George Downing Jr.
Husband George Downing Jr. 1
AKA: George Downing
Born: 9 May 1825 - Downingtown, Chester County, PA 1
Christened:
Died: 8 Feb 1900 1
Buried:
Father: George Downing (1785-1853) 1
Mother: Ann Denny (1786-1868) 1
Marriage:
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes (Husband)
[18401.ged]
George, Jr., appears in the 1850 census for Uwchlan, Chester County, PA, as living with his parents. His occupation is listed as "Schoolteacher".[Downing.ged]
George, Jr., appears in the 1850 census for Uwchlan, Chester County, PA, as living with his parents. His occupation is listed as "Schoolteacher".
George A. Downing
Husband George A. Downing 1
AKA: George A. Downing
Born: 1 Mar 1802 - Downingtown, Chester Co., PA 1
Christened:
Died: - Died Unmarried
Buried:
Father: Samuel R. Downing (1763-1819) 1
Mother: Jane Ashbridge (1764-After 1819) 1
Marriage:
Noted events in his life were:
• Alt. Death 1, Chester Co., PA, 23 Dec 1885
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes (Husband)
[Downing.ged]
Unmarried.
George Arvista Downing
Husband George Arvista Downing 2
Born: 30 Apr 1865
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: James B. Downing (1833- ) 2
Mother: Sarah Ellen Greenstreet (1840- ) 2
Marriage:
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
George B. Downing and Mary King
Husband George B. Downing 1
AKA: George B. Downing
Born: Abt 1848 - Chester Co., PA 1
Christened:
Died: 1 May 1879 - Chester Co., PA 1
Buried:
Father: Joseph Downing (1823-1892) 1
Mother: Hannah Beidler (1825-1857) 1
Marriage:
Wife Mary King (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes (Husband)
[Downing.ged]
Found on the death index for Chester co., PA. Died of "consumption", one year in duration. No children.
George Dowell Downing and Pearl Redfield
Husband George Dowell Downing 1
AKA: George Dowell Downing
Born: Jul 1874 - Chester County, PA
Christened:
Died: 6 Oct 1951 - Hinsdale, Du Page Co., IL
Buried: - Bronswood, Du Page Co., IL
Father: Benjamin Henry Downing (1841-1908) 1
Mother: Kate E. Dowell (1845-1917) 1
Marriage: 24 May 1899 - Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS 1
Noted events in his life were:
• Alt. Birth 1, Byers, Chester County, PA, 17 Jul 1874
• Alt. Death 1, Hinsdale, Du Page Co., IL, 6 Oct 1951
• Alt. Buried 1, Bronswood, Du Page Co., IL
Wife Pearl Redfield 1
Born: 18 May 1878 - Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS 1
Christened:
Died: 6 Sep 1966 - Indianapolis, Marion Co., IN 1
Buried: - Bronswood, Dupage Co., IL 1
Father: Josiah Clark Redfield (1831-1904) 1
Mother: Hannah A. Nichols (1834-1907) 1
Children
1 M Rudolph Ashley Downing 1
AKA: Rudolph Ashley Downing
Born: 26 May 1900 - Paris, Bourbon Co. KY 1
Christened:
Died: 18 Jul 1961 - Detroit, Wayne Co. MI
Buried: 21 Jul 1961 - Glen Eden, Livonia, MI 1
Spouse: Violet Phillip (1904-1983) 1
Marr: Abt 1922 - Detroit, Wayne Co., MI. (Divorced)
Spouse: Elise Margaret Sendelbeck (living)
2 M George Dowell Downing Jr 1
AKA: George Dowell Downing
Born: 18 May 1912
Christened:
Died: 6 Dec 1988 - Seattle, WA
Buried: 1989 - Arlington, National, Cemetery, Arlington 1
Spouse: Jean Aikins (living)
3 F Dorothy Dana Downing 1
AKA: Dorothy Dana Downing
Born: 4 May 1917 - Chicago, Cook Co., IL
Christened:
Died: 27 Sep 2000 - Indianapolis, Marion Co., IN 1
Buried: - Cremated;, Ashes Scattered, Schenectady, NY 1
Spouse: William Edward Egnell Sr. (1916-1958) 1
Marr: 27 Dec 1940
General Notes (Husband)
[18401.ged]
Gravesite in Bronswood Cemetery, 3805 Madison St., Oak Brook, IL 60521 Section F Lot 83
Photography consultant, Eastman Kodak Company, Retired 1949. In 1997, Dorothy Egnell provided me with this insight into the life of George Dowell Downing, Sr. Her letter deserves preservation, so I include it here for future generations.
