James Dowing, Sr.

JAMES DOWING, SR.

Was born in Donegal, Ireland, in the year 1784. Came to America in the year 1819, and to Boone County in 1834. On the 11th of October of that year he settled in Clinton Township; died February, 1868. Mrs. Dowing was born in 1795, in England. Her name was Avis Giddings; died in 1879. Both buried at Mechanicsburg, Boone County. Mr. Dowing was a Catholic, Mrs. Dowing a Presbyterian. The following are the names of their children: James F. was born near Hell Gate, New Jersey, January 17, 1827. He was married to Mary A. Witham April, 1868; died on the old homestead in Clinton Township, one mile from the Clinton Township line. To this family I am indebted for favors shown while canvassing for this work. James Dowing entered the land now owned by James F. Dowing about the year 1834. Mr. and Mrs. James Dowing were married in Providence, Rhode Island. They had five children, three boys and two girls, as follows: John G. resides in Hamilton County, Ind. Edward, deceased, lived at Mechanicsburg. James F. resides on the old farm. Jane E. married to Ephram Davis resides in Clinton Township, near the Clinton County line. Mary M., married to Charles S. Riley, reside in Center Township, near Holmes Station. Mr. James Dowing landed in Clinton October 11, 1834, from the State of New York. He was among the first settlers of Clinton. Their cabin was of the most primitive kind, puncheon floor, clapboard roof, etc. Soon after his arrival a black bear was killed near his house. One of the remaining Indian huts was standing on his land. When he arrived he helped tear it down. It stood on the bank of Tarrepin Creek. Mr. Dowing, in the early settlement, when the mill streams in his locality were frozen, lived on potatoes and hominy. The above sketch was prepared by his son, James F. Dowing.
 

Transcribed by: Julie S. Townsend - June 11, 2007
Source: "Early Life and Times in Boone County, Indiana," Harden & Spahr, Lebanon, Ind., May, 1887, pp 272-273.