Jeannette Elizabeth Dowell
Husband (details suppressed for this person)
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Wife Jeannette Elizabeth Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: James Albert Dowell (1892-1975) 1
Mother: Bertha Marie Turner (1897-1969) 1
Jerry Lynn Dowell and Patricia Ann Norman
Husband Jerry Lynn Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: Woodrow Chester Dowell (1914-1963) 2 3 4 5
Mother: Beulah Imogene Murphy (1917-1999) 2 3 4 5
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Wife Patricia Ann Norman (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: Lester Hyman Norman (1913-1978) 2 3 4 5
Mother: Loretta Ruth Martin (1916-1978) 2 3 4 5
Other Spouse: Robert Frances Johnson Sr. (1936-1999) 2 3 4 5
Children
1 M Steve Leroy Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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2 M Terry Lynn Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Spouse: Jacqueline Bloyer (living)
3 M Steve Laroy Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Spouse: Rhonda Howell (living)
4 F Tammy Diane Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Spouse: Kim Kalish (living)
5 M Lester Wayne Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Spouse: Kara Lynn Rogers (living)
6 M John Woodrow Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Spouse: Peggy Davis (living)
Spouse: Dana Williams (living)
Joan Dowell
Husband (details suppressed for this person)
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Wife Joan Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: Thomas Dowell ( - ) 6
Mother: Joan Allot (1579- ) 6
Joan Sauter Dowell
Husband (details suppressed for this person)
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Wife Joan Sauter Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: Arthur Wilson Dowell Jr.
Mother: Eleanor Sauter
Joe Dowell and Dollie Katherine Scudder
Husband Joe Dowell 7
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Died: 1969 8
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Wife Dollie Katherine Scudder (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: Charles Patton Scudder (1871-1955) 7
Mother: Elizabeth Mae Birdwell (1877-1955) 7
Children
1 F Marthe Sherron Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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2 M Joe Herbert Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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General Notes (Husband)
HDL Notes: Baptist Minister in Weatherford TX
Joe Herbert Dowell
Husband Joe Herbert Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: Joe Dowell ( -1969) 7
Mother: Dollie Katherine Scudder
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Wife (details suppressed for this person)
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John Dowell
Husband John Dowell 1
AKA: John Dowell
Born: 2 Dec 1706 - Calvert County, MD 1
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Died: 1765 1
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Father: Philip Dowell (1681-1733) 1
Mother: Mary Tydings (1683- ) 1
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John Dowell
Husband John Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: John Dowell (1740-1803) 1
Mother: C. Brooks ( - ) 1
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John Dowell and Mary Dowell
Husband John Dowell 3 4 5
Born: 1710 - Greenfield, VA 3 4 5
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Died: 23 Jun 1761 - Ruckersville, VA 3 4 5
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Other Spouse: Mary Dowell ( - ) 3 5
Wife Mary Dowell 3 4 5
Born: 1712 3 4 5
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Children
1 M Thomas Dowell 3 4 5
Born: 1737 - Profitt, VA 3 4 5
Christened:
Died: 12 Jan 1815 - Albemarble Co, VA 3 4 5
Buried:
Spouse: Avery Warren ( - ) 3 4 5
Marr: 1756 - Greenfield, VA 3 4
John Dowell and Mary Dowell
Husband John Dowell 3 4 5
Born: 1710 - Greenfield, VA 3 4 5
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Died: 23 Jun 1761 - Ruckersville, VA 3 4 5
Buried:
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Other Spouse: Mary Dowell (1712- ) 3 4 5
Wife Mary Dowell 3 5
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John Milton Dowell
Husband John Milton Dowell 1
Born: 8 Apr 1894 - Calvert Co., MD 1
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Father: Henry Drury Dowell (1863-1938) 1
Mother: Mary Elizabeth Gover (1867-1951) 1
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John S. Dowell
Husband John S. Dowell 1
AKA: John S. Dowell
Born: 12 Jul 1806 - Calvert County, MD 1
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Father: Henry Dowell (1770-1829) 1
Mother: Ann Scrivener (1773-1811) 1
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John Thomas Dowell
Husband John Thomas Dowell 1
AKA: John Thomas Dowell
Born: 1849 - Calvert County, MD 1
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Died: - Baltimore, MD 1
Buried:
Father: Richard H. Dowell (1821- ) 1
Mother: Eliza Jones (1827-1907) 1
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John Woodrow Dowell and Dana Williams
Husband John Woodrow Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: Jerry Lynn Dowell
Mother: Patricia Ann Norman
Marriage:
Other Spouse: Peggy Davis
Wife Dana Williams (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Father:
Mother: Terry Williams
Other Spouse: Jerry Ringis
Children
