Let's put "clothes" on our ancestors

24 Aug 1772: ordered to assist in clearing a road surveyed by Stephen Saunders. Bedford County, Virginia Order Book 4. [Usually those who built and maintained a road were those who lived on it. This could have been his father, but we do not know how old John, Sr. was in 1772 - he may have been incapable of doing physical labor. I think it more likely that this information applies to John, Jr.

1777: inherited a "tract of patented land" on north side of Stoney Fork of Reed Creek in Montgomery County, Virginia (now Wythe County).

23 Mar 1778: married Bedford County, Virginia, Rachel Dooley daughter of Thomas Dooley, with

Stephen Dooley as Surety. William and Mary Quarterly, Volume 11 p280.

1780: bought land in Montgomery County, Virginia adjoining that of brother Ezekiel.

7 May 1781: deed from John and Andrew Downing of Lincoln County, Kentucky to Nicholas Darter 248A in Montgomery County, Virginia. Montgomery County, Virginia Deed Book A p263.

10 May 1781: received a grant of 300A on Middle Fork, Lincoln County, Kentucky. Virginia Land Grant Book 2 p73.

7 Sept 1781: deed from John and Andrew Downing of Lincoln County, Kentucky to Nicholas Darter 248A in Montgomery County, Virginia. Montgomery County, Virginia Deed Book A p263.

24 Oct 1782: Virginia State Library Document #128 - (Downey) enlisted and served as private in Lincoln County, Kentucky Militia for 32 days on an expedition against the Enemy Indians under General George Rogers Clark, discharged Nov 24 1782. George Rogers Clark and His Men, Military Records 1778-1784, Margery H. Harding, Frankfort, Kentucky: The Kentucky Historical Society, 1981.

1783: signed a petition (#17) for passage of more laws for his area in Kentucky. Petitions of the Early Inhabitants of Kentucky, James Rood Robertson, Louisville: John P. Morton & Co., 1914.

2 Jan 1783: m/2 Lincoln County, Kentucky, Jane/Jean Thompson (_____-1 Aug 1824 Bonhomme Twp., St. Charles County, Missouri), Estate #656, witnessed by Jedidiah Kingsley, Sarah Rice, and Ezekiel Downing.

19 Mar 1783: appointed to view the best way for a road from the mouth of Hickman Creek to the Courthouse at St. Asaphs. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 1 p37.

17 Feb 1784: entered a special bail for James Downing in the case of James Smith vs John Wood and James Downing. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 1 p141.

15 June 1784: (Downey) appointed to appraise estate of Matthias Mounts. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 1 p167.

18 June 1784: did jury duty. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 1 p194.

21 Dec 1784: James Smith vs James and John Downing - debt. Problem to be arbitrated by court appointees. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 1 p251.

18 June 1785: John Downing vs Thomas Carlan - upon a caveat (a written document filed by an interested party which stops the process of obtaining a court order until the opposition can be heard, e.g. stopping the court from probating a will) for 1000 acres of land in Fayette County, Kentucky. John Downing is no inhabitant, an alias summons issued. Virginia Supreme Court - District of Kentucky Order Book A p133.

21 June 1785: John Downing vs Nathaniel Pope - upon a caveat. An alias summons issued for Nathaniel Pope. Virginia Supreme Court - District of Kentucky Order Book A p148.

21 June 1785: John Downing vs John Abner - upon a caveat. John Abner no inhabitant, an alias summons issued. Virginia Supreme Court - District of Kentucky Order Book A p148.

20 July 1785: James Smith vs James and John Downing - debt. Ordered discontinued. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 2 p58.

20 Sept 1785: in cases of John Downing vs Nathaniel Pope and John Downing vs John Abner - John Downing consented to discontinue the case. Virginia Supreme Court - District of Kentucky Order Book A p219.

15 Aug 1786: appointed Lieutenant in brother James Downing's Company of Militia for Lincoln County, Kentucky. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p5.

