Pitkin County CO Archives Biographies.....Downing, James M. March 6, 1856 - ?
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Judy Crook jlcrook@rof.net December 31, 2005, 2:41 am

Author: Progressive Men of Western Colorado

     James M. Downing, of Aspen, one of the most prominent and successful

lawyers in his section of the state, and one of its most progressive,

enterprising and liberal-hearted men, was born in Illinois on March 6, 1856, the

son of David R. and Mary Downing, prosperous farmers of that state, who were

early settlers in Virginia and pioneers in Kentucky, where they lived until

1840, when they moved to Illinois.  There they passed the remainder of their

lives, cultivating the fruitful soil and holding an elevated place in the regard

of all who knew them.  The father died in 1897, at the age of ninety, after

having been for some years retired from active pursuits.  Four children were

born of their union, of whom three survive:  John F., president of the New

England National Bank of Kansas City, Kate (Mrs. C.W. Creus), who lives at

Pueblo, Colorado, and James M.  The last named was reared on a farm in his

native state, and obtained his education in the public schools and an excellent

college at Jacksonville, Illinois, from which he was graduated in 1879.  He came

at once to Colorado, locating at Leadville, where he followed mining and studied

law.  He was admitted to the bar in 1881, then moved to Aspen, his present home,

where he has lived ever since, except during two years which he passed in

Denver.  He has been very successful in his practice, and his success is due to

his studious habits, close attention to business, and fine natural abilities. 

He has the largest law library on the Western slope, it is said, and his success

at the bar and in counsel shows that he has made a diligent and judicious use of

it.  He has been in active practice at Aspen since 1881, and has for years been

at the head of the bar there.  He has also been actively associated with the

mining industry as a member of the Cowenhaven Mining Company of Aspen and one of

its leading men and chief inspiration and controlling force. He is well posted

in both the technique and practical side of the law and mining, and undertakes

nothing that he does not do well and with success.  In political faith he was a

Republican until 1896, and frequently represented his district in the state

conventions of that party.  In the year last named he joined forces with the

Silver Republicans and at once became one of the most influential forces in the

organization.  He was once a candidate for the office of district attorney, and

in 1892 was nominated as lieutenant governor.  In 1885 he was united in marriage

with Miss Alice Ritter, a daughter of Col. Richard Ritter, of Sedalia, Missouri.

 They have one daughter, Alice.  

Additional Comments:
From Progressive Men of Western Colorado.  Chicago:  A.W. Bowen & Co., 1905

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