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Jonathan Clark Downs (1820 - 1904)

DOWNS, STOCKING, COOPER, SHULL

Posted By: DJ Scieszinski
Date: 4/18/2016 at 18:18:09

THE ALBIA UNION
Friday, November 18, 1904

A PIONEER GONE

Judge J. C. Downs Laid at rest in Oak View Cemetery

Owing to a similar experience in The Union family the first of the week the death of J. C. Downs was printed just as handed into the office and we take this occasion to do justice to an honored and highly respected citizen of Albia.

Johnathan Clark Downs was born in Central New York state, July 26th, 1820. In 1838 emigrated with his parents to Illinois and in 1842 was married to Mary J. Stocking, who was also born in New York state in 1820. He moved with his wife and one child to Wisconsin in 1848, where he lived for eight years. While in Wisconsin he served for a year as Judge of Ozankee county and two years as Recorder of the same county. He came to Albia with his family in 1866 where he has since resided. He was not a member of the church although a faithful attendant and supporter of the Methodist church to which his wife and family belong. Several times before his death he expressed a readiness to depart and preparation to meet his maker in peace. He leaves two sons, Albert S. and Edgar S., and an adopted daughter, Mrs. Della Shull of Brooklyn, New York.

His last sickness was severe and protracted and he often expressed a desire to go and be at rest. He died quietly and peacefully Thursday afternoon November 10th, 1904, in the eighty-fifth year of his age.

Deceased was a pioneer citizen of Albia, and for many years was manager of the E. D. Ran Lumber Company and one of the few who remained a continuous resident from the time he came to the city till his children were reared and sent out in life to do for themselves.

He was an enterprising and energetic business man and was ever ready to respond to worthy calls for assistance in the growth and development of the town and educational and religious advancement. Indeed his leaning toward Methodism created the general impression that he was a member of that church. He always expressed a faith in God and his holy word though he never took membership with any religious body. As Albia grew and prospered he accumulated enough property with which to keep him in his declining years, and after the death of his companion in life his home was made with his son, E. C. Downs, one of Albia's leading business men. His physical afflictions for a number of years was a hindrance to his getting about and he gradually withdrew himself into the confines of his own home and spent his later days in the society of his own family and old time friends, many of whom were fast approaching the shadowy vale and with whom he found comfort in association and converse.

His funeral was conducted from the family residence by Rev. Cooper of the M. E. church who spoke words of condolence to those remaining behind. He was a most indulgent father, a kind hearted friend and neighbor and a splendid citizen, and while he had lived his allotted time our hearts grieve because in his death the younger generation is made to realize that another sturdy pioneer has fallen and soon they will belong to history only. May his ashes rest in peace.


 

Monroe Obituaries maintained by Susan Claman.
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