McDows in America trace their ancestry to DOW sept and Buchanan and Davidsons clans in Scotland. “Mc” in Scotland means “son of”: therefore McDow means “son of Dow”. The McDows lived in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Paisley, and Perth in Scotland, where there are still many of that name. The McDow family emigrated from Scotland, to America settling in Pennsylvania and subsequently removed to Lancaster District, South Carolina. The McDows lived in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Paisley, and Perth in Scotland, where there are still many of that name. The McDow family emigrated from Scotland, to America settling in Pennsylvania and subsequently removed to Lancaster District, South Carolina.
John McDow , the ancestor who emigrated from Scotland settled in Pennsylvania and subsequently removed to Lancaster district, South Carolina. His First wife was named Catherine Carol and his second was named Mary. John McDow and his descendants were most patriotic, giving much support and active service in every war in which John himself rendered service, down through the present time. They were always strong church members and were predominantly Presbyterians. They were fighting in defense of their own homes and for the cause of liberty. Their Sacrifices were considerable. Each man furnished his own equipment and unlike continental soldiers of the time, they fought without pay and usually were not reimbursed for their services until after the war was over. Even then their food was commandeered with only a receipt on return and they knew well that if the contest turned against them that they would not receive a penny for all they had supplied in goods and services. He contributed largely in a material way as well as in service to the colonists cause. There is Record for him having seven children.
Thomas McDow: Son of John McDow was born on October 12, 1765. In 1781, when he was only sixteen he enlisted as a private in the “South Carolina Troops” and served under Captain George Dunlap, Major Thomas Thompson, and General Francis Marion at Cartier’s Ferry on the Edisto River. He saw action at the Battle of Eutaw Springs. From June or July, 1783 he served three months under the command of Richard Terrell. At the close of the war he returned to Lancaster, SC, where he lived until his death on October 24, 1835. On his tombstone it read “ McDow, Thomas died at his residence in Waxhaw, Lancaster District, South Carolina, Saturday 24, age 71st year. A ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church and also a Revolutionary Soldier.”
Taylor McDow: son of Thomas McDow according to census’s he was born sometime between 1794 and 1800. Married Nancy Anna McIlwain who was born on April 1st, 1799. He was located one mile east of Lancaster, South Carolina. Taylor died sometime in 1836. They had ten Children.
John Jett McDow son of Taylor McDow was born on June 6, 1833. He was the ninth Child of Taylor McDow. He enlisted as a private in the confederate Army in the fall of 1861. He was a member of Company G. 51st Tenn. Vell Cheathan’s Division. He was in the bombardment of Ft Henry and Ft Donaldson. After ten days of fighting at the last place named he was captured and sent to camp butler near Springfield Illinois, where he remained a prisoner for some months. He was exchanged at High Point, N. C. on April 25th 1865. Under the command of Joseph C. Johnston. After the class of hostilities he taught school and fell in love with one of his pupils; Miss Mary Ann Pullen, who was born on June 26th 1846, and he married he on November 2nd 1865. They resided at Gilt edge, Tenn. They had four Children.
Benjamin Pryor McDow. son of John Jett McDow was born on April 20th, 1872. He married Patrie Agnes Templeton on November 24th. 1897. He died on October 20th, 1928. Patrie Templeton McDow was born February 11. 1879. She dies on August 27th, 1916. They had eight children.
Erskine Wilson McDow: Son of Benjamin Pryor McDow was born March 1st, 1914, in Gilt Edge, Tenn. Married Helen Elizebeth McRee April 2nd, 1942. They had Three Children. They lived in Shelby county, Al.
Tim Alan McDow. Son of Erskine Wilson McDow Was born June 4th, 1956. Married Donna Lynne Ray, July 8th, 1977. They have many children and reside in Shelby county, AL.