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James Ferguson Dowdell
James Ferguson Dowdell.jpg
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 (1818-11-26)November 26, 1818
near Monticello, Georgia
Died September 6, 1871(1871-09-06) (aged 52)
Auburn, Alabama
Political party Democratic

James Ferguson Dowdell (born November 26, 1818 – died September 6, 1871) was an important person in Alabama's history. He was the second President of East Alabama College, which we now know as Auburn University. He also served as a U.S. Representative for Alabama.

Early Life and Education

James Ferguson Dowdell was born on November 26, 1818. His birthplace was near Monticello, Georgia. He went to college at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. He finished his studies there in 1840.

After college, James Dowdell decided to study law. He worked hard and became a lawyer in 1841. He started his law practice in Greenville, Georgia.

Moving to Alabama

In 1846, James Dowdell moved to Oak Bowery, Alabama. There, he started working in farming. He also became interested in politics.

He tried to get elected to the State House of Representatives in 1849 and 1851. However, he was not successful in those elections.

Serving in Congress

James Dowdell was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served three terms in Congress.

His time in Congress was from March 4, 1853, to March 3, 1859. He represented Alabama during this period.

Civil War Service

During the American Civil War, James Dowdell played a role in the conflict. He served as a colonel in the Confederate Army.

He led the Thirty-seventh Regiment, Alabama Volunteer Infantry. He served under General Sterling Price from 1862 until the war ended.

College President

After the Civil War, James Dowdell took on a new leadership role. From 1868 to 1870, he was the second President of East Alabama College.

Today, East Alabama College is known as Auburn University. He helped lead the college during an important time.

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