A Scotch family of Dow came to Philadelphia some time before 1760, probably to take part in the 1758 campaign. The known facts concerning them end in 1766.
James Dow was clearly a man of gentle birth and of property,else he would not himself have been a British officer and been able to obtain commissions for three or four sons. He d Philadelphia and a son's petition fixes the date as 1766. The three regiments the family served in were Scotch. James Dow was a Lieut. in the 60th Reg up to the time of his death. Three sons are sure:

a. James, commissioned Lieut. of 42nd Reg May 24 1758

b. John, commissioned Ensign 60th Reg May 4 1757: Lieut. May 24 1258 His identity is unproved; he did not join the petition signed by three sons; quite possible he was a nephew.
c. Archibald, commissioned ensign 60th Reg Apr 6 1759; Lieut. Dec 12 1760
d. Alexander, commissioned ensign 28th Reg Nov 10 1760; Lieut.  Mar 8 1763.
Some time after the French war James, Archibald and Alexander Dow entered a petition for a grant of land, 2000 acres to each on the west shore of Lake Champlain, by virtue of being sons of James Dow dec, late of the 60th reg. In a special petition dated 1766 James Dow Jr adds that his father had lately died. That something was done in the matter appears from some litigation many years later.

About 1790 a man who had lived since prior to 1782 on 400 acres of land near Whitehall, NY, known as Dows Patent, was forced to fight for his titled in court. By putting 2 & 2 together, the circumstances are fairly clear. At least 400 acres were granted to one or more of the sons of James Dow. It is a natural presumption that if they remained in this country, they continued Royalists and left before the actual outbreak of the revolution. The logical way was over the Canadian  border, as did the vast number of tories. It matters little to us whether they made an effort to live on the land after 1766 or sold it at the first possible opportunity. British officers of the French campaign generally adopted the latter course. Being enemies to the United States, the land would be liable to   confiscation. Hence the suit to oust the owner in 1790, perhaps an innocent purchaser. It's outcome has not be learned by the Author (DOW). The tale would end abruptly here, were it not for a striking coincidence.

About 1800 there crossed the border from the British provinces and settled in So Thomaston, Me, a Capt James Dow, a sea caption. Around him there is a well defined tradition that he had previously lived in the States and had a military career. His name is one more reason for guessing him to be a son of one of the Philadelphia Lieuts. He m So Thomaston (int pub Mar 17 1806) Elizabeth Coombs.
Their children Abigail C, George C and James.
The information on this line is very scarce at this point would love to here from anyone tied to this line.

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