24 Mar 1787: case of William Harrison and Jacob Meyers vs John Allison - in case. Jury trial, verdict against John Allison and his appearance bondsman John Downing ten pounds and costs. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p74.

19 June 1787: John Downing appointed Captain of the Militia of Lincoln Count in place of James Downing. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p125.

15 July 1787: on tax list of Lincoln County, Kentucky.

22 Aug 1787: judgment granted to Edmund Jennings on a replevin bond (a legal action taken to regain possession of specific personal property alleged to have been unlawfully taken) against John Allison and John Downing - 19 pounds 14 shillings. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p135.

5 Jan 1788: produced a Commission from the Governor appointing him Captain of Militia - took oa

th. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p191.

1789: signed a petition (#58) requesting statehood for Kentucky. Petitions of the Early Inhabitants of Kentucky, James Rood Robertson, Louisville: John P. Morton & Co., 1914.

22 Apr 1789: James and John Downing appointed to allot and set apart her dower to Sarah widow of Daniel Floyd. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p358.

15 Sept 1789: appointed to appraise estate of Henry Smith. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p411.

ca 1789: son James born.

12 Mar 1790: John Downing vs Ralph Morgan - debt. Case continue. Virginia Supreme Court - District of Kentucky Order Book D p407.

6 Sept 1790: recommended to the Governor that William Parks be appointed Captain of Militia in place of John Downing. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p520.

8 Oct 1790: son John born.

15 Oct 1791: John Downing vs Ralph Morgan - debt. Jury says that Ralph Morgan did not perform as obligate and he is to pay damages and court costs. Virginia Supreme Court - District of Kentucky Order Book F p86.

29 Oct 1791: John Downing vs Ralph Morgan - debt. Case continued. Virginia Supreme Court - District of Kentucky Order Book F p175.

no date: son Samuel born.

no date: son William born.

ca 1801: son Andrew born.

no date: son Harrison born.

no date: daughter Mary H. born.

no date: daughter Margaret born.

no date: daughter Jean C. born.

no date: son Ezekiel born.

no date: will of John Downing found in Saint Charles County, Missouri courthouse in a box marked "Miscellaneous, Old Papers, Unproven Wills". We presume the lack of a date prevented it entering into the probate process.

"In the name of God Amen I John Downing of the Territory of Louisiana and District of St. Charles being very sick in body but of sound mind and memory yet knowing that is appointed once for all men to Die I give and recommend by Soul into the hand that gave it and my body to the Earth to be buried in a Deacent Christian like Manner and I do by these presents utterly Revoke and disanul all former wills Testaments and legacies Bequeaths and Ratifying and Confirming this and this alone to be my last Will and Testament.

First I give and bequeath to my well Beloved wife Jean Downing all and singular the Species of property tome belonging Dureing her Natural and Single life and after her Death I also Give and bequeath to my three Sons to wit James Downing, Samuel Downing and Harrison Downing An Equal Share in My Negroman Louis.

I also Give and Bequeath to my three Daughters to wit Mary H. Downing, Margaret Downing, Jean C. Downing and Equal Share in my Negro man Will and I also Give and bequeath unto Each of my other four sons to wit William Downing, Andrew Downing, John Downing and Ezekiel Downing twenty five dollars.

I also leave it with my wife Jean Downing to proportion to John Downing and Ezekiel Downing as near as she Can to William and Andrew, and I do rattafie and confirm This as my last will and Testament. John Downing."

Witnesses: James Green, Elizabeth Goodrich and Peter Fourney Goodrich.

27 Sept 1811: died St. Charles County, Missouri. (Bible 1)

24 Dec 1811: inventory of estate included 2 slaves, 175 gallons of whisky, livestock, rifle, etc. Account rendered: to Jane Downing administratrix and to William Downing, balance $1224.

28 Aug 1813: wife Jane, executrix made final accounting of husband's estate. St. Charles County, Missouri Estate Box 34 #774.

24 Jan 1814: received of Jane Downing administratrix of John Downing $117.50 due on account against estate. William Downing.

25 May 1820: Jane Downing vs Margaret Downing administratrix of Andrew Downing - debt. Verdict: pay it. St. Charles County, Missouri estate of Andrew Downing.

17 Mar 1824: will of Jane/Jean Downing written - "In the Name of God Amen. I, Jean Downing of the State of Missouri, County of St. Louis and Township of Bonhomme, being very sick in body, but of sound mind and memory, knowing that it is appointed for all once to die, I give and recommend my Soul to God who gave it, and my body to the Earth - to be buried in a decent and Christian manner. I do by these presents utterly revoke and make null and void all former Wills, Testaments and Legacies - rattifying and confirming this, and this alone to be my last Will and Testament -

First I do appoint my sons John Downing and Samuel Downing to be the Executors of this Will.

I give and bequeath to my Son William Downing all the horses and all the neat Cattle, except a cow and a two years old heifer which I bequeath to Mary my Grand Daughter, heiress and Child of my Son Andrew Downing, deceassed and a two years old heiffer which I bequeath to my Grand Son William, son of John Downing. I also give and bequeath to Samuel and Harrisons my sons, an equal share to each, my right to a third part in a negro man named Louis.

I give and bequeath to my son Harrison Downing all the wages which my negro man Louis ---------------------.

I also give and bequeath to my son William my Chairs, Bureaus and Fallingleaf Table and the balance of a Note which I hold against John M. Knight.

I also give and bequeath tomy son Harrison Downing a Fallingleaf Table and an Iron pot.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this seventeenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four."

Jean Downing signed with her mark.

Witnesses: Jedediah Kingsley, Sarah Rice and Ezekiel Downing.

1 Aug 1824: died St. Charles County, Missouri. (Bible 1)

28 Sept 1824: will entered into probate with John Downing, Samuel Downing as principals, Jedidiah Kingsley and Ezekiel Downing swearing that they saw her sign her will and William Downing and Jedediah Kingsley, Securties.

29 Nov 1824: estate appraised $156.50.

17 Jan 1825: appraisal and inventory of Jean/Jane Downing's estate -

(far right column indicates purchaser and the amount paid at the sale of Jane Downing's estate 29 Nov 1825.)

1 black and white cow and calf $8.00

1 brindle cow 6.00

1 old cow 7.00

1 red and white cow 6.00

1 black mare 30.00

1 sorrel horse 40.00

1 chesnut sorrel horse 50.00

1 sheep 1.50 Samuel Downing $1.56¼

1 loom 6.00

1 lot of castings 2.00 William Downing 3.00

1 barrel .25

1 barshes plow 2.00 William Downing 2.50

some fethers and beadstid 5.00 Samuel Downing 9.25

1 beadstid 1.00 William Downing .25

1 square table 1.00 William Downing 1.00

1 flax heckel and howel 3.00 William Downing 1.12½

1 lot books 1.00 John Downing 1.00

1 rifle gun and powder horn 9.00 John Downing 10.00

1 pewter dish .50 John Downing .50

1 pare of fire tongs .50 William Downing .50

1 side saddle 2.00 John Downing .50

16 Dec 1826: John and Samuel Downing Executors of Fathers and Mothers Wills Received by me and satisfied. William Downing, Ezekiel Downing.

16 Dec 1826: John and Samuel Downing Executors of Jane Downing my part In full of my Fathers and mothers will Received by me and Satisfied. William Downing, Harris Downing.

17 Mar 1827: received of John and Samuel Downing Executors of the Estate of Jane and John Downing the sum of 15 dollars in full of all debts, ---------- and demands which I have or can pretend to have against the said estate as also in full of my part of the estate which was Justly coming to me as one of heirs of said estate. Received By me and satisfied. Samuel Luniss/Juniss, Tuniss. Margaret Luniss.

4 August 1827: received of Samuel and John Downing, Executors of the last Will and Testament of Jane Downing decd the full amount of property and money devised to me as one of the devisies of said Jane Downing. John Chapman. St. Louis. William Triplett.

William 1740- Rachel Lusk 4

*John Susannah Hall 6

*Jemima James White

*Elizabeth Absolum Voris

*Mary "Polly" 1784- James Westerfield

*Patsy Charles Nugent 7

*Nancy John M. Westerfield

*Rachel Elijah Anderson

*David R. Betsey Heard

*William, Jr. 1789-1868 Margaret Jenkins 8

**Mary c1811- Moses D. White

George A. Brown

**Martha 1812- Bell

**Susan 1817-1901 Hiram Dickerson

**Josephine c1819 Henry A. Kurtz 9

**James R. 1824-1891

**Elizabeth 1826- John J. Lightfoot

**Margaret 1830- Thomas E. Hudson

John 1742-1824 Rachel Dooley 10

Jane/Jean Thompson

*James c1789- Martha 15

**Prudence c1829- Augustus Bradley

**Lewis R. c1833-

**Martha c1833-

**Stephen H. c1838-

*John 1790-1843 Mary Yocom 16

*William Yocum 1821-1886 Susan Akers 17

**John Akers 1849-1920 Josephine A. Weaver 19

Anna Anderson

***Magdalena 1872- John Jackson Biggs 20

***Charles Albert 1878-1938 Jeannie Hoffer

****Marie 1903- Floyd Williams

***Orla E. 1886-1965 Bertha Stites

***Harvey E. 1891-1961 Helen C. McCurdy

****Ruth 1913- Russell Garrigus

****Stanley 1915-1975 Mildred Hoskins 21

Alvena W. Finkbiner

*****Stephen Angela Jackson

*****Linda Michael Grove

***William R. 1889- Josephine Howard

Margery Clark

****Franklin David 1909- Letha Pell 21

****Robert R. 1912-1963 Louise V. Williamson

*****Marilyn Ann 1935- Ross Wm. Emmett 22

*****Robert Virginia Strong

*****Virginia Don Miller

*****William

*****Michael

****William Sanford 1915- Marjorie Clark

Margaret Miller

*****LaVerne

*****Lorraine

***Burlin F. 1894-1943 Beulah Hammond

****Anna Wolverton (his sister's daughter) William Scott

***Zola G. c1898-1927 John B. Wolverton 23

**Luke F. 1851-1918 Lizzie A. Edwards

**Mary Jane 1855-1902 William J. Walker

**Lucy 1857-1927 Ira Ellis Biggs

**William Henry 1860-1942 Carrie Olivia Baumgart 24

***Dallas Luke 1894-1977 Grace Anderson 25

****Mark 1919/20- Wanda D'Amato

Evelina Duerra

*****Carrie Laura

*****Mark, Jr. 1966-

*****Roberta Ann 1971-

****Warren Anderson 1923- Dorothy Jean Smart

Mary Ellen Summers

*****Walter Warren

*****Dorothy Jayn

*****Philip Hugh 1962-

***Lois Maude 1896-1967 Howard Rector Evans 25

***Hugh Baumgart 1902- Minna McCrary 26

***Ernest Jasper 1905-1942 Helen Peffer

****Helen Marie 1942- McCabe

**Reuben 1864- Catherine J. "Katie" Kennedy

***Homer 1898-

**Daniels Webster 1866-1941 Josephine A. Carter

***William Roy 1894- Neva Shull 27

****Joan Elizabeth 1920- Robert Aydelotte

***Minnie Mercine 1898-1989 Harry Todd

William H. Castor

***Adam Noah 1901-1984 Beatrice Ringo

****William Ringo 1924- Mabel Bell

*****Carol Ann 1946- Raymond Robertson 28

*****Pamela Sue 1952-

****Norma Kathryn 1934- Norman Doyle Sybert

***Amos ???

***Isom

**John Stewart 1829-1910 Eliza Letitia Combs 29

***Sarah Elizabeth 1864-1942 J. Monroe Cutshall 31

***Daniels Webster 1866-1904 Jeannette Campbell 32

Mina Davis

****Gifford 1895-1976 Jessie Flynn

*****Mary Ellen c1919-1970

*****Margery Ruth 1920- John S. Childress 33

****Lester 1896- Helen Lynch

****Orval "Bob" 1898-1954 Dorothy Lynch

*****Barbara Charles Miner

Charles Elridge

***Perry "Pete" 1869-1943 Artie Lee Summerville

***Wesley 1872-1947 Emma B. Reed 34

****Clarence Laymon 1907-1976 Madge Englehart

****Clifford A. 1909- Ada Tague

***Mary Emma 1874-1953 William H. Rupert

***John Akers 1876-1953 Garnet Mayfield 34

****Jewel T. 1901-1967 Leonard Banks

****Elva 1901- Frank "Hank" Adams

****Opal Jean 1909- Van Zant

Frank Murray

****Ruby Perry

***Eliza Letitia "Tish" 1879-1933 Carl Reed

**Mary H. 1832- William E. Applegate 37

**Rachel Elizabeth 1836-1897 George Washington Nobles 40

**Rhoda Webster 1839-

**Margaret Ann 1839-1877 John Blubaugh

*Samuel 1815-1847/8 ?Priscilla Moore 42

**Martha Ann John S. McDowell 43

**John Harris -by 1854 Sarah E.

**Andrew

**Daniel

*Andrew 1801-1874 Obedience Bell 45

**Andrew S. c1827- Nancy

***James W. c1849

****Rebecca J. ca 1851-

****Millard ca 1853

***Ezekiel S. ca 1830-1880 Sarah Ann King

***Richard J. 1832- 46

***John P. 1834-1898 Martha J. Necklin

****Mary C. 1858-1898

****Patrick L. 1869-1904

***James W. 1836-1898

***Thomas J. 1839-1915

***William A. 1843-

***Harvey B. 1844- H. A.

***Henry Harrison 1847-

**Harrison/Harris -1852 47

***Andrew H. 48

***James

***Mary Jane

**Mary H. Josephus Mitchell? 49

**Margaret

**Jean C. John Chapman

**Ezekiel

*Andrew 1744-1819 Margaret 50

*James ca 1753-1819 Nancy 53

**Polly ca 1788- Richard Boyd 57

**Nancy ca 1780- Arthur Johnson

**Margaret ca 1872 Thomas Cochran

**Elizabeth ca 1784- Thomas Thompson

**Sylvia/Selpha ca 1786- James Blair

**Martha 1788- Samuel Finley 58

**Sally 1790- Isaac Preston 61

**Rachel before 1799-

**James before 1799-

**Celia Setchey before 1799 James Downey

**Sidney before 1799 Moses Poor

*Ezekiel 1754-1843 Rachel Brown 62

**James 1788-1843 Martha Lucy "Patsey" Casey 63

***William Casey 1812-1894 Margaret Ann Reading

****Lusetta 1836- James Jones

****William Reading 1837- Ann Tinker 64

****John James 1839-1865

****James C. 1841- Lizzie Hunter

****Rebecca Ann 1843-1914

****George W. 1846-1922 Ada L. Hendrick

****Samuel Casey 1848-1893 Ann Hays

****Thomas Jefferson 1851-1930 Sarah Campbell Hays

*****Mary 1885- Roy Scarborough Wood

Gil Clark

*****Marjorie Nell 1887- Voris Rairden Norton

****Mary 1815- Squire Green 65

****James M. 1819-1885 Melissa Ann Sitton

*****Martha A. ca 1845

*****William Carroll 1846-1936 Louranna Norton Gibson

******Willena 1875-1945 John Maguire Reed

******Robert Emmett 1877-1910 Margaret Theresa Janes 66

*******Margaret 1906-

*******Helen 1908-

******Margaret Anise 1878-

******Hubert 1879-1953 Essie Admire

*******Genevieve 1906- James Howerton Gossom

******Beulah 1881- Luke LeAndrue Wattingley

******Frae Thornhill 1883- Charles Alton Barnes

******Elmer 1884

******James Whipley 1886- Myrtle Elizabeth Klein

*******James Wilson 1912-

******Harry Gordon 1889- Emma Cullen 68

******Rhoda Sitton 1893- Edward Harold Moran

******Cecil Raymond 1894-

******Norton Franklin 1895-

*****Harriet 1821-1882 Thomas Jefferson Sitton 68

*****Benjamin F. 1824- Nancy (Reading) Biggs 72

*****Andrew F. 1827-1902 Nancy Tucker

******James W. 1849-1919

******Mildred F. 1853-

******Louis N. 1864-1930 73

******Herman G. 1866-

******Pendleton G. 1868-

******Bertha 1870-

******Prudence 1830- Austin Bradley

******Lewis R. 1832-

*******James Boyd

*******Blanche

******Martha 1835- George Griffith

******Stephen H. 1837- Linda M.

***James W. ca 1858- 74

***Nancy M. ca 1859-

***Tolon R. ca 1867-

***Stephen H., Jr. ca 1870-

**Mary "Polly" Downing 1779-1861 John Copelin/Copeland

**John

**Elizabeth "Betsey" 1783- Abraham Norris

**Jemima James White

**Margaret "Peggy" 1792-1867 William Harris

**Nancy William Montgomery

**Ezekiel, Jr. 1795-1849 Margaret Markle 76

***Elizabeth M. 1816- Andrew J. Blair

***John Harrison 1818-1884 Rebecca Ann White

****James W. Ca 1849 77

****Elzina 1849-1936 Young

****Ezekiel Henry 1851-1875

****Dorcas Ann 1853-1928 William D. Wilson

****Margaret E. H. E. Trower

****Mary L. Frank Link 78

****William W. 1860-1934 Mary Jane McMahon

****John Harrison 1891- Eva Cottle

****Anna Arthur Tomeck

*****Rebecca John McCarty

*****George

*****Ralph

****Virginia S. John L. Haines 78

R. M. Groom

****James Ephraim Haines

****John David

****Rosetta V. 1864- Eli Madison DOWNING

????Eli Madison DOWNING 1844-1923 Rosetta V. Downing

****Ephraim Madison 1897- Mildred Dale 79

*****Miriam Rose 1929-

*****David Eugene 1931-

*****Sanford Eli 1937-

***Rachel Brown 1820-1884 Henry M. Cobb 79

George W. Elsberry

***Sarah Margaret 1820- Thompson Blair

***Elzina 1823-1848

***Ann Eliza 1825- Henry Harrison Mounce 79

***Nancy 1828- William Farmer 82

***Mary Jane 1830-1868 George W. Elsberry

***David Campbell 1834-1916 Druscilla Frances Davis

****Louis Bird 1874-1935 Angie Virginia Elliott

*****Rita Lee 1920- Hubert Fowler 83

*****Louis Bird, Jr. 1921- Doris E. Hobbs

******Virginia Kathryn 1944- Walter Warchol

******Rebecca Louise 1946- Charles A. Ledgewood

******Rita Deane 1949- Alan C. Shero

******Nancy Elizabeth 1950-

******Judith Suzanne 1953-

******Doris Jean 1955-

******Louis Brent 1955- 84

******David William 1959-

******Daniel Leon 1961-

*****James David 1925-

****Vecye Laura 1881-

***William McClure 1837-1862

***Ezekiel Andrew 1839-1909 Mildred J. Davis

***Andrew 1801-

Martha 1756-

Margaret W. 1758- James McFarland

Mary 1760- ?John Joakum