This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Surnames: Downie, Gilmore, Lantz, Parks
Classification: Obituary
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Ck.2ADE/597
Message Board Post:
Alexander Downie, 1830 – 1908
(Transcribed July 2004 from an old clipping of an unidentified Goodwine, Howard County,
Indiana newspaper)
Alexander Downie was born near Ayrshire, Scotland, 23 April 1830, his boyhood days being
spent on a farm as a hired hand, he being left alone in the world at the age of nine
years. In the spring of 1855, he came to America and in October 1855 he was united in
marriage with Miss Catharine Parks, who preceded him from Scotland in 1854. They took up
their residence in Peoria County, Illinois where they resided for a number of years. To
this union eight children were born: Jennetta and James, who preceded their parents in
death; Rosanna, now Mrs. Abraham Lantz; Thomas Bell Downie of Goodwine; Elizabeth Gilmore,
of Denham, Pulaski County; Charles, of North Judson, Starke County; George, whose
whereabouts are unknown; and Everal Sumner Downie of Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa. In
1874, the family moved to a section of wild prairie land in Ash Grove Township, Iroquois
County, Illinois where they resided for twenty-five years, during which time the children
all grew to adultho!
od and were married, except Everal. In 1899, Mr. & Mrs. Downie and son Everal moved
to Van Buren County, Michigan where they purchased a farm and resided for a time. Mrs.
Downie died in Bangor, Michigan and Alexander Downie and Everal moved to Liberty Township,
Ringgold County, Iowa, where they resided for a number of years.
Alexander Downie was a man of rugged character and a jolly disposition and when he left
Iroquois County did not have an enemy in it. He was kind and charitable in all his
dealings and as honest as the day is long. His illness dated from January 1908 when he
suffered a severe attack of the grip. He passed away peacefully fully believing that
Jesus Christ was crucified for his sins. His daily prayer was that he might be prepared
for the end when it came. The remains were brought to Goodwine where services were held
and the body laid to rest in Amity Cemetery by kin.