The Descendants of Thomas McDowell in Colonial America
January 9, 2025 5 Comments
This book is the story of the descendants of Thomas McDowell, who came to the American colonies in the 1700s, and their impact on American History. The different branches lived in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky, and many family members made significant contributions to the growth of the colonies.
The new homes of the McDowell Family were on the frontier. Life there was challenging as they had to clear their land and build cabins. They also joined the local militias to protect themselves against Indian attacks. Even though Indians killed some, most survived and, in many cases, flourished.
The McDowell family had many members who fought in the American Revolution to establish our freedoms. Did you know Charles McDowell, “Pleasant Garden Joe” McDowell, and “Quaker Meadows Joe” McDowell were officers in the North Carolina Militia who had a significant role in defeating the British at a turning point in the American Revolution. They are in history books.
The McDowell family’s contribution to American History goes beyond our three heroes in the North Carolina militia. Read the pages of this book to discover who the other heroes are. One may be your ancestor.
The book offers a fascinating overview of colonial American life. Even if you don’t have McDowell ancestors, you may find a connection to your colonial roots.
Steve Szabados Genealogy 
I have McDowell line but it hits dead end with my 3rd great-grandfather Thomas James McDowell who married Mary Elizabeth Barnes.
Most people with the McDowell surname are a descendant of Thomas McDowell (born in 1628 in County Antrim, Ireland) and one of his six sons – all of whom immigrated to Colonial America. His sons settled in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina in the mid-1700s. After the Revolutionary War, they began migrating westward into Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky. Where was Thomas James McDowell? Try matching his location with the grandchildren of one of the sons. Good luck and have fun.
Hello, I’ll have to give this a read. I’m doing research and I have a John McDowell
born1788 County Longford, Ireland, married “Jane”McMurty born 1795. I see a lot of connections with names prior that, but I can’t find a direct line from Thomas McDowell (1628). I was thinking great nephew perhaps, but I’m struggling to find information on the John and Jane’s parents.
My family emigrated from County Atrium, but I mention County Longford when referring to the tragic voyage of the George and Ann in 1729.
Much appreciated. I found another record of the same family line, but from Country Atrium as well. It’s very difficult to compare how accurate the records are.