The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Union Township, page 722
William C. Dowden was born June 13, 1826, in Woodford County, Ky., a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Dowden, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Virginia. In 1847 he came to Jefferson County, Ind., where he learned the stone-cutter's trade at which he worked for many years. In 1853 he went to Decatur County, where he was married Feb. 3, 1859, to Miss Amanda J. Pearce. Five children have been born to them, two sons and three daughters--William W., James M., Sarah E., Ida A. and Annie. Annie is deceased. In the spring of 1882 Mr. Dowden removed with his family to Hendricks County, locating in Union Township where he owns eighty acres of well-improved land. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.