For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 316
LOUIS E. DOWNER....Ever since his infancy Louis E. Downer has been a resident of Muscatine county, having been brought here by is parents at the age of two years. His earliest recollections are of the old homestead amidst rural scenes and his love for such a life has attracted him to farming as a vocation, the result proving that he made no mistake in his choice. He was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, September 10, 1871, and is a son of J. B. and Margaret ( Davis ) Downer, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The parents came to Iowa in the 40's and lived for many years in Des Moines county. In 1873 the father located on a farm in Muscatine county, but he and his wife are now living retired in Muscatine. In his active years he was quite prominent in the farming community and by perseverance and well applied energy he acquired a competence so that he now enjoys a well earned rest. There were six children in the family, two of whom are deceased. Those living are Adella A., the wife of George Parvin, of Muscatine; John T., also of Muscatine; Louis E., our subject; and Nellie V., now Mrs. A. B. Minear, on Chicago, Illinois.Louis E. Downer received his education in the district schools of Muscatine county and grew up upon the home farm, where he acquired a taste for agricultural pursuits which has been one of the controlling influences of his life. After leaving the common schools, desiring to pursue his studies further, he went to Mount Vernon, Iowa, where he spent two years in preparation for teaching. The next three years found him in the schoolroom but at the age of twenty-seven he was married and returned to agricultural pursuits, renting a farm for ten years. By good management he acquired sufficient capital to purchase land on section 21, Seventy-six township, where he now owns three hundred acres. He specializes in the raising and feeding of cattle and hogs and has achieved a high degree of success by good judgment in this line.
On March 15, 1899, Mr. Downer was united in marriage to Miss Emma G. Belk, who was born in Louisa county, Iowa, June 3, 1878, and is a daughter of Jacob and Alverda ( Hanley ) Beik. The father was born in Germany and the mother in Cedar county, Iowa. He came to America when twelve years of age with his parents, the family locating in this state. Mr. Beik departed this life May 18, 1908, and his widow is now living in Louisa county. There were six children in their family. Three children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Downer : Eula M., born March 21, 1900; Cloyce H., December 2, 1901 ; and Twyla, who was born February 10, 1907, and died May 25, 1907. Since arriving at manhood Mr. Downer has been a supporter of the republican party. He and his wife are earnest believers in the Christian religion and are valued members of the Methodist church, in which he serves as steward. He early acquired the habit of doing thoroughly whatever he undertook, as is shown by the neat appearance of his farm. He is recognized as a man who is always true to his obligations, broad-minded, public-spirited and progressive and ready to assist the advancement of every worthy cause.
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