1 M Brandon Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Benjamin Henry Downing and Kate E. Dowell
Husband Benjamin Henry Downing 1
AKA: Benjamin Henry Downing
Born: 17 Oct 1841 - Uwchlan, Chester County, PA
Christened:
Died: 14 Nov 1908 - Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS 1
Buried: 17 Nov 1908 - Maple Grove, Wichita, KS
Father: John Benjamin Downing (1817-1879)
Mother: Mary Couch Downing (1826-1905) 1
Marriage: 1 May 1872 - Baltimore, MD
Other Spouse: Phoebe M. Halsted (1846- ) - (Divorced)
Other Spouse: Phebe M. Halsted (1846-1902) 1 - (Divorced) 1
Noted events in his life were:
• Alt. Birth 1, Uwchlan Twp., Chester Co., PA, 17 Oct 1841
• Alt. Buried 1, Maple Grove, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, 17 Nov 1908
Wife Kate E. Dowell 1
AKA: Kate Edith Dowell
Born: 3 Nov 1845 - Prince Frederick, Calvert Co., MD 1
Christened:
Died: 23 Jul 1917 - Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS 1
Buried: 24 Jul 1917 - Maple Grove, Wichita, KS 1
Father: George Washington Dowell (1803-1874) 1
Mother: Maria P. Mitchell ( -1847) 1
Noted events in their marriage were:
• Alt. Marriage, Baltimore, Baltimore Co., MD, 1 May 1872
Children
1 F Sallie Marie Downing 1
AKA: Sallie Marie Downing
Born: 27 Aug 1872 - Chester County, PA
Christened:
Died: 3 Sep 1940 - Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS 1
Buried: 5 Sep 1940 - Maple Grove, Wichita, Sedgwick, KS 1
2 M George Dowell Downing 1
AKA: George Dowell Downing
Born: Jul 1874 - Chester County, PA
Christened:
Died: 6 Oct 1951 - Hinsdale, Du Page Co., IL
Buried: - Bronswood, Du Page Co., IL
Spouse: Pearl Redfield (1878-1966) 1
Marr: 24 May 1899 - Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS 1
3 F Mayme Josephine Downing 1
AKA: Mayme Josephine Downing
Born: 23 Sep 1876 - Chester County, PA
Christened:
Died: 28 Jan 1951 - Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS
Buried: 31 Jan 1951 - Maple Grove, Wichita, Sedgwick, KS 1
Spouse: E. Kent Merry (1882- ) 1
Marr: 22 Jun 1905 - Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS 1. (Divorced)
4 F Ann K. Downing 1
AKA: Ann Katherine Downing
Born: 25 Aug 1879 - Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS
Christened:
Died: Nov 1963 - California
Buried: 7 Nov 1963 - Rose Hills, Memorial Park, Whittier, CA 1
Spouse: Hunter ( - )
Spouse: James Black Hunter ( -Bef 1963) 1
Marr: 2 Feb 1909 - Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS 1
5 F Emily E. Downing 1
AKA: Emily Edith Downing
Born: 14 Aug 1882 - Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS
Christened:
Died: Aug 1974 - Hutchinson, Reno Co., KS
Buried: 13 Aug 1974 - Maple Grove, Wichita, Sedgwick, KS 1
Spouse: Horace Alspaugh (1883-1947) 1
Marr: 1 Mar 1907 - Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS 1
6 M Benjamin Henry Downing Jr. 1
AKA: Benjamin Henry Downing
Born: Jan 1886 - Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS
Christened:
Died: 13 Jul 1960 - Anthony, Harper Co., KS 1
Buried: 15 Jul 1960 - Forest Park, Anthony, Harper Co., KS 1
Spouse: Eva Barker ( -1932) 1
Marr: 10 Aug 1906 - Harper Co., KS 1
Spouse: Pearl Greeson (1889-1961) 1
Marr: 6 Apr 1912 - Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS 1
General Notes (Husband)
[18401.ged]
Death certificate in file. Pension records in file. Military Service Records in file. See Hard copy files for a lengthy obituary from "The Wichita Daily Eagle".
From the recollections of Dorothy Dana Egnell: " Benjamin Henry Downing fought in the Civil War in the Union Army. "
Information obtained July 18, 1997 by RAD: The National Archives in Washington, D.C., sent copies of Benjamin Downing' Civil War record. He served in D Company, 9th Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry. He mustered in at Harrisburg, PA, at Camp Curtin, which was a major training station for over 300,000 volunteers during the Civil War. Records indicate the rank of Corporal. He was 19 years of age upon enlistment. The 9th Pa volunteers was mustered out 90 days later. He subsequently joined the 49th PA volunteers on April 8, 1862 and served until the end of the Civil War, rising to 1st Lieutenant.
On May 18, 1875, he applied for a pension. Then living in Uwchland, PA, ag 33, his application states the following.
"On this 18th day of May, 1875, before me, a Clerk of a Court of Record, in and for the county and state of Chester, PA, personally appeared Benjamin H. Downing, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Benjamin H. Downing who was a 1st Lieut of Co. E in the 49th regimen of Pennsylvania Volunteers, in the war of 1861 for the suppression of the Rebellion. That he was commissioned at Brandy Station, in the State of Virginia, on o about the 1st day of January, 1864, and was honorably discharged at Petersburg VA, on the 1st day of March, 1865, and he has not been in the U.S. military or naval service since. That while in said service in the line of his duty at Spottsylvania, in the state of Virginia, on or about the 12th day of May, 1864, he was injured i left leg and left side by a solid shot striking a piece of timber throwing it against him while acting as Adjuant in action for which he was treated at U.S. general hospital Fredericksburg, VA, and U.S. general Hospital, Washington, D.C.."
He was granted a pension of $30 per month. On his death in 1908, his wif applied for a Widow's Pension, which was granted at $12. per month. Death certificate lists his address as 614 N. Waco St., Wichita, Kansas. (Refer to hard copy files for documents from the National Archives).
