Biography of 	Downey, R. J. Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by 	Mike Miller September 2000

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R. J. Downey, slate roofer at 109 St. Charles street, New Orleans, La., established this
enterprise in 1888, and has been doing the largest slate roofing business in the South.  He has
in his employ about thirty-five men and is doing a business of about $60,000 per annum.  He
handles all American slates, and has finished the roof for all the most prominent residences on
St. Charles avenue.  He also has a large country trade, has men in all the largest cities of
the state, and is thorough and businesslike in all that he does.  Mr. Downey was born in New
Orleans, March 28, 1858, and is a son of Michael Downey, who was a bookkeeper by profession and
who was an old resident of New Orleans, dying there in 1885.  The mother, Mary E. (Flynn)
Downey, also died in that city in 1873.  R. J. Downey was partially educated in New Orleans,
but graduated from Notre Dame university, South Bend, Ind., in 1875.  After coming to this city
he first engaged in the grocery business, continued this for two years, and subsequently
embarked in the slate roofing business with J. W. Lee, a slater.  He became thoroughly familiar
with that business in six years and then started out for himself, and has met with flattering
success.  He is a member of the Olympic Athletic club, Mechanic Dealers and Lumbermen's
exchange, also being treasurer and a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry at
Louisiana.

Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, (vol. 1), p. 383.  Published by the
Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.