How can one determine Margaret Merchant McDowell's first husband? She was born in Pennsylvania on Feb 26, 1852. She married William C Beal about 1874. She had 2 children by her 1st husband (1870 & 1873). OneWorld lists unknown West as a husband.

Margaret Merchant McDowell Beal was my great great
mother.
She had 2 sons .
Chauncey Lee born1870 and Edward Holmes born March 9, 1873 in Union Town, Pennsilvania.
They were adopted by my grear great grand father when they were maried 1870.
In 1876 they by covered wagon thet came west first Utah then Montana.
They are baried in Anaconda, Montana.
I have a bible list of some McDowell's if you are intersted and also if you have found any information about the Beal family.
Orville Beal

Hello, Orville. Thanks for your reply.
Edward Holmes Beal was my grandfather. He told me stories
about his westward wagon train adventures. He told me how the wagon train stopped at the battlefield of Custer's Last Stand. The
battlefield was covered with broken arrows and other remnants of
the battle. He also mentioned how the Nez Perce Indians would
exchange small game for the use of his knife-sharpening stone
while his family was growing up near Anaconda.

I would appreciate receiving the Bible list of the McDowells you mentioned.

I plan to visit the Union Town area in early October to see if I can
find any information on Margaret Merchant McDowell Beal's 1st husband. Our daughter and her family live in Pittsburgh, about an
hour's drive away. I will let you know if I find any new information.

Gary Doolen
gdoolen@aol.com

Hi Gary, I came across your post from 2006 about Margaret Merchant McDowell Beal. I too have been looking for her first husband. I also have been told that his last name may have been WEST and died in a train accident. I am the descendant of Chauncey. He had Harold (Harry) who had John and I am John’s daughter.

How was your trip to Union Town? Any success in finding out her first Husband? Any info you can provide would be great. If you are looking for info I may have, let me know and I would be happy to provide.

Thanks much!
Liana Beal

Looking for info on Jane Beal McDowell b.1795 d.after 1880
Dunbar, Fayette Co.,Pa. Husband was Andrew McDowell
who died around 1840.