According to the Kansas Genealogical Society publication, "Treesearcher", 1984, Benjamin was a member of the Garfield Post #25, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), Wichita. The post was organized on June 27, 1884. Benjamin served as Post Commander during 1887. Wife Kate was a charter member of the women's auxiliary, and daughter Sallie Marie was a member of the auxilary.
On the 1900 U.S. Census for Wichita, his occupation is listed as "Police Clerk".
Based on the birth locations of the children, Benjamin and family moved from Chester county, PA, to Wichita, KS, between 1876 and 1879.[Downing.ged]
Death certificate in file. Pension records in file. Military Service Records in file. See Hard copy files for a lengthy obituary from "The Wichita Daily Eagle". From the recollections of Dorothy Dana Egnell:
" Benjamin Henry Downing fought in the Civil War in the Union Army. "
Copies of Benjamin Downing' Civil War record were obtained from the Nationa Archives in 1997. They showed that he served in D Company, 9th Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry. He mustered in at Harrisburg, PA, at Camp Curtin, which was a major training station for over 300,000 volunteers during the Civil War. Records indicate the rank of Corporal. He was 19 years of age upon enlistment. The 9th Pa volunteers was mustered out 90 days later. He subsequently joined the 49th PA volunteers on April 8, 1862 and served until the end of the Civil War, rising to 1st Lieutenant. On May 18, 1875, he applied for a pension. Then living in Uwchlan, PA, age 33, his application states the following: "On this 18th day of May, 1875, before me, a Clerk of a Court of Record, in and for the county and state of Chester, PA, personally appeared Benjamin H. Downing, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Benjamin H. Downing who was a 1st Lieut of Co. E in the 49th regimen of Pennsylvania Volunteers, in the war of 1861 for the suppression of the Rebellion.
That he was commissioned at Brandy Station, in the State of Virginia, on o about the 1st day of January, 1864, and was honorably discharged at Petersburg VA, on the 1st day of March, 1865, and he has not been in the U.S. military or naval service since.
That while in said service in the line of his duty at Spottsylvania, in the state of Virginia, on or about the 12th day of May, 1864, he was injured i left leg and left side by a solid shot striking a piece of timber throwing it against him while acting as Adjuant in action for which he was treated at U.S. general hospital Fredericksburg, VA, and U.S. general Hospital, Washington, D.C.." He was granted a pension of $30 per month. On his death in 1908, his wif applied for a Widow's Pension, which was granted at $12. per month.
Death certificate lists his address as 614 N. Waco St., Wichita, Kansas.
Benjamin removed from Chester county, PA, to Great Bend, Barton county, Kansas, in 1877 and remained there until 1883. A search of the 1880 census for Barton county finds him and his family living in Union Township; occupation Farmer. A surprise find located his signature at the top of the census sheet - Benjamin was the census Enumerator for his district! In 1883, he removed to Wichita, Sedgwick county, Kansas, where he spent the remainder of his life. Cutler's "History of Kansas" notes a major smallpox epidemic in Great Bend in 1883, leading one to wonder if that was the impetus for his removal to Wichita. According to the Kansas Genealogical Society publication, "Treesearcher", 1984, Benjamin was a member of the Garfield Post #25, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), Wichita. The post was organized on June 27, 1884. Benjamin served as Post Commander during 1887. Wife Kate was a charter member of the women's auxiliary, and daughter Sallie Marie was a member of the auxilary. On the 1900 U.S. Census for Wichita, his occupation was then listed as "Police Clerk". At the time of his death in 1908, he was the Commissioner of Elections for the City of Wichita, and had previously served on the City Council. He died a week after casting his vote for William Howard Taft for president, according to an obituary. Earlier in Wichita he had been in the construction business, and apparently he and his brothers built some of the early buildings in Wichita in what is now downtown. Benjamin's grave marker in Maple Grove Cemetery, Wichita, simply shows his name and dates of birth and death; there is no indication of his Civil War service. In July, 1999, Raymond and David Downing, great-grandsons, provided funds to Maple Grove Cemetery to have a bronze Civil War marker and flag holder installed at the head of his existing grave marker. This was done in the summe of 1999; see photo of same in the media files.
General Notes (Wife)
[18401.ged]
Kate's baptismal name was Mary Christina Dowell. When or why she changed to Kate E. Dowell is unknown. See files, and the book, "Dowell", by Mildred Bowen O'Brien.
Death Certificate of Kate E. Dowell Downing in files. When Benjamin died, Kate Dowell Downing applied for a widow's pension, which wa granted. She received $12 a month until her death nine years after Benjamin. Her death certificate lists her address as 614 N Waco St., Wichita, Kansas.
Note: Oct 1997: Roll 1374458, 1910 Census Records, Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. Kate, a widow by 1910, is shown as living at the above address with two children still at home: Sallie M. 35 Single Born in PA Occ: Deputy Election Commission(er) Harry B. 23 Single Born in KS Occ. Salesman - Lumber Company The record also shows Kate as owning the home there, with no mortgage.
