In the great reforms that have occurred during the last half-century, Dr. Cogswell has given his influence by judicious advice and consistent example. He commenced active life with the temperance movement, and by precept and example has ever advanced the cause. He was also an ardent supporter of the anti-slavery movement from the beginning of that great controversy. Dr. Cogswell is evangelical in his religious convictions, and has never departed from the traditions of his ancestors. In 1831 he became, by profession, a member of the First Parish Congregational church in Bradford, and has always been identified with its growth and prosperity. In 1860 he assisted in forming the "Haverhill Monday Evening Club," a private organization limited to twenty-five members. This club is composed of gentlemen of literary tastes, residing in Haverhill and Bradford, and the meetings afford delightful recreation in the discussion of literary, scientific, and social topics. This is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Massachusetts, and its unique character has suggested similar organizations in many neighboring cities. In 1831 he married Abigail Parker, daughter of Peter Parker, Esq., of East Bradford, now Groveland. Her ancestors were noted for intellectual ability and force of character. She was born September 6, 1808, and died July 23, 1845. The children of this marriage are as follows:-- Abby Parker, born September 25, 1832; graduated at Bradford Academy; married Hon. George F. Choate, judge of probate and insolvency of the county of Essex, Mass., October 20, 1869. George Badger, born September 15, 1834; fitted for college under the tuition of Benjamin Greenleaf, and at Gilmanton Academy; entered Dartmouth College in 1851; followed the sea before the mast from 1853 to 1855, sailing up the Mediterranean, and around the world. In the winter of 1855-56 he attended Harvard Medical School, and graduated as M. D. from Dartmouth College in 1857; from 1857 to 1859, was resident physician in charge of the state almshouse at Bridgewater, Mass. He settled in North Easton in 1860, where he now resides, enjoying a large and successful practice; was surgeon of the Twenty-Ninth Massachusetts regiment during the war; was on the staff of Gen. Wilcox as acting medical inspector of the ninth army corps, and for two months was incarcerated in Libby prison; medical director of Massachusetts Department, G. A. R., in 1874 and 1875. He received the honorary degree of A. M. from Dartmouth College in 1880. He married Catherine Babson Brown, of Bradford, February 18, 1858. William Wilberforce, born January 22, 1837; died August 5, 1837.