Belongs credit for the plan of organization. He advocated establishing township, county, state, and national bodies The title "Subordinate" was substituted for the word "township" and later when the county Grange seemed impractical the term "Pomona' was established for it. Mr. Saunders suggested the name "Grange' for the meeting place, and the title of "Patrons of Husbandry" for the Order.

Was a high degree Mason and had given much thought to ritual and laws of fraternity. He was largely responsible for the ritual of the Grange, having written that of the Sixth and Seventh Degrees and corrected and approved that of the lower degrees.

Was also a Mason of high degree. He was expert in parliamentary law and journalism, and to him belongs the framework of the constitution and bylaws, and the preparation of the journals of proceedings of the early sessions for the printer.

Was also skilled in ritualism, but his chief work for the Order was that of furnishing all the prayers for the lower degrees which he helped to write. To him, Grangers are indebted for the high moral tone without religious bias which comes all through the Ritual. He also recognized the value of song in the Grange meetings, and gathered the first group of Grange melodies.

Acted as critic and adviser. So often did he pounce upon a pet idea of some of the others, pick it all to pieces and point out all its flaws, that he became known as "the wet blanket of the Order." Second thought nearly always demonstrated the justice of his criticisms and they were generally heeded. On the other hand, he was just as ready to praise when he considered the work good, and his associates learned to await with eagerness his characteristic "well done," and drew deep breaths of relief when they heard it.

The last to become associated with the other six, found them with no definite financial plan, each one paying out of his own pocket such sums as he could spare for the work from time to time, keeping no accounts, having no idea of what they should do with their funds if they ever became strong enough to accumulate any. They gladly turned their affairs over to him and he took charge and remained in charge for the remainder of his life. It was through him that a happy investment in government bonds was made with the first surplns funds, which gave them sufficient income to tide them over the years of depression, and enabled them to follow through without incurring debt. Mr. McDowell served as treasurer for mearly 21 years from January, 1873, to Novenber, 1893.