Downes, Daniel

The following data is extracted from Merrimack and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire Biographies.

Daniel Downes, a well-known resident of Andover, was born in Salisbury, N.H., June 10, 1837. His father was Isaac Downes, who came from Maine, his native State, successively bought a farm in Salisbury and Ellsworth, lived on each for a time, and then removed to Lowell, Mass., where he kept a boarding-house until his death. Isaac married Mary A. Cilly, of West Andover; and their children were: Philip, Leonard, Priscilla, Lydia, Ann, Ellen, Daniel, and Isaac. Philip Downes, who was a soldier in the Union Army, died from the effect of wounds received in the battle of Gettysburg. Leonard was killed in a railroad accident in 1859. Priscilla, Ann, and Ellen are also deceased. Lydia, who resides at Franklin, is the widow of the late Mark J. Levenworth; while Isaac, a resident of Andover, is a well-known lumber merchant.

Daniel Downes received his education in the town school of Lowell. Then he went to work in one of the mills, and later was engaged in teaming for three years. At the expiration of that time he came to Andover and hired a farm on Taunton Hill, which he afterward conducted for about four years. After this Mr. Downes did teaming for the peg mills, furnished wood for the Winnepesaukee Paper Mills and other corporations, and was at the same time running a saw-mill and working up a lumber business for himself. He also opened a general merchandise store in the village of Potter Place, where he built a fine set of buildings about fifteen years ago. Mr. Downes is a self-made man. Always active and enterprising, prosperity has crowned his efforts.

Mrs. Downes was before marriage Jane Kenniston, daughter of Calvin and Elizabeth (Hoyt) Kenniston. Her children-Edward, Ida J., Fred E., Marcilla M., Jessie M., and Bert W. -are all married; and there is a rising generation of fifteen grandchildren. Mr. Downes is well known as an active member of the social and benevolent organizations of Andover. Also interested in the administrative affairs of the town, he has been Selectman and Road Agent; and in 1893-94 he was its Representative in the State legislature. He has served on the School Board at Cilleyville, and is a member of the grange. In politics he is a Democrat, and his first vote was cast for Stephen A. Douglas in 1860. He is one of the most active members of the Universalist society here, which relies on him for generous support when necessary.

Source: Merrimack and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire Biographies

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