Biography - James McDowell
James McDOWELL, merchant, Irving, was born in Adair County, Ky., February 14, 1842; came to Illinois in 1860 and settled in Montgomery County; his parents, John and Lucinda (RIPPETOE) McDOWELL, were natives of Adair County, Ky., he, a farmer, was born in 1809, and died about the year 1850; she, born in 1811, died at her son's (subject's) residence in 1878; of their four sons, James is the youngest; he received his education in the common schools of Kentucky, and began life as a teacher, and taught eighteen terms; he followed the trade of a housepainter for a few years, and, in 1873, began mercantile business in Irving; he carries a good stock of goods, does an extensive trade, and is one of the leading merchants of Irving; he was Town Clerk of Irving Township for twelve months. At Beardstown, Cass Co., Ill., April 5, 1865, he married Caroline WUBKER, born at Jacksonville, Morgan Co., Ill., March 20, 1848, who has borne him five children, viz.: Walter H., Lena L., Edward H., Albert L. and Clarence M.; her father, William WUBKER, born in Minden, Prussia, February 10, 1816, came to the United States when but a small boy; her mother, Helena MAAS, still living, was born in Hanover City, Hanover, Germany, August 21, 1818. Mr. McDOWELL owns a residence and business house in Irving; he is a Democrat; his wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Extracted 22 Nov 2016 by Norma Hass from 1882 History of Bond and Montgomery Counties, Illinois, Part 2 Biographical Department, pages 287-288.
