History: Family: Descendants of John McDOWEL: Newville, Cumberland Co, PA Copyright © 1999 by Tena Hanna. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. mjhanna@jps.net USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ ____________________________________________________________ Descendants of John McDOWELL GENERATION NO. 1 1. JOHN3 MCDOWELL (JOHN2, UNKNOWN1) was born 1700 in County Derry, North Ireland, and died 1779 in Newville, Cumberland County, PA. He married RACHEL. Notes for JOHN MCDOWELL: SOURCE: History of The First United Presbyterian Church, Newville, PA, 1764-1978; compiled Georgia Rife, 1980. "The following persons were in the eldership before the year 1800, and whether they were all ordained at the same time or not, is not known, viz: John Brown, ... (listing includes 4 people, including) ...John McDowell, Died in 1799, aged about 70 years." SOURCE: McDowells of Ligonier Valley, by Nancy McDowell Murphy, Copywright 1995 W. H. Wolfe Associates Historical Publications, P. O. Box 972, Roswell, Georgia 30077 ? John McDowell of Cumberland Co. PA, uncle to Samuel and Robert McDowell Born in Co. Derry, N. Ireland. Came to America in 1734. ? John McDowell (immigrant), children: John, d. 1806, m. Margaret, both interred in Carlisle, Pa.; William; James, M. Agnes, d. 5-13-1783, York Co. Pa.; Thomas SOURCE: MCDOWELLS IN AMERICA, page 155. by Dorothy Kelly JOHN MCDOWELL of Cumberland Co., Pa., was b. County Derry, North Ireland. He was an Uncle to Samuel McDowell of Cecil Co., Md. whose will was dated 7/8/1775, prov. 1/1/1776, in which he names his cousins John, his issue Samuel and Rachel, cousins William, James and Thomas; Samuel McDowell and his brother Robert of Cumberland Co. He came to America in 1734. Robert died in Westmoreland Co. 1784. Samuel m. Ann Saunders in Sept. 1749. Email from Susan and Osa McDowell dated April 9, 1999 Dear, Tena McDowell Today is your Lucky day we got a hit on John McDowell Born 1700, he was the son of John McDowell Sr. That was killed in the Londenderry war,in Ireland. He was the Brother to my Ephraim McDowell.You see after John was killed in the Londenderry war, Joseph McDowell is the brother to Ephraim McDowell, and he raised him. I will add your line to my Family Tree, and I will send you a copy of it if you send me your Snail mail address, but their is some work I have to do to it before you get it. Best Regards Susan McDowell. Now read to good news below. This information I recieved from Leo McDowell, and am Greatful for it. ...The early McDowells of PA/MD/DE are very difficult to link/separate. But I was able to get copies of some of Egles' notes and from those and other source documents, this is how I think it breaks out. Note that I said "...think it breaks out", I'm not positive. More research is required and I'm still working this. The key lies somewhere in PA, MD, and/or DE. The John McDowell (b. 1700-10) that you mentioned as married to Rachel ?, was born about 1700-1710 and is the cousin of William McDowell (b. 1680) of "Martin's Delight" in Cecil Co., MD son of Joseph McDowell (b. 1668). My contention is that Joseph (b. 1668), William (b. 1680) of Wright's Ferry, PA and Ephraim (b. 1672) and the deceased John (Sr.) (b. abt 1665 who died during the seige of Londonderry in 1689) were brothers. They also had a brother Charles McDowell who either died or remained in Ireland and probably Robert, as well as Andrew McDowell Sr. Esther McDowell McElroy was their sister. Another John McDowell born about the same time, referred to by Egles as John Jr. was the son of this John (Sr.)whose brother Joseph (b. 1668) was made his guardian according to PA records and Egles notes. In short, the line from Abraham, I think, looks something like this: Abraham McDowell (b. abt 1648) m. ?Ann? Calhoun, sister of Mary Calhoun Lewis -the mother of John Lewis of Staunton, VA) 1. John (b. abt 1665 d. 1689) i. John Jr. (b. 1701) m. Catherine ? 2. Charles (b. abt 1665 d. ? Ireland?) 3. Joseph (b. 1668 d. 1727-37) i. Charles (b. 1697 d. 1754) m. Rachel ? ii. John (b. abt 1700 d. 1775 or 1789) m. Rachel ? iii. Ann (b. 1700) m. Hugh Devinie iv. William (b. 1705 d. 1738) m. Ruth Roberts v. James (b. abt 1707 d. 1747) m. Mary McPeters vi. Thomas (b. abt 1708 d. Jun 1738) m. Isabel ? vii. Isaac (b. abt 1710 d. ? Port Amboy, NJ)m. Minerva ? viii. Elizabeth (b. abt 1710) m. ? Vance ix. Robert (b. abt 1709 d. bef Jan 1771) m. Margaret Reefy x. Joseph (b. 1715 d. 27 Feb 1771) m. Margaret O'Neil 4. Ephraim (b. 1672 d. 1770) m. Margaret Irvine (d. 1728 Ireland) i. Rev. Alexander (b. bef 1706 d. 1782) m. ? no issue ii. George (b. abt 1706-1710) iii. Samuel (b. abt 1706-1710) iv. Avid (b. abt 1706-1710) v. Mary Elizabeth (b. 1707 d. 1809) m. James Greenlee vi. James (b. 1708 d. 1760) m. ? vii. John (b. 1714 d. 1742) m. Magdalena Woods viii. Margaret (b. abt 1716) m. James William Mitchell 5. Andrew (b. abt 1680) i. Andrew Jr. (b. 1710)m. 1st Elinor ?, 2nd Martha Giverans, 3rd Sarah Shanklin ii. James iii. John iv. William v. Mary vi. Jean vii. Sarah viii. Margaret ix. Son? 6. Robert (b. abt 1680 d. PA)m. Jane O'Neil i. John (b. 1714 d. 1779) m. Hannah De Pui ii. Jane (b. abt 1716) m. Samuel De Pui 7. William (b. 1680 d. 1759) m. Mary Irvine (11 children) 8. Esther (b. abt 1675-80)m. Hugh McIlroy (McElroy) i. James (b. 1707) m. Sarah McCune More About JOHN MCDOWELL: Emigration: 1734 Children of JOHN MCDOWELL and RACHEL are: i. WILLIAM4 MCDOWELL, b. Abt. 1720, Cumberland County, PA. ii. THOMAS MCDOWELL, b. Abt. 1725. iii. JAMES MCDOWELL, b. Abt. 1729; d. May 13, 1783, York County, PA; m. AGNES. 2. iv. JOHN MCDOWELL, b. March 17, 1730/31, Cumberland County, PA; d. March 05, 1807, WestPennsboro, Cumberland County, PA. GENERATION NO. 2 2. JOHN4 MCDOWELL (JOHN3, JOHN2, UNKNOWN1) was born March 17, 1730/31 in Cumberland County, PA, and died March 05, 1807 in WestPennsboro, Cumberland County, PA (Source: History of The First United Presbyterian Church, Newville, PA, 1764-1978; compiled Georgia Rife, 1980., Shown as an early elder of the church, The note says he died in 1799, aged "about 70 years." While it is known that he was an elder prior to 1800 it is not known when he was ordained.). He married MARY Abt. 1761. Notes for JOHN MCDOWELL: SOURCE: Swope's "History of Big Spring Presbyterian Church", John McDowell is shown on the Occupant of Pews" listing of 1790. He occupied pew number 28, along with George and John Espey. Source: 1798 US Direct Tax, Cumberland Co. PA. John McDowell, owner (no location or adjoining owner named) w/house, buildings and property of 264 acres, valued at $3,079. His single story log house had five windows w/39 lights (panes of glass) Ref.: A55 B81 D55 E81; list number, and locations w/in the list) John McDowell, owner, location: the Mountain; tract of 85 acres, value: $42.50 adjoining owner: Alexander Logan (ref: B82 E82) COPIED FROM ORIGINAL WILL OBTAINED FROM CUMBERLAND COUNTY COURT HOUSE 10/1998: LAST WILL & TESTAMENT OF JOHN MCDOWELL DEC'D FRANKFORD TOWNSHIP In the name of God Amen I John McDowell of Frankford Township Cumberland County and State of Penn. living now advanced in years and considering the uncertainty of this mortal life yet of sound and accompanying mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament and first it is my will and I do allow that my beloved wife Mary do live on the place with my son John the same where we now live and that if she chuses to live seperate that she have the two new rooms, part of the lot and cellar for her own use, or if she chuses to live seperate on the farm that my son John do build her a house suitable and