* * * "I know that at the time he and Mom were married he was already into photography. Mom used to help him in developing the photos until Rudy came along. "I was five years old (1921) when we moved to Detroit. Dad was the photographer at Arthur Studios. Certainly we were not wealthy, but we lacked nothing and it was a good, secure life. A nice home at 1301 Virginia Park, a new car -- a Buick, this time -- and cash only. Dad had a horror over being in debt. If he didn't have the money, he didn't buy. "Then came the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression began. It did not hit us until two years later. Brother George was a freshman at the University of Michigan and I must have been in my final year of Junior HIgh. Arthur Studios closed. Expenisve photos were not high priority those days. But in a fairly short time Dad was offered a job at a studio in Boston. So, in April, we put everything in storage and moved east. "We moved into a furnished apartment and our days were spent visiting all the war memorials and historic sites, which was an education in itself. By June, Mom had had enough and insisted that we find a house and send for our furniture. Dad gave in and we settled down in a house we loved in Arlington, Mass. George was loking forward to enrolling in MIT -- and then Dad came in one evening and announced that the studio had closed. He was now 59, and was facing the fact that his profession was at a dead end. "We moved back to Detroit, back came the furniture to storage. We found a terrible little furnished apartment; a most depressing place. Dad started looking for a job -- any job. And he found one. In those days, in the basement of Woolworth's and/or Kresge's 5 and 10 stores, you could find a tiny booth where a curtain could be closed after entering and for 25c a picture could be taken. That's what my dad did for $15 a week. Mom made jars of grape jelly and every day Dad would carry his jelly sandwich for his lunch. "Mom and Dad had only one couple who were close friends. Mr. Barbeau worked for Eastman Kodak Company, and he must have held a high position according to the way they lived. For years, he had tried to persuade Dad to apply at the company. Now, at last, Dad listened. Mr. Barbeau probably pulled some strings, for Dad travelled to Buffalo for an interview. Mr. Barbeau advised him to knock ten years off his age -- 50, not 60. He came back with a job -- $50 a week! "They gave him a territory in the southern part of Iowa. Just what he did I never knew but he sure did it well because his territory was increased to half of Iowa, then all of Iowa, and in time, nationwide. His title? special Representative of Eastman Kodak Co. "He would occasionally let us know that he had a demonstration and now it would be in Philadelphia. Mom's manipulative mind took over. The young man she had wanted me to marry had been transferred from Schenectady to Lancaster, PA. She decided we would go to Philly and see the demonstration and Johnny could meet us that evening and Dad could take us out for dinner. How thankful I am that we made that trip and I finally saw my father in action. I fairly burst with pride. He finally retired at the age of 75, and were they surprised to learn his true age!"[Downing.ged]
Gravesite in Bronswood Cemetery, 3805 Madison St., Oak Brook, IL 60521
Section F Lot 83. Illinois death certificate in files. Cause of death was coronary/artery disease and general arteriosclerosis during a two week hospital stay. Social Security No. 128-07-4272. Both the death certificate and the social security application of George D. Downing show his birthplace as Byers, Chester co., PA. Photography consultant, Eastman Kodak Company, Retired 1949. My memories of him are that he was about six feet tall, of normal weight for hi height, and always had white hair. He was a master at sarcastic wit and a fine sense of humor. In 1997, Dorothy Egnell provided me with this insight into the life of George Dowell Downing, Sr. Her letter deserves preservation, so I include it here fo future generations. * * * "I know that at the time he and Mom were married he was already into photography. Mom used to help him in developing the photos until Rudy came along.
"I was five years old (1921) when we moved to Detroit. Dad was the photographer at Arthur Studios. Certainly we were not wealthy, but we lacked nothing and it was a good, secure life. A nice home at 1301 Virginia Park, a new car -- a Buick, this time -- and cash only. Dad had a horror over being i debt. If he didn't have the money, he didn't buy.
"Then came the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression began. It did not hit us until two years later. Brother George was a freshman at the University of Michigan and I must have been in my final year of Junior HIgh. Arthur Studios closed. Expenisve photos were not high priority those days. But in a fairly short time Dad was offered a job at a studio in Boston.
So, in April, we put everything in storage and moved east.
"We moved into a furnished apartment and our days were spent visiting all the war memorials and historic sites, which was an education in itself. By June, Mom had had enough and insisted that we find a house and send for our furniture. Dad gave in and we settled down in a house we loved in Arlington, Mass. George was loking forward to enrolling in MIT -- and then Dad came in one evening and announced that the studio had closed. He was now 59, and was facing the fact that his profession was at a dead end.
"We moved back to Detroit, back came the furniture to storage. We found a terrible little furnished apartment; a most depressing place. Dad started looking for a job -- any job. And he found one. In those days, in the basement of Woolworth's and/or Kresge's 5 and 10 stores, you could find a tiny booth where a curtain could be closed after entering and for 25c a picture could be taken. That's what my dad did for $15 a week. Mom made jars of grap jelly and every day Dad would carry his jelly sandwich for his lunch.
"Mom and Dad had only one couple who were close friends. Mr. Barbeau worke for Eastman Kodak Company, and he must have held a high position according to the way they lived. For years, he had tried to persuade Dad to apply at the company. Now, at last, Dad listened. Mr. Barbeau probably pulled some strings, for Dad travelled to Buffalo for an interview. Mr. Barbeau advised him to knock ten years off his age -- 50, not 60. He came back with a job -- $50 a week!
"They gave him a territory in the southern part of Iowa. Just what he did never knew but he sure did it well because his territory was increased to half of Iowa, then all of Iowa, and in time, nationwide. His title? special Representative of Eastman Kodak Co.
"He would occasionally let us know that he had a demonstration and now it would be in Philadelphia. Mom's manipulative mind took over. The young man she had wanted me to marry had been transferred from Schenectady to Lancaster, PA. She decided we would go to Philly and see the demonstration and Johnny could meet us that evening and Dad could take us out for dinner. How thankful I am that we made that trip and I finally saw my father in action. I fairly burst with pride. He finally retired at the age of 75, and were they surprise to learn his true age!" The memories of this writer are all too few. He was on the road for most o the time I had been born up until his retirement, and I remember well his retirement home with his son, George Jr., in Hindsdale, Illinois. He did manag a visit from time to time when I was a boy, and I well remember his dry humor. He was a master at it. And, oh, how I wish I had questioned him on his sibling and all his aunts and uncles. Missed opportunities..........
General Notes (Wife)
[18401.ged]
Full name: Claude Pearl Redfield, according to Dorothy Dana (Egnell) Downing. Gravesite in Bronswood Cemetery, 3805 Madison St., Oak Brook, IL 60521 Section F Lot 83
Letter from Bronswood dated Sep 11, 1997, indicates a date of death of Oct 7 1966; but this may have been the burial date since she died in Indianapolis.
Housewife. Name appears only as "Pearl" in the 1880 census. Pearl Redfield was injured by a horse as a child, experienced total deafness since injury. She used an early electronic hearing aid, but communicated primarily by lip reading, at which she excelled. Her early hearing aid (which really didn't help much) used two huge batteries, total in size of about four of today's "D" batteries, which she wore on her thigh.
