Parents: John McDowell and Elizabeth Reed

William (Howard) McDowell [1775 - 26 February 1851 75y 9m 6d MILR/FG] married Ann Alexander [1782 (by calculation) - 1842 MILR/FG], the daughter of Major Thomas Alexander.[McDowell, 135] A Lewistown Gazette Obituary reported her as age 60 and wife of Wm McDowell. They had the following children.

Parents: John McDowell and Elizabeth Reed

James McDowell [c1779 - c1841 (62y died 18__) NHAM/FG] married Mary Allison [c1792 - Unknown]. James and Mary had the following children according to several sources.[McDowell, 135] We have confirmed those lists other than a William McDowell and a Joseph McDowell while adding John A. McDowell.

For their presumptive son Carson, we have only found the following record.[9]

Parents: John McDowell and Elizabeth Reed

John McDowell [1783 - 1841] apparently never married. The following description of this John exists.[McDowell, 135-136]

We have been unable to find a copy of this Will, but the following listing appears in the Register's Docket for Mifflin County.

Parents: John McDowell and Elizabeth Reed

Samuel McDowell [13 April 1791 - 11 August 1862 MCEM/FG] married first to Sarah Moore [8 September 1795 - 15 October 1828] on 8 January 1817, daughter of Isaac Moore and Lydia Wilson, and second to Susanna Brown [3 May 1812 - 11 October 1877 MCEM/FG], daughter of Michael Brown.[McDowell, 136]

Parents: John McDowell and Jean (King)

Joseph McDowell [Unknown - 1779] appeared on the following tax list.

Parents: Unknown

Alexander McDowell [Unknown - c1795] married Elizabeth MNU. According to deed records presented below, they had only one daughter.

Parents: Unknown

William McDowell [c1682 - 12 September 1759 DONE/FG] was born in Scotland and moved to Northern Ireland and married Mary (Irvin) [1684 PMT - 17 February 1782 DONE/FG[West, 112]] in Ireland. They had the following children.

We have found no evidence supporting the claim that he had three brothers who came to America with him nor any records that tie him to men of a comparable age. We believe that this claim refers to his son William and his three brothers, all of whom settled in the same region.

Parents: William McDowell and Mary Irvin

John McDowell [1716 - 6 June 1794 SGC/FG[West, 113]] married Agnes Craig [1717 - 8 August 1766 SGC/FG] about 1739. They had the following children.

In the name of God Amen. I John McDowell of the Township of Peters, County of Franklin and State of Pennsylvania being far advance in years & infirm, but of sound & disposing mind & memory, do this twenty ninth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety four, ordain & constitute this my last will & testament in manner following, viz. It is my will that all my just debts & funeral expenses be first paid. I will & appoint that the sum of twenty four hundred pounds in Bonds to be paid by Christian Beam at different periods commencing next April shall be divided among my children, Viz, To Mary Brownson her heirs & assigns the sum of six hundred & twenty five pounds. To Elias Davidson his heirs & assigns the sum of six hundred & twenty five pounds. To Doctor John King his heirs & assigns the sum of six hundred & twenty five pounds, To George King his heirs & assigns the sum of five hundred & twenty five pounds, which legacies I allow to be paid in the following manner Viz, That each of the aforesaid legatees shall receive an equal fourth part of the several bonds as they become due & are paid, until the legacies are discharged. I will to my child [Sic: son-in-law] Hugh Davison his heirs & assigns for whom I have already made provisions, my gray mare. It is further my will that Doctor John King shall at his own expence provide & place a Tombstone over the grave of me & my wife, & also to discharge all my just debts & funeral expenses. I will & bequeath all the rest of my estate to Doctor John King. Lastly I appoint my two sons in Law Doctor John King & Elias Davison to be sole Executors of this my last will & testament revoking all other Wills heretofore made by me. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year first above mentioned.

On the 3^d day of September 1794 John Allison and George Nigh two of the witnesses to the within writing appeared before me the [subscribed] register for the probate of wills &C for Franklin County and on their solemn oaths deposeth & saith that they were personally present and saw & heard John McDowell within mentioned now dec^d write his name unto & seal & publish the within writing as and for his last will & testament & that at the time of the doing thereof he the said John McDowell was of sound and disposing mind memory & understanding according to the best of their knowledge & belief, that their names written thereunto is of their own handwriting and that the said John McClellan was the other witness signature at the same time.

Sworn & subscribed before Edw. Crawford Register

Parents: John McDowell and Agnes Craig

Mary McDowell [1743 - 22 April 1833] married Dr. Richard Brownson [3 May 1737 - 25 March 1790], the son of Timothy Brownson and Abigail Jenner. They had the following children.

Parents: John McDowell and Agnes Craig

Agnes McDowell [9 September 1740 - 9 June 1790] married Elias Davidson [1736 - 15 April 1806] on 19 March 1771 by Wm Lang.[West, 89] He was a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church at Greencastle. They had the following children.

Parents: John McDowell and Agnes Craig

Elizabeth McDowell [Unknown - 12 December 1822] married Rev. John King [5 December 1743 - 15 July 1813 CHUR/FG] on 2 April 1771 by Wm Lang.[West, 89] They had no children. His history is summarized in the following exerpt.[Bio, 81]

Parents: John McDowell and Agnes Craig

Margaret "Peggy" McDowell [Unknown - 1828] married George King [1758 - 24 March 1840] on 6 June 1786.[West, 91] They had the following children.

Parents: John McDowell and Agnes Craig

Catherine McDowell [1753 - 10 February 1818 LAIRD/FG] married Colonel Hugh Davison [1745 - 3 July 1820 LAIRD/FG] on 21 November 1774.[West, 90] They had the following children.

Parents: William McDowell and Mary MNU

Robert McDowell [1717 - July 1806 SGC/FG[West, 114]] is believed to have married Anne MNU [Unknown - 17 September 1738 CCBG/FG] but we've found no proof. McDowell [Dorothy, 197] abstracted the following information from another book.[Bell, no page numbers given]

We examined the original book containing the Admissions to the Lords Supper and found the following information.

We did not find Agnes on the list, but we include her as a possible daughter since the information from Bell could be based on a different original document. Annabelle is considered to be a daughter of the elder William McDowell but we have found no proof for that and she could indeed be a daughter of Robert. We list her under the elder William McDowell. Based on the quote, the above records which clearly identify Alexander as a son of Robert, and a tax record with identifies John as a son of Robert plus the fact that John is explicity mentioned in the 1806 Will of Thomas McDowell as a son of Robert, we assign the following children to Robert. Sarah is on the list because of existing documents involving her husband John Gibson and her two brothers. Sarah fits under no other McDowell.

Parents: Robert McDowell

Alexander McDowell [Bf 1755 - Unknown] married Isabel McKinney [Unknown - February 1818 [West, 115]] on 24 February 1785.[West, 91] They had the following children.

Parents: Alexander McDowell and Isabel McKinney

Josiah McDowell [1 March 1787 - 23 October 1867 SGC/FG (79y 6m [West, 125])] was baptized on 17 June 1787.[West, 18] He married Isabella MNU [c1800 - Af 1850]. They apparantly left no issue.