convenient appointment to live in also that she shall have the household furniture at her option and such as she chooses to take only not to exceed on half, a horse or mare of the value of thirty pounds her saddle and bridle, two cows of her own chuseing two sheep her horse or mare cows and sheep to be kept fed & pastured on the place and grain meat and firewood laid in for her sufficient her comfortably subsistence and half an acre of flax to be yearly sown for her also the sum of ten pounds yearly, and every year during her life and the further sum of fifty pounds to be paid her one year after my decease but if she chuses to leave the place that she and my son John each chuse a man to judge what will be a sufficient support for her yearly the which I do allow in full of her dower. I do also give and bequeath unto my son Samuel twenty five pounds to be paid him in April the year Eighteen Hundred and Twelve to my daughter Rachel Espy the sum of twenty five pounds to be paid her in April Eighteen Hundred and Eleven to my daughter Margaret Mitchell the sum of twenty five pounds to be paid her April Eighteen Hundred and Ten, to my daughter Mary Armstrong twenty five pounds to be paid April Eighteen Hundred and Eight to my son James McDowell the sum of twenty five pounds to be paid him in April Eighteen Hundred and Nine and to my daughter Nancy Douglass the sum of twenty five pounds to be paid April Eighteen Hundred and Seven, the said sums with former accounts consider as the full shares to my said children Samuel, Rachel, Margaret, Mary, James and Nancy. Further it is my will that Samuel McDowell shall have Flavells works and that James shall have the large Bible with Kennscotts notes, that the remainder of my books my wife Mary and my son John to have the use of them in common during her life and at her decease they are to be Johns. My wearing apparel to be equally divided among my three sons Samuel James and John. Also, I do give and bequeath to my son John McDowell and to his heirs all and every part of my Estate either real or personal after the above legacies are paid as also my debts and funeral expenses and I do also constitute and appoint my son John Executor of this my last will and testament. In Witness where of I have hereunto set my hand & seal this fifteenth day of March in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and six. Signed, sealed, published and pronounced as the last will & Testament of the above named John McDowell in the presence of us: James Laird, Alexander Logan John McDowell (Seal) Before signing the testator allows his books not mentioned to be equally divided amongst all his children at his wifes decease. Cumberland County. Before me Frances Gibson Register for the Probate of Wills & Granting letters of Administration in and for said County of Cumberland Personally appeared James Laird & Alexander Logan the two subscribing witnesses to the foregoing instrument of writing purposting to be the last will and Testament of John McDowell deceased & being duly sworn according to law depose and say that they were present and seen the testator sign seal publish pronounce and declare the foregoing as and for his last will & testament that at the time of so doing he the testator was of sound and disposing mind and memory that wrote their names as witnesses thereto in the presence of the Testator. Genealogy researcher Vi Limic of Summerdale, PA provided the following report. Additional data 1755 Baptism, Carlisle John of John and Mary McDowel, bapt. 6 July 1755 Carlisle... 1790 Census page 76 Cumberland County, John McDowell 1-4-3 1 male over 16, 4 males under 16, 3 females John and sons John Jr. age 12, 2 unknown males, Mary his wife, 2 daughters Mary and Nancy. 1800 Census page 195 Cumberland Jonathan McDowell 01101 - 00001 - 00 1 unknown male 10-16, John Jr. 16 - 26 and John over 45, Mary over 45. West Pennsboro Twp. Cumberland Co. Taxes 1763 -- 1765 - McDowell, Robert 200 acres 2 horses, 4 cows 1766 - McDowell, Robert (renter) 200 acres 2 horses, 3 cows 6 sheep McDowell, Joseph 1 Horse 1 cow 1767 - McDowell, Robert 2 horses 2 cows 6 sheep 1768 - McDowell, Robert 1 horse 2 cows 6 sheep McDowell, John 150 acres, 60 clear, 2 horses, 2 cows, 6 sheep 1776 - McDowel, John 100 acres, 50 clear, 2 horses, 2 cows, 2 sheep McDowel, John 200 acres, 50 clear, 1 horse, 1 cow 4 sheep 1779 - McDowel John 200 acres, 3 horses, 4 cows Espy, George, freeman (over 21 and unmarried) 1780 - McDowel, John 263 acres 3 horses, 11 cows 1781 - McDowel, John 263 acres, 4 horses, 9 cows McDowel, Sarah 2 horses, 2 cows 5 slaves 1782 - Laird, Mathew 171 acres 2 horses 9 cows 7 sheep 1 mill Laird, Hugh ------- Mitchel, David 200 acres (not living on land in 1782 but is shown there later) McDowell, John 263 acres, 3 horses 7 cows, 15 sheep 1785 - Mitchell, James 150 acres Mitchell, James 191 acres Mitchel, David 200 acres McDowel 246 acres 4 horses 6 cows Checked Philadelphia for a warrant but none found, checked patents for date given in deed, could only find patent for James Gettis living next to him.??? Cumberland Co. Warrants: #571 McDowell, John 85 acres, West Pennsboro North Mountain, 29 April 1785, return 21 January 1786, 85.100 acres to John McDowell P-4, page 340, Survey c-133, page 64 #701 McDowell, John 228 acres West Pennsboro 4 September 1787, return 14 November 1787 227.159 acres to John McDowell P-11 page 372, Survey M, Page 245 Other McDowell warrants: Cumberland Co. Deeds Grantors McDowell, John to Martin George Jr. Vol 1, Book Q, page 197 18 April 1800 recorded 13 July 1805 Frankford Twp. Note: Family history states McDowells of Franklin and Cumberland Counties are descended from 3 brothers who arrived in the colonies in 1730's. More About JOHN MCDOWELL: Ordination: Elder prior to 1800, First United Presbyterian Church, Newville, Cumberland Co., PA (Source: History of The First United Presbyterian Church, Newville, PA, 1764-1978; compiled Georgia Rife, 1980..) Children of JOHN MCDOWELL and MARY are: i. RACHEL5 MCDOWELL, b. December 07, 1762, West Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, PA; d. July 1803; m. UNKNOWN ESPY. Notes for RACHEL MCDOWELL: Source: Kline's Carlisle Weekly Gazette; November 2, 1796... Tract of land 150 acres, late the property of George Espy, dec. in Frankford Twp. bounded by Samuel McDowell. Source: 1798 US Direct Tax, Cumberland Co., PA: Samuel McDowell, owner; adjoining owner: Widow Espy w/ 1 1/2 story log house, barn on 200 acres, valued at $2,320. house has 1 window w/9 lights (panes) Abstracts of South Central Pa. Newspapers 1796-1800, Familyline Pub., Kline's Carlisle Weekly Gazette, 9 Mar 1796 In pursuance of an order of Orphan's Court, Cumberland Co., will be sold, a tract In Frankford Twp., 8 miles from Carlisle, adj lands of Mathew Wilson, William Galbreath, Widow Espy, and Condeoguinet creek, etc. (This gives location of Espy tract) 7 Sep 1796 Tract to be sold, 150 acres, late the property of George Espy, dec. in Frankford twp., on Conedoguinet creek, bounded by lands the property of the heirs of Andrew M'Farlane, dec., Samuel M'Dowel. Thomas Kennedy, John Brown exts. (This show a M'Dowel living next door, possible brother, father) ii. MARGARET MCDOWELL, b. November 10, 1764, West Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, PA; d. August 15, 1810, Cumberland County, PA.; m. JAMES MITCHELL. Notes for MARGARET MCDOWELL: West Pennsboro Twp. Cumberland Co. Taxes 1785 - Mitchell, James 150 acres Mitchell, James 191 acres Mitchel, David 200 acres More About MARGARET MCDOWELL: Burial: Big Spring Presbyterian Church, Newville, Cumberland Co., Pa. 