According to the Kansas Genealogical Society publication, "Treesearcher", 1984, Kate was a charter member of the Women's Relief Corps #40, auxilary of the Garfield Post #25, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), Wichita. The roster printed in 1921 shows her as a deceased charter member. Daughter Sallie Marie Downing is listed as a member of the same organization. Sallie's death certificate shows her mother as being born in Prince Frederick, Maryland.[Downing.ged]
See files, and the book, "Dowell", by Mildred Bowen O'Brien. Kate's mother, Maria P. Mitchell Dowell, died shortly after her birth. Kate's father, George Washington Dowell, married twice after that. The Dowell line is described in fine detail in the book. Of interest is that Kate had a sister, Sallie Marie Dowell. Kate later named her first daughter Sallie Marie Downing. Death Certificate of Kate E. Dowell Downing in files. When Benjamin died, Kate Dowell Downing applied for a widow's pension, which wa granted. She received $12 a month until her death nine years after Benjamin. Her death certificate lists her address as 614 N Waco St., Wichita, Kansas. Note: Oct 1997: Roll 1374458, 1910 Census Records, Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. Kate, a widow by 1910, is shown as living at the above address with two children still at home: ** Sallie M. 35 Single Born in PA Occ: Deputy Election Commission(er) ** Harry B. 23 Single Born in KS Occ. Salesman - Lumber Company
The record also shows Kate as owning the home there, with no mortgage.
According to the Kansas Genealogical Society publication, "Treesearcher", 1984, Kate was a charter member of the Women's Relief Corps #40, auxilary of the Garfield Post #25, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), Wichita. The roster printed in 1921 shows her as a deceased charter member. Daughter Sallie Marie Downing is listed as a member of the same organization. Sallie's death certificate shows her mother as being born in Prince Frederick, Maryland. On the Social Security application of Kate's daughter, Emily E. (Alspaugh) Downing, in the space for "Mother's full maiden name", Emily wrote "Kate Ellsworth Dowell". This middle name also appears in the Gregath "Downing" book However, the social security application of son George D. Downing, shows the middle name as "Edith". I am more inclined to accept that documentation, thus, have so entered it in this database as "Ellsworth" is a masculine name. The matter remains questionable.
General Notes for Child Sallie Marie Downing
[18401.ged]
Appears in 1910 census records for Wichita, Sedgwick County Kansas: Sallie M. 35 Single Occupation: Deputy Election Commission (Roll 1374468) Information from funeral arrangements indicates occupation as "Police Matron", 12 years.
According to the Kansas Genealogical Society publication "Treesearcher", Sallie was a member of the Women's Relief Corps #40, of the Garfield Post #25 of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), Wichita. (1921 Roster).
Did not marry. Died of Sepsis (Strep), in St. Francis Hospital, Wichita. Her death certificate (in files) indicates she fractured her left femur in January, 1940, by slipping on the ice, and again in May, 1940, by a fall in the kitchen. Her condition was complicated by diabetes. The sepsis onset was of five days duration prior to her death. Address: 806 Buffam, Wichita, KS. Was apparently living with her sister, Mayme Josephine (Merry) at that address. Mayme's addres was the same at her death in 1951. The information for the death certificate wa provided by Dorothy Alspaugh (dau of Mayme's sister, Emily (Alspaugh) Downing.[Downing.ged]
Appears in 1910 census records for Wichita, Sedgwick County Kansas: Sallie M. 35 Single Occupation: Deputy Election Commission (Roll 1374468) Information from funeral arrangements indicates occupation as "Police Matron", 12 years. According to the Kansas Genealogical Society publication "Treesearcher", Sallie was a member of the Women's Relief Corps #40, of the Garfield Post #25 of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), Wichita. (1921 Roster). The 1891 Wichita City Directory lists her as "student", residing with her parents. Did not marry. Died of Sepsis (Strep), in St. Francis Hospital, Wichita. Her death certificate (in files) indicates she fractured her left femur in January, 1940, by slipping on the ice, and again in May, 1940, by a fall in the kitchen. Her condition was complicated by diabetes. The sepsis onset was of five days duration prior to her death. Address: 806 Buffam, Wichita, KS. (A photo of tha address as it appears in 1999 is in the main album.) Was apparently living wit her sister, Mayme Josephine (Merry) at that address. Mayme's address was the same at her death in 1951. The information for the death certificate was provided by Dorothy Alspaugh (dau of Mayme's sister, Emily (Alspaugh) Downing.) It would appear that Sallie Marie was named after her mother's younger sister, whose name was Sallie Marie Dowell. She, too, was unmarried; an interesting coincidence. Lengthy obituary from the "Wichita Eagle" in files. Sallie's grave marker in Maple Grove Cemetery, Wichita, is badly weathered by lichen and moss. I attempted to clean it somewhat in May, 2000, with only moderate results. The photo of it in this database was touched up by Adobe Photoshop by me to clarify it.
General Notes for Child George Dowell Downing
[18401.ged]
Gravesite in Bronswood Cemetery, 3805 Madison St., Oak Brook, IL 60521 Section F Lot 83
Photography consultant, Eastman Kodak Company, Retired 1949. In 1997, Dorothy Egnell provided me with this insight into the life of George Dowell Downing, Sr. Her letter deserves preservation, so I include it here for future generations.