I, Josiah McDowell of Peters Township Franklin County Pennsylvania, being of sound and disposing mind, memory and judgement, do make this my last Will and Testament, as follows, viz: I give and bequeath to my beloved friend and Pastor Revd Thomas Creigh, all that farm or tract of land with the appurtenances thereof, on which I at present reside, in said Township of Peters, Containing over two hundred acres, bounded by lands of Benjamin L. Ryder, Michael Ryder and others, to be for the exclusive use and benefit of said Thomas Creigh and his heirs, I give and bequeath to the said Thomas Creigh the House and lot which I own in the Borough of Mercersburg at present occupied by Mrs. Taylor and others provided nevertheless that Mrs. Taylor shall have the free use and occupancy of the South or corner end of said house, together with that part of the garden heretofore occupied by the tenant, in that end, it being understood that the North end, with the garden to the same, shall be under the control and direction of the said Thomas Creig and his heirs, and it being understood that the necessary repairs, and taxes of the whole premises shall be paid or kept up from the rents of the North end during the life of Mrs. Taylor and at her decease, the whole of the said double House & lot shall belong to the said Thomas Creigh and his heirs. It is my Will, and I do hereby so direct that after my funeral and other necessary expenses are paid, that the rest and residue of my personal estate shall be distributed to such religious objects as shall be designated by my Executor hereinafter named, herein pointed out to him any wishes in regard to the same. I do hereby constitute and appoint the Revd Thomas Creigh the sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament. In Testimony whereof, I, Josiah McDowell, the Testator in the foregoing Will have hereunto set my hand and seal this Fifth day of March one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six. The words "of said house" interlined before signing.

Penn at Franklin County Ss: Before me, Henry Strickler Register for the Probate of Wills &C in and for said County personally came James O. Carson and Thomas C. Grove, the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing Instrument of writing who being duly sworn according to law, did depose and say that they were personally present and saw Josiah McDowell late of Peters Township decd sign his name to said foregoing writing and seal the same, and heard him publish, pronounce and declare the said writing to be his last Will and Testament, and that at the same time said deceased was of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that they signed their names thereunto as witnesses at the request of the Testator, in his presence and in presence of each other.

Franklin County Ss: You, Thomas Creigh, do swear by almighty God, the Searcher of all hearts, that as Executor of the last Will and Testament of Josiah McDowell late of Peters Twp decd you will well and truly administer the goods & chattels, rights and credits of said deceased according to law, also will diligently and faithfully regard and well and truly comply with the provisions of the law relating to collateral inheritances.

Parents: Robert McDowell

Col. John McDowell [1767 - 29 September 1849 CHC/FG] married first to married Katherine McKinney on 19 August 1787[West, 92] and second to Jane Mitchell [1778 - 1 January 1864 CHC/FG]. He had the following children.[McDowell, 140]

Jane lived with her son John in the 1850 Census.

He performed in that role in 1805.

Parents: William McDowell and Mary MNU

Elizabeth McDowell [1718 - Unknown] married first to Lt. James Holliday [Ireland - 9 June 1757], the son of John Holliday of Peters Township, about 1739. He was born in Ireland and emigrated to America before 1740. He was killed in battle near Ft. Loudon PA on 9 June 1757 by Indians and was a Lt. in Capt. John Steel's Co. in 1756. They had the following children.

Parents: William McDowell and Mary Irvin

William McDowell [1722 - 17 September 1812 SGC/FG[West, 114]] was born in Chester County PA, died in Peters Township, and married Mary Maxwell [1727 - 9 April 1805 SGC/FG[West, 114]] about 1749 in Mercersburg. She was the daughter of Susanna and Major William Maxwell from northern Ireland who came to PA in about 1738 and settled in Peters Township, Cumberland County, now Franklin County.[See Will of William Maxwell] She was the sister of Catherine Maxwell who married Nathan McDowell. According to his 1811 Will, William and Mary had the following twelve children.

In the 1810 Census, William lived with his son Thomas.

He served as a Justice in other records — some involving other members of his extended family.

On the twenty eighth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seven I William McDowell Senr of Peters Township in Franklin County & State of Pennsylvania being advance in years & weak in body, but of sound and disposible mind and memory having in mind the mortality of the body & knowing it is appointed for all men to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament - touching such worldly Estate as I may die seized of and possessed of I will, devise and dispose of it in manner following Viz: first I allow all my just debts & funeral expences to be paid and discharged out of my personal Estate
Secondly, I will and devise to my son William all the plantation and tract of Land whereon he now lives with the appurtenances to him his heirs an assigns forever as also what balance if any may be against him in my Book.
Thirdly, I will and devise to my son John his heirs & assigns the sum of ten pounds specie to be paid by my son Thomas.
Fourthly, I will and devise to my son Nathan his heirs and assigns a tract of land in Westmoreland County, which was patented in my son William's name and by him conveyed to me which contains three hundred acres be the same more or less.
Fifthly, I will and devise to my son Alexander his heirs or assigns a plantation & tract of land in which now Washington County which tract I have already conveyed to him.
Sixthly I will and devise to my son Andrew his heirs & assigns my house and lot in the borough of Chambersburg whereon he now lives & is in possession of clear of any charges or incumbrances except what trouble of attendance and medicine he has had or may have with his mother or myself.
Seventhly, I will & devise to my son Patrick his heirs or assigns all the following tracts & parcels of land hereafter described, Viz, a tract of land in Westmoreland County North of Loyalhannon and called which tract was pattened in my son Nathan's name & by him conveyed to me also a tract of land in Peters Township Franklin County containing seventy one acres adjoining others heirs and my son William also all that lies on the North side of the great road leading to Chambersburg of a small tract of Patent land of eighty six acres and a quarter including his improvement that now occupied by George Beaver also my share or dividend of the wood land held in Partnership with my brothers Nathan & James on the South side of the Wagon road aforesaid as the same was laid off to me by auditors also twelve and a half acres of Bottom land adjoining Nathan McDowell & others near Conococheague Creek.
Eightly, I will & devise to my son Thomas his heirs & assigns the messuage & plantation where I now dwell with all the appurtenances & all pieces or parcels of land Joyning the same not otherwise mentioned he paying to my daughters the following legacies, Viz, to my Daughter Peggy the sum of three hundred pounds to my daughter Nancy the sum of three hundred & fifty pounds which sums is to be paid to them or their heirs within three years after my decease and to my daughter Susannah Martin or heirs or assigns the sum of ten pounds current money as afsd. Also I will and devise to my son Thos. the Clock my desk one feather bed & furniture belonging to it, my two Muletto boys the stock of horses Cattle & hogs excepting a reding horse or more to each of my daughters Viz, Peggy and Nancy and to my son Thomas the Smith tools, the stills and the farming utensils on said farm the remaining part of the household furniture I allow to be equally divided between my two daughters Peggy & Nancy it is also my will that my slave Dinna be free at my death it is further my will & pleasure that should any difference or dispute arise between my legatees or any point respecting this my will or any part thereof the same should be refered to my son John & my friends James Maxwell and William Allison to settle the same and in case of the death of them or either of them that it be left to three indifferent men amicably chosen by the parties.
And lastly I do hereby nominate & appoint my two sons Viz, John & Thomas McDowell executors in this my last will & testament to see that the same be duly executed according to the intent and meaning thereof ratifying and confirming this to be my last will & testament. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year first above written.

Franklin County: On the twenty fourth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & twelve, Joseph Van Lear one of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing Instrument of writing appeared before me Register for the probate of Wills & granting letters of administration in & for Franklin County who upon his solemn oath deposeth & saith that he saw & heard Will McDowell now deceased write his name unto and seal and published the above instrument of writing as and for his last will & testament, and that at the time of doing thereof he the said dec^d was of sound and disposing mind memory & understanding to the best of his knowledge & belief that his name thereto subscribed as a witness is of his own proper handwriting done at the same time that he also saw James Maxwell Esqr sign his name thereto as a witness.

