WILLIAM FRANKLIN DOWDALL is a representative of one of the old and valued families of Greene county and his life record is in harmony with that of his ancestors, being characterized by activity in business and loyalty and progressiveness in citizenship. He was born in Rockbridge township, Greene county, on the 7th of August, 1859, and is a son of James Dowdall, who is residing in White Hall, being one of the respected citizens of his locality.
The son obtained his education in the district schools and was early trained to the work of field and meadow, continuing to assist in the cultivation of the old home property until the 25th of February, 1886, when desiring to establish a home of his own he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Robinson, a native of New Jersey and a daughter of William Robinson, who was born in England, whence he emigrated to the new world and after spending some years in New Jersey he removed to Jersey county, Illinois, where he remained until 1894. In that year he came to Greene county and resided with Mr. and Mrs. Dowdall until his death, which occurred in the year 1896. Unto our subject and his wife have been born five children: Marcille, Albert, Leven, Jennie June and William F.
At the time of their marriage the young couple removed to what is known as Waggoner's Mound, in the northeastern part of Kane township. Here Mr. Dowdall is operating five hundred and sixty acres of valuable farm land. He follows diversified farming, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also having good grades of stock upon his place. The portion known as Mound covers about one hundred and sixty acres of land with an elevation of one hundred and fifty feet and is equally good as the level land for farming purposes. It is usually planted to corn and excellent crops are raised thereon. In all of his farm work he is practical and enterprising, keeping in touch with the modern, progressive spirit of the times and he has a fine residence, constituting a comfortable home, over which his wife presides with gracious hospitality.