* * * "I know that at the time he and Mom were married he was already into photography. Mom used to help him in developing the photos until Rudy came along. "I was five years old (1921) when we moved to Detroit. Dad was the photographer at Arthur Studios. Certainly we were not wealthy, but we lacked nothing and it was a good, secure life. A nice home at 1301 Virginia Park, a new car -- a Buick, this time -- and cash only. Dad had a horror over being in debt. If he didn't have the money, he didn't buy. "Then came the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression began. It did not hit us until two years later. Brother George was a freshman at the University of Michigan and I must have been in my final year of Junior HIgh. Arthur Studios closed. Expenisve photos were not high priority those days. But in a fairly short time Dad was offered a job at a studio in Boston. So, in April, we put everything in storage and moved east. "We moved into a furnished apartment and our days were spent visiting all the war memorials and historic sites, which was an education in itself. By June, Mom had had enough and insisted that we find a house and send for our furniture. Dad gave in and we settled down in a house we loved in Arlington, Mass. George was loking forward to enrolling in MIT -- and then Dad came in one evening and announced that the studio had closed. He was now 59, and was facing the fact that his profession was at a dead end. "We moved back to Detroit, back came the furniture to storage. We found a terrible little furnished apartment; a most depressing place. Dad started looking for a job -- any job. And he found one. In those days, in the basement of Woolworth's and/or Kresge's 5 and 10 stores, you could find a tiny booth where a curtain could be closed after entering and for 25c a picture could be taken. That's what my dad did for $15 a week. Mom made jars of grape jelly and every day Dad would carry his jelly sandwich for his lunch. "Mom and Dad had only one couple who were close friends. Mr. Barbeau worked for Eastman Kodak Company, and he must have held a high position according to the way they lived. For years, he had tried to persuade Dad to apply at the company. Now, at last, Dad listened. Mr. Barbeau probably pulled some strings, for Dad travelled to Buffalo for an interview. Mr. Barbeau advised him to knock ten years off his age -- 50, not 60. He came back with a job -- $50 a week! "They gave him a territory in the southern part of Iowa. Just what he did I never knew but he sure did it well because his territory was increased to half of Iowa, then all of Iowa, and in time, nationwide. His title? special Representative of Eastman Kodak Co. "He would occasionally let us know that he had a demonstration and now it would be in Philadelphia. Mom's manipulative mind took over. The young man she had wanted me to marry had been transferred from Schenectady to Lancaster, PA. She decided we would go to Philly and see the demonstration and Johnny could meet us that evening and Dad could take us out for dinner. How thankful I am that we made that trip and I finally saw my father in action. I fairly burst with pride. He finally retired at the age of 75, and were they surprised to learn his true age!"[Downing.ged]
Gravesite in Bronswood Cemetery, 3805 Madison St., Oak Brook, IL 60521
Section F Lot 83. Illinois death certificate in files. Cause of death was coronary/artery disease and general arteriosclerosis during a two week hospital stay. Social Security No. 128-07-4272. Both the death certificate and the social security application of George D. Downing show his birthplace as Byers, Chester co., PA. Photography consultant, Eastman Kodak Company, Retired 1949. My memories of him are that he was about six feet tall, of normal weight for hi height, and always had white hair. He was a master at sarcastic wit and a fine sense of humor. In 1997, Dorothy Egnell provided me with this insight into the life of George Dowell Downing, Sr. Her letter deserves preservation, so I include it here fo future generations. * * * "I know that at the time he and Mom were married he was already into photography. Mom used to help him in developing the photos until Rudy came along.
"I was five years old (1921) when we moved to Detroit. Dad was the photographer at Arthur Studios. Certainly we were not wealthy, but we lacked nothing and it was a good, secure life. A nice home at 1301 Virginia Park, a new car -- a Buick, this time -- and cash only. Dad had a horror over being i debt. If he didn't have the money, he didn't buy.
"Then came the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression began. It did not hit us until two years later. Brother George was a freshman at the University of Michigan and I must have been in my final year of Junior HIgh. Arthur Studios closed. Expenisve photos were not high priority those days. But in a fairly short time Dad was offered a job at a studio in Boston.
So, in April, we put everything in storage and moved east.
"We moved into a furnished apartment and our days were spent visiting all the war memorials and historic sites, which was an education in itself. By June, Mom had had enough and insisted that we find a house and send for our furniture. Dad gave in and we settled down in a house we loved in Arlington, Mass. George was loking forward to enrolling in MIT -- and then Dad came in one evening and announced that the studio had closed. He was now 59, and was facing the fact that his profession was at a dead end.
"We moved back to Detroit, back came the furniture to storage. We found a terrible little furnished apartment; a most depressing place. Dad started looking for a job -- any job. And he found one. In those days, in the basement of Woolworth's and/or Kresge's 5 and 10 stores, you could find a tiny booth where a curtain could be closed after entering and for 25c a picture could be taken. That's what my dad did for $15 a week. Mom made jars of grap jelly and every day Dad would carry his jelly sandwich for his lunch.
"Mom and Dad had only one couple who were close friends. Mr. Barbeau worke for Eastman Kodak Company, and he must have held a high position according to the way they lived. For years, he had tried to persuade Dad to apply at the company. Now, at last, Dad listened. Mr. Barbeau probably pulled some strings, for Dad travelled to Buffalo for an interview. Mr. Barbeau advised him to knock ten years off his age -- 50, not 60. He came back with a job -- $50 a week!