3. iii. SAMUEL MCDOWELL, b. March 30, 1769, Elkton, Cecil County, Maryland; d. April 24, 1830, Newville, Cumberland County, PA. 4. iv. JAMES MCDOWELL, b. October 23, 1770; d. August 22, 1850, Franklin/Cumberland county PA. 5. v. MARY MCDOWELL, b. March 20, 1773, West Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, PA. vi. NANCY MCDOWELL, b. August 13, 1776, West Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, PA; m. JOHN DOUGLASS, March 01, 1798, Newville, Cumberland Co, PA, by: Samuel Wilson (Source: History of the Big Spring Presbyerian Church, Newville, Pa., Page 56.). Notes for NANCY MCDOWELL: 1807 John McDowell of Frankford Twp., Cumberland Co., PA names his dau. Nancy Douglas. Alexander Logan was one of the witnesses. Beaver Co., PA Deeds book A :331 John and Nancy Douglas of Beaver Co., PA bought lot 173 from John Ashley in 1804 and sold it the William Douglas Sr of Cumberland Co. in 1811. Book C:95 William Douglas of Frankford Twp., Cumberland Co. sold the same land to George Douglas in 1811 Note: Beaver County later became Lawrence County. Notes for JOHN DOUGLASS: Named in William Douglass' will 1831 SOURCE: BURKHARD'S 1976 CUMBERLAND VALLEY CHRONICLES: p. 191, mention is made of one "John Douglass who lived near Hogestown." His servant girl murdered another girl; jealousy over a "suitor" said to have been the reason. No further information (hereafter: "nfi") about John Douglass SOURCE: UNITED STATE DIRECT TAX OF 1798, Cumberland Co., PA: p. 32, Carlisle Borough: Douglass, John, occupied a property (no specific location cited) owned by Lambuton, John (list ref: A127 D127) 2 story stone house (23 x34) w/8 windows of 192 "lights" (glass panes), a 1 story stone kitchen (18 x 12) w/1 window of 18 "lights," and a wood stable (12 x 18), all on a lot of 52 perches, valued at 1600.00 6. vii. JOHN MCDOWELL, b. November 13, 1778, West Pennsboro, Cumberland County, PA; d. June 29, 1829, Newville, Cumberland County, PA. GENERATION NO. 3 3. SAMUEL5 MCDOWELL (JOHN4, JOHN3, JOHN2, UNKNOWN1) was born March 30, 1769 in Elkton, Cecil County, Maryland (Source: Mathew Henry Exposition - Family History Pages, Family Record. - Births.), and died April 24, 1830 in Newville, Cumberland County, PA. He married MARY MCCLURE, daughter of ROBERT MCCLURE and MARGARET DOUGLAS. Notes for SAMUEL MCDOWELL: Source: Kline's Carlisle Weekly Gazette; November 2, 1796... Tract of land 150 acres, late the property of George Espy, dec. in Frankford Twp. bounded by Samuel McDowell. Source: 1798 US Direct Tax, Cumberland Co., PA: Samuel McDowell, owner; adjoining owner: Widow Espy w/ 1 1/2 story log house, barn on 200 acres, valued at $2,320. house has 1 window w/9 lights (panes) Source: Cumberland County, Pa., Cemetery Records, collected by Jeremiah Zeamer, by Wilbur J. McElwain: Newville-Big Spring Presbyterian Graveyard: McDowell, Samuel, d. 4-24-1830, age 63 y. More About SAMUEL MCDOWELL: Fact 1: Headstone states died at age 64 Ordination: June 1812, Ordained as an elder First United Presbyterian Church, Newville, Cumberland Co. PA Notes for MARY MCCLURE: Source: Cumberland County, Pa., Cemetery Records, collected by Jeremiah Zeamer, by Wilbur J. McElwain: Newville-Big Spring Presbyterian Graveyard: McDowell, Mary d. 12-24-1834, age 65y Source: G. E. SWOPE, Newville, Penn'a Annual 1898, p119-- McClure, of Cumberland Valley ...... vi. MARY, b. 1768; d. Dec 24, 1834; m. SAMUEL MCDOWELL, b.1764; d.April 24, 1830. They lived in the neighborhood of Newville and are buried in the Presbyterian Churchyard of that place. They had issue....... More About MARY MCCLURE: Fact 1: Headstone states died at age 66 Children of SAMUEL MCDOWELL and MARY MCCLURE are: i. MARGARET6 MCDOWELL, b. December 30, 1792; d. June 09, 1851, Newville, Cumberland County, PA (Source: Egle's "Notes and Queries Relating to PA", Tombstone Inscriptions In the Big Spring Presbyterian Graveyard, Newville, Cumberland, Co., Pa..). Notes for MARGARET MCDOWELL: Comments on headstone, Died 30 May 1855, age 64 years, 5 months, 11 days ii. MARY MCDOWELL, b. September 18, 1794, Newville, Cumberland County, PA; d. April 28, 1863, Newville, Cumberland County, PA. iii. ELIZABETH MCDOWELL, b. November 16, 1797; d. June 08, 1851, Newville, Cumberland County, PA (Source: Egle's "Notes and Queries Relating to PA", Tombstone Inscriptions In the Big Spring Presbyterian Graveyard, Newville, Cumberland, Co., Pa..). iv. JOHN MCDOWELL, b. November 11, 1801, Newville, Cumberland County, PA; d. July 31, 1878, Newville, Cumberland County, PA. Notes for JOHN MCDOWELL: Source: Cumberland County, Pa., Cemetery Records, collected by Jeremiah Zeamer, by Wilbur J. McElwain: Newville-Big Spring Presbyterian Graveyard: McDowell, John, d. 7-31-1878, b. 11-11-1801 v. RACHEL MCDOWELL, b. August 03, 1803, Newville, Cumberland County, PA; d. October 03, 1893, Newville, Cumberland County, PA. vi. WILLIAM J. MCDOWELL, b. July 27, 1808, Newville, Cumberland County, PA; d. December 18, 1834, Newville, Cumberland County, PA. Notes for WILLIAM J. MCDOWELL: Source: Cumberland County, Pa., Cemetery Records, collected by Jeremiah Zeamer, by Wilbur J. McElwain: Newville-Big Spring Presbyterian Graveyard: McDowell, William J., d. 12-18-1834, b. 7-27-1808 4. JAMES5 MCDOWELL (JOHN4, JOHN3, JOHN2, UNKNOWN1) was born October 23, 1770, and died August 22, 1850 in Franklin/Cumberland county PA. He married ELIZABETH STURGEON. Notes for JAMES MCDOWELL: Biographies from - "Proceedings of PA-German Society" Volume X, 1899 James Ernest Schwartz, 1843-1900 James Ernest Schwartz was born in Allegheny, Pa., on March 9, 1843. He was the son of Jacob Loeser Schwartz, b. December 20, 1816, d. May 3, 1868, and Eveline, nee' McDowell, b. August 22, 1823 (daughter of James McDowell, b. October 21, 1771, d. August 22, 1850, son of John. The McDowell family settled in Franklin and Cumberland Counties, coming from the north of Ireland early in the 18th century More About JAMES MCDOWELL: Occupation: One of the first directors of Princeton Theological Seminary Child of JAMES MCDOWELL and ELIZABETH STURGEON is: i. EVELINE6 MCDOWELL, b. August 22, 1823; m. JACOB LOESER SCHWARTZ. 5. MARY5 MCDOWELL (JOHN4, JOHN3, JOHN2, UNKNOWN1) was born March 20, 1773 in West Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, PA. She married ROBERT ARMSTRONG April 30, 1795 in Newville, Cumberland Co, PA, by: Samuel Wilson (Source: History of the Big Spring Presbyerian Church, Newville, Pa., Page 55.). Child of MARY MCDOWELL and ROBERT ARMSTRONG is: i. CHILD6 ARMSTRONG. 