After the war, he attended Richmond Hill Law School and moved to Wilkesboro and practiced law. From 1874 through 1878, Cowles served as the elected solicitor (district attorney) for the state's 10th judicial district.
Following the conflict, he attended Richmond Hill Law School and relocated to Wilkesboro, where he practiced law. From 1874 through 1878, Cowles held the elected position of solicitor (district attorney) for the state's 10th judicial district.