Pearl Redfield Downing spent much of her time in our home when I was a child. She was dearly loved by me, and my card-playing companion for many years at those times. She smoked cigarettes, drank beer, and still lived to a ripe old age. She also had a lot of class. (She aways used the name, "Pearl Redfield Downing", apparently very proud of her Redfield maiden name. After searching the Redfield ancestry, one easily sees why.)
Source: personal memories. Raymond A. Downing Notes obtained from Dorothy Dana Egnell, 1997: "I remember Mom telling me her parents travelled to Kansas in a covered wagon. They lived in a log cabin, and her mother, Hannah, was badly frightene one day when she saw an Indian looking at her through a window. He left without incident."
Despite the insistence of aunt Dana claiming Pearl Redfield's first name to be "Claude", I have found no verification of this. The census records, marriag license, and grave marker only shows "Pearl".
General Notes for Child Rudolph Ashley Downing
[18401.ged]
Retail Salesman, Cameras, owned camera shop in Grand Rapids, MI. Retail Salesman, Montgomery Wards ; Died from coronary thrombosis suddenly. Veteran, U.S. Army, World War I. Personal recollections of Raymond Downing: Dad was an outstanding photographer, and spent many happy hours developing his own prints, many of which still exist in the family albums I have. He had a darkroom in the basement of the home at 13960 Steel, Detroit, MI. He also was a 16-mm movie film buff, and had a considerable library built up of commercial 16-mm home films, as well as those he photographed himself. I have many of his films converted to video tape in my collection. Discovered on Nov. 23, 1997, in the papers of my mother appears the following document:
STATEMENT OF THE MILITARY SERVICE Of Rudolph Downing, Private, 132nd Ambulance Company, 108th Sanitary Train
The records of this office show that Rudolph Downing enlisted July 24, 1917, at Chicago, Illinois, for Ambulance Company No. 4, Illinois National Guard, subsequently redesignated 132nd Ambulance Company, 108th Sanitary Train, and was discharged January 12, 1918, at Camp Logan, Texas, a Private, on account of minority concealed at enlistment.
Under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved March 2, 1929 (Public 950, 70th Congress), in the administration of any laws conferring rights, privileges or benefits, upon honorably discharged soldiers of the United States Army, their widows and dependent children, the above-name soldier shall hereafter be held and considered to have been honorably discharged January 12, 1918, but no back pay or allowances shall accrue by reason of this action.
Official statement of service furnished Rudolph Downing, 12316 Sorrento Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, March 10, 1936. By authority of the Secretary of War:
ET Conley
Major General The Adjutant General[Downing.ged]
Retail Salesman, Cameras, owned camera shop in Grand Rapids, MI. Retail Salesman, Montgomery Wards ; Died from coronary thrombosis suddenly. Veteran, U.S. Army, World War I. Personal recollections of Raymond Downing:
Dad was an outstanding photographer, and spent many happy hours developing his own prints, many of which still exist in the family albums I have. He had darkroom in the basement of the home at 13960 Steel, Detroit, MI. He also was 16-mm movie film buff, and had a considerable library built up of commercial 16-mm home films, as well as those he photographed himself. I have many of his films converted to video tape in my collection. He died at home from a sudden heart attack, although had experienced cardiac problems for some years.
Discovered on Nov. 23, 1997, i the papers of my mother appears the following document:
" STATEMENT OF THE MILITARY SERVICE
Of Rudolph Downing, Private, 132nd Ambulance Company, 108th Sanitary Train " The records of this office show that Rudolph Downing enlisted July 24, 1917, at Chicago, Illinois, for Ambulance Company No. 4, Illinois National Guard, subsequently redesignated 132nd Ambulance Company, 108th Sanitary Train, and was discharged January 12, 1918, at Camp Logan, Texas, a Private, on accoun of minority concealed at enlistment. " Under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved March 2, 1929 (Public 950, 70th Congress), in the administration of any laws conferring rights, privileges or benefits, upon honorably discharged soldiers of the Unite States Army, their widows and dependent children, the above-name soldier shall hereafter be held and considered to have been honorably discharged January 12, 1918, but no back pay or allowances shall accrue by reason of this action. "Official statement of service furnished Rudolph Downing, 12316 Sorrento Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, March 10, 1936. By authority of the Secretary of War: ET Conley
Major General The Adjutant General"
General Notes for Child George Dowell Downing Jr
[18401.ged]
SS Number 484-09-1700, Issued in Iowa. George D. Downing, Jr., and Jean Aitkins had four children. After WW II, he wa a sales executive for the General Electric Co. About 1963, he semi retired and returned to his alma mater, the University of Michigan, and became an adjunct professor, writing several text books on sales management. About 1969, he retired to Arizona and later, Seattle, Washington.
The oldest was George D. Downing III (I think), and was known to me by the firs name of Denny. To the best of my knowledge, he is a psychologist who has spen most of his adult life in France.
Next was Elizabeth Downing, known to me as Betsy. I last saw her about 1975 or so at Glen Lake, Michigan, the Downing's family retreat.
Two boys also issued, John and Peter. John was killed during the war in Vietna by a land mine; he is buried in Arlington National Cemetary near the mast of th Battleship Maine, a site I have visited.
George D. Downing, Jr., was a Colonel, US Army, Artillery, during WW II. After his death, his cremated remains were also buried at Arlington near his son.