"They gave him a territory in the southern part of Iowa. Just what he did never knew but he sure did it well because his territory was increased to half of Iowa, then all of Iowa, and in time, nationwide. His title? special Representative of Eastman Kodak Co.
"He would occasionally let us know that he had a demonstration and now it would be in Philadelphia. Mom's manipulative mind took over. The young man she had wanted me to marry had been transferred from Schenectady to Lancaster, PA. She decided we would go to Philly and see the demonstration and Johnny could meet us that evening and Dad could take us out for dinner. How thankful I am that we made that trip and I finally saw my father in action. I fairly burst with pride. He finally retired at the age of 75, and were they surprise to learn his true age!" The memories of this writer are all too few. He was on the road for most o the time I had been born up until his retirement, and I remember well his retirement home with his son, George Jr., in Hindsdale, Illinois. He did manag a visit from time to time when I was a boy, and I well remember his dry humor. He was a master at it. And, oh, how I wish I had questioned him on his sibling and all his aunts and uncles. Missed opportunities..........
General Notes for Child Mayme Josephine Downing
[18401.ged]
See letter from Pearl Redfield Downing in her file to Rudolph Downing commenting the following: "I had sad news from Wichita, Rudy. Mayme passed away last January. Em didn't have our address, so couldn't let us know"
From a response to a Cemetery Look up Request in Wichita (billpenn@swbell.net) Bill Pennington: "Benjamin and Kate Downing are buried together in Maple Grove Cemetery along with Sally Marie Downing and Mayme J. MERRY. Section F, Lot 35." Mayme's address at the time of her death was 806 Buffam, Wichita. Cause of death was "Cardiorenal Involvement" (kidney failure affecting the heart).
The death certificate of Mayme was obtained from the KS State Board of Health on 7/21/98. It shows that she was divorced from E. Kent Merry at the time of her death. Her address was 806 Buffam, Wichita, KS. The informant for the death certificate was Mrs. Emily E. Alspaugh, and I'm still trying to figur out that family group. Was that Emma's married name, or Annie?[Downing.ged]
See letter from Pearl Redfield Downing in her file to Rudolph Downing commenting the following:
"I had sad news from Wichita, Rudy. Mayme passed away last January. Em didn't have our address, so couldn't let us know" The 1880 census report for Barton county, Kansas, shows her listed as "Mary". One might assume this was the name she was called by family.
The death certificate of Mayme was obtained from the KS State Board of Health on 7/21/98. It shows that she was divorced from E. Kent Merry at the time of her death. Her address was 806 Buffam, Wichita, KS. The informant for the death certificate was Mrs. Emily E. Alspaugh, her sister. Short obituary from the "Wichita Eagle" in files. A photo of the Buffam address, as it appear in 1999, is in the main album, provided by John Schunk of the Midwest Historica and Genealogical Society. An obituary for Kent Merry was obtained at the Midwest Historical and Genealogical Society in Wichita in May, 2000. It shows that he re-married afte the divorce, and died in Tampa, FL, in 1964.
General Notes for Child Ann K. Downing
[18401.ged]
No information on Annie Downing was found by me until July 6, 1998, when I received the funeral information for her sister, Sallie Marie Downing, from the Downing & Lahey mortuary, 6555 E. Central, Wichita. It lists 3 sisters, which would be correct, and one is listed as "Ann Hunter, Los Angeles, California".
Checking on the Social Security Death Index, I found Ann Hunter, born 25 Aug 1879, died Nov 1963, of California, ss No. 562-12-5481. Tentative entry.[Downing.ged]
No information on Ann Downing was found until July 6, 1998, when I the funeral information for her sister, Sallie Marie Downing, from the Downing & Lahey mortuary, 6555 E. Central, Wichita, was received. It lists 3 sisters, which would be correct, and one is listed as "Ann Hunter, Los Angeles, California". Checking on the Social Security Death Index, I found Ann Hunter, born 25 Aug 1879, died Nov 1963, of California, ss No. 562-12-5481. Social Security records were sent for on September 26, 1998, under the Freedom of Information Act. That record was received January 11, 1999, and confirmed that this is the same Ann Hunter. She printed her name on the SS application as "Ann Downing Hunter", and lists an address of 568 1/4 Fetterly, Los Angeles, CA.
Her December 14, 1936, application lists her as working with the WPA.
Her California Death Certificate was received on July 8, 1999. It shows her as a widow; last worked as a secretary for Mark Manufacturing Company. Died of general congestive heart disease, age 84, at Los Angeles County General Hospital. It also indicates residency in California for 34 years, or since 1929. Her middle name, Katherine, eluded me for nearly four years of searching Finally, in August, 2000, I obtained the social security application of her son, James B. Hunter, Jr., that clearly indicates the "K" stands for Katherine. In October, 1999, I drove to Whittier, CA, and located the gravesite of Ann Downing Hunter in Rose Hills Cemetery. She is buried next to her son, James Black Hunter, Jr., but I could not locate the grave of her husband, James Blac Hunter Sr. Photo of her grave marker was made by me on that trip.