Sworn & subscribed before John Findlay Regr

On the ninth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & twelve Nathan McDowell of Peters Township appeared before me Register for the Probate of wills & granting letters of Admr in & for Franklin County who being duly deposeth and saith that he is acquainted with the handwriting of W^m McDowell Senr dec^d that he verily believes the name William McDowell signed to the foregoing Instrument of writing to be the proper handwriting of the said dec^d according to the best of his knowledge & belief.

Sworn & subscribed before John Findlay Regr

24^th Sep 1812 both Executors sworn to execute this will file Inv in one year or when legally required.

Parents: William McDowell and Mary Maxwell

William McDowell [1750 - 20 June 1835 SGC/FG[West, 118]] married Elizabeth Van Lear [1759 - 14 June 1814 [West, 114]] on 8 February 1786.[West, 91] A Burial Card for the Spring Grove Cemetery in Lemaster, Peters Township, PA shows his birth and death dates and mentions his Revolutionary War Record. According to his 1825 Will and other records, they had the following children.

In the name of God Amen, I William McDowell being of sound disposition mind and memory do ordain this my will and testament. First all my just debts be paid out of that part of my estate on which I now live or by my son John McDowell to whom I leave it. To my daughter Mary McDowell I will and bequeath one thousand dollars besides four shares in the Bank of Columbia, and two shares in the Farmers Bank of Maryland, and one share in the Bank of Alexandria, in all seven shares, besides a bed and bedding exclusive of what she already has, and a horse creature and her saddle and bridle and her bureau and a share in the stock of cows besides what she already has, and a part of the household furniture which she choses. To my daughter Jean V. Davidson I will and bequeath besides what she has already got a tract of land in District No. 1 now in Butler County No. 123 on Muddy Creek, for her and her heirs forever besides two hundred dollars. To my son William McDowell that part of the tract No. 2 as the draught will show, and he has made choice of it, paying the sum of eight hundred dollars, the tract No. 3 a line to be struck across the tract so as to divide it in equal parts, the lower part to fall to him, and the upper part to John, the waggons to be equally between them, and to my wearing apparel and all my silver buttons, and my diploma and desks. To my daughter Margret McDowell I will and bequeath one thousand dollars, a bed and bedding a horse creature saddle and bridle, her bureau, likewise four shares in the Bank of Columbia and two shares in the Farmers Bank of Maryland and her divide of the cattle and furniture as mentioned to her sister Mary. To my son John McDowell the tract I now live on No. 1 as the improvements are valuable to pay fifteen hundred dollars, and my just debts to have the time of George and my gold watch, and until my daughters Mary and Margret is otherwise provided for, to be supported and John to have the desk and bookcase, the upper part of the tract No. 3 to fall to him. To my son Thomas a tract of land in the third district now in Mercer County No. 446 and one hundred dollars besides what he has already got as his receipt will show. I likewise had a tract of land in the State of Ohio as the patent and papers will show. If that can be recovered my will is that it be sold and divided equally between my two daughters Mary and Margaret. It is my will and pleasure that if any dispute should arise to call in some of the friends or neighbors to decide between them and not to enter into any troublesome lawsuit, as often little is to gained by it. And my will is that if the money coming to me from William M. Brown and William Maxwell as Executors of Judge Maxwells estate can be recovered to be equally divided between my two daughters as mentioned before, and when the Turnpike stock can be divided, the share that falls to me to be divided equally with my two daughters above mentioned. And I hereby constitute and appoint my sons William and John McDowell Executors of this my will and testament my books to be equally divided between my sons William and John. Signed sealed and delievered as my last will and testament this 15^th day of Nov^r 1825.

Franklin County Ss: On this 24^th day of June A. D. 1835 Personally appeared before me Daniel Spangler Deputy Register in the said County Thomas McDowell & Patrick McDowell, the subscribing witnesses to this instrument of writing, who being duly sworn according to law did depose & say that they were severally present & saw William McDowell now deceased write his name unto & heard him publish pronounce & declare the same as & for his last will & testament & that at the time of the doing thereof the said deceased was of sound mind, memory & understanding according to the best of his knowledge & belief & that their names thereto subscribed as witnesses are in their own proper handwriting & done at the same time.

24^th June 1835. You William & John McDowell do swear that (as executors of the last will & testament of William McDowell late of Franklin County deceased) you & each of you will well & truly administer the goods & chattels, rights & credits of said deceased according to law, and also will diligently & faithfully regard & well & truly comply with the provisions of the law relating to collateral inheritances.

Parents: William McDowell and Elizabeth Van Lear

Mary Maxwell McDowell [24 November 1786 - 4 May 1840 SGC/FG] never married. She was baptized on 6 February 1787 and left a Will.[West, 18]

I, Mary McDowell of the Township of St. Thomas, County of Franklin and State of Pennsylvania, being weak in body but of sound memory and understanding, do make this my last Will and Testament. First, I leave and bequeath to my sister Jane all my wearing apparel. Also two beds and bedding, bureau, table linen and two sets of tea spoons. Second, I leave and bequeath to each of my sister Jane's children, two hundred Dollars to be paid to each and every one of them when they arrive at age. I also bequeath to my sister Jane all the interest arising from my money for her proper use, until each of her children arrives at age, as also my interest in a tract of land in Mercer County and State of Penn^a. I hereby release my brothers William and John from any interest until my decease. The residue of my property I leave to my sister Margaret. I do hereby appoint my brother John Executor of this my last Will aand Testament.

Franklin County Ss: On this 14^th May 1840, personally appeared before me Henry Ruby Register &C in & for said County John McDowell & William McDowell, subscribing witnesses to the foregoing & within instrument of writing, who being duly sworn according to Law, did depose & say that they were personally present & saw Mary McDowell now decd make her mark unto & heard her publish, pronounce & declare the same as & for her Last Will and Testament & that at the time of the doing thereof the said deceased was of sound & disposing mind, memory & understanding according to the best of their knowledge & belief, and that their names thereto subscribed as witnesses are in their own proper handwriting & done at the same time.

Sworn & subscribed before me

14^th May 1840. You John McDowell do swear that as Executor of the Last Will & Testament of Mary McDowell, late of St. Thomas Township decd, you will well & truly administer the goods & chattels, rights & credits of said decd according to Law; And also will diligently & faithfully regard & well & truly comply with the provisions of the Law relating to collateral inheritances.

Parents: William E. McDowell and Elizabeth Van Lear

William E. McDowell [20 November 1791(FG)/1792 - 9 May 1862 PREST/FG] married Sarah "Sally" Work [31 October 1790 - 30 July 1844 SGC/FG[West, 120]], the daughter of Henry Work and Sarah Crawford, on 15/18 May 1820. He was baptized in January 1792.[West, 19] They had the following children.

Parents: William McDowell and Elizabeth Van Lear

John McDowell [1796 - 11 November 1879] married first to Agnes (Nancy) McDowell [1806 - 19 June 1845], the daughter of Patrick McDowell and Elizabeth Davidson, on 23 June 1824. He was baptized on 1 April 1797.[West, 20] They had the following children.

