The subject of this sketch has gained prestige in the healing art, which
is always the outcome of close application and the ability to apply theory
to practice in the treatment of diseases. Good intellectual training,
thorough professional knowledge, have made the subject of this review
successful in this chosen calling, having been in practice here for over a
quarter of a century, during which time he has built up a lucrative
patronage.
Dr. G. W. Downey was born in Princeton, Indiana, March 1,
1832, the son of William and Anna (Davis) Downey. Grandfather Downey, who
was a millwright, which trade he followed all his life, was born in Ireland,
came to America and settled in Virginia, where he spent the remainder of his
life, and where he reared his children, being survived by six children, who
lived to maturity. There were three ministers in the family. Grandfather
Davis, who was also from Ireland, came to America and settled in Tennessee,
later removing to Indiana, where he spent the remainder of his days,
devoting his life to farming, living to an advanced age and rearing a family
consisting of four daughters.
The father of our subject, who was
born in Virginia, moved to Indiana when he reached manhood and followed his
trade, that of millwright, having learned it from his father, but feeling
that he was called to higher work, he abandoned this and developed into a
Cumberland Presbyterian minister of considerable notoriety, living to be
over sixty years old. He was the father of twelve children, of whom the
subject of this sketch was the youngest. The wife of Rev. Downey passed away
at the age of sixty-four years.
Doctor Downey attended school in
Indiana and when a young man worked out as a day laborer, his family being
poor, making it necessary for him to earn his own living, but while somewhat
unpleasant, it was good discipline for him and he developed an individuality
which made greatly for subsequent success. Saving what he could with a view
to obtaining a higher education, he was enabled in a few years to enter
college at Newberry, Indiana. Believing that his true life work lay along
medical lines, he began the study of medicine in Indiana. He took a medical
course in Chicago and later in Iowa, having made a good record for
scholarship in both.
Our subject practiced medicine for a period of
four years before the breaking out ot the Civil war, in which he took
conspicuous part, having been one of the patriotic volunteers who went forth
to battle for the nation's rights. He enlisted in October, 1861, in Company
F, Fifty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served two years. He was in
the great battle of Corinth, having been through the siege there; also took
part in other engagements and marches in which his regiment participated,
and was discharged on account of disease contracted while in line of duty.
After the war our subject returned to practice, locating in Hamilton
county, Illinois, later removing to Washington county, then to Marion county
in 1882, and has been in practice here ever since. Wherever he has practiced
he has left an honorable name and a reputation as a high class physician and
a conscientious citizen.
Doctor Downey was united in marriage in
1858 to Margaret Pace, daughter of Joseph Pace, whose people were originally
from Kentucky. Seven children were born to our subject and wife, two of whom
are deceased. Those living are: Annie, the widow of Cyrus Hamilton; Homer is
married and has two children; Ada is the wife of a Mr. Knox and the mother
of three children; Corrine is married and has one child; George is the fifth
child and youngest. A singular coincidence in the history of the Pace family
is the fact that Mrs. Downey's grandmother on the father's side of the house
fell and broke a hip; Mrs. Downey's father also fell and broke a hip; later
his twin brother broke his hip in a similar manner; then his daughter fell
and broke her hip; later Mrs. Downey's brother fell and broke his hip;
finally Mrs. Downey fell, breaking her hip, from which she has become a life
cripple. In each case it was the right hip.
Our subject is a member
of the ancient and honorable Masonic fraternity. Both he and his wife are
members of the Methodist church, the latter having been a church member
since she was fourteen years old. In politics Doctor Downey is a Republican,
and he has the interests of his community at heart, ever laboring for its
development along political, religious and educational lines. His
comfortable and well furnished home in Sandoval is frequented by his many
friends and those of the family, and holds high rank in this community.
Extracted 27 May 2019 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 545-546.