General Notes for Child Emily E. Downing
[18401.ged]
See note under Mamie Downing. Emma apparently was living in Wichita in 1951. On 7/26/98, a check of the Social Security Death Index located the following:
Emily Alspaugh b. 14 Aug 1882, d. Aug 1974, Hutchinson, KS ss 509-68-2925 I believe she married Horace Alspaugh. Tentative.[Downing.ged]
See note under Mamie Downing. Emily notified Pearl Downing of Mamie's death in 1951. On 7/26/98, a check of the Social Security Death Index located the following: Emily Alspaugh b. 14 Aug 1882, d. Aug 1974, Hutchinson, KS ss 509-68-2925 Sh married Horace Alspaugh. Records sent for under Freedom of Information Act on September 26, 1998, and were received on November 27, 1998. From this document it was learned that her middle name was Edith. Emily's death certificate was obtained in September, 1998, from the Kansas Department of Vital Statistics. She died of lung cancer at age 89. A request for a photo of the gravesite to Maple Grove Cemetery, Wichita, in October, 1998 resulted in the media photograph of the graves of Harry and Emily. In May, 1999, I visited Wichita and found the grave marker of Emily and Horace and re-photographed it. In July, 1999, I established computer contact with the grandchildren of Emily, through their father, Harry Alspaugh. They provided the photo of Emily taken shortly before her death in 1974. Her grandson, Steve Alspaugh, is a corrections officer in Connecticut. He and his wife, Mary, are planning a visi to Las Vegas in the fall or early winter of 2000, at which time more informatio will be exchanged.
General Notes for Child Benjamin Henry Downing Jr.
[18401.ged]
Statement to Department of Interior on father's pension request: Harry B. Downing is the youngest child at 12 years old. This was on January 15, 1898, making a birthdate of 1885 probable.
Harry appears in the 1910 census for Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas, as follows: Harry B. 23 Single Salesman - Lumber Company He is living in his mother's house, 614 N. Waco, at that time, with his mother and unmarrie sister, Sallie M. Downing. Harry B. Downing's marriage license shows his name as "B. Harry Downing". The obituary of his father from The Wichita Daily Eagle, 1908, indicates that his full name was Benjamin Henry Downing Jr., which would explain the "B. Harry" listing. It also indicates that when Sallie died (Sept 3, 1940) Harry was living back in Anthony, Harper county, Kansas.
**HISTORICAL NOTE** Harry B. Downing's marriage date was just eight days befor the Titanic disaster.[Downing.ged]
Statement to Department of Interior on father's1898 pension request: Harry B. Downing is the youngest child at 12 years old. Harry appears in the 1910 census for Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas, as follows: Harry B. 23 Single Salesman - Lumber Company He is living in his mother's house, 614 N. Waco, at that time, with his mother and unmarrie sister, Sallie M. Downing. Harry B. Downing's marriage license shows his name as "B. Harry Downing". The obituary of his father from The Wichita Daily Eagle, 1908, indicates that his full name was Benjamin Henry Downing Jr., which would explain the "B. Harry" listing. It also indicates that when Sallie died (Sept 3, 1940) Harry was living back in Anthony, Harper county, Kansas. On my 1999 trip to Kansas, I located the gravesite in Forest Park cemetery of B Harry Downing, along with this obituary from "The Anthony Republican", 14 Jul 1960: "B. Harry Downing, 74, passed away suddenly at his home at 611 N. Springfield, late Wednesday afternoon, the victim of a coronary heart attack. Mr. Downing had been mowing the lawn when stricken by the attack.
Mr. and Mrs. Downing moved to Anthony in 1912, when he was an employee for the Cudahy Packing company of Wichita. He was employed by the firm for 40 years. Harry was a member of the Anthony Masonic Lodge, a Past Commander of th Knights Templar of Anthony, and a member of the Midian Shrine.
He is survied by his widow Pearl, of the home, A sister, Mrs. Alspaugh, and several neices and nephews." From the above, it would appear there were no children of this marriage. Death certificate in file, shows occupation as retired salesman.
