Downing (sometimes spelled Downey, Downring)

20 May 1783: signed the report of the best way to build a road from Hickman's Creek to the Courthouse. Lincoln County, Kentucky Court Order Book 1 p49.

20 May 1783: appointed surveyor of a road from the mouth of Hickman Creek to the mouth of the Hanging Fork. Lincoln County, Kentucky Court Order Book 1 p49.

1783: signed a petition (#17) for passage of more laws relating to better military protection, care of orphans, civil marriage and stray stock for his area in Kentucky. Petitions of the Early Inhabitants of Kentucky, James Rood Robertson, Louisville: John P. Morton & Co., 1914.

16 Sept 1783: (Downey) appointed to view a road from Brenton's spring on the town land to Jacob Meyer's mill to intersect the road from Hickman's Creek to the Courthouse. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 1 p104.

1783: was a surveyor of the road from the mouth of Hickman to the mouth of Hanging Fork. Forest Calico, History of Garrard County, New York City: Thomas Hobson Book Press, 1947, p189.

ca 1784: daughter Elizabeth born.

17 Feb 1784: James Smith vs John Wood and James Downing - a special bail was enter for James by

John Downing. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 1 p141.

17 Feb 1784: James Smith vs James Downing - debt. A special bail was entered by David Finley. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 1 p141.

17 Mar 1784: appointed to view a road from Capt. Downing's to the Horse Road on the Kentucky River and investigate what kind of a road may be had on the other side of the river. (His land was also mentioned as being that of Capt. Downing). Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 1 p138.

1784: with William Grant, John Harrison and Richard Barbour was appointed as a committee to view a spot at the mouth of Hickman on which to bu8ild a warehouse on the property of James Hogan for the reception of tobacco (Lincoln County). Forest Calico, History of Garrard County, New York City: Thomas Hobson Book Press, 1947, p188.

7 Apr 1784: granted 1700A on Paint Lick in Lincoln County, Kentucky. Virginia Grant Book 2 p338.

15 June 1784: James Smith vs John Wood and James Downing - debt. Downing acknowledged his debt, Plaintiff Smith to recover 286 pounds and costs. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 1 p172.

17 Aug 1784: (Downey) appointed to find a spot for a tobacco warehouse at the mouth of Hickman's Creek. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 1 p212.

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.

1785: granted 1700A on Paint Lick, Lincoln County, Kentucky. Virginia Land Grant Book 2 p338.

15 Feb 1785: deed from David and Elizabeth Finley to William Downing, 300A on Dix River. Lincoln County, Kentucky Deed Book A p79.

15 June 1785: was bondsman for William Downing in the case of Joseph Dougherty vs William Downing. Virginia Supreme Court of District of Kentucky Order Book A p114.

20 June 1785: did Jury duty. Virginia Supreme Court of District of Kentucky Order Book A p138.

21 June 1785: deed from James Downing to Walter DeWitt ordered recorded. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 2 p28.

21 June 1785: entered himself as a special bail for John Roy in the case of Thomas Black vs John Roy. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 2 p33.

19 July 1785: appointed to view a road from ½ mile below the mouth of Hickman Creek nearly opposite the road from Lexington to the Kentucky River to intersect the road to the courthouse. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 2 p50.

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

18 Oct 1785: Richard Ballinger appointed overseer of the road from south of Hickman Creek to David Finley's in place of James Downing. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 2 p108.

ca 1786: daughter Sylvia Selpha born.

10 Apr 1786: Commonwealth of Kentucky vs James Downey - overseer of road from mouth of Hanging Fork to mouth of Hickman Creek in a presentment (a grand jury's statement in a case which has been brought into court). For reasons appearing to the Court, case discontinued. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 2 p183.

15 Aug 1786: appointed Captain of Militia of this County. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p5.

21 Nov 1786: took oath as Captain of Militia. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p19.

20 Mar 1787: Andrew McCalla and Company vs James Downing - debt. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p35.

23 Mar 1787: Mary Boofman vs George Scott and James Downing - debt. Defendant relinquished former plea, offered no defense. Mary to recover 14 pounds 14 shillings and costs. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p56.

19 June 1787: John Downing appointed Captain of Militia in place of James Downing. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 2 p125.

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

Sept Court 1787: William Miller assignee of James Downing vs Robert Robertson - debt. Sheriff says he levied on one dozen buttons, defendant didn't appear, plaintiff to recover 20 pounds and costs. Plaintiff releases the buttons. Lincoln County, Kentucky Rule Docket and Office Judgment Book A p285.

21 Nov 1787: judgment granted to Mary Boofman on a replevin (a legal action taken to regain possession of specific personal property alleged to have been unlawfully taken) bond against George Scott, James Downing and Samuel Scott. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p157.

24 Nov 1787: Robert Neilson and Company vs James (Downey) - in case. Jury found the plaintiff had sustained damages by the defendant's non-performance. Neilson and Company to recover against defendant and John Cowan, late Sheriff accordingly, plus costs. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p185.

