley accepted an invitation from Berea College President, William Goddell Frost, to form a college health service. During his thirty-five year tenure, Cowley served the Berea students, faculty and peoples of the areas surrounding Berea. Throughout Cowley’s years of service at Berea, he periodically traveled abroad to study medicine. Cowley became known by many as an expert in the field of medicine. He received top honors from Berea College, Oberlin, and many national medical organizations. Robert H. Cowley was a master of his trade and a man dedicated to public service. It is for these reasons that he became one of the most highly respected men of his day.

Arrangement Note

Arrangement by series:

Series 1: Personal Correspondence; Series 2: Annual Reports, Series 3: Biographical Sketches; Series 4: Photographs; Series 5: Anna Cowley and Little Anna Cowley; Series 6: Artifacts