6. JOHN5 MCDOWELL (JOHN4, JOHN3, JOHN2, UNKNOWN1) was born November 13, 1778 in West Pennsboro, Cumberland County, PA (Source: Egle's "Notes and Queries Relating to PA", Tombstone Inscriptions In the Big Spring Presbyterian Graveyard, Newville, Cumberland, Co., Pa..), and died June 29, 1829 in Newville, Cumberland County, PA (Source: Swope's "History of Big Spring Presbyterian Church".). He married MARGARET LAIRD (Source: Egle's "Notes and Queries Relating to PA", Tombstone Inscriptions In the Big Spring Presbyterian Graveyard, Newville, Cumberland, Co., Pa..) March 12, 1818 in Newville, Cumberland County, PA, daughter of JAMES LAIRD and JANE MCCLURE. Notes for JOHN MCDOWELL: Source: Bettie Morrow on July 13, 1998 went to Newville and viewed the McDowell graves; she gave me the following information: John McDowell - very worn all I could make out is that I think he died in 1857. Below is a reprint of the email from Bettie Morrow, dtd 7/14/1998: .....First, to answer your question about Newville. ..... Newville is a small, old town probably more like a New England village ....... There are no 4 lane highways near the town. All the streets have sidewalks and the houses in town are mostly small, two story - a mixture of those built of bricks and then frame houses majority of these are white. They are close to one another and there are no yards to speak of - at the edge of the sidewalk is the front of the house. Some of the houses look really old, I don't think there is one in town built after the early 1900's. ....where the town ends there are farms.. ... ------ The other McDowell graves are to the left side of the cemetery from where Rachel McDowell is buried and a row or two down..... Maggie, daughter of James L & Mary McDowell - the rest unreadable Mary L, wife of James L McDowell 07 Mar 1836 - 12 Feb 1865 Robert, their son 25 Jan 1865 - 01 Feb 1865 - these two on one marker, Mary must have died from complications of childbirth John McDowell - very worn all I could make out is that I think he died in 1857 Margaret McDowell died 30 May 1855, age 64 yrs, 5 mon, 11 dys one more, but it is totally unreadable By these McDowells are the following Lairds: two markers that are totally unreadable James Laird died 10 October 1834, age 81 Robert Laird died 15 Jan 1848, age 59 one more marker, but can't read .....There is a marker that identifies the location of the original church which is inline with the McDowell burials in this message and to the rear of the cemetery. The cemetery is completely fenced in with a tall, iron fence that is painted black. The new church is within the fenced area and isn't what I would call large, but then again it's not a large town nor is the surrounding countryside heavily populated. If you can imagine a rectangle, the new church and church yard would take up the right 1/3, the cemetery the balance. The old church site would be in the lower left area. The cemetery is well cared for and there are a few trees here and there. ...Bettie SOURCE: History of The First United Presbyterian Church, Newville, PA, 1764-1978; compiled Georgia Rife, 1980. "Record of Baptisms by Dr. A. Sharp, 1824-1831" but no dates are given....A John and Margaret McDowell are shown as being baptised in the "Record of Baptisms, by Dr. A. Sharp, 1824 - 1831", but no dates are given. Source: Seilhamer Collection, Vol. 5A; Pages 306 310, Franklin County, PA Historical Society, Chambersburg, PA.......... Margaret Laird, sister of Robert above, was born December 19, 1790, and died May 30, 1855. She was married March 12, 1818, to John McDowell, who was born in 1798 and died January 9, 1829. The McDowell and Logan Families were very numerous in the Cumberland and Juniata Valleys and Western PA at the Revolutionary period, but the similarity of Christian names and the absence of authentic records make it very difficult to deal with them. Those that married into the McClure family seem to have been especially elusive. In attempting to trace the family history of the McDowells about Newville in Cumberland County, Greencastle in Franklin County, and the Kishocoquillas and Tuscarora Valleys, the John McDowells are almost as numerous as the John Smiths in other sections. With fuller information, it may be possible to differenciate them so as to establish the parentage of the McDowell and Logan who respectively married a daughter of Captain Laird. Note: there is a conflict with this record and the cemetery records of Big Springs Presbyterian Church, this records shows the birth year for John McDowell as 1798, the cemetery record shows the birth year as 1778 Source: Cumberland County, Pa., Cemetery Records, collected by Jeremiah Zeamer, by Wilbur J. McElwain: Newville-Big Spring Presbyterian Graveyard: McDowell, John, d. 6-9-1829, age 55 y. SOURCE: Biographical Annals of Cumberland County PA -- containing Biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settled families. -- illustrated -- Chicago, The Genealogical Publishing Co. 1905, pages 23 ....John McDowell, a native of the county and a lifelong agriculturist, who lived near North Mountain in the neighborhood of McClure's Gap. John McDowell married Margaret Laird, who was, like himself , of Scotch-Irish descent. ..... Big Springs Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Newville, Cumberland County, Pa: McDowell, Margaret, b. Dec. 30, 1792; d. June 9, 1851 McDowell, Elizabeth, b. Nov. 16, 1797;d. June 8, 1851. McDowell, Mary, b. 1768; d. Dec. 24, 1834 McDowell, Samuel, b. 1764; d. April 24, 1830 McDowell, Mary, b. Sept. 18, 1794; d. April 28, 1863 McDowell, John, b. 1778; d. Jan. 9, 1829. McDowell, Margaret Laird,wife of John, b. Dec. 19, 1790; d. May 30, 1855 McDowell, John d. 6-9-1829, age 51y McDowell, Margaret d. 5-30-1855, age 64y 5m 11d McDowell, Samuel d. 4-24-1830, age 63y McDowell, Mary d. 12-24-1834, age 65y McDowell, William J. d. 12-18-1834, b. 7-27-1808 McDowell, Elizabeth d. 6-8-1851, b. 11-16-1797 McDowell, Margaret d. 6-9-1851, b. 12-30-1792 McDowell, Samuel K. d. 12-8-1862, b. 11-3-1805 McDowell, Mary d. 4-28-1863, b. 9-18-1794 McDowell, John d. 7-27-1857, age 31y 7m 27d McDowell, Agnes E. d. 3-9-1864, b. 10-17-1819 McDowell, Mary I. d. 2-12-1865, b. 3-7-1836, w/o James L. McDowell McDowell, Maggie L. d. 4-7-1884, b. 7-29-1863, d/o James L. & Mary I. McDowell McDowell, Rachel d. 10-3-1893, b. 8-3-1803 McDowell, John d. 7-31-1878, b. 11-11-1801 More About JOHN MCDOWELL: Notes for MARGARET LAIRD: Source: Bettie Morrow on July 13, 1998 went to Newville and viewed the McDowell graves; she gave me the following information: Margaret McDowell died 30 May 1855, age 64 years, 5 months, 11 days Source: Seilhamer Collection, Vol. 5A; Pages 306 310, Franklin County, PA Historical Society, Chambersburg, PA.......... Margaret Laird, sister of Robert above, was born December 19, 1790, and died May 30, 1855. She ws married March 12, 1818, to John McDowell, who was born in 1798 and died January 9, 1829. .................. 1840 US Census shows Widow Margaret Laird McDowell living in Eastern Frankford, Cumberland County, PA. She is listed as head of the Family, 2 free white males (10 - 15); 1 free white male (40 - 50); 3 free white females (15 - 20); 1 free white female (40 - 50) 1850 US Census shows Widow Margaret McDowell, age 49, ??McDowell 28, male, value real estate $2,500, Jane McDowell, age 27; James McDowell, age 21, farmer; Samuel A. McDowell, age 20, farmer, value real estate, $2,250. Anna Macfarlane; Age 3, Sara L. Minser; age 15, Andrew Pitts, age 18 Farmer. Source: Cumberland County, Pa., Cemetery Records, collected by Jeremiah Zeamer, by Wilbur J. McElwain: Newville-Big Spring Presbyterian Graveyard: McDowell Margaret, d. 5-30-1855, age 64y. 5m. 11d. Laird, Hugh d. 9-30-1815, age 28y Laird, Thomas d. 4-19-1830, age 36y Laird, James d. 10-19-1834, age 81y Laird, Robert d. 1-15-1848, age 57y Laird, Catharine d. 6-19-1850, age 85y 7m, mother of Mary & John Laird More About MARGARET LAIRD: Died 2: Aged 64 years 5 months 22 days Children of JOHN MCDOWELL and MARGARET LAIRD are: i. MARGARET6 MCDOWELL, b. June 29, 1819, Frankford Township, Cumberland County, PA; m. ISAIAH GRAHAM MACFARLANE (Source: Mathew Henry Exposition - Family History Pages, Marriages.), January 01, 1845. Notes for ISAIAH GRAHAM MACFARLANE: Big Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery McFarlane, Esther d. 2-18-1789, age 19y McFarlane, Patrick d. 3-16-1792, age 65y, a large granite slab McFarlane, Rosanna d. 11-26-1812, age 77y, on slab of Patrick McFarlane McFarlane, William d. 1-29-1802, age 45y, granite slab, 2nd one McFarlane, William d. 1-7-1806, age 2y, granite slab, 2nd one McFarlane, James d. 1-26-1812, age 4y, granite slab, 2nd one