Crider - McDowell Family Tree

He was so unfortunate as to set fire on a windy day, in the absence of his father, to some underbrush, for the purpose of clearing the land, the better, around the homestead, which resulted in burning up the house and barn with their contents, and the lumber that had been gathered together for the erection of a new house. His nerves were so shattered by this terrible blow to the fortunes and hopes of his parents that he never saw a well day afterwards, but was for 28 years confined to his bed. He could not bear any noise, and had to be in a small house alone by himself with an attendant, and was so cold always that a fire must be kept up at all times even in summer in his room. He bore his sufferings, which were great, with Christian fortitude.