Charles H. MacDowell

Charles Henry MacDowell (October 21, 1867 – March 4, 1954) was an American chemist. He served as director of the chemical division of the War Industries Board. He was president of the Armour Fertilizer Company from 1909 to 1932.

Early life Charles Henry MacDowell was born on October 21, 1867, in Lewistown, Illinois. He worked as a printer's devil for the Fulton Democrat in Lewistown. He graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in business. He also worked as a court reporter.

Career In 1887, MacDowell moved to Chicago and began working for Armour and Company as a back office stenographer. He worked as personal secretary and stenographer for Philip D. Armour. He was in charge of the company's exhibit at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893.

MacDowell was a member of the committee on chemicals of the Council of National Defense. During the peace talks, he lived with Alexander Legge in Paris and they worked closely together. He was Legge's alternate for the committee on Germany. In 1923, he was chairman of the trade and industry group of the U.S. delegation during the International Chamber of Commerce Meeting in Rome. In early 1932, MacDowell retired from his position at Armour. In 1944, he was elected chairman of Florida's 5th district Republican campaign committee.

Personal life On October 25, 1892, MacDowell married Janet Borland, daughter of Matthew W. Borland, of Chicago. She died in 1929. In 1929, he lived at the Drake Hotel in Chicago. On October 27, 1934, he married Claire Leavitt. His hobby was golfing. He was given the Legion of Honour by France. MacDowell, Charles H. "Wide Importance of Plant-Food Minerals". The Canning Trade (September 1926). MacDowell, Charles H. "The Farm As An Important Chemical Consumer". Chemical Markets (June 1929).