These notes from my personal memory. Raymond A. Downing[Downing.ged]
SS Number 484-09-1700, Issued in Iowa. Note: Marriage location may have been Ames, Iowa, instead of Des Moines, Iowa. George D. Downing, Jr., and Jean Akins had four children. He was a sales executive for the General Electric Co. from 1937 to 1961, with time out for service during the Second World War. In 1961, he semi retired, and returned t academia, writing several text books on sales management. After leaving GE, h removed to Arizona and later, Seattle, Washington. He maintained a summer home at Glen Arbor, Michigan, for many years. Of the children, the oldest was George D. Downing III, and was known to me by the first name of Denny. To the best of my knowledge, he is a psychologist wh has spend most of his adult life in France. Next was Elizabeth Downing, known to me as Betsy. I last saw her about 1975 or so at Glen Lake, Michigan, the Downing's family retreat. Recently (April, 2000), we have been reunited by computer contact. Two boys also issued, John and Peter. John was killed during the war in Vietna by a land mine; he is buried in Arlington National Cemetary near the mast of th Battleship Maine, a site I have visited.George D. Downing, Jr., was a Colonel, US Army, Artillery, during WW II. He passed away in his sleep due to a cardiac condition; had had a coronary by-pass some years earlier. After his death, hi cremated remains were also buried at Arlington near his son.
General Notes for Child Dorothy Dana Downing
[18401.ged]
In reply to a letter sent to her in 1997, Dorothy Dana Egnell (my aunt) provided much information on the Downing/Redfield branchs of the family, as indicated by numerous notes on individuals in this database. One ineresting paragraph in her letter of response follows:
"When our house burned down to the ground, (late 1940's) all our possessions were saved except for one treasure -- Mom's old trunk. It was ful of old photos dating back to Mom & Dad's youth. I remember tintypes of family members in their Civil War uniforms. Most important to us at this time would have been Grandfather Redfield's bible. I'm sure that dates of marriages, deaths, etc., would have been recorded in it."
I would give anything to see what was in that old trunk! In later years, Dana and I would be separated by many miles. The memories of many happy days visiting her and "Uncle Ed" in both Schenectady, NY, and Terre Haute, IN, are vivid, warm, and all too few.[Downing.ged]
In reply to a letter sent to her in 1997, Dorothy Dana Egnell (my aunt) provided much information on the Downing/Redfield branchs of the family, as indicated by numerous notes on individuals in this database. One ineresting paragraph in her letter of response follows: "When our house burned down to the ground, (late 1940's) all our possessions were saved except for one treasure -- Mom's old trunk. It was ful of old photos dating back to Mom & Dad's youth. I remember tintypes of family members in their Civil War uniforms. Most important to us at this time would have been Grandfather Redfield's bible. I'm sure that dates of marriages, deaths, etc., would have been recorded in it." I would give anything to see what was in that old trunk! In later years, Dana and I would be separated by many miles. The memories of many happy days visiting her and "Uncle Ed" in both Schenectady, NY, and Terre Haute, IN, are vivid, warm, and all too few. In September, 2000, I was notified by her son, Ted, that she was in a hospice suffering from terminal cancer. She passed away shortly later, on September 27. I'll miss her greatly. Ted provided me with a copy of her death certificate, which is in the files.
George Dowell Downing III
Husband George Dowell Downing III (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: George Dowell Downing Jr (1912-1988) 1
Mother: Jean Aikins
Marriage:
Wife (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
George F. Downing
Husband George F. Downing 1
Born: 1813 - E. Caln, Chester Co., PA 1
Christened:
Died: - Baltimore, Baltimore Co., MD 1
Buried:
Father: William Downing (1781-1848) 1
Mother: Elizabeth Ingram (Abt 1784-1860) 1
Marriage:
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
George Francis Downing and Amanda Hurd
Husband George Francis Downing 1
AKA: George Francis Downing
Born: 17 Apr 1840 - Indiana 1
Christened:
Died: 8 Sep 1865 - Fairfield, Jefferson Co., IA 1
Buried: - Bethesda, Cemetery 1
Father: William Downing (1811-1891) 1
Mother: Sarah Anne Miller (1819-1852) 1
Marriage: 26 Apr 1863 - Fairfield, Jefferson Co., IA 1
Wife Amanda Hurd 1
AKA: Amanda Hurd
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes (Husband)
[18401.ged]
George Francis Downing died on September 8, 1865, at the age of 24. No caus of death is shown, nor is there any record of his being in the Civil War. Ther were three Civil War soldiers from the State of Iowa named George Downing, but the Archives could probably verify wheter George Francis was in the army.[Downing.ged]
George Francis Downing died on September 8, 1865, at the age of 24. No caus of death is shown, nor is there any record of his being in the Civil War. Ther were three Civil War soldiers from the State of Iowa named George Downing, but the Archives could probably verify wheter George Francis was in the army.
George Miller Downing and Ida May Cornog Righter
Husband George Miller Downing 1
AKA: George Miller Downing
Born: 1 Apr 1868 - Chester Co., PA
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Samuel Rhodes Downing (1833-1927) 1
Mother: Mary Miller Goodwin ( - ) 1
Marriage: - Rosemont, PA 1
Noted events in his life were:
• Alt. Birth 1, E. Goshen, Chester Co., PA, 1 Apr 1868
Wife Ida May Cornog Righter 1
Born: 3 May 1871 - Rosemont, PA 1
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: George W. Righter ( - ) 1
Mother:
Children
1 M Harold Sandwith Downing 1
Born: 7 Mar 1898 1
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes (Husband)
[Downing.ged]
Smedley Family, p. 556: "George M. Downing was graduated, 1888, from Penna. State College; spent one year with the Van Depoele Electric Mfg. Co., Chicago, and one year in postgraduate work at Mass. Institute of Technology, after which he was appointed instructor in physics at the Penna State College, 1890-92. In the fall of 1892 he entered the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, and nine months later he received the degree of Electrical Engineer. In 1893 he was appointed professor of physics and electrical engineering in the University of New Brunswick, at Frederickton, and in the fall of 1899 was appointed principal of Abington Friends School, PA; is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Science, and has written a number of technical articles for publication in standard magazines."