19 Feb 1788: with others appointed to act as Valuers of Property taken in executions.

1788: inherited with brother Andrew a "tract of patented land" on north side of Stony Fork of Reed Creek, Virginia. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p206.

15 July 1788: deed from Asael and Martha Davis to James Downing ordered recorded. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p260.

19 Aug 1788: Commonwealth of Kentucky vs James Downing overseer of the road from the mouth of Hickman Creek to mouth of Hanging Fork on a presentment for not keeping the road in repair. For reasons appearing to the Court, ordered discontinue. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p320.

16 Dec 1788: appointed to appraise estate of David Floyd. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p331.

16 Dec 1788: Azel Davis appointed overseer of the road from Meyer's mill to Hickman Creek in place of James Downing. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p334.

18 Jan 1788: daughter Martha born.

22 Apr 1789: James and John appointed to allot and set apart the dower of Sarah, widow of Floyd.

Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p358.

17 June 1789: Samuel McDowell et al vs James Downing, Walter DeWitt and Richard Bollinger - debt. James Downing and Walter DeWitt acknowledged the debt and were ordered to pay 108 pounds. Virginia Supreme Court of District of Kentucky Order Book D p111.

17 June 1789: did Jury duty. Virginia Supreme Court of District of Kentucky Order Book D p188.

5 July 1789: on tax list Lincoln County, Kentucky.

2 Oct 1789: died Jury duty. Virginia Supreme Court of District of Kentucky Order Book D p324.

3 Oct 1789: James Downing and John Smith did not appear in court for Jury duty, remainder of jury discharged without a verdict, summons issued against James Downing and John Smith to appear 9 Nov to answer for their contempt. Virginia Supreme Court of District of Kentucky Order Book D p328.

19 Nov 1789: James McGinty vs James Downing - in covenant (a reason for a court action to recover monetary damages). Jury trial, defendant did not perform in accordance with the covenant. Andrew Downing provided an appearance bail for James who was assessed 13 pounds and costs. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p438.

ca 1790: daughter Sally born.

10 Mar 1790: John Smith, Richard Ballnger and James Downing to appear on 9th day of next June Court to answer for not attending as jurors in September term last on a charge of contempt. Virginia Supreme Court of District of Kentucky Order Book D p387.

21 Dec 1790: deed from James Downing to Joshua Burditt ordered recorded. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p536.

no date: daughter Rachel born.

no date: son James born.

no date: daughter Celia Setchey born.

no date: daughter Sidney born.

22 Dec 1791: deed from James Downing to David Floyd ordered recorded. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p544.

7 May 1791: on tax list Lincoln County, Kentucky.

15 Mar 1791: David Gillespie and Company vs James Downing - on petition. Judgment to David for 3 pounds and costs by consent of plaintiff the execution of the judgment stayed for six months from this date. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p566.

17 Mar 1791: William Pawling vs James Downing - on Covenant, Jury decided that the defendant pay damages and costs. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 3 p592.

15 Feb 1791: deed from James and Nancy Downing all of Lincoln County, Virginia, to Ezekiel Downing (67½A on Clear Creek of Dick's River) for 60 pounds. Lincoln County, Kentucky County Court Order Book p222.

23 Feb 1791: witnessed consent of Thomas Montgomery for his daughter Mary to marry Matthias Mounce. Lincoln County, Kentucky Marriage Bonds and Consents Book.

17 May 1791: served on Grand Jury. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 4 p7.

16 Aug 1791: Moses Moore vs James Downing - on petition. Judgment plaintiff to recover 3 pounds and costs. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 4 p44.

17 Aug 1791: Walter Beall vs James Downing - debt. Jury trial, plaintiff to recover damages and costs. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 4 p51.

8 Oct 1791: did Jury duty. Virginia Supreme Court of District of Kentucky Order Book E p17.

21 Oct 1791: Andrew Hare vs James Downing - debt. Jury says defendant did not pay, plaintiff to recover damages and costs. Virginia Supreme Court District of Kentucky Order Book F p118.

22 Mar 1792: Jacob Brunk vs James Downing - non performance. Jury verdict set aside as contrary to evidence, new trial granted on payment of costs. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 4 p130.

10 Sept 1792: served as Surety for the marriage bond of John Miller and Betsey Antle. Lincoln County, Kentucky Marriage Bonds and Consents Book.

26 Nov 1792: on tax list Lincoln County, Kentucky.

20 Aug 1793: deed from James and Nancy Downing to Lewis Meyers ordered recorded. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 4 p259.

3 Nov 1793: deed from James Downing to Matthias Mounce 221A Clear Creek, Dick’s River. In presence of Thos.Copelin, Smith Mounce and Ezekiel Downing. Deed Book B p310.

18 Mar 1794: deed from James Downing to Matthias Mounce (221A) ordered recorded. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 4 p295.

21 July 1795: deed from James Downing to George Welch ordered recorded. Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 5 p26.

1795: sold Mercer County, Kentucky land as a resident of Clark County, Kentucky. When he died he still had 850A of a 1700A grant along Paint Lick Creek obtained in 1784. This was left to heirs and kept the estate in