An American Family History

Celia Oxley McDowell was born about 1796 in Fleming County Kentucky. Her parents were Eli and Margaret Oxley. The Oxley children were listed in an 1820 Fleming County, Kentucky deed.

Celia Oxley McDowell (Selay Oxlay) married Alexander McDowell on December 1, 1814 in Nicholas County, Kentucky. His father was Alexander McDowell.

Their children were Eli McDowell (1814), Alexander McDowell (1818), Nancy McDowell (1820), Thomas McDowell (1823), William McDowell (1825), Prior McDowell (1832), Margaret McDowell (1834), Martha McDowell (1837), and Mary J. McDowell Broomall (1838-1921).

In 1820 an Alexander McDowell family was living in Randolph, Dearborn, Indiana. The household consisted of
3 boys under 10 - Eli, Alexander, Jr., unknown
a man between 26 and 44 - Alexander
a woman between 16 and 25 - Celia
5 other people who were not free and white
they were engaged in agriculture

In 1830 the Alexander McDowell household was in Switzerland, Indiana. The household consisted of:
2 boys under 5 - Thomas, William
a girl under 5 - Nancy
a boy between 5 and 10 - Alexander
a boy between 10 and 15 - Eli
a woman between 20 and 29 - Celia
a man between 30 and 39 - Alexander

In 1840 the household was in Posey, Switzerland, Indiana. It consisted of
a girl under 5 -
a boy between 5 and 9 -
a girl between 5 and 9 -
a girl between 10 and 14 -
a boy between 15 and 19 -
2 men between 20 and 29 -
a woman between 40 and 49 - Celia
a man between 50 and 59 - Alexander

In 1848 Alexander and Celia divorced. Celia received one third of the land they owned in Posey.

They were still in Posey at the time of the 1850 census. 25 year old William was the head of household. "Cela" was 46, Prior 18, Margaret 16, Mary J. 14, Martha J was 12, and Thomas was 27.

Now come the parties by their solicitors and the cause now coming and to be heard as bill answers and the testimony of sworn witnesses and the court having heard the testimony and all things concerning the cause and being fully advised therof do now here finally order as judge and decree as follows to wit:

1st: That the bonds of matrimony existing between Celia McDowell and Alexander McDowell be and the same is hereby dissolved and rendered absolutely null and void.

2nd.That, the sheriff of the county of Switzerland, Indiana and he is hereby appointed a commissioner to set apart to the said Celia, the complainant, one third part of the part of land owned by Alexander McDowell, the defendant, in Posey township in said county being the same tract which was the laters residence of said Alexander McDowell

and the premises mentioned in the bill of complaint herein, having reference to the quality and quantity of the same to have use and occupy the same for her maintenance and support until which time, this cause is continued to trial matter.

Thereupon court adjourned until to-morrow morning at 8 o'clock. Signed April 17th 1844 Copy delivered to the Sheriff 29 June 1844

Broomall, Mary J b-15 Oct 1837 in Indiana; d/o Alexander McDowell & Celia Oxley; d-14 July in Newport; br-Evergreen
Campbell County Deaths 1921