MACH Ceilan S. McDowell

1887 – 1959

USNRF

WWI

Ceilan Spitzer McDowell was born August 23, 1887 in Uhrichville, Ohio to Charles E. and Lucy Huston McDowell.

McDowell served in the activated U.S. Naval Reserve Forces during World War I as a Machinist from Apr 14, 1918 to May 29, 1919. His assignment station was Rockaway Beach, New York, in the lighter than air branch, maintaining airships. In World War I, airships were used on both sides for reconnaissance, maritime patrol and strategic bombing.

On July 5, 1921, McDowell married Mrs. Olive Cressman Geissinger in Miamisburg, Ohio; they had two daughters. They made their home in Chicago for several years before moving to Barrington in 1929.

He owned automobile tire sales and service businesses in Barrington and Elgin, before failing health forced his retirement.

McDowell was a member of the Barrington American Legion Post.

Machinist Ceilan McDowell died September 13, 1959 at Hines VA Hospital, and is buried with his wife in Barrington’s Evergreen Cemetery.

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Remember. Honor. Teach.

Courtesy of Signal Hill Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.