Parents: William McDowell and Mary Maxwell

John McDowell [11 February 1751 - 22 December 1820 SGC/FG] never married. We summarize his history from a source.[Bio, 82-82]

In the Name of God Amen, I John McDowell being of sound and disposing mind and memory do ordain this my will and testament.
I give and bequeath to my sister Susan and to each of her children the sum of three hundred dollars.
I give to each of the daughters of my late brother Alexander the sum of three hundred dollars and to each of his sons the sum of Four hundred dollars and my Will is that a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars be advanced if necessary by my executors to pay debts that may yet come against the estate, and if not necessary, for this purpose that it be divided between the four sons and their sister Mary, and I acquit and release the said estate of all debts due to me and of all monies advanced by me to discharge debts against s^d estate and allow the whole to accrue to the benefit of the children of my late brother Alexander. And I trust and hope that some of my brothers prompted by duty and a regard to the Orphans of a deceased brother will from time to time visit them in that distant county to see that proper care is taken of themselves and property and I authorize my executors to make simple compensation to such […] son for his expence and trouble.
I give and bequeath to my sister Nancy all my Gold and silver coin, my gold sleve buttons, the sum of five hundred dollars, and likewise the dividends that may become due on the whole of my stock in the Chambersburgh and Bedford turnpike company, and the Chambersburgh turnpike company, during her life, the said Stock afterwards to become part of the residue of my estate.
I give to my sister Margaret the sum of three hundred dollars, and all sums of money I may have lent to her or advanced on her account, likewise the bed, bedsted, furniture and carpet in the room where I usually slept. This bequest I make her, not as a compensation for the many services I have received from her, for it is very inadequate to them, nor that she stands in need of any thing from me, being already amply provided with this wordly goods but as a proof of the grateful sense I feel of her goodness to me. I may say the same of my sister Nancy for the tender care and assiduous attention to me in my weak and feeble condition. My other bed and furniture I give to my niece Mary, daughter of my brother William.
I give and bequeath to each of my nieces, daughters, of my brothers William, Nathan, Andrew, Patrick and Thomas, the sum of two hundred dollars.
I give and I devise to my brother Andrew and his heirs, the lot which I bought of him in Chambersburgh. I likewise give to his son William the sum of three hundred dollars, to be laid out I trust in law books, if he intends to pursue his profession with credit and advantage to himself. And my will is that my brother Patrick should take the forty acres I bought of Nathan McDowell on paying a reasonable price for the same to my executors.
I give and I bequeath to the University of Pennsylvania all my Latin & Greek books, all my books on Mathmatics and natural Philosophy. Among these there are no doubt many of little value, but there are some, I flatter myself, not unworthly the acceptance of a learned institution. All the rest of my books I give to my aforesaid brothers, to be divided equally between them, after my sisters, Margaret and Nancy have each made choice of twenty duodecime, or twelve […] volumes.
To my brother William I bequeath my Gold Watch, and to his son John my horse, saddle and bridle, and to my brother Nathan I give all my wearing apparel. All the rest and residue of my estate, I leave to be divided among my afsd five brothers equally each accounting for what he may respectively owe to my estate. And I hereby constitute and appoint my brothers William and Nathan, and my nephew William son of my brother Andrew executors of this my will and testament, strickly adjoining it on them to deposit in the Bank of Chambersburgh, the money as it shall be received, that it may be in readiness to pay the legacies as soon as possible. In Witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this twenty fifth day of November in the year eighteen hundred and twenty.

Pennsylvania Franklin County: On the first day of January A. D. 1820 Before me Register &C personally appeared the Rev^d David Elliot the subscribing witness to the foregoing instrument of writing who being duly sworn deposed and said that he heard Dr. John McDowell who is now decd publish & declare the said instrument of writing as and for his last will & testament, that at the time of such publication he the said decd was of a sound & disposing mind memory & understanding according to the best of the deponents knowledge & belief; and that his name thereto subscribed as a witness is of his own proper handwriting done at the same time.

Pennsylvania Franklin County: On the first day of January A.D. 1821 Before me Register &C personally appeared Alexander Calhoun who being duly sworn deposed & said that he is well acquainted with the handwriting of Dr. John McDowell decd and that he verily believes that the name "John McDowell" signed to the foregoing instrument of writing is of the proper handwriting of the said Dr. John McDowell decd.

1 Jany 1821 All exrs sworn to execute this will well & truly, file inventory & settle one year or when thereto legally required.

Parents: William McDowell and Mary Maxwell

Susannah "Susan" McDowell [1752 - 17 May 1839] married John Martin on 5 February 1778,[West, 90] a physician of Talbot County MD.[Bio, 83] They had the following son.

Parents: William McDowell and Mary Maxwell

Nathan McDowell [1758 - 1 February 1830 BROW/FG] married Mary McLanahan [c1760 PMT - 22 October 1818 BROW/FG], the daughter of John McLanahan and Rebecca Agnew.[Bio, 83] According to his 1829 Will, they had the following children.

Be it remembered, that I Nathan McDowell of Antrim Township Franklin County & State of Pennsylvania being of sound understanding, do make the following disposition of all my estate. 1^st It is my will that all my just debts be paid. I give & bequeath to my son John & his heirs all my property in & about Pittsburg consisting of quit rents on a lot in the City aforesaid, Two town lots across the river opposite said City, two ten acre lots & one fifty acre lot all lying near the aforesaid City together with one full share of land in the Ohio company as laid off. I also give to my son John one horse saddle & bridle, one bed & beding. I make this devise to my son John subject to the following charges. It is my will that he pays to my Daughter Sally the sum of one thousand Dollars & also to my Daughter Margaret the like sum of one thousand Dollars which is to be paid in the manner following - to Each of my aforesaid daughters it is my will that my son John pays annually after my decease the sum of one hundred & twenty five Dollars to each until the sum of two thousand dollars is exhausted. To my son Nathan I give & bequeath the farm I now live on containing two hundred acres to him & his heirs also one horse saddle & bridle bed & beding the land above mentioned includes forty seven acres now occupied by Thomas Hughs. I make this devise to my son Nathan subject to the following charges, it is my will that he pay to my daughters Sally & Margaret the sum of two thousand dollars to each (annually) after my decease, the sum of one hundred & twenty five dollars until the sum of two thousand dollars are exhausted. I also give to my son Nathan my clock & Book case & secretary & also my family bible. I give & bequeath to my two daughters Sally & Margaret & to their heirs three tracts of donation lands of two hundred acres each situate in the seventh eighth & tenth districts in the state of Pennsylvania to be equally divided between them having regard to quantity & quality also one Town lot which situate in the Town of Franklin in the County of Venango in the state of Pennsylvania aforesaid. I also give to my daughters aforesaid to each of them one horse saddle & bridle one bed & beding to each. I also give & devise to my daughter Sally one large looking glass that formerly belong to her Grandmother & also one chest of drawers to my Daughter Margaret I also give one chest of drawers. It is my will & devise that my two Daughters Sally & Margaret remain & live on where they now are as long as they are single & unmarried & to occupy the same rooms they have been accustomed to it is my will that my son Nathan finds my s^d Daughters in boarding. It is my will that my sons Nathan & John pay to my two daughter at my decease the sum of two hundred dollars to each one hundred. & whereas I hold two notes on my deceased son William to the amount of about seven hundred dollars which I relinguish in favour of his two daughters Eliza & Mary. It is my will that the sum of two hundred dollars which is to be paid to my daughters at my decease be deducted from the legacy devised first to them. It is my will & devise that all the rest & residue of my personal property that is not specially devised including my Bank stock in Georgetown by equally divided between my two sons John & Nathan. It is my will that after the discharge of my funeral expences & other debts, what money that may be remaining on hand be equally divided between my two sons John & Nathan. & lastly I do hereby appoint my two sons John & Nathan to be executors of this my last will & testament hereby revoking all others by me heretofore made. In Testemony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this eighteenth day of December eighteen hundred & twenty nine.

