Charles Amos Cogswell (January 3, 1844 – April 24, 1908) was an American politician and attorney from the state of Oregon.

After the war, he moved to Lakeview, Oregon, where he became the area's first practicing attorney and was co-founder of the Lake County Examiner.

After retiring from his law practice, Cogswell moved to Portland, Oregon, where he was active in business and engaged in public service.

[6] As an attorney, he represented a wide range of clients including the Southern Pacific Railroad and a number of large ranches.

In 1883, Cogswell acquired the Republican oriented State Line Herald, merging that newspaper into the Examiner.

[11] Cogswell also served as president of the Warner Valley Stock Company, a livestock ranching enterprise that owned 40,000 acres (160 km2) of grazing land in southern Oregon and northern California.

After winning the election, he took his seat in the Oregon Senate on 14 January 1889 and served through the 1889 regular session, which ended on 14 February.

[12] During the session, he was appointed to a committee assigned to study and make recommendations regarding Oregon's assessment and tax structure.

[13] Later in 1889, Cogswell joined other civic and political leaders from southern Oregon to oppose the closure of Fort Klamath.

The letter said that the presence of the United States Army at Fort Klamath kept everyone on their own land, ensuring peace in southern Oregon.

While the post was closed in 1890, a small detachment of troops was left behind to help protect the Klamath Indian Reservation's grazing lands from encroachment by settlers.

[14] Since Oregon state senators serve a four-year term, Cogswell did not have to run for re-election prior to the opening of the 1891 legislative session.

Therefore, he continued to represent the people of Crook, Klamath, and Lake counties in state senate District 8 during the 1895 regular legislative session.

[18] His Democratic Party affiliation had been tenuous for a long time since he often voted with Republicans on key legislative issues.

[19] After leaving the legislature, Cogswell retired from his law practice in Lakeview and moved with his family to Portland.

In 1902, just before leaving office Portland mayor Henry S. Rowe, appointed him to the city's public works board.

[1][3] On April 24, 1908, Cogswell suffered a heart attack while running to catch an electric trolley car near his home in Portland.

The resolution highlighted his long record of public service as a soldier, attorney, legislator, and engaged citizen.