James Cowan, Aged 77, of 518 Croton Ave, died in the New Castle Hospital at 8:10 p.m., Friday as a result of injuries suffered in a fall down his home stairs a short while previous. Mr. Cowan was descending the stairs when in some manner he slipped and plunged down eight of the steps. He was moved to the New Caslte Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

Coroner John A. Meehan, Jr. is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Cowan's fall. An autopsy is is being performed today, to determine the exact cause of death which is believed to be the result of a cerebral concussion.

Mr. Cowan was born in Butler County, March 18, 1878, and resided some years in Detroit. He served for six years as a maintenance man at the local United Engineering and Foundry Co. and prior to that, worked for Carnegie-Illinois Steel Co. for 25 years.

Mr. Cowan was married to Nancy Gallagher Cowan for 37 years

Surviving, are his widow, Mrs. Nancy Cowan; the children, Wesley Cowan, Pittsburgh; Otto Cowan, Pittsburgh; A. R. Gallagher, this city; Mrs. Jean Cameron, this city; Jack Cowan, this city; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Margaret Davis, Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday from the W. F. DeCarbo Funeral Home, Cunningham at Lutton with Samuel C. Baker and Rev. Jack Allison in charge. Interment will be in Graceland cemetery.