McFarlane, James d. 12-16-1807, age 49y McFarlane, Elizabeth d. 3-26-1814, age 49y, consort of James McFarlane McFarlane, William d. 4-5-1811, age 66y McFarlane, Eleaner d. 10-19-1814, age 37y McFarlane, Elizabeth d. 3-6-1816, age 48y McFarlane, Robert d. 4-24-1838, b. 11-15-1784 McFarlane, Clemens d. 4-30-1869, b. 3-20-1798, interred in Spring Hill Cemetery at Shippensburg; See Spring Hill Cemetery McFarlane, Lydia d. 3-29-1846, age 46y 7m, w/o Clemens McFarlane McFarlane, Thomas d. 6-24-1832, age 26y McFarlane, Robert d. 9-14-1847, b. 10-23-1776 McFarlane, Jane d. 3-11-1833, age 45y, w/o Robert McFarlane McFarlane, Jane M. d. 2-1-1882, b. 11-21-1799, w/o Robert McFarlane McFarlane, Robert W. d. 4-16-1845, age 27y Marriage Notes for MARGARET MCDOWELL and ISAIAH MACFARLANE: Perry Historians Perry County, PA -- The American Volunteer (Carlisle) Married on Wed. 1st January by Rev. Alexander Sharp, Mr. Isiah Graham MacFarlane of Perry Co. to Miss Margaret, dau. of John McDowell, Esq., dec., of Frankford Twp., Cumberland Co. 9 January 1845. ii. JANE MCDOWELL, b. January 23, 1821, West Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, PA; d. February 19, 1892, Carlisle, Cumberland County, PA (Source: Mathew Henry Exposition - Family History Pages, Family Record Deaths.). Notes for JANE MCDOWELL: Ashland Cemetery: Carlisle, Cumberland Co, PA McDowell, Jane d. 2-19-1892, age 71y More About JANE MCDOWELL: Burial: February 19, 1892, Carlisle -Ashland Cemetery (Source: Cumberland County, Pa, Cemetery Records, collected by Jeremiah Zeamer, by Wilbur J. McElwain.) iii. JOHN MCDOWELL, b. November 30, 1822; d. July 27, 1857, Newville, Cumberland County, PA (Source: Mathew Henry Exposition - Family History Pages, Family Record Deaths.). Notes for JOHN MCDOWELL: Source: Cumberland County, Pa., Cemetery Records, collected by Jeremiah Zeamer, by Wilbur J. McElwain: Newville-Big Spring Presbyterian Graveyard: McDowell, John, d. 7-27-1857, age 31 year 7 months 27 days. Note: another source said 34 years. Grantees McDowell John et al from Margaret McDowell Vol 1, Book YY, page 381, March 1848 recorded 11 May 1848, Frankford Twp. James L. McDowell also included in deed. iv. MARY MCDOWELL, b. October 04, 1824, West Pennsboro, Cumberland, PA; d. August 12, 1880, Carlisle, Cumberland County, PA (Source: Mathew Henry Exposition - Family History Pages, Family Record Deaths.). Notes for MARY MCDOWELL: Ashland Cemetery: Carlisle, Cumberland Co, PA McDowell, Mary d. 8-12-1880, age 55y More About MARY MCDOWELL: Burial: August 12, 1880, Carlisle -Ashland Cemetery (Source: Cumberland County, Pa, Cemetery Records, collected by Jeremiah Zeamer, by Wilbur J. McElwain.) v. JAMES LAIRD MCDOWELL, b. October 29, 1826, Newville, Cumberland County, PA (Source: Original Death Certificate, State of Colorado.); d. December 21, 1904, Elkton, Colorado; m. (1) MARY ISABELLA BLEAN, August 12, 1862, Newville, Cumberland County, PA (Source: Mathew Henry Exposition - Family History Pages, Marriages Page.); m. (2) DORCAS ROSELINA COLLINS (Source: Mathew Henry Exposition - Family History Pages, Family Record Deaths.), October 10, 1867 (Source: Mathew Henry Exposition - Family History Pages, Marriages Page.). Notes for JAMES LAIRD MCDOWELL: SOURCE: KANSAS VOLUME OF THE UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY, Published 1879. JAMES L. MCDOWELL Nortonville James L., second son of John and Margaret Laird McDowell, was born October 27, 1826 in Cumberland county, PA, and was educated in the common schools of that State. He came to Kansas in 1857, settled in Leavenworth and immediately identified himself with the Free State party, taking an active part in the settlement of those political questions that at the time so fearfully agitated not only the Territory of Kansas, but the entire nation. At the first election held after his arrival, Mr. McDowell had already acquired such prominence in public affairs, that he was elected to represent Leavenworth county in the Legislature, and on the organization of the House was made chairman of the committee on corporations and banks. In 1859 he was elected a member of the Leavenworth city council. At this time the city was making many public improvements, and Mr. McDowell was an efficient member of several of the working committees of that body. The same year he was a delegate to the Osawatomie convention, which organized the Republican party in Kansas; he was also re-nominated for the Legislature but was defeated. in the fall of 1860 he was nominated by The Republicans of Leavenworth city for mayor, against John P. Slough, and the election, though sharply contested, was decided in favor of McDowell, and in 1864 he was re-elected to the same position, the opposing candidate being Colonel D. R. Anthony, one of the strongest men in the city. March 23, 1860, he was appointed by President Lincoln, United States Marshal for the district of Kansas, which position he held until April, 1864. This was during the most trying period of the national troubles, and the post required a man of iron will and great determination of character, and in these qualities Mr. McDowell was not found wanting. In 1861 he was appointed upon the staff of Governor Robinson as aid-de-camp, and in 1863 was created major-general of militia for the State of Kansas and assigned to the northern division. During that year he organized the entire body of militia throughout the state, as thoroughly as such an arm of the service could be, and it was brought to the defense of the State at the time of Price's raid, in the incredibly short space of two or three days. The same year, with the assistance of Governor Carney, he distributed arms and other munitions of war through the border counties of the State, thus enabling the citizens to protect themselves from incursions of the enemy in the State of Missouri. At the completion of his term of office as major-general, he identified himself with The Leavenworth state troops and was elected Captain of Company C, in the 19th Cavalry Regiment, composed of the merchants of the city. At the time of Price's raid he was tendered the position of provost marshal of the city, and also that of aid-de-camp on the governor's staff, declining both that he might be in the front with his company, which was in all the service of those days, participating in many skirmishes and acquitted themselves with credit. In 1864 Govenor Carney appointed and commissioned him commissioner of emigration for the State, which on account of other duties he declined. Soon after Price's raid Mr. McDowell left the State for New Mexico, where he remained a year and returned to Kansas. March 6, 1866, he was appointed by President Johnson postmaster for the city of Leavenworth, which position he held for nearly four years. During his term of office he had some difficulty with the postmaster at Kansas City, and the result was an investigation, after which he received from Mr. Branscomb, special agent for The United States Post-Office Department, the following endorsement: "I consider you one of the best postmasters that I ever knew, one of the few who give their personal attention to their official duties." In 1866 he was nominated as candidate for Governor upon the National Union ticket, and although he had no hope of an election he made a vigorous canvas of the State. His active participation in political matters has not prevented him from finding time for giving all possible aid to every enterprise that promised for the welfare of his adopted State. He was a member of the first state agricultural society, organized in 1860, and the grounds on