Franklin County: On this 9^th day of February 1830 appeared before me the Register &C for said County Samuel McLanahan & Tho. Crossan the witnesses to the foregoing instument of writing who being duly sworn do depose & say that they were present and saw Nathan McDowell now deceased write his name unto and heard him publish pronounce and declare the same as and for his last will and testament and that at the time of the doing thereof the said deceased was of sound & disposing mind memory & understanding according to the best of their knowledge & belief.

9^th February 1830. Both executors sworn well & truly to execute this Will, file an inventory & settle an account in one year or when thereto legally required, and to & comply with the provisions of the act of assembly relating to collateral inheritances.

Parents: Nathan McDowell and Mary McLanahan

William McDowell [28 January 1793 - (9 May 1825) 20 April 1825 BROW/FG] married Martha Gallagher [28 May 1793 MD - 28 November 1874 CGR/FG], the daughter of Alexander Gallagher, in 1814. He served in Capt John Flanagan's company for the defense of Baltimore in 1814. According to his 1825 Will, they had the following children.

Be it remembered that I William McDowell of the Township of Antrim County of Franklin and commonwealth of Pennsylvania being weak in body, but of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding do make and publish this as and for my last will and testament in manner and form following to wit, after the payment of all my just debts and funeral expenses it is my will that my property be disposed of as follows, viz, I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife Martha all my household & kitchen furniture and her choice of two cows, the remainder of my stock and provables of any kind, it is my desire should be sold by my Executors herein after named as soon as convenient after my decease. I do further will and bequeath to my beloved wife Martha the one half of all the profits arising from my farm until my youngest daughter Mary McLanahan McDowell arrives at the age of fourteen years, the remaining half of the profits to go to the support of my children until the above mentioned time expires at the expiration of which it is my will and I do give and bequeath to my beloved wife Martha the one third of the profit arising from my farm, the balance to be appropriated to the maintenance and education of my two daughters Eliza Robison McDowell and Mary McLanahan McDowell. It is my will also that my beloved wife Martha occupy and remain in the house now occupied by us, and should my Executor be able to save any monies over and above the sum requiring to the maintenance and execution of my children, it is my will that they should appropriate it to the finishing of the unfinished part of my dwelling house, and whereas I hold an interest in the estate of my late father in law, Abraham Gallagher deceased, it is my will that when the said interest be received by my Executors, it be put out on interest for the benefit of my beloved wife Martha and my two daughters Eliza Robison McDowell and Mary McLanahan McDowell, but in case of the death of both my daughters before they arrive at maturity, it is then my will that my beloved wife Martha receive the one half of the profits arising from my property during her natural life, and the remainder of said profits to be distributed equally between my Brothers John and Nathan and my Sisters Sarah & Margaret. It is further my will that at the death of my beloved wife Martha all the remainder or residue of my Estate real personal or mixed be divided equally between my Brothers and Sisters then living and their heirs share and share aliike. It is further my will that my Father should act as Guardian for my Daughters Eliza Robison McDowell and Mary McLanahan McDowell. Lastly I do nominate constitute and appoint my Brothers John McLanahan McDowell and Nathan McDowell Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking and annulling all other or former wills by me heretofore made. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed my seal the sixth day of April anno domini one thousand eight hundred and twenty five.

Franklin County: On this 13^th day of May 1825 appeared before me Register &C for said County Dr. Andrew McDowell & William M. McDowell Esq. the witnesses to this instrument of writing who being duly sworn do depose and say that they were present and saw William McDowell now deceased sign his name unto and heard him publish the same as and for his last will and testament, and that at the time of doing thereof he the said decd was of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding according to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that their names thereto subscribed as witnesses are of their own proper handwriting done at the same time.

13 May 1825 both Exrs sworn to execute will file Inventory & Settle an account in one year or when thereto legally required.

Parents: Nathan McDowell and Mary McLanahan

John McLanahan McDowell [2 May 1801 - 20 September 1882 CED/FG] married Margaret Allison McLanahan [22 March 1814 - 17 November 1889 CED/FG], the daughter of Samuel McLanahan and Margaret Allison, on 22 October 1833. They had the following children.

Parents: Nathan McDowell and Mary McLanahan

Nathan McDowell [4 August 1803 - 30 October 1860 RHILL/FG] married first to Emily Gabby [24 January 1811 - 10 January 1853 RHILL/FG] on 8 January 1834 in Washington County MD and second to Lutey (McDowell) [18 December 1826 - 10 November 1856 RHILL/FG]. They had the following children.

Parents: William McDowell and Mary Maxwell

Alexander McDowell [1760 - 4 January 1816 FRANK/FG] married Sarah Parker [11 September 1772 - 25 September 1865 FRANK/FG] in 1795. He was a surveyor and a Colonel who moved to Venango County in 1796. They had the following children. See Court Records for some of the children.

The following 1800 Censes makes no sense but it is what it is.

Sarah appears with her son Parker in the 1850 Census.

He subsequently performed more surveys.

Parents: William McDowell and Mary Maxwell

Andrew McDowell [1761 - 13 January 1846 [West, 120]] married first to Agnes "Nancy" McPherson [1765 - 9 November 1827 FALL/FG], the daughter of Col. Robert McPherson and Agnes Miller, on 9 May 1793 [West, 92] and second to Jane Porter [Unknown - 10 July 1838 [West, 119]]. He was a medical doctor, physician to the Franklin county poor house (1815-1818 and 1829-1830), moved to Mercersburg late in life, and died at the home of his son Dr. John McDowell.[Bio, 89] He had the following children.

The manner in which I direct my property to be distributed, as soon as money can be raised, all my just debts to be paid. The legacies deducted: all the residue of it to be divided into four equal parts to my four children. To D^r John McDowell of Mercersburg, to my Daughter Ann M. Williams near Williamsport, to D^r Robert McP McDowell in Ohio, to D^r Andrew N. McDowell in Pittsburg. If Andrew McDowell of John is become more industriouus, I leave him my gold watch, if not let it be given to his sister Amanda. Should Andrew McDowell Bailey arrive at the age of twenty one, I direct eight hundred dollars to be paid him, should he not arrive to that age, the money to be divided between my four children or their heirs. To Andrew McDowell son of Robert I direct two hundred dollars to be paid to Robert his father to aid in his education. To my son John I leave my gold sleve buttons, my gun clock and stand and all my Turnpike shares. To my Daughter Ann M. Williams my silver snuff box and what articles of mine is in my house. To my son Robert, all my wearing apparel and my carpet bag. To my son Andrew my gold and silver spectacles. I do appoint Otho Williams near Williamsport, John McDowell and Andrew McDowell to be my Executors to have the Will faithfully executed to sell and convey my house and Lot, my vacant Lot in Chambersburg, my land in Hopewell Township Bedford County, my Lott in the town of Franklin Venango County. Any two of the Executors signing the conveyance with approbation of the third will give a Title, my household property may be disposed of as my Executors may think proper considering that the above will be faithfully executed. I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 9^th day of September 1845.

