Downie, John 1823-1884

DOWNIE

Posted By: A. Haught (email)
Date: 3/27/2015 at 13:44:57

At his residence in Poney Hollow on Sunday evening, about 9 o’clock, occurred the death of John Downie, aged 61 years, 7 months and 3 days. The cause of his death was cancer, which he had endeavored, unsuccessfully to have removed, even calling the surgeon’s knife to his relief, but to no avail.

Mr. Downie was a native of Lower Canada, where he was born in 1823. His parents were natives of Scotland but emigrated to Canada in 1822.

In 1838 his parents removed to Clayton county, and he came with them, and settled in Boardman township, being among the very first settlers who came to this township.

Mr. Downie has always followed farming, and at the time of his death owned a fine farm about 2 miles from town. He was honest, industrious, and had a large number of friends, all of whom will greatly mourn his death.

For nearly half a century he has lived in this neighborhood, and has seen the valley of the Turkey develop from a wild wilderness into one of the most fertile valleys in the state. He was here before the first plat of Elkader was made, and has lived to see it grow and flourish, and finally to become as handsome as any village in northeastern Iowa. All those years he has aided in the upbuilding of our county and town by work, and it seems hard that after a life of toil, just when he was ready to enjoy the fruits of his labors, he should be removed from among those he lowed so well. Bust such is life; we know not the hour nor the day when we may be called.

Mr. Downie leaves a wife and six children to mourn his loss. The funeral occurred on Monday afternoon, short services being held at the house by Rev. L. U. McKee, after which his remains were brought to Elkader and laid away to their final rest in the cemetery on the east side.

The pall bearers were: James L. Gilbert, A.D. Cook, Isaac Hayens, James Varley, F. Snedigar, James Parich.

Elkader Register: September 24, 1884