General Notes (Wife)
[Downing.ged]
Smedley Family, p. 556: "She was educated at Friends' Central School, Phila; a member of the Episcopal Church."
George Norman Downing
Husband George Norman Downing 1
Born: 6 Dec 1906 1
Christened:
Died: 18 Aug 1991 1
Buried:
Father: William Ellsworth Downing (1865-1942) 1
Mother: Melissa Jane Ecoff (1868-1921) 1
Marriage:
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
George Olaf Downing
Husband George Olaf Downing 1
AKA: George Olaf Downing
Born: 25 Dec 1892 - Kansas 1
Christened:
Died: 27 Nov 1956
Buried: - Caldwell, Sumner Co., KS 1
Father: Thomas Ellsworth Downing (1868-1918)
Mother: Rosa Belle Stephenson (1871-1951)
Marriage:
Noted events in his life were:
• Alt. Death 1, Caldwell, Sumner Co., KS, 27 Nov 1956
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes (Husband)
[18401.ged]
From Bertha Downing, Medford, OK (Wife of Ellsworth B. Downing): "George served in the U.S. Army from July 23, 1918, to November 30, 1918, when he received honorable discharge from Camp Pike, Arkansas. From then he lived o home place with his dad, who died with the flu two weeks later. He farmed whea all his life."
Did not marry.[Downing.ged]
From Bertha Downing, Medford, OK (Wife of Ellsworth B. Downing): "George served in the U.S. Army from July 23, 1918, to November 30, 1918, when he received honorable discharge from Camp Pike, Arkansas. From then he lived a home with his dad, who died with the flu two weeks later. He farmed wheat all his life." Did not marry. His grave was visited by me on May 2, 1999. Photo in files.
George Roy Downing and Mabel Edna Graham
Husband George Roy Downing 1
Born: 1876 1
Christened:
Died: 1923 1
Buried:
Father: George Washington Downing (1847-1891) 1
Mother: Mary Etta Thomas (1854-1895) 1
Marriage: Abt 1901 1
Wife Mabel Edna Graham 1
Born: 1879 1
Christened:
Died: 1955 1
Buried:
Children
1 F Mildred Downing 1
Born: 1903 1
Christened:
Died: 1993 1
Buried:
2 F Eleanore Downing 1
Born: 1907 1
Christened:
Died: 1972 1
Buried:
3 M Hugh Graham Downing 1
Born: 1908 1
Christened:
Died: 1991 1
Buried:
4 F Evelyn D. Downing 1
Born: 1912 1
Christened:
Died: 1992 1
Buried:
5 F Juanita Hope Downing (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
6 F Adda May Downing 1
Born: 1916 1
Christened:
Died: 1986 1
Buried:
7 M Fred Leroy Downing 1
Born: 1918 1
Christened:
Died: 1968 1
Buried:
8 F Jessie Ruth Downing (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes (Husband)
[Downing.ged]
Also a child, Harry, died in infancy, in this family. Data in this line from Patricia M. Borton, 7283 Port Sheldon Road, Hudsonville, MI 49026
George Spackman Downing
Husband George Spackman Downing 1
Born: 28 Nov 1856 1
Christened:
Died: 15 Apr 1876 1
Buried:
Father: Samuel Spackman Downing (1825-1872) 1
Mother: Mary Stapler (1827-1895) 1
Marriage:
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
George Valentine Downing
Husband George Valentine Downing 1
Born: 7 Jul 1891 - Wilmington, DE 1
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Joseph Miller Downing (1846-1915) 1
Mother: Hannah Pennock Steele (1857- ) 1
Marriage:
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes (Husband)
[Downing.ged]
Resided later in Virginia. Appears on the list of WWI Civilian Draft Registrations, but unknown if he served in that war.
George W. Downing and Olive Alpha Martin
Husband George W. Downing 1
AKA: George Woodward Downing
Born: 8 May 1871 - West Chester, Chester County, PA
Christened:
Died: After 1942
Buried: - Maple Grove, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS 1
Father: John Benjamin Downing (1817-1879)
Mother: Mary Couch Downing (1826-1905) 1
Marriage: 1909 - Freeport, Harper Co., KS 1
Other Spouse: Olive A. Downing* (Abt 1887- ) - 1909
Noted events in his life were:
• Alt. Birth 1, Downingtown, Chester County, PA, 8 May 1871
• Alt. Death 1, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS (72), 5 Nov 1943
Wife Olive Alpha Martin 1
Born: 27 Sep 1886 - Lyons, Rice Co., KS 1
Christened:
Died: 16 Dec 1964 - Riverside, Cook Co., IL 1
Buried: 19 Dec 1964 - Maple Grove, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS 1
Father: Columbus Judson Martin (1855-1912) 1
Mother: Alice A. Sanderson (1861-1948) 1
Children
1 M John B. Downing (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
2 F (Infant) Downing 1
Born: 5 Feb 1910 - Freeport, Harper Co., KS 1
Christened:
Died: 5 Feb 1910 - Freeport, Harper Co., KS 1
Buried: - Freeport Cem., Harper Co., KS 1
3 F Mary C. Downing (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
4 F Blanche Downing (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
5 F Verna Lucille Downing 1
Born: 13 Mar 1920 - Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS 1
Christened:
Died: Nov 1992 - Larned, Pawnee Co., KS 1
Buried:
General Notes (Husband)
[18401.ged]
Genealogy of the Palmer-Trimble Families, page 940: Address: Freeport, Kansas In the Freeport, Kansas Cemetery is a marker dated 5 Feb 1910: Inf. Dau. of George W. & Olive A. Downing
The obituary of George W. Downing's brother (Winfield S. Downing) on Feb 13, 1943, lists George as being a survivor; hence his date of death is sometime after 1942.
