In recognition of the Semiquincentennial of America’s Independence on July 4, 2026, the Thomas Rodney Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution continues its yearlong celebration to honor our patriot ancestors. During the weeks and months leading to America’s 250th Birthday, chapter members are spotlighting the service of our Revolutionary War Ancestors. This week, we honor the service of Robert Dowdell, Revolutionary Ancestor of chapter members Barbara Alldread McClellan, Deborah McClellan Bourn, Carley Brown Bremner, Patti Melton Brown, Shelley Marie Brown, Emily McQuary Collier, Suzanne Sykes Digby, Stephanie Sykes Howell, Melissa Hughes Leontovich, and Connie Parker McQuary.
Robert Dowdell (Dowdle) resided in Camden District, South Carolina, during the American Revolution where he served as a soldier in the South Carolina Militia and performed acts of Civil and Patriotic Service. Militia records show Robert’s service as Quarter Master Sergeant in a troop of horse commanded by Major Isaac Ross. He also served as a Quarter Master Sergeant under other commanders in the South Carolina Militia and with the South Carolina Militia New Acquisition District Regiment. Dowdell served under Lieutenant William Hillhouse in place of a Lieutenant. His patriotic service included providing sundries to the militia and numerous supplies for use by the South Carolina Militia during the War. He furnished personal service (horse service) to Captian James Jamison. Jury lists in Camden District attest to Robert Dowdell’s civil service as a juror.
Proof of Robert Dowdell’s service to the cause of American Independence can be found in the
Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution, by Bobby Gilmer Ross, AA 2011A, V401; The Dowdle Family, by E M Sharp, Archives of South Carolina; The Jury Lists of South Carolina 1778-1779, Compiled by Ge Lee Corley Hendrix and Morn McCoy Lindsay; South Carolina Archives, Accts Aud #2011A, Roll #36; Stub Entries to Indents Issued in Payment of Claims Against South Carolina Growing Out of the Revolution: Books U-W, Liber V; Book X, Liber X; edited by A. S. Salley and Wylma Anne Wates for the Historical Commission of South Carolina. Printed for the Historical Commission of South Carolina by the South Carolina Archives Department.
Robert was born in 1744 in County Antrim, Ireland. He married Jane, surname unknown, about 1775. Robert died July 6, 1820, in Pendleton District, SC. The final burial place of Robert Dowdell is currently unknown.