Confirmed by Chanler on 24 January 1846. Confirmed by Reynold on 26 February 1846. 20 October 1846, Andrew McDowell declines acting as Executor. 26 October 1846, Otho Williams and John McDowell swear oaths as Executors.

Parents: William McDowell and Mary Maxwell

Patrick McDowell [7 February 1770 - 24 April 1846 SGC/FG[West, 120]] married Elizabeth Davidson [May 1780 - 1 August 1851 SGC/FG[West, 122]], the daughter of Elias Davidson and Agnes McDowell, on 22 November 1803.[West, 94] He was baptized on 18 March 1770,[West, 8] a farmer, and hotel keeper at the "White House" near St. Thomas. They had the following children.

The purchase of two lots in the Town of Franklin is documented in the following record.

I Elizabeth McDowell of St. Thomas Township Franklin County and State of Pennsylvania do make and ordain this my last will and testament.
First, I desire that my just debts be paid.
Secondly, that all the property which I now possess and was bequeathed to my by my late husband Patrick McDowell shall be divided equally between my two daughters Mary M. McDowell and Margaret M. McDowell.
I do hereby appoint John McDowell of said Township to execute this my last will and testament.

Penn^a Franklin County Ss. Aug. 21, 1851. Will proven by John McDowell and John M. Davidson. John McDowell swears that he will diligently and faithfully execute her estate according to the Will.[KM Abstract]

Parents: William McDowell and Mary Maxwell

Thomas McDowell [1772 - 4 August 1851 SGC/FG[West, 122]] married Mary Craig Davidson [1784 - 31 October 1854 [West, 122]], the daughter of Hugh Davidson and Catharine McDowell, on 12 March 1807.[West, 94][Bio, 83, 89] He was baptized on 22 August 1773.[West, 11] He was a ruling elder of the Upper West Conococheague Presbyterian Church from 1814 until his death. According to his 1844 Will and other sources, they had the following children.

Several of the ages in the following 1840 Census were apparently misreported by the census taker and placed one block to the left on the census form making people younger. William with wife Jane and daughter Mary live with Thomas in this census, but Mary dies before the 1850 Census.

Be it remembered that I Thomas McDowell of Peters Township Franklin County and State of Pennsylvania being advanced in years, but of a sound and disposing mind memory and judgment, knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death. And desiring that my family should live in peace and harmony after my decease, do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner following.
Item first. It is my will that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid by my son William out of the property willed to him.
Item. I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife all my beding bed cloths, household and table furniture of every description: except my clock and desk and bookcase, likewise the choice of any room in the house to occupy as her own during her natural life, likewise the note given to me by my sister Margaret Maris on which will become due at her decease amounting to one thousand dollars, and all the comforts she requires, and as many books out of my library as she chooses to select.
Item. I give and bequeath to my two daughters Mary Nelson and Catharine White, all that tract and messuage of land I hold in Plumb township, Allegheny County Pennsylvania containing one hundred and twenty five acres (if not sold before) to be sold by my Executors after my decease and divided between them as follows, Catherine is to receive the sum of six hundred dollars to make her equal with what Mary has received: should any of this sum be paid by me during my life: the receipts will be deducted: the balance of the proceeds of said property to be equally divided between my said two daughters Mary and Catherine: likewise it is my will that my son William pay the sum of two hundred dollars to his sister Mary, and two hundred dollaars to his sister Catherine out of the property willed to him.
Item. I will and bequeath to my son William H. McDowell all the tract of land on which I live with all the improvements, both where I live and on the lower part of said farm, likewise all my lands North of the turnpike road, to him and his heirs forever, likewise all my stock of horses cattle sheep and hogs, likewise all my farming utensils, thrashing machine, blacksmith and other tools with my clock and case, desk and bookcase.
It is my will that all my turnpike stock be equally divided amongst my children, after the decease of my beloved wife she enjoying whatever dividends may arise from them her lifetime.
It is likewise my will that the remaining part of my library, after my beloved wife has made her selection be divided equally amongst my children.
And as there may be some articles omited I do hereby declare my beloved wife my residuary legatee.
And I do hereby appoint my son William H. McDowell and my son-in-law A.K. Nelson my Executors to carry this my last will into full effect according to the full intent and meaning of the same, giving them all powers requisite for the performance of said duties. In testimony of which I have hereunto set my and acknowledged my hand and seal in presence of the subscribing witnesses this fifth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four.

No. 1. It is likewise my will and desire that all notes given for the price of any of my western lands and not redeemed at my decease shall be collected and paid over to my daughters Mary and Catherine by my Executors.

No. 2. I the within named Thomas McDowell do make and declare this Codicil to my last will and testament in manner following. The within tract of land willed to my daughters, Mary Nelson and Catherine White, I will and bequeath to them their heirs and assigns forever. And I do hereby nominate and appoint my son-in-law the Rev. N.G. White one of my Executors, to act in concert with those named in the body of my will giving him equal powers to discharge all the duties that may be required in carrying out this my last will and testament according to its true intent and meaning. Given under my and and seal this twenty sixth day of July A.D. one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.

Proven by William McDowell and L.C. Jordon on 26 August 1751 and W.H. McDowell, A.K. Nelson and N.G. White are sworn as Executors.[KM Abstract]

Parents: William McDowell and Mary Irvin

Nathan McDowell [1722 - 2 June 1801 SGC/FG[West, 113]] married Catherine Maxwell [Unknown - October 1777] on 17 May 1753 [PMT]. She was the daughter of Susanna and Major William Maxwell from northern Ireland who came to PA in about 1738 and settled in Peters Township, Cumberland County, now Franklin County. She was the sister of Mary Maxwell who married William McDowell. They had the following children.

We suspect that the following 1789 tax record is related to the above McDowell tracts.

The track is mentioned in the following deed.

In the name of God amen, I, Nathan McDowell of Peters Township in the County of Franklin and State of Pennsylvania, being in comfortable health of body and of sound mind, memory & understanding, but considering the uncertainty of this transitory life do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, to wit, it is my will that all my just debts be paid out of my personal estate by my son Nathan. And I do hereby ratify and confirm the deed of Gift made and perfected this day to Maxwell McDowell and Mary Holiday my son and daughter to certain tract of land therein mentioned. I give and devise to my son Maxwell one Horse such as he may choose among those that may be on the farm at my decease. I give and devise all the residue of my personal Estate of Whatsoever kind and also all my real estate wheresoever situated to my son Nathan. And I do hereby constitute and appoint my beloved son Nathan McDowell and my son in law John Holliday to be the executors of this my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twenty first day of April eighteen hundred.

On the second October 1801, W^m McDowell & Henry Work two of the Witnesses to the foregoing writing appeared before me register for the probate of Wills & granting letters of Adm^r for Franklin Co^y and on their solemn Oaths did depose and say that they were present & saw & heard Nathan McDowell now dec^d write his name unto and seal & publish the foregoing writing as & for his last Will and Testament and that at the time of doing thereof he the said Nathan was of sound and disposing mind, memory & understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief, that their names signed thereto is of their own hands writing, and that they did see John King the other Witness sign also at the same time.

Parents: Nathan McDowell and Catherine Maxwell

Nathan McDowell [19 December 1767 - 31 October 1819 [West, 115]] married Nancy Jean/Jane Irwin [20 August 1766 - Af 1840], the daughter of Joseph Irwin and Violet Porter, on 14 March 1792.[West, 92] They had the following children.