The Last Will and Testament of his sister, Carrie Halstead Downing, bequeaths the folowing: "To my beloved borther, George W. Downing, the sum of $1,000.00." The will is dated May 9, 1930.
The 1910 census for Silver Creek Township, Harper county, KS, shows him living with his wife. His occupation is "Farmer". The 1908 obituary of his brother, Benjamin, shows George W. Downing as living in Freeport, KS.[Downing.ged]
Genealogy of the Palmer-Trimble Families, page 940: Address: Freeport, Kans The obituary of George W. Downing's brother (Winfield S. Downing) on Feb 13, 1943, lists George as being a survivor; but he died in November of that year. The Last Will and Testament of his sister, Carrie Halstead Downing, bequeaths the folowing: "To my beloved borther, George W. Downing, the sum of $1,000.00. The will is dated May 9, 1930. The 1910 census for Silver Creek Township, Harper county, KS, shows him living with his wife. His occupation is "Farmer". The 1908 obituary of his brother, Benjamin, shows George W. Downing as living in Freeport, KS. George is buried in Maple Grove cemetery, Wichita, KS, in block R, Lot 139, Grave 3; his wife, Olive, is in Grave 4. Photos of grave marker confirm birth and death dates. I the Freeport, Kansas, Cemetery is a marker dated "5 Feb 1910; Inf. Dau. of George W. & Olive A. Downing". Death certificate received 3-5-99; cause of death: Coronary Thrombosis.. His address is listed as 255 N. Poplar, Wichita, Kansas; occupation: Farmer. Obituary data received from Downing & Lahey Mortuary, Wichita, is the source of the names of his children. It also indicates he moved to Wichita from Freeport in 1919. This source also disclosed his middle name.
General Notes (Wife)
[Downing.ged]
Olive appears on the 1910 census with her husband George as living in Silver Creek Township, Harper county, KS. Her age is given as 23, and born in Kansas. Her father was born in Indiana, her mother in Iowa. Hard copy in files. Date of birth is from her grave marker in Maple Grove Cemetery, Wichita, KS, confirmed in an obituary later found in the Wichita Eagle (in files). The death certificate of her husband's sister on May 6, 1931, (Carrie H. Downing), shows the informant for the death certificate information as "Mrs. G. W. Downing, 2420 E. 8th Street, Wichita." The records of Maple Grove cemetery Wichita, KS., show her buried there. They also carry a notation: "Died in Chicago (?)". Obituary information from Downing & Lahey Mortuary shows death location of Riverside, IL, and also lists her children. Cause of death: Cerebral thrombosis. Member of College Hill Methodist Church, Wichita,KS. It further indicates two sisters: Mrs. Ora Little, Emporia, KS, and Mrs. Gene Porter, Argonia, KS. Olive's maiden name had been most elusive for two years. Finally, on obtaining the Social Security application of daughter Verna did I learn it was "Martin".
General Notes for Child Verna Lucille Downing
[Downing.ged]
Found on the SSDI 3-16-99, SS # 511-88-4806 Apparently unmarried. As the family moved from Freeport to Wichita in 1919, one can likely assume her birth place was Wichita. Verna's Social Security application, dated 27 Jun 1984, provided the maiden name of her mother, Olive Martin, which had eluded me for two years. Sadly, from viewing the application, it appears that Verna was a mentally-handicapped person. She signed the application in a child like scrawl, "Verna", with no last name. The application was witnessed by two persons with "SW" after their names (for Social Worker), only done when the person applying is not fully competent.
George W. Downing and Olive A. Downing*
Husband George W. Downing 1
AKA: George Woodward Downing
Born: 8 May 1871 - West Chester, Chester County, PA
Christened:
Died: After 1942
Buried: - Maple Grove, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS 1
Father: John Benjamin Downing (1817-1879)
Mother: Mary Couch Downing (1826-1905) 1
Marriage: 1909
Other Spouse: Olive Alpha Martin (1886-1964) 1 - 1909 - Freeport, Harper Co., KS 1
Noted events in his life were:
• Alt. Birth 1, Downingtown, Chester County, PA, 8 May 1871
• Alt. Death 1, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS (72), 5 Nov 1943
Wife Olive A. Downing*
Born: Abt 1887 - Kansas
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes (Husband)
[18401.ged]
Genealogy of the Palmer-Trimble Families, page 940: Address: Freeport, Kansas In the Freeport, Kansas Cemetery is a marker dated 5 Feb 1910: Inf. Dau. of George W. & Olive A. Downing
The obituary of George W. Downing's brother (Winfield S. Downing) on Feb 13, 1943, lists George as being a survivor; hence his date of death is sometime after 1942.
The Last Will and Testament of his sister, Carrie Halstead Downing, bequeaths the folowing: "To my beloved borther, George W. Downing, the sum of $1,000.00." The will is dated May 9, 1930.
The 1910 census for Silver Creek Township, Harper county, KS, shows him living with his wife. His occupation is "Farmer". The 1908 obituary of his brother, Benjamin, shows George W. Downing as living in Freeport, KS.[Downing.ged]
Genealogy of the Palmer-Trimble Families, page 940: Address: Freeport, Kans The obituary of George W. Downing's brother (Winfield S. Downing) on Feb 13, 1943, lists George as being a survivor; but he died in November of that year. The Last Will and Testament of his sister, Carrie Halstead Downing, bequeaths the folowing: "To my beloved borther, George W. Downing, the sum of $1,000.00. The will is dated May 9, 1930. The 1910 census for Silver Creek Township, Harper county, KS, shows him living with his wife. His occupation is "Farmer". The 1908 obituary of his brother, Benjamin, shows George W. Downing as living in Freeport, KS. George is buried in Maple Grove cemetery, Wichita, KS, in block R, Lot 139, Grave 3; his wife, Olive, is in Grave 4. Photos of grave marker confirm birth and death dates. I the Freeport, Kansas, Cemetery is a marker dated "5 Feb 1910; Inf. Dau. of George W. & Olive A. Downing". Death certificate received 3-5-99; cause of death: Coronary Thrombosis.. His address is listed as 255 N. Poplar, Wichita, Kansas; occupation: Farmer. Obituary data received from Downing & Lahey Mortuary, Wichita, is the source of the names of his children. It also indicates he moved to Wichita from Freeport in 1919. This source also disclosed his middle name.
