His family moved frequently while he was a child and he spent periods living in New York, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin before settling near Olivia, Minnesota.

[1][2] In 1883, he made a deal with the county where he agreed to live independently if they paid for artificial limbs for his missing legs and arm.

He also became active in local Republican politics, serving as village recorder and mayor of Olivia as well as justice of the peace for Renville County, Minnesota.

[3] A short silent film of Dowling was made showing how he was able to live his life normally and go about his work despite his missing limbs.

They include newspaper and magazine articles, correspondence, printed materials, photographs, film recordings, and memorabilia.