Bartholomew-Switzerland County IN Archives Biographies.....Downey, William L. 1852 - 1902
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com January 27, 2007, 6:06 pm

Author: B. F. Bowen (1904)

WILLIAM L. DOWNEY.

   William L. Downey, a native of Indiana, was born in Switzerland county, on
the 18th of April, 1858, and is now a representative farmer of Bartholomew
county, living in German township and owning property in Taylorsville. His
parents were Rev. Amos and Mary G. (Pavey) Downey. The fathers birth also
occurred in Switzerland county, his natal year being 1823, while the mother was
born there in 1826. Rev. Amos Downey became a minister of the Christian church
and was well known throughout this portion of the state, preaching the gospel in
many different places. He was devoted and zealous in his efforts to extend the
cause of Christianity and to upbuild his denomination and his labors were not
without good results. Many there were who were benefitted by his influence and
by his Christian instruction and whose lives were better because he lived. He
voted with the Democratic party, but never took an active interest in political
affairs. His entire attention was devoted to providing for his family and to his
church work. He passed away in Switzerland county, March 11, 1899, but his
memory is still enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him. In his family
were seven children: Phebe J., who married Rev. Nathan Van Osdal, but is
deceased; James S., who married Elizabeth Vanatta and is a salesman for a
Louisville firm; Sophia A., the widow of Dr. J. W. Van Osdal, late a physician
of Dillsboro, Dearborn county, Indiana; Horace, who married Hettie Gillingham
and resides at Connersville; William L., of this review; Charles W., who was
connected with the sale of musical instruments, but is now deceased; and Mary
A., the wife of J. R. House, a merchant at East Enterprize, Switzerland county.

   William L. Downey pursued his education in the public schools and was reared
amid the refining influences of a good Christian home. On the 17th of September,
1885, he was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Breeding, daughter of John H. and
Lavina (Stillabower) Breeding. Her father was born near Edinburg, Indiana, in
February, 1829, and her mother's birth occurred in Germany. The paternal
grandparents of Mrs. Downey became residents of Kentucky and removed thence to
Indiana. Mr. Breeding was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit
throughout his entire business career, and his death occurred on the 5th of
September, 1902. He was twice married, the mother of Mrs. Downey, who is still
living, being his second wife, the first being Lorena Knight. In their family
were ten children: Isaac, Alexander, Mattie, William, John, Sherman, Katie,
David, Nettie and Edgar. Mr. Breeding was a Republican in his political
affiliations and kept well informed oh the questions and issues of the day, but
never sought or desired public office. His religious faith was that of the
Christian church, in which he held long membership.

  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Downey have been born two children, Nina and Raymond. Mr.
Downey has always been a warm friend of the cause of education and in 1898 was
elected township trustee by a majority of four in a Republican township, though
he is a strong Democrat. He and his wife belong to the Christian church and
fraternally he is connected with Taylorsville Lodge, No. 307, Knights of
Pythias, and has passed all the chairs of the lodge.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY
INDIANA

INCLUDING BIOGRAPHIES OF THE GOVERNORS AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS OF INDIANA

ILLUSTRATED

1904

B. F. Bowen PUBLISHER


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