Albert S. Downs (1843 - 1913)

DOWNS, STOCKING, SHULL, KEELER, SHIELDS

Posted By: DJ Scieszinski
Date: 4/18/2016 at 19:32:34

The Albia Republican
Thursday, January 9, 1913

A.S. Downs Drops Dead

Former Albia Citizen Drops Dead While Running To Catch Train At Unionville

A.S. Downs, brother of Ed Downs of this city, dropped dead along the right of way while running to catch a train at Unionville last Thursday afternoon and the shocking word was sent to Albia the same day and relatives here went to Unionville. The remains were brought to Albia Friday evening and taken to the home of his brother, Ed Downs, the Albia undertaker, the funeral being held the following morning, interment being in Oak View cemetery.

Mr. Downs was well known in Albia and leaves a large circle of old friends. He was sixty-nine years of age, and his younger days had been spent in Albia.

The Centerville Citiien of last Thursday has the following article concerning his sudden death:

While running to catch the local freight to come to Centerville this morning A. S. Downs well known and prominent business man of Unionville, Iowa, was seized with an attack of the heart and expired suddenly at the Unionville depot. Section men who saw him fall near the car house ran to his assistance but it appears nothing could be done for him. Mr. Downs was about to miss the train and carrying two bundles under his arm, he was hastening toward the train as it was pulling out of the yards.

Mr. Downs was by occupation a wagon and carriage maker and was formerly in that line of business in Moulton, but about fifteen years ago he bought the Lewis Lumber Co.’s yard at Unionville and had since resided there and conducted the business. He was born in Boone county, Ill., in 1843, moving with his parents to Ozaukee county, Wis., in 1848, to Chicago in 1865 and Beloit, Wis., in 1866, learning his trade at the last named place, then going to Belvidere, Ill., in 1868, to Albia in 1871, to Ottumwa in 1875 and to Moulton in 1877.

He enlisted in Co. G., 1st V. C. and participated in several battles of the Civil war including Dandridge, Tenn., and Chicamaugua, and was mustered out at Nashville, Ten., in July, 1865, as orderly sergeant though he had previously been in actual command of the company.

He was first married to Mary Keeler who died in Albia in 1871 leaving two children, Arty W. and Charles K. He is survived by his second wife formerly Sue M. Shields, to whom he was married in 1875, and they have one daughter, Madge, at home. Arthur is in Ottumwa and Charles is in Texas and funeral announcements will be made after hearing from them. Mr. Downs was a member of the M. E. Methodist church and was licensed preacher in that church. He has a brother, Ed, at Albia and an adopted sister.