General Notes (Wife)
[18401.ged]
Olive appears on the 1910 census with her husband George as living in Silver Creek Township, Harper county, KS. Her age is given as 23, and born in Kansas. Her father was born in Indiana, her mother in Iowa. Hard copy in files.
George W. Downing and Clara Irene Forcade
Husband George W. Downing 1
AKA: George W. Downing
Born: 18 Aug 1856 - Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois 1
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: James Downing (1816-1881)
Mother: Margaret Pierce Gheen (1823-1886)
Marriage: 1882 1
Wife Clara Irene Forcade 1
Born: Abt 1860 - Of Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL 1
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Children
1 F Clara M. Downing 1
Born: 1884 1
Christened:
Died: 1894 1
Buried:
2 M Gailord Downing 1
Born: 1885 1
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
3 M Carl Downing 1
Born: 1893 1
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes (Husband)
[18401.ged]
From the "Genealogy of the Palmer-Trimble Families": He went to Nebraska in 1879 where he was married. He is now a licensed Rocky Mountain guide, where h has been (1908) for 29 years. He guides tourists through the Yellowstone National Park, and hunters of big game all through the mountains." Address: Ishawood, Wyoming Apparently he retired shortly after that was written, as he appears in the 1910 census for Scandia Township, Republic county, Kanas, as living with his brother, John B. Downing.[Downing.ged]
From the "Genealogy of the Palmer-Trimble Families": He went to Nebraska in 1879 where he was married. He is now a licensed Rocky Mountain guide, where h has been (1908) for 29 years. He guides tourists through the Yellowstone National Park, and hunters of big game all through the mountains." Address: Ishawood, Wyoming Apparently he retired shortly after that was written, as he appears in the 1910 census for Scandia Township, Republic county, Kanas, as living with his brother, John B. Downing.
George Washington Downing and Mary Etta Thomas
Husband George Washington Downing 1
Born: 1847 1
Christened:
Died: 1891 1
Buried:
Father: John Downing (1816-1883) 1
Mother: Matilda Johnson ( -1860) 1
Marriage:
Wife Mary Etta Thomas 1
Born: 1854 1
Christened:
Died: 1895 1
Buried:
Children
1 M George Roy Downing 1
Born: 1876 1
Christened:
Died: 1923 1
Buried:
Spouse: Mabel Edna Graham (1879-1955) 1
Marr: Abt 1901 1
2 F Adda Pearl Downing 1
Born: 1878 1
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes for Child George Roy Downing
[Downing.ged]
Also a child, Harry, died in infancy, in this family. Data in this line from Patricia M. Borton, 7283 Port Sheldon Road, Hudsonville, MI 49026
John Newton Pratt and Georgiann Lucretia Downing
Husband John Newton Pratt 3
Born: 9 May 1870 - Abbeville Co., SC
Christened:
Died: 24 Jan 1956 - Abbeville, SC
Buried: - Little River Baptist Church, Abbeville Co., SC
Father: Robert Marion Pratt (1847-1913) 3
Mother: Jane Arthonia Bowen (1849-1876) 3
Marriage: 12 Oct 1892 - Ashland, AL
Other Spouse: Jessie L. Parker (1866-1942) 3 - 27 Mar 1902 - Abbeville Co., SC
Wife Georgiann Lucretia Downing 3
Born: 25 Oct 1872 - AL
Christened:
Died: 4 Aug 1901 - Level Land, Abbeville Co., SC
Buried: 5 Aug 1901 - Little River Baptist Church, Abbeville Co., SC
Children
1 M Claude A. Pratt 3
Born: 29 Oct 1893 - Abbeville Co., SC
Christened:
Died: 13 May 1946 - Ensley, AL
Buried: 15 May 1946 - Elmwood Cemetery, Ensley, AL
Spouse: Mary Willie Anderson ( - ) 3
Marr: 28 Jun 1919
2 M John Marion Pratt 3
Born: 28 Jun 1895 - Abbeville Co., SC
Christened:
Died: 26 Feb 1977 - Lake Worth, FL
Buried: 1 Mar 1977 - Pinecrest Cemetery, Lake Worth, FL
Spouse: Flora Kelley (1897-Bef 1998) 3
Marr: 28 Dec 1921
3 M Burts Bonner Pratt 3
Born: 5 Apr 1897 - Due West, SC
Christened:
Died: 4 Aug 1961 - Liberty, Pickens Co., SC
Buried: - Liberty Cemetery, Pickens Co., SC
Spouse: Frances Rosaline Boggs (living)
4 M William Cecil Pratt 3
Born: 18 Apr 1899 - Abbeville Co., SC
Christened:
Died: Nov 1963 - Saluda, SC
Buried:
Spouse: Daisy Ethyl Lake (1891-1991) 3
Marr: 4 Dec 1921 - Batesburg, SC
5 M Robert Pratt 3
Born: 25 Jan 1901 - Abbeville Co., SC
Christened:
Died: 28 Jan 1901 - Abbeville Co., SC
Buried: - Little River Baptist Church, Abbeville Co., SC
Robert Miller and Grace Downing
Husband Robert Miller 1
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage: 26 Jun 1619 - Bradninch, Devonshire, England
Wife Grace Downing 1
AKA: Grace Downing
Born: 20 Sep 1590 - Bradninch, Devonshire, England 1
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Thomas Downynge (1560-1616) 1
Mother: Johana Downynge ( - )
Grover C. Downing
Husband Grover C. Downing 1
Born: 3 May 1886 - Brashear, Adair Co., MO 1
Christened:
Died: 1961 - Brashear, Adair Co., MO 1
Buried: - Brashear Cem., Adair Co., MO 1
Father: Benjamin Mason Downing (1827-1905)
Mother: Anna Gertrude Cruse (1848-1936) 1
Marriage:
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Grover Ralph Downing and Patty Sue Warren
Husband Grover Ralph Downing (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Olaf Leo Downing (1920-1973) 1