which the fair was held in 1861, were fitted up under his immediate supervision. He was chief marshal of the fair when held, and has acted in a similar capacity for every fair since then, with the exception of two, and has discharged the duties of that position ably and acceptably. In 1869 he was employed by a company holding a United States contract to supply the Sioux Indians with cattle, and proceeding to the Grand and Big Cheyenne rivers, in about thirteen months he supplied those Indians with fourteen thousand head of cattle, all of which were made to swim in herds across the Missouri river. The tribe to be supplied was one of the most savage and treacherous on the plains; the work was difficult and perilous, but was accomplished to the satisfaction of all concerned. From 1871 to 1873 he was in the employ of the Kansas Central Railroad, engaged in procuring the right of way, and in other preliminary work. In 1873 he moved on to a farm in Jefferson county, where he still resides engaged in farming and stock raising. August 15, 1862, he was married to Mary I. Blean, in Cumberland county, PA, who died February 12, 1865, leaving one daughter, Margaret L. Mr. McDowell was married October 10, 1867, to Rose Collins, in Allegheny county, PA, and by this marriage there are four sons, Ralph Ewing, James Laird, David Collins, and Samuel Alexander, and one daughter, Rose Edith. In politics Mr. McDowell is a Republican. In religion, he is a United Presbyterian, an elder in the congregation where he worships, and the superintendent of their Sabbath school. Mr. McDowell has had a varied experience during his twenty-one years residence in Kansas; but in all positions, in the church or in the State, in business life, in military or council service, everywhere he has approved himself a man who has made the interests of the State his own, and refused no service required of him, if thereby he might aid in any way the development of her resources, or improve the character of her institutions. SOURCE: Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Kansas 1861-1865, Volume 1, Page 5: State of Kansas - Executive Department, 1861-1865, Governor's Military Staff (Governor Charles Robinson), under heading: Aides-de-camp; James L. McDowell, Colonel, Appointed April 22, 1861 SOURCE: William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, State History, Part 20, Leavenworth County, Governor's Military Staff - 1861-1863. (Appointed under act May 7, 1861.) His excellency Charles Robinson, Governor and Commander-in-Chief February 9, 1861, to January 12, 1863. OFFICE.NAMES.RANK.APPOINTED.REMARKS...Chief Engineer.O. B. Gunn.Colonel.May 8, 1861.( J. L. McDowell.Colonel. April 22, 1861 .....As another evidence that Leavenworth's people were loyal from the very beginning of the Rebellion, the following is related; On the 20th day of April, a rumor prevailed in the city that the rebels contemplated a raid from Parkville and Independence, Mo., for the capture of Fort Leavenworth....... At the same time Capt. Steele gave Major McDowell an ample supply of arms, to be used in the defense of the city. ... Leavenworth County, Leavenworth City, Churches: United Presbyterian Church. In the summer of 1857, the General Synod of the Associated Reform Church sent Rev. B. L. Baldridge to this western country, as a sort of prospector, or pioneer, in the work. He arrived at Leavenworth, July 15, 1857, and held religious services before meeting at the house of J. M. C. Foster, September 4, 1857. At this time it was resolved to organize a church, and an organization was effected by Rev. Mr. Baldridge, Alex, McGahey and wife, Samuel W. Greer and wife, John Hamill and wife, Robert B. Craig and wife, John Hosack and wife, James L. McDowell, ..... The church building, corner of Arch and Fifth streets, was purchased from the Second Congregational society, August 6, 1873, for $5,500 ... Leavenworth County, Leavenworth City, MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS: Post Office.-- The postoffice at Leavenworth....Previous to 1874 the incumbents have been...), James L. McDowell, ... As previously stated the Leavenworth postoffice was first opened Mar 6, 1855. ... Leavenworth County, Leavenworth City, MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS: On March 25, 1857, Mr. Murphy resigned as Mayor (having been appointed Agent of the Pottawotomie Indians), and in April, Henry J. Adams was elected to fill the vacancy. Mr Adams was re-elected in September. Among those who have served two or more terms as Mayor of Leavenworth may be mentioned H. B. Denman, 1858, 1859, 1862; James L. McDowell, 1860, 1864; R. R. Anthony, 1863, 1872; Thomas Carney, 1865, 1866; John A. Halderman, 1867, 1870; W. M. Fortescue, 1879, 1881, 1882. ... Leavenworth County, Leavenworth City, SOCIETIES: KANSAS STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY. The first incorporated society in Kansas was a historical society. At the first session of the Territorial Legislature an act was passed incorporating the "Historical and Philosophical Society of Kansas." William Walker, of Wyandotte, was the founder of the society, which had for its object "the collection and preservation of a library, mineralogical and geological specimens, historical matter relating to the history of the territory, Indian curiosities and antiquities, and other matters connected with and calculated to illustrate and perpetuate the history and settlement of Kansas." By the act, the incorporators were to organize by a meeting at the capitol within one year from the passage of the act, which time was afterward extended to three years. The incorporators were William Walker, chairman; D. A. N. Grover, David Lykins, John Donaldson, James Kuydenhall, Thomas Johnson, William A. H. Vaughn, L. J. Easton and A. J. Isacks. The times were not propitious for historic work. Much history was to be made before it could be written. At the annual meeting of the Editors and Publisher's Association, held at Manhattan, April 7, 1875, Hon. D. W. Wilder offered a resolution, which was adopted, providing for a committee to organize a State Historical Society, "for the purpose of saving the present and past records of our twenty-one years of eventful history." The following members were appointed as the committee: F. P. Baker, D. R. Anthony, John A. Martin, Solomon Miller and George A. Crawford. A quorum of the committee, with other gentlemen, met in Topeka, December 13, 1875, and organized the society.....Directors elected at the annual meeting January 21, 1879, to hold their office for one year: P. I. Bonebrake, P. B. Plumb, T. D. Thacher, George Graham, C. K. Holliday, George A. Crawford, Samuel N. Wood, Jacob Stotler, C. W. Leonhardt, M. W. Reynolds, A. G. Barrett, Robert Crozier, J. L. McDowell, John J. Ingalls, F. G. Adams, J. M. Harvey, J. C. Hebbard. SOURCE: History of The First United Presbyterian Church, Newville, PA, 1764-1978; compiled Georgia Rife, 1980. "Record of Baptisms by Dr. A. Sharp, 1824-1831" but no dates are given. ...The same listing shows the baptism of James Laird McDowell, born Oct. 29, 1826 with parents John and Margaret McDowell. Source: JEFFERSON COUNTY of Cutler's HISTORY OF KANSAS (Pub. 1883) PART 16: Nortonville ......... The Presbyterian Church was organized in the summer of 1875, with seven members. Rev. Mr. Lewis was the first pastor. The church was built in I878. The United Presbyterian Church was organized in I873, with about twenty members. Rev. Edward McKee was pastor. The church was built in 1881, at a cost of $2,500. It now has a membership of about thirty-five. The