ROBERT T. McDOWELL

Pioneered by Researcher Jack Cross First Sullivan CO, TNGenWeb County Coordinator

Rev. Robert T. McDowell was born May 11, 1855, in Tazewell County, Virginia. and spent his boyood near where St. Clair, Virginia, now stands. The Bluestone Camp Ground was famous in that community and the Methodist Church gave many of its sons to the ministry.

At an early age he was converted and at once united with the Methodist Church. His education was obtained in the local schools. Among his schoolmates was Nannie Ella Summers, daughter of William and Martha Bane Summers, The delightful companionship of youthful days ripened into love, and they were united in marriage in 1880. Their married life was one of beautiful devotion, which gave charm and loveliness to their home. Mrs. McDowell preceded her husband to the land of their dreams in 1934.

He was admitted on trial in Holston Conference at Chattanooga, along with eleven others, among whom were T. C. Schuler, George R. Stuart and S. S. Catron, all whom he survived. He was a traveling preacher for fifty-eight years. During his time he answered roll-call at every annual conference and was equally regular in attendance at district conferences and other church meetings. He was admitted into full connection in 1885, having been ordained a local deacon the previous year, and was ordained elder in 1887. He served the following charges: Murphy, Clear Fork. Rye Cove. Morristown Circuit, Greeneville, Strawberry Plains, Clinton, Maryville, Cumberland Gap, Gate City. Blountville, Saltville, Rural Retreat, East Stone Gap, Elizabethton, Virginia Avenue (Bristol), South Bristol and Mountain City. He was for several years appointed to evangelistic service. For more than twenty five years, his home had been at Bristol. He wrote and published several books of devotions and reminiscences. No man vvas more, ready to answer the call to preach and minister where there was need for service or comfort. He was beloved throughout Holston Conference, especially in the city in which he spent the latter nears of his life.

Nine children blessed the union of Robert T. McDowell and Martha Bane Summers; three had preceded their parents. Surviving are Wilson Pierce, Holland S., Miss Irene, Mrs. Ruby Hamm, George, and Dr. S. R. McDowell.

Brother McDowell died at his home in Bristol on Wednesday, February 19, 1911, and was buried the following day. Funeral services were conducted at the home on Georgia Avenue by Rev. P. P. Martin, Rev. J. C. Spurlin, and Rev. J. E. Milburn.

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