Katherine Dowell
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Wife Katherine Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: Thomas Dowell ( - ) 6
Mother: Joan Allot (1579- ) 6
Katrina Dawn Dowell
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Wife Katrina Dawn Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: Roger Allen Dowell
Mother: Lynda Diane Bennett
Kaylen Mary Dowell
Husband (details suppressed for this person)
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Wife Kaylen Mary Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: Lester Wayne Dowell
Mother: Kara Lynn Rogers
Lester Wayne Dowell and Kara Lynn Rogers
Husband Lester Wayne Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: Jerry Lynn Dowell
Mother: Patricia Ann Norman
Marriage:
Wife Kara Lynn Rogers (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: Gary Carlos Rogers (1935-1997) 3 4 5
Mother: Phyllis Jean Reffeitt
Children
1 F Kaylen Mary Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Travis Earl McFarland and Lucy George Dowell
Husband Travis Earl McFarland 9
Born: 28 Oct 1903 - Rowena, Russell Co., KY
Christened:
Died: 6 Feb 1971 - Indianapolis, IN
Buried: - Jamestown Cemetery, Russell Co., KY
Father: Joseph Rutherford McFarland (1879-1955) 9
Mother: Maud Ella Looper (1882-1950) 9
Marriage:
Other Spouse: Lucy Oreta Dowell
Wife Lucy George Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Travis Earl McFarland and Lucy Oreta Dowell
Husband Travis Earl McFarland 9
Born: 28 Oct 1903 - Rowena, Russell Co., KY
Christened:
Died: 6 Feb 1971 - Indianapolis, IN
Buried: - Jamestown Cemetery, Russell Co., KY
Father: Joseph Rutherford McFarland (1879-1955) 9
Mother: Maud Ella Looper (1882-1950) 9
Marriage:
Other Spouse: Lucy George Dowell
Wife Lucy Oreta Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Children
1 M William McFarland (details suppressed for this person)
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2 M Ralph McFarland (details suppressed for this person)
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3 M Rudolph McFarland (details suppressed for this person)
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4 F Earlene McFarland (details suppressed for this person)
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5 F Norma Lee McFarland (details suppressed for this person)
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6 F Helen McFarland (details suppressed for this person)
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7 F Mary Ellen McFarland (details suppressed for this person)
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8 F Janette McFarland (details suppressed for this person)
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Luella Elizabeth Dowell
Husband (details suppressed for this person)
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Wife Luella Elizabeth Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: Henry Drury Dowell (1863-1938) 1
Mother: Mary Elizabeth Gover (1867-1951) 1
Luke Dowell
Husband Luke Dowell 1
Born: 1718 - Calvert County, MD 1
Christened:
Died: 1750 - Baltimore County, MD 1
Buried:
Father: Philip Dowell (1681-1733) 1
Mother: Mary Tydings (1683- ) 1
Marriage:
Wife
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General Notes (Husband)
[Downing.ged]
Birth and baptismal records for Luke Dowell were lost.
Lydia Dowell
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Wife Lydia Dowell 1
AKA: Lydia Dowell
Born: - Calvert County, MD 1
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Father: Philip Dowell Jr (1703-1770) 1
Mother: Mary Richardson ( - ) 1
General Notes (Wife)
[18401.ged]
Married (unknown) Lane.[Downing.ged]
Married (unknown) Lane.
Samuel H. Looper and M. E. Dowell
Husband Samuel H. Looper 9
Born: Abt 1840 - Overton Co., TN
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Died:
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Father: Solomon Looper (1817-1858) 9
Mother: Margaret Jean Boswell (1820-Abt 1869) 9
Marriage:
Other Spouse: Mary Shinpoch (Abt 1845- ) 6 9 - 8 Aug 1889 - Johnson Co., AR
Wife M. E. Dowell 9
Born: Abt 1847 - VA
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Died:
Buried:
Children
1 F Ethel Eathral Looper 9
Born: 22 Mar 1871 - AZ
Christened:
Died: 28 May 1928 - Prague, OK
Buried:
Spouse: J. T. Williams (1860- ) 9
Marr: 22 Jun 1899 - Coal Hill, AR
Spouse: James William Looper (1893-1970) 9
Marr: Abt 1918
2 F B. E. Looper 9
Born: Abt 1875 - Johnson Co., AR
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
John R. Snyder and Margaret Dowell
Husband John R. Snyder 1
AKA: John R. Snyder
Born: 25 Jun 1850 - Howard County, MD 1
Christened:
Died: 28 Feb 1929 - Calvert County, MD 1
Buried: 2 Mar 1929 - All Saints Epis. 1
Marriage: 22 Nov 1876 - Calvert County, MD 1
Wife Margaret Dowell 1
AKA: Margaret "Maggie" Dowell
Born: 1850 - Calvert County, MD 1
Christened:
Died: 1923 - Howard County, MD 1
Buried:
Father: Richard H. Dowell (1821- ) 1
Mother: Eliza Jones (1827-1907) 1
Marthe Sherron Dowell
Husband
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Wife Marthe Sherron Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: Joe Dowell ( -1969) 7
Mother: Dollie Katherine Scudder
Benjamin D. Sunderland and Mary Dowell
Husband Benjamin D. Sunderland 1
AKA: Benjamin D. Sunderland
Born: 1794 - Calvert County, MD 1
Christened:
Died: 4 Dec 1872 - Anne Arundel Co., MD 1
Buried: - Friendship Meth., Anne Arundel Co., MD 1
Marriage: 26 May 1840 - Baltimore, MD (Divorced) 1
Wife Mary Dowell 1
AKA: Mary Dowell
Born: 12 Jun 1797 - Calvert County, MD 1
Christened:
Died: 10 Oct 1881 - Calvert County, MD 1
Buried: - Mt. Harmony Cem., Calvert Co., MD 1
Father: Henry Dowell (1770-1829) 1
Mother: Ann Scrivener (1773-1811) 1
General Notes (Wife)
[18401.ged]
Dowell book, page 3. No children. Divorced Benjamin in 1847.[Downing.ged]
Dowell book, page 3. No children. Divorced Benjamin in 1847.
Mary Ann Dowell
Husband
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Wife Mary Ann Dowell 1
AKA: Mary Ann Dowell
Born: - Calvert County, MD 1
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Father: Philip Dowell Jr (1703-1770) 1
Mother: Mary Richardson ( - ) 1
General Notes (Wife)
[18401.ged]
Married (unknown) Ward.[Downing.ged]
Married (unknown) Ward.
Mary Gertrude Dowell
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Wife Mary Gertrude Dowell (details suppressed for this person)
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Father: Henry Wilson Dowell (1896-1976) 1
Mother: Minnie Catterton (1903-1982) 1
