McDowell, Samuel, 1735-1817,

Revolutionary War soldier, early Ky. settler, and jurist.

Samuel McDowell was born in Pennsylvania in 1735 and moved to Virginia with his family as a toddler. As a member and an officer of the militia, McDowell took part in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Before the Revolution, he served as a Virginia legislator. In 1783 he assumed posts in Kentucky as surveyor of public lands in Fayette County and judge of the first District Court held in Kentucky. McDowell presided over every constitution called from 1785 to 1792 to achieve Kentucky statehood. After statehood was gained, he continued his judicial career as one of the first circuit court judges, one of the first district judges, and the first federal judge. McDowell died near Danville in 1817.