Elizabeth Caroline Dowdell

Elizabeth Caroline Dowdell ( Thomas; 1829–1909) was an American leader of women's patriotic and religious organizations. She was the first woman to preside over a deliberative body of women in the State of Alabama. She was also the first woman in the U.S. who suggested the organization of the missionary society in connection with the church, and by her efforts, put into operation the Woman's Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South (WMS of the MEC,S). Dowdell served as Secretary of the national United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC).

Early life Elizabeth Caroline Thomas was born at Lagrange, Georgia, December 3, 1829. When a child, she moved with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Thomas, to Chambers County, Alabama.