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]
James Ferguson Dowdell | |
|---|---|
 | |
| President of Auburn University | |
| In office 1868–1870 | |
| Preceded by | William J. Sasnett |
| Succeeded by | Isaac T. Tichenor |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 3rd district | |
| In office March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1859 | |
| Preceded by | Sampson W. Harris |
| Succeeded by | David Clopton |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 7th district | |
| In office March 4, 1853 – March 3, 1855 | |
| Preceded by | Alexander White |
| Succeeded by | Sampson W. Harris |
| Member of the Alabama House of Representatives | |
| In office 1849 1851 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 26, 1818 near Monticello, Georgia |
| Died | September 6, 1871 (aged 52) Auburn, Alabama |
| Political party | Democratic |
Biography edit
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 edit
This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress