Prowers County, History of Colorado, BIOS: DOWNING, Isaac C. (published 1918) *********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Maggie Stewart-Zimmerman http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00015.html#0003643 December 2, 1999 *********************************************************************** "History of Colorado", edited by Wilbur Fisk Stone, published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. (1918) Vol. II p. 424 ISAAC C. DOWNING. One of the most important offices in the newer divisions of the west is that of sheriff and in that position Isaac C. Downing is now ably and capably serving in Prowers county. Since he has taken office the lawless element has greatly subsided because there is not an hour of the day or night which is not devoted to his duties in maintaining order in his section. The protector of law-abiding citizens, he is a terror to those who infringe upon the laws of human society and is relentless and tearless in pursuing criminals. He was born in Winona, Minnesota, August 1, 1865, his parents being Benjamin F. and Malinda (Baldwin) Downing, of Ohio. The father has followed farming throughout his life and success has attended his labors. He Is highly respected and esteemed in his community, of which he is considered one of the valued citizens. To him and his wife were born thirteen children, of whom Isaac C. is the youngest. He was educated in the rural schools near his father's farm in Minnesota and there continued until he was nineteen years of age, ably assisting in farm labors. In 1884 he made his way to Colorado and engaged in riding the range. He subsequently gave his attention to the draying business and also served as marshal of Lamar, his home city, and as deputy sheriff, continuing in the latter position for about twenty years. His long experience was recognized in his election to the office of sheriff in 1914 and so well did he discharge his duties that in 1916 he was reelected and is today a candidate, standing on his record. On December 25, 1889, Mr. Downing was united in marriage to Miss Minnie E. Cochrane and to them have been born the following children: Roderick L., who is a civil engineer, having graduated from the State University, and is now in the service of the government; Wayne G., who is serving in the United States army; and Lois V., at home. Mr. Downing is an active republican in his political affiliations, his word carrying great weight in the local councils of his party, which he has served as delegate to county and state conventions. He also gives much time and thought to war work, serving as a member of the Council of Defense, being on the committee of safety, and he is chairman of the local draft board. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order, in which he belongs to the blue lodge, and also to the chapter, council and commandery. Moreover, he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen of the World. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and he ever takes part in movements to uplift humanity, to improve moral conditions and raise intellectual standards.