The McDowell Family of Fairbury, Illinois

By: Dale C. Maley

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

James McDowell (1747-1809) was born in Ireland. He was a soldier under General Wayne in the Revolutionary War and was wounded at Brandywine. He married Sarah Gorrell (1763-1834) and they had nine children in Ohio. Families of three of these nine children moved to Avoca Township in Illinois starting in 1832. Descendants of James and Sarah fought in the War of 1812 and the Civil War.These McDowell family members were pioneers that helped establish the Illinois towns of Avoca, McDowell, Fairbury, and Gibson City. Some of the Fairbury, Illinois McDowells named and helped to establish Fairbury, Nebraska.Many of the organizations in Fairbury, Illinois, can be traced to the generosity of the McDowells. Some of these organizations include the Floyd & Marion Stafford pool, North Park, and the Echoes Museum. This book documents the interesting pioneering lives of the McDowell family as they settled Central Illinois and Nebraska. It is hoped this book will help people understand the critical role the McDowell family played in early Illinois and Nebraska history.