DOWLING, Finton

DOWLING, MURPHY

Posted By: Administrator
Date: 12/30/2001 at 07:43:16

PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF CLINTON COUNTY, IOWA 1886 (CHAPMAN BROS.)
Containing full page portraits & biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county.  (Also available on FHL film 1036331 Item 9)

(P. 384-385) FINTON DOWLING. Our subject, who is a farmer, living on section 7, Deep Creek Township, is one of Clinton County’s enterprising and prosperous citizens, and has a war record worthy the attention of any. He was born in Queens County, Ireland, Nov. 25, 1842, and came to America with his parents at the age of ten years. He landed at New Orleans, and coming from there the family settled in Bourbon County, Ky. At the end of three years he removed to Iowa, and worked by the month till July 6, 1861, at which date he responded to his country’s call and entered the United States service. He entered Co. A, 18th Iowa Vol. Inf., under Col. Edwards, and was mustered in at Clinton and ordered to St. Louis, where he was taken sick. Remaining in the barracks for three weeks, he rejoined his regiment at Sedalia, Mo., and took part in the battle of Springfield, that State, on the 8th of January, 1863. Mr. Dowling also fought at the battle of Poison Springs, Ark., and afterward was in the battle of Saline River, Ark. He was sent to the hospital at Sedalia, and again went into his regiment at Fayetteville, Ark. He served three years faithfully, was wounded a number of times, and presents a fair history as a soldier, fighting earnestly in behalf of his country. He was discharged from the srvice Aug. 11, 1865, bearing the honors of war. He was united in marriage June 20, 1866, with Miss Catherine Murphy, a native of County Kilkenny, Ireland, who was born in 1832. They have one child by their marriage -- Elizabeth M. -- born July 20, 1867. She is a young lady of high mental attainments, and has received many educational advantages. She attended the seminary at Lyons called the Sisters of Charity, and graduated at the Cedar Rapids Business College Nov. 29, 1884.
Mr. Dowling is the owner of 160 acres of fine land, all highly improved and valuable. He has a fine barn and dwelling, and is noted among the successful citizens of Clinton County. He and his wife are devoted Roman Catholics, and he is an earnest Republican in politics.