Last Sunday morning while rowing across Grand River, near Woodard's dam,
FRANK DOWNING, a young colored man was thrown into the water by the
boat's turning over, and drowned.  MR. DOWNING was a most excellent
young man and highly respected by all his neighbors.  He had recently
been married to a daughter of W. THOMASON.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Decatur County Journal
June l3, l889

OBITUARY: A very sad accident occurred in Decatur township at Woodard's
dam; one that caused great grief to many who were connected with the
deceased only by the ties of friendship and acquaintance.  Shortly after
ten o'clock on June 2nd, it was announced that FRANK DOWNING, colored,
was drown.  The sad event occurred Sunday, June 2nd, while starting
across the river in a boat just below the dam, to his cornfield, the
boat upset.  In less than five minutes, citizens were on the banks,
although it was nearly one hour before he was recovered, owing to the
depth of the water.  Thus ends the life of one of our noblest and honest
young men.  We are warned to be ready for we know not how soon we shall
be summoned.

FRANK PIERCE DOWNING was born in Decatur County, Iowa, in l863.  He was
the son of HENRY and MAHALA DOWNING, who are well known to the citizens
of this county.  When three years old he moved with his parents to
Mercer County, MO., where he has ever since resided up to last December,
when he removed to Decatur County, Iowa, where he was united in marriage
to MISS ALICE HART, February, l889.  She is a refined and well-educated
lady and a worthy companion of her husband whom she cherished and
assisted in life, and she has the entire sympathy of her friends.

The decesed joined the Missionary Baptist Church in l887 and has ever
since been a true and devoted member.  The remains were buried in the
Woodmansee Cemetery June 4th.

         Then let us bide our time below,
           In patient trust in God,
         Till he shall call us, one and all,
           To His celestial side.
                                       A FRIEND
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Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert

Note: ALICE HART was WASHINGTON THOMASON's daughter -- I posted his
death in GRAND RIVER TOWNSHIP NEWS-August, l886.