Obituary for Isaac P. McDowell (Burwell family friend)

Isaac P. McDowell was born August 17, 1824, in Scioto county, Ohio.  When he was but 4 years old his parents moved to Indiana, settling in Tippecanoe county, where they lived for a few years and then moved to Montgomery county where they made their home until 1850.  In January, 1843, Mr. McDowell's father passed away and just previous to his death consigned to his care the keeping of a large family of children, mostly boys, of whom he was the eldest.  This trust, as in all other during his life he discharged faithfully for ten years thereafter, the greater part of which time was spent in teaching school, his brothers and sisters being among his pupils.

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In the fall of 1845 Mr. McDowell came to Illinois and during the succeeding winter he taught the school in Avoca township.  In 1850 the family moved from Indiana to Avoca and three years later Mr. McDowell went to Pontiac where he engaged in the mercantile business in company with Messrs.   Ladd and McGregor.  He erected the building in which the firm transacted business and it was the first building of any consequence erected in that city.  Their first stock of goods was the first shipped on the Chicago & Alton to Pontiac.  Two years later Mr. McDowell disposed of his interest in the store to his partners and returned to his farm in Avoca where he remained until 1864 when he came to Fairbury and engaged in the dry goods business with his brother, Nelson S. McDowell.

In April, 1899, he obtained a charter for and assisted in organizing the First National Bank of Fairbury [Illinois].  He was honored by being elected president of that institution, a position which he filled continuously during his life, being elected 29 times.

He was united in marriage to Miss Jane Russell June 10, 1855.  Six children were born to this union, five of whom are living: Thomas S. O.; Elmer E., and John V., of this city and Mrs. Joseph C. Graff and Miss Lutie McDowell, of Chicago, a daughter, Lillian, dying in infancy.  Mrs. McDowell passed away August 25, 1880.

Mr. McDowell was again united in marriage August 8, 1895, to Mrs. Belle S. Houser, of Denver, Col., who survives him.

Coming to the county over half a century ago Mr. McDowell has been identified with its interests since that time.  More especially is this true of Fairbury and during the early struggle of the village he contributed much toward making it a leading trade center.

He followed the various occupations of teacher, farmer, merchant and banker successfully, his sturdy character submitting to no defeat.  He was at one time editor and publisher of the Fairbury Journal.  He always took an active part in public affairs and when Fairbury was incorporated he was elected one of its first trustees.  Being a practical man in all things, he readily accumulated a large estate and his honesty of purpose and straightforward dealings with his fellow man placed him in the front rank of their confidence.  He was possessed of a sterling character, being of noble qualities of heart and mind.   He lived entirely above a low plane of worldly humanity.  As a Christian he was strong in his convictions and loyal to them.   He had been a member of the M. E. church over 58 years, during which time, he took an active interest in its affairs and was officially connected with the church in the capacity of trustee and superintendent of the Sunday school many years.

His great pride was the establishment of the First National Bank of this city and the success attained by this institution.  Until recently he gave it his close personal attention and he appreciated very highly the confidence reposed in that institution by its patrous and the people thruout the county.  It was his request that his three sons still continue to conduct its affairs and safeguard its good name.

The greater part of his time the last few years has been in Denver, Col., where the climate was better suited to his health.   His last illness was brief and his death was entirely unexpected.  The morning of December 28 he fell unconscious at his home in Denver from which he soon recovered altho he suffered greatly for three days.  January 2, 3 and 4 he fell in a stupor from which it was hard to arouse him.  After that he seemed to improve steadily and he informed his physician that he felt sure he would recover all right, and he had apparently gained his usual strength and vigor.  The morning of Jan. 9 he was again taken with pains and soon passed away his wife and son, John V., being at his bedside.

The remains arrived in this city Friday morning, accompanied by Mrs. McDowell, John V. McDowell and W. T. Boyd, of Denver, Col., and were taken to the home of his son.  T. S. O. McDowell.  The funeral services were held at the M. E. church Saturday morning at 10:30, Presiding Elder R. B. Williams, his former pastor, officiating.  In token of the esteem in which he was held the business houses of the city were closed and a great concourse of his old friends and associates attended the services.  Those from abroad who attended were: Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Graff, Miss Lutie McDowell, of Chicago.  J. H. Amsler, W. M. Deaver and wife, of Bloomington.  F. C. McDowell, of Gibson City, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. McDowell, Mrs. Saber, Mrs. Ladd, Miss Boardman, Mrs. Lawrence, of Pontiac.

Source: Burwell/Tate Family Papers, 1850-1930 (K0233), Folder 1. Burwell family scrapbook and photo album, 1879-1908, photocopied.*

*BURWELL-TATE FAMILY PAPERS, 1850-1930 (K0233), The State Historical Society of Missouri, 800 East 51st Street, 306 Miller Nichols Library UMKC, Kansas City, MO 64110.