Sunday-school was organized in October, 1879, with about twenty members. It has now seventy-five. Hon. J. L. McDowell was the first superintendent. ..... SOURCE: MCDOWELL/KNOX FAMILY TREE published by Tena Knox McDowell "... Rev. Davidson of Carlisle was an uncle of James Laird McDowell (General) and a note Father left on fly leaf of Mathew Henry's Commentries says, "Uncle and Aunt Davidson bequeathed the Commentaries to his sisters, Mary and Jane. As they had Scott's he bequeathed to his son, James Laird McDowell, the commentaries at his death. Also, a hickory can, with silver top, engraved R. L., formerly owned by Robert Laird. Note: The Mathew Henry Commentaries, were bequeathed to Edgar S. McDowell and upon his death were bequeathed to Tena McDowell. Tena and Arloween McDowell bequeathed these commentaries to Rev. Paul Eugene McDowell. SOURCE: ANCESTRY'S DATA BASE - Kansas and Kansans: Volume 5 Few men now living have a recollection that extends as far back and affords a more intimate view of conditions in the Missouri Valley while Kansas was in its formative condition. At the time of Quantrill's raid on Lawrence in 1863, he and others mounted horses and, heavily armed, proceeded to Lawrence, arriving the night after the raid. They found corpses on the street and houses still burning. They assisted in burying the dead, in extinguishing fires, and for two days rendered all the assistance they could to the stricken town. During the war Mr. Richards was a member of the Nineteenth Kansas State Militia under Colonel Hogan and under Capt. J. L. McDowell. Captain McDowell at that time was mayor of Leavenworth. This company was ordered to Shawnee, Kansas, on the border, remained in camp there about a week, was then ordered to Missouri, passing through Westport and on to Independence, and while along the Little Blue east of Independence the company met the advance guard of Price's army. Mr. Richards served in the battle of Westport, which battle was the turning point, as the southern troops retreated south after this. During this campaign Mr. Richards was detailed to guide the men carrying dispatches from General Pleasanton at Independence to General Curtis at Kansas City on October 23, 1864. During this invasion he was in active service for twenty-one days. Notes taken on visit with Paul and Mona McDowell October 31st & November 1st, 1998 Note: This is the same story that was given to me by David McDowell in the Spring of 1998. This is an oral family history story, that was told by two of the grand-sons of James Laird McDowell. 1. He lead a Survey Expedition and party to Pikes Peak for survey work. On the way the Indians were laying under buffalo skins in the field and as the party passed by they would kill the scragglers at the end of the party. James Laird's hair turned completely white by the time he had returned from this expediton. Source: Ancestry Directory for Leavenworth, Kansas, Voter Registration, 1859 McDowell, J. L. banker Shawnee 18 block Second ward SOURCE: William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, State History, Part 13, MIAMI COUNTY The organization of the Republican Party in Kansas, occurred on the 18 of May, 1859, at Osawatomie. It was the most notable and important political event of the year. The Convention was called to order by T. D. Thacher of Lawrence; Henry Fox, of Shawnee County was elected temporary chairman, and T. D. Thacher, Secretary. The following was the Committee on Credentials: E. Heath, A. Danford, P. Shepard, James L. McDowell, John A. Martin, William Spriggs, and A. J. Shannon. The Committee on permanent organization, consisting of Branscomb, Fearl, Lawrence, Fletcher, Delahay, McKay, Larzelere, Rapp, Burnett, Pomeroy, Gilpatrick and Shannon, reported as follows; President, O. E. Learnard; Vice-Presidents Nathan Price, S. C. Pomeroy, Thomas Ewing, Jr., Joseph Speck, E. Heath, Henry Fox, D. W. Houston and E. G. Jewell; Secretaries D. W. Wilder, T. D. Thacher, J. F. Cummings and John A., Martin. After the organization was effected, the Convention was addressed by Horace Greeley, one of the purest and noblest of American statesmen. In the course of his address, Mr. Greeley was made the following allusion to the first martyr President; "the able and gallant Lincoln, of Illinois, whom we had hoped to meet and hear today, has happily illustrated the Squatter Sovereignty principle, thus: If A. wants to make B. a slave, C. must not interfere to prevent him." Mr. Greeley, closed with the following grand and prophetic peroration: "Freemen of Kansas! I would inspire you with no unwarranted, no overweening confidence of success in the great struggle directed before us. I have passed the age of illusions and no longer presume a party or cause destined to triumph merely because I know it should. On the contrary, when I consider how vast are the interests and influence combined to defeat us__the Three Thousand Millions of property in human flesh and blood__the subserviency of commerce to this great source of custom and profit__the prevalence of ignorance and of selfishness affecting the many millions prodigally lavished by the wielders of Federal authority-the lust of office and the prevalence of corruption-I often regard the struggle of 1860, with less of hope than of apprehension. Yet, when I think of the steady diffusion of intelligence, the manifest antagonism between the Slavery extensionists and the interest of free Labor--when I consider how vital and imminent is the necessity for the passage of the free Land bill-- when I feel how the very air of the Nineteenth Century vibrates to the pulsations of the great heart of Humanity, beating higher and higher with aspirations for Universal freedom, until even the barbarous Russia is intent on striking off the shackles of her fettered millions. I cannot repress the hope that we are on the eve of a grand beneficent victory. But whether destined to be waved in triumph over our next great battle-field, or trodden into the mire through our defeat, I entreat you to keep the Republican flag flying in Kansas, so long as one man can anywhere be rallied to defend it. Defile not the glorious dust of the martyred dead whose freshly grassed graves lie thickly around us, by trailing that flag in dishonor or folding it cowardly despair on this soil so lately reddened by their patriotic blood. If it be destined in the mysterious Providence of God, to go down, let the sunlight which falls lovingly on their graves catch the last defiant wave of its folds in the free breeze which sweeps over these prairies; let it be burned, not surrendered, when no one remains to uphold it, and let its ashes rest forever with theirs by the banks of the Marais des Cygnes." More About JAMES LAIRD MCDOWELL: Baptism: October 29, 1826, First United Presbyterian Church, Newville, Cumberland Co., PA. Fact 1: February 07, 1859, Appointed to Scientific and Historical Society of Kansas; on the Executive Com. (Source: Kansas Historical Quarterly.) Fact 2: 1860, Second Term on Executive Committee for Scientific and Historical Society (Source: Kansas Historical Quarterly.) Fact 3: April 22, 1861, Appointed to Governor Charles Robinson's Executive Staff/ Kansas Militia (Source: Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Kansas 1861-1865 Volume 1 Page 5.) Fact 4: Bet. 1861 - 1865, Aides-de-Camp - Colonel James Laird McDowell (Source: Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Kansas 1861-1865 Volume 1 Page 5.) Fact 5: July 07, 1860, Census James L. McDowell Living in 2nd Ward Leavenwoth City, Kansas, Age 37 (Source: 1860 U.S. Census Report