Born March 4, 1842, in Vermillion County, Indiana. He was a descendant of a sturdy Scotch family that came to America at an early date in the history of its settlement. At the age of 12 years he came with his parents to Iowa, they settling on a farm in Green township. On December 24. 1808, he was united in marriage to Mary E. McArtor. Mr. McDowell was a man of deep religious convictions and a constant Christian having early in life united with the Baptist church. He was an active worker in the church and Sunday school of his community frequently occupying the pulpit and with an impassioned eloquence born of his convictions. In 1895 Mr. McDowell was elected to represent Iowa county in the state legislature which position he held for one term, and in which capacity he earned the respect and esteem of republicans and democrats alike and although in the minority party during the 20th general assembly his worth was gracefully acknowledged by his appointment as one member on several of the most important committees. In 1897 he was re-nominated for representative but was beaten in the race by Hon. John Hughes, Jr.