Francis W. Downes (1838-1910)

DOWNES, GRAVES, LULL, MEAD, LOUGHRAN, MARSHALL

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 1/31/2026 at 14:01:14

From Ames Intelligencer October 20, 1910 (page 7)

DEATHS

Francis W. Downes

Francis W. Downes, son of Josiah and Amelia Downes, was born in the state of New York August 22, 1838, and died at the home of his brother-in-law, C. J. Graves in Ames, Iowa, October 11, 1910, at the age of 72 years, 1 month and 19 days.

He enlisted in Company I, Eleventh regiment of Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, September 20, 1861, and was honorably discharged November 18, 1864.

He came to Iowa in 1865 and located on a farm near Gilbert Station in the fall of 1881, he moved to his home in Gilbert, where he has resided until five weeks ago, he came to Ames to be cared for.

He was a member of Frank Bently Post No. 89, and a charter member of the I. O. O. F. of Gilbert.

He was converted in and united with the Congregational church of Gilbert in February, 1887, and lived a faithful Christian life and went to sleep with the full assurance of eternal life.

His life was devoted to the care of his father, mother and sister until after their deaths he had lived alone with the exception of times spent visiting friends and relatives.

He leaves to mourn life loss one brother, Erastus Downes of Sandy, Utah, two sisters Clarinda Downes of Elkhorn, Wis., Mary Jane Lull of Engadine, Mich.; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

The funeral services held in the Congregational church of Gilbert Sta. were conducted by Rev. Wolfe assisted by Rev. Houser of Ames.

A male quartet composed of Messrs. Reynolds, Kent, Tork and Dickinson, sang "Looking This Way," "Farewell Comrade," and "Going Down the Valley." Gladys Ufford of Ames, sang a solo "In the Upper Garden."

The G. A. R. and I. O. O. F. conducted services at the grave and he was laid to rest by the side of his beloved sister, Marian, in the Gilbert cemetery. Rev. Wolfe spoke feelingly of the honesty and faithfulness of the deceased and those who knew him longest loved him most. As a mark of the high esteem in which he was held in the community, the business houses were all closed during the funeral services.

Those present from away were two nieces, Mrs. L. J. Mead of Mitchellville; Mrs. E. J. Loughran of Peru, Iowa, and a nephew, Fred Marshall of Des Moines.