Levenworth, Kansas.) Fact 6: June 11, 1870, Census Shows James L. McDowell married with one son living in 3rd Ward (Source: 1870 U. S. Census Report Levenworth, Kansas.) Fact 7: June 11, 1870, Leavenworth/ Occupation: Cattle Dealer (Source: 1870 U. S. Census Report Levenworth, Kansas.) Fact 8: December 21, 1904, Buried in Sunset Cemetery, Manhattan, Kansas/ General J. L. McDowell (Source: Sunset Cemetery Records Manhattan, Riley County, Kansas, Copied by Members of the Kansas Mission and typed by the Genealogical Society, Salt Lake City, Page 160.) Fact 9: January 07, 1859, Incorporators of the Leavenworth Literary Association (Source: Kansas Historical Quarterly, 359.) Fact 10: December 21, 1904, Died in Elkton, Colorado (Source: The Mercury, Manhattan 12/28/1904, Page 2, On 12/21/1904 Generral J. L. McDowell age 79 years, in Elkton, Colorado.) Fact 11: April 22, 1861, Chief Engineer- Colonel James Laird McDowell (Source: William G. Cutler, William G Cutler's History of the State of Kansas.) Fact 12: Bet. 1860 - 1864, Mayor of Leavenworth may be mentioned James L. McDowell, 1860, 1864; (Source: William G. Cutler, William G Cutler's History of the State of Kansas.) Fact 13: Aft. 1855, Postmaster of Leavenworth... James L. McDowell Membership: 1860, appointed by President Lincoln as US Marshall for the district of Kansas. Military service: 1863, Appointed Major General in Kansas State Militia Notes for MARY ISABELLA BLEAN: Source: Bettie Morrow on July 13, 1998 went to Newville and viewed the McDowell graves; she gave me the following information: Mary L. wife of James L. McDowell 07 Mar 1836 - 12 Feb 1865; Robert, their son 25 Jan 1865 - 01 Feb 1865. Note These two on one marker, Mary must have died from complications of childbirth Marriage Notes for JAMES MCDOWELL and MARY BLEAN: .... shows the marriage of "James L. McDowell of Leavenworth, Kansas and Mary Bell Blean (daughter of Robert Blean) of Cumberland Co." on Aug. 12, 1862. They were married by the Rev. Isaiah Faries. More About DORCAS ROSELINA COLLINS: Fact 1: June 11, 1870, Census/ Dorcas R., Age 32 from PA Fact 2: July 26, 1894, Buried in Sunset Cemetery, Manhattan, Kansas Fact 3: July 26, 1894, Death of Mrs. J. L. McDowell (Source: LDS microfilm # 1521941, The Mercury, Manhattan, Kansas, Page 1, Date August 1, 1894.) vi. SAMUEL ALEXANDER MCDOWELL, b. October 20, 1828, Cumberland County, PA (Source: History of The First United Presbyterian Church, Newville, PA, 1764-1978; compiled Georgia Rife, 1980..); d. January 03, 1887, Carlisle, Cumberland County, PA; m. HESTER MCCLELLAN, September 12, 1860, Carlisle, Cumberland County, PA (Source: Mathew Henry Exposition - Family History Pages.). Notes for SAMUEL ALEXANDER MCDOWELL: SOURCE: History of The First United Presbyterian Church, Newville, PA, 1764-1978; compiled Georgia Rife, 1980. "Record of Baptisms by Dr. A. Sharp, 1824-1831" but no dates are given....The same listing shows the baptism of Samuel Alexander McDowell, child of John and Margaret McDowell, born Oct. 20, 1828. SOURCE: Biographical Annals of Cumberland County PA -- containing Biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settled families. -- illustrated -- Chicago, The Genealogical Publishing Co. 1905, pages 23 - 24 DR. SAMUEL A. MCDOWELL passed away in Carlisle in 1887, and his widow has since resided in that place, where she also had her early home. Through the Doctor lived abroad many years, returning to his native land but a short time before his death, he was well known and much esteemed in Carlisle and Cumberland county, and as a dentist who had the reputation of being a leader in his profession in Europe for many years he enjoyed considerable renown on the Continent. Samuel A. McDowell was born in 1828 in Cumberland county, and was a son of John McDowell, a native of the county and a lifelong agriculturist, who lived near North Mountain in the neighborhood of McClure's Gap. John McDowell married Margaret Laird, who was, like himself , of Scotch-Irish descent. Samuel A. was but five months old when his father died, and he remained with his mother, spending his boyhood and youth on a farm in Cumberland county. He first attended the district schools, and later was a student at Tuscarora Academy, in Juniata County, Pa., after which he took up the study of dentistry with Dr. I. C. Loomis, of Carlisle. His first location for practice was at Toledo, Ohio, but his health failing there he moved South, settling at Goldsboro, N. C. When the Civil war broke out, in 1861, he was forced to flee to the North, and left everything, household goods, office fixtures, and all, to reach a place of safety. They were eleven days and nights getting to their northern destination, at Norfolk, Va., having been refused a pass to the north, so that they were obliged to retrace their steps and go through Tennessee and Kentucky, passing through Bowling Green, in the latter State. They went to Pittsburg, Pa., and thence to Carlisle. Dr. McDowell then went abroad, going to Basel, Switzerland, and practicing there five years and in London, England, for a year. His next move was to Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, where he remained, in active practice for ten years, until his return to America. Dr. McDowell was recognized as one of the leading dental practitioners of Europe, and counted among his patrons many scions of the English, German and Russian nobility, as well as famous wealthy families, the Rothschilds among others. Though a successful man in every sense of the word Dr. McDowell remained to the end an unaffected, lovable character, a Christian of the highest type, and a saintly man in all the relations of life. While in North Carolina he was an elder in the Presbyterian Church. In politics he was originally a Whig, but after his return to America he allied himself with the Prohibition party. In 1860 Dr. McDowell was married, in Carlisle to Hester M. McClellan, who survives him, and makes her home in Carlisle, one of the most respected residents of that place. Mrs. McDowell comes from the same family as Gen. John B. McClellan, being a descendant of Sir Robert McClellan, a native of Scotland who was banished from that country because of his faith or political views, and came to America. He returned to Scotland, where he died, but he left two sons here. The McClellans originally settled in New Jersey, later in Chester county, Pa., but John McClellan, Mrs. McDowell's grandfather, was a farmer of York County, owning 200 acres of land. He died there. Mitchell McClellan, her father, was the first of the family to come to Cumberland county, where he was engaged in farming, near Carlisle, to which city he removed on retiring from active life. He died on the homestead there in 1885, at the advanced age of eighty-five years, and his wife, Mrs. Susanna (Black) McClellan, survived until 1890, reaching the age of eight-six years. Her father, Thomas Black, was an officer in the Revolutionary war. Mr. and Mrs. McClellan were the parents of eight children, namely: John S., who is a resident of Philadelphia, Pa.; Martha, who married James Stuart and is deceased; Elizabeth; Jane, who died young; Hester M., Mrs. McDowell; Margaret, who died in 1898, unmarried; James M., who died in Montgomery county, Pa.; and Virginia H., of Carlisle. James M. McClellan left three sons and one daughter: George B., Arthur J., Samuel A., and Henrietta, of Philadelphia. These boys are being educated by Mrs. McDowell. George B. and Arthur are attending Dickinson College, and Samuel A. is a student at the Grammar School. More About SAMUEL ALEXANDER MCDOWELL: Occupation: Dentist