The town being referred to is Cowen, located in Webster County, West Virginia.
Before 1887, the small logging and farming settlement along the rail corridor was known as Rhodell (or Rhodell Station). Mrs. Skyles utilized her prominent Maryland railway connections—specifically her ties to John K. Cowen, a powerful chief counsel and eventual president of the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad—to formally have the town and post office renamed Cowen in his honor.
- Key Historical Figures:
- Thomas B. Skyles: Land and timber cruiser/ranger for the expanding railroad interests across central West Virginia; namesake of the unincorporated Webster County community of Skyles.
- John K. Cowen (1844–1904): Maryland lawyer, U.S. Congressman, and leading executive/counsel of the B&O Railroad.
- 1887 Post Office Change: Marks the official transition from Rhodell to Cowen, solidifying the area's development around the Baltimore & Ohio line.
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