The following 1830 census record is possibly Jane.

In the name of God Amen I Nathan McDowell of the Township of Peters County of Franklin and state of Pennsylvania being in a languishing state of body, but of sound memory and understanding do ordain this my last will and testament. I resign my soul into the hands of my merciful creator and Father justified I hope by repentance and redeemed by Jesus Christ and my desire is that my body be committed to its kindred dust in as plain a manner and with as little expence as may be deemed consistent with decency. It is my will in the first placed that all my just debts and funeral expences be paid out of my estate. I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife Jane McDowell the interest arising from the one third of my real and personal estate when sold, after paying my just debts during her natural life. I also will and bequeath the money arising from the sale of my real and personal estate be divided equally among my children when they arrive at the age of twenty one years in proportion to the monies received from the sale thereof, share and share alike excepting four hundred and eighty five dollars which I have already given to my daughter Catherine which is to be deducted from her part of my estate. And it is further my will that my Executors should sell either a part of the whole of my real estate as soon as they may think it most proper or suitable for the purpose of satisfying and paying the said debts and theirs. And lastly I do constitute nominate and appoint James McDowell son of late uncle James and Thomas McDowell son of my late uncle William Executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this First day of April one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.

Codicil. I do hereby make the following codicil to my last will and testament, viz, I do appoint and constitute Patrick McDowell son of my late uncle William McDowell executor of my said last will and testament in addition to the executors therein nominated and appointed to act with the said Executors in the execution of my will aforesaid. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this ninth day of September one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.

Pennsyvania Franklin County: On the 17^th day of November AD 1819 Before Register &C personally appeared the Reverend David Elliot, one of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing Codicil and being duly sworn deposed and said that he was present and saw Nathan McDowell who is now deceased write his name unto & heard him publish the same as and for a part of his last will and testament, that at the time of doing thereof he the said dec^d was of a sound & disposing mind memory & understanding according to the best of the deponents knowledge & belief, that at the name D. Elliot thereto subscribed as a witness is of the proper handwriting of the deponent, done at the same time. And further, that he the deponent did at the same time hear the deceased publish the within instrument of writing as and for his last will & testament, declaring it to be such, and they foregoing a codicil there to.

Pennsylvania Franklin County: On the 18^th day of November A.D. 1819. Before me Register &C personally appeared W^m S. McDowell, one of the subscribing witness to the instruments of writing on this paper purporting to be the last will & testament of Nathan McDowell dec^d and codicil thereto and being duly sworn deposed and said that he heard the said dec^d first published the first instrument of writing as and for his last will and testament, and that he afterwards heard the said deceased publish the second instrument of writing as and for a codicil to his last will and testament, and that at the times of the publications respectively, he the said deceased was of a sound & disposing mind, memory & understanding according to the best of the deponents knowledge & belief, that the name of this deponent signed to each of the said instruments as a witness is the proper handwriting of this deponent, done at the same time of the publications as aforesaid.

On 26^th November 1819, Thomas McDowell one of the exors sworn to execute this will well & truly, file inventory & settle in one year or when thereto legally required - P. S. Deckert - 29 Nov 1819 Patrick McDowell Major, James McDowell sworn as above - P. S. Deckert.

Parents: Nathan McDowell and Catherine Maxwell

Dr. Maxwell McDowell [8 February 1771 - 6 January 1848 WMIN/FG] married Ruth Bayley [1773 - 1832], the daughter of John Bayley and Hannah Clark. He was baptized on 21 March 1771.[West, 8] They had three children.

The advertisment for the lectures is also found in the following newspapers.

Parents: William McDowell and Mary Irvin

James McDowell [5 February 1728 - 5 February 1811 SGC/FG] married Jane Smith [1743 - 28 August 1784 SGC/FG], daughter of Robert and Jean Smith, on 17 June 1761. She was the sister of Col. James Smith, the hero of "Border Life," and captain of the "Black Boys."[Bio, 84] According to his 1804 Will and other sources, they had the following children.

In the Name of God, Amen. I James McDowell of Peters Township Franklin County and State of Pennsylvania, knowing that it is appointed for all men to Die, now being of sound memory and disposing judgment do make and constitute this my last will and testament in manner and form following. I give and bequeath to Robert my Oldest son the Land contained in a survey returned on a warrant dated the twentieth day of Jan. 1753 and part of another survey returned on a warrant bearing date the thirtieth day of April 1773, (that is to say the part next the other survey) to extend on the division line between said surveys and a tract late Nathan McDowell Senr in a Western direction to a Hickory at the end of the Lean that now is between the field of said Plantation, and from thence an Easterly course along the West End of the field, to the Great road, and then along the East side of said road to the division line between William McDowell Junr and the said surveys to him the sd Robert his heirs and assigns forever. I give and bequeath to my sons William and James all that tract of land and plantation on which I now live with all the farming utensils as also what Smith tools is in the shop. As also one small tract of woodland (held on location of Francis Waddal) my whole and sole title to an equal third part of one hundred and twenty five acres to them as tennant in common their heirs and assigns forever. I give and bequeath to all my daughters as tennants in common all my right and title to a tract of land and plantation in Westmoreland County near Greensburg the right of which I obtained in the name of Mary McDowell. The said plantation I order to be sold to the best advantages and shared in the following manner viz. one sixth part to each of my five daughters and one to my Son-in-law Thomas Campbell for and in consideration of the trouble and expence he has been at in suite of Ejectment for the same. I have also by Deed bearing date the eighteenth day of March Eighteen hundred made over all my right and title in and to three locations and orders of survey to my female children therein named and to have it as tennants in common. I further give to my sons William and James that part of a survey reserved from what is given to Robert on the warrant dated thirtieth day of April 1773 to them their heirs and assigns as tennants in common forever. As to my personal Estate I shared it as equal as I could to my children as they married. When my Daughter Sarah got her part there was not three such parts left, that which I gave to them that were unmarried with the use of the Plantation only to give me my living in the manner that took it heretofore. I being then rendered unfit by the rheumatism and since by accident unable to manage the affairs of the Plantation Stock and family. If any disagreement should happen between William, Margrate & James about the increase of the plantation Stock and furniture the same shall be adjusted and settled by Thomas Campbell, Daniel McLean and Robert McDowell whose agreement shall be final and conclude the Parties. I hereby constitute and appoint the above named Thomas Campbell, Daniel McLean and Robert McDowell Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto my hand and seal this thirtieth day of July one thousand eight hundred and four.

On the 8^th March 1811 James Moore and Jacob Williams, witnesses to the foregoing instrument of writing appeared before me Henry Reges Deputy Register for the probate of wills and granting Letters of administration in & for Franklin County, who upon their solemn Oaths did depose & say that they were personally present & saw the said James McDowell late deceased write his name unto & seal & publish the foregoing instrument of writing as & for his last will & testament & that at the time of doing thereof he the said decease was of sound & disposing mind memory & understanding accoding to the best of their knowledge & beliefs that their names thereto subscribed as witnesses is of their proper handwriting done at the same time.

Parents: James McDowell and Jean/Jane Smith

Mary McDowell [5 April 1762 - 7 August 1821] married Thomas Campbell [9 June 1750 - 5 April 1816 DIL/FG], the son of James Campbell and Rebecca Brown. They had the following children.

Parents: James McDowell and Jean/Jane Smith

Robert McDowell [13 June 1766 - 10 October 1806 [West, 114]] married Elizabeth "Betsy" Irwin [Unknown - 31 March 1813 [West, 114]], the daughter of Joseph Irwin and Violet Porter, on 24 November 1789.[West, 92] According to his 1806 Will and other sources, they had the following children.

The following final account of James McDowell provides useful information on the children of Robert.

In the name of God amen, I Robert McDowell of Peters Township, Franklin County and State of Pennsylvania, do make this for and as my last Will and Testament, and to be taken and observed as such, by all concerned therein. And first I order all my just debts to be paid by the several Executors or agents hereinafter named, that they sell so much of the personal property as can well be spared, as also fifteen acres of meadow Land, it being a separate Survey; and also further to sell a part of or all the Plantation on which I now live, so as all my creditors shall be paid their just demand. And the agents and Executors are hereby impowered to make a conveyance or conveyances as effectual and valid in all respects as I myself could have done in my lifetime. And they are further impowered and requested to purchase a plantation back to the Westward for the family to subsist on, till the youngest child arrives at the age of fifteen years, at which time, or as soon as possible after, to sell the said Plantation, the price of which I order that my beloved wife shall have so much as with her dower shall amount to fifty pounds a year, and the residue to be divided equally among all my children, yet so as Interest shall be given to those who continue, after they are at mature age, and labours with and for the support and Education of the minors. Then there I hereby intrust and impower to execute the important matters above set forth, are Elizabeth my beloved Wife, William and James McDowell (my brothers) Thomas Campbell, John Johnson, William Young and Daniel McLene, my brothers-in-law, or the majority or the survivors of them. Signed sealed, published and declared as my last Will and Testament, this third day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred six.

On the 16^th April 1808 Margaret McDowell and John Cook, the witnesses to the within writing, appeared before me Register, for the probate of Wills and granting Letters of Administration for Franklin County and upon their solemn oaths did depose and say, that they were present and saw and heard Robert McDowell deceased, write his name unto and seal, and publish the within writing as and for his last Will & Testament and that at the time of doing thereof, he the said Robert was of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief, that their names thereto subscribed, is o ftheir respective hands writing, done at the same time.

Elizabeth McDowell and James McDowell two of the Executors, sworn to file Inventory, on or before one month and to settle in a year or when legally required 16^th April 1808.

Parents: Robert McDowell and Elizabeth Irwin

James McDowell [28 April 1792 - 25 February 1840 FIR/FG] was baptized on 28 April 1792 and married Elizabeth MNU. They had an unidentified son. James and Elizabeth appeared in the following census records.

Parents: Robert McDowell and Elizabeth Irwin

William P. McDowell [24 September 1795 - 30 July 1827 (Date of Probate)]

In the name of God! Amen I William P. McDowell at present in the City of Baltimore & State of Maryland being sick and weak in body but of a sound disposing mind memory and understanding do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner following, that is to say, I give and bequeath to my sister Jane S. Dunlop the sum of three hundred dollars to be paid as soon as practicable after my decease. I give and devise to Susan W. Miller my pocket Bible and two hundred dollars in cash to be paid her as soon as practicable after my decease as a token of my regard and esteem for her. Item all the rest and residue of my estate of every kind and description. I give and bequeath to my Sister Jane S. Dunlop above named, my brothers James McDowell, Thomas C. McDowell, John P. McDowell and my sister Margaret R. McDowell, their heirs, executors & administrators and assigns forever, as tenants in common to be equally divided between them share and share alike except however my silver watch which I leave to my Uncle William S. McDowell as a token of my regard for him. Lastly, I nominate and appoint my brother James McDowell to be executor of this my will, hereby revoking all former wills by me made and declaring this to be my only one. In Testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name and affix my seal this 18^th day of July 1827.

Baltimore County: On the 30^th day of July 1827 came Edward Mathews and Fielder Israel two of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last will and testament of William P. McDowell late of said County deceased and made oath on the holy evangely of Almighty God that they did see the testator sign and seal this will that they heard him publish pronounce and declare the same to be his last will and testament, that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehensing of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding and that they together with Susan Mathews the other subscribing witness thereto subscribed their names as witnesses to this will in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other. Sworn to before the subscriber Register of Wills for Baltimore County.

For as much as I intend the property devised to my sister Jane S. Dunlop by my preceding last will and testament for her sole and separate use and benefot, without being subject to the control of her husband, therefore by this instrument, which I declare to be a codicil to my will, I annul the bequest and devises so made to my sister Jane, and do give and devise to my brother James McDowell, his heirs executors and administrators, the sum of three hundred dollars in cash, and the one fifth part of the residue and remainder of my estate. In trust however for the use and benefit of my said sister Jane S. Dunlop to be applied to her support & maintenance as she may require and demand the same and if at her decease any part thereof should be unconsumed or not disposed of by her the same shall become the estate and property of her children their heirs and assigns to be equally divided between them, share and share alike. Given under my hand & seal this eighteenth day of July 1827.

Baltimore County: On the 30^th day of July 1827 came Edward Mathews and Fielder Israel two of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing Codicil to the last Will and Testament of William P. McDowell late of said County deceased and made oath on the holy evangely of Almighty God that they did see the Testator sign and seal this codicil that they heard him publish pronounce and declare the same to be a Codicil to his last Will and testament that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehensing of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding and that they together with Susan Mathews the other subscribing witness thereto subscribed their names as Witnesses to this Codical in his presence at his requiest and in the presence of each other. Sworn to before the subscriber Register of Wills for Baltimore County.

In Testimony that the aforegoing is a true copy taken from out of the Records in the Office of the Register of Wills for Baltimore County. I have hereunto subscribed my name and Seal affixed the seal of my Office this thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hendred and twenty seven.

Maryland SS: I Alexander McKim, Presiding Justice of the Orphans Court for Baltimore County in the State aforesaid Do certify that the aforegoing Attestation of David M. Perine Register of Wills for said County is in due forms. Given from under my hand and seal at the City of Baltimore this thirty first day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven and of the Independence of the United States the fifty second.

22^d May 1834. You James McDowell do swear that (as executor of the last will & testament of William P. McDowell late of the City of Baltimore decd) you will well and truly administer the goods and chattels, rights and credits of said deceased, according to law, and also "will diligently and faithfully regard and will and truly comply with the provisions of the law relating to collateral inheritancy."

Parents: Robert McDowell and Elizabeth Irwin

John Porter McDowell [17 December 1797 - 5 May 1877 (not proven)] apparently never married and appeared in the following census records.

Parents: James McDowell and Jean/Jane Smith

Jane/Janet McDowell [13 February 1771 - 23 January 1847] married first to Isaac Bard [8 February 1762 - 28 July 1806], the son of Richard Bard and Catherine Poe, on 30 April 1789.[West, 92] She was baptized on 21 March 1771.[West, 8] She married second to Col. John Findlay [31 March 1766 - 5 November 1838], the son of Samuel Findlay and Jean Smith, on 7 September 1807.

Parents: James McDowell and Jean/Jane Smith

Sarah McDowell [13 October 1773 - 18 May 1828] married Daniel McLene/McClain/McLane [12 December 1755 - 10 February 1809], the son of James McLene and Christian Brown, on 2 June 1795.[West, 93] She was baptized on 7 November 1773.[West, 11] They had the following children in agreement with the 1810 Census below.