Abraham Dowdney


Abraham Dowdney was a United States Representative from New York, as well as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Biography

Born in Youghal, County Cork, Ireland, he emigrated to the United States with his parents, who settled in New York City. He attended private schools, engaged in the building and contracting business, and served in the Civil War as a captain in the 132nd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment in 1862 and 1863. His regiment served primarily in Virginia and North Carolina with the XVIII Corps.
Dowdney was chairman of the public school trustees of New York City from 1882 to 1885. He was elected as a Democrat to the 49th Congress and served from March 4, 1885 until his death in New York City in 1886 at the age of 45. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Long Island City.