Notes for: Ephraim MCDOWELL

He is of Scotch Irish anscestory. On 9 Dec 1688, he answered the call for the defense of Londonderry, Londonderry, Ireland. In the 1720's/30's (in the old age of Ephraim) the family came to Virginia via Pennsylvania to Rockbridge County, VA near Lexington. They arrived in Rockbridge County in the fall of 1737. They possibly arrived in Pennsylvania, on the good ship "George and Ann" on 4 Sep 1729. There were a number of McDowells on the ship; many from County Longford, Ireland, a John McDowell of Dublin; a James McDowell, who had several children to died on the trip and were thrown over board, the first on 8 Jun 1729; a John McDowell; and, the sister, brother and wife of Andrew McDowell. The relationship of John McDowell, the immigante and Joseph McDowell, the immigante (John and Joseph were brothers) to Ephraim is not proven, however it is believed they are nephews or sons of a cousin of Ephraim.