Son of John C. and Mrs. McDowell. Brother of Grace McDowell Dumphy. Lived in Colorado most of his life, in Colorado Springs and Ouray. Worked four years as mailing clerk in the Colorado Springs Post Office. Enlisted April 6, 1898. Member Company M, 1st Colorado Volunteers. Had been sick for two months with malarial fever and it was believed probable he killed himself while in a delirium. Described by Colorado Springs Gazette as "an excellent fellow in every way" with many friends.