James Ferguson Dowdell (November 26, 1818 – September 6, 1871) was the second President of the East Alabama College, now known as Auburn University, from 1868 to 1870, and a U.S. Representative from Alabama.[1][2]

Biography

James Ferguson Dowdell was born on November 26, 1818, near Monticello, Georgia.[1] Dowdell completed preparatory studies and in 1840 and graduated from Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, Virginia.[1] He studied law.[1] He was admitted to the bar in 1841 and commenced practice in Greenville, Georgia.[1] He moved to Oak Bowery, Alabama, in 1846 and engaged in agricultural pursuits.[1] He was an unsuccessful candidate for election to the State house of representatives in 1849 and 1851.[1]

James Dowdell was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-third, Thirty-fourth, and Thirty-fifth Congresses (March 4, 1853 – March 3, 1859).[1][3] During the Civil War he served as colonel of the Thirty-seventh Regiment, Alabama Volunteer Infantry, under General Price from 1862 until the close of the war.[1][2]

From 1868 to 1870, he served as the second President of the East Alabama College, now known as Auburn University.[1][2][3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j He was also a slave owner.Congress biography
  2. ^ a b c Program Archived 2011-07-16 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ a b Auburn library

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Alabama's 7th congressional district

March 4, 1853 – March 3, 1855
Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Alabama's 3rd congressional district

March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1859
Succeeded by
Academic offices
Preceded by President of Auburn University
1866–1872
Succeeded by
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