Mother: Velma Louise Cleveland
Marriage:
Wife Patty Sue Warren (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Children
1 M Nicholas Olaf Downing (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
2 F Ashleigh Rachelle Downing (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Hannah Downing
Husband (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Hannah Downing 1
Born: 29 May 1794 - Centre Co., PA 1
Christened:
Died: 18 Dec 1879 - Centre Co., PA 1
Buried:
Father: Thomas Downing (1759-1827) 1
Mother: Rebecca Starr (1760-1819) 1 4
Hannah Downing (Died Young)
Husband
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Hannah Downing (Died Young) 1
Born: 22 Sep 1799 - Chester Co., PA 1
Christened:
Died: 11 Oct 1799 - Chester Co., PA 1
Buried: - Downingtown Mtg. 1
Father: Richard Downing (1778-1866) 1
Mother: Elizabeth Miller (1777-1872) 1 5
Hannah Downing
Husband
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Hannah Downing 1
AKA: Hannah Downing
Born: 19 Mar 1742 - Uwchlan, Chester County, PA 1
Christened:
Died: 5 Jun 1752 1
Buried:
Father: Richard Downing (1719-1804) 1
Mother: Mary Edge (1721-1795) 1
Isaac Foster and Hannah Downing
Husband Isaac Foster 6
Born: 1630 - England 6
Christened:
Died: 29 Mar 1692 - Ispwich, MA 6
Buried:
Father: Reginald Foster (1595-1681) 5 6
Mother: Judith Wignol (1597-1664) 5 6
Marriage: 25 Nov 1678 6
Other Spouse: Hannah Dowing ( - ) 6
Other Spouse: Mary Jackson ( - ) 6 - 5 May 1658 - Ipswich, Essex, MA 6
Other Spouse: Martha Hale ( - ) 6 - 16 Mar 1680 - Ipswich, Essex, MA 6
Wife Hannah Downing 6
AKA: Hannah Dowling
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Noted events in their marriage were:
• Alt. Marriage, Ipswich, Essex, MA, 25 Nov 1678
Hannah B. Downing
Husband
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Hannah B. Downing 1
AKA: Hannah Beidler Downing
Born: 15 Jan 1821 - Chester Co., PA 1
Christened:
Died: 4 Dec 1842
Buried:
Father: Joseph Downing (1786-1822) 1
Mother: Elizabeth Beidler (1794-1868) 1
Noted events in her life were:
• Alt. Death 1, E. Caln, Chester Co., PA, 4 Dec 1842
General Notes (Wife)
[18401.ged]
From mimeographed sheet provided by the Downing Family Historical Society, p 12:
"The only record I find is the statement by her sister, Sarah, that she "was beautiful blonde who died young".[Downing.ged]
From mimeographed sheet provided by the Downing Family Historical Society, p. 12:
"The only record I find is the statement by her sister, Sarah, that she "was beautiful blonde who died young". VILLAGE RECORD, Chester county, December 20, 1842: "Death Notice On the 4th inst., at the residence of her uncle, Davis Hoopes, in East Caln Township, Hannah Downing, in the 22nd year of her age." E-mail correspondent Bruce Bull provided me, in May, 1999, with a copy of Hannah's Will, the main body of which follows:
"I, Hannah Downing, of the Township of East Caln in the County of Chester an the State of Pennsylvania, being of sound mind and memory, do make and publish this last will and Testament, that is to say:
First, that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid.
Item 2: I give and bequeath unto my beloved mother, Elizabeth Riter, the sum of twenty-five dollars.
Item 3: I give and bequeath to my brother, James Downing, Seventy-five dollars of the money he owes me.
Item 4: I give and bequeath to my brother John Downing Twenty-five dollars, fifty of which he owes me.
Item 5: I give and bequeath to my sister Thomazin Woodward Seventy-five dollars.
Item 6: I give and bequeath to my sister Sarah D. Foster Seventy-five dollars.
Item 7: I give and bequeath to my sister Mary Ann Downing my bed and beding (sic), andirons, shovel, and tongs, looking glass, and all the remainder of my estate not heretofore given or willed away, the several Legacies to be paid in one year after my death.
Lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint my sister, Mary Ann Downing, executrix of this, my last will and Testament. In witness whereof I, Hannah Downing, the testatrix, have to this my will set my hand and seal this sixteent of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two. <s> Hannah Downing <seal> Witness: <s> Davis Hoopes <s> Sarah Hoopes"
Hannah Bell Downing
Husband
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Hannah Bell Downing (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Ralph Leo Downing (1891-1959) 1
Mother: Mary Mahala Angle (1899-1958) 1
Hannah Handy Downing
Husband (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Hannah Handy Downing 1
Born: 15 Nov 1846 1
Christened:
Died: 14 Jan 1892 1
Buried: - Downingtown Mm, PA 1
Father: Miller Downing (1805-1879) 1
Mother: Sarah Guinn Mount (1815-1891) 1
Harley Joseph Downing and Doris Crumett Keown
Husband Harley Joseph Downing (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Francis Bellmont Downing (1899-1979) 1
Mother: Rosa Elsie Kottas (1900-1994) 1
Marriage:
Wife Doris Crumett Keown (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Children
1 F Debra Sue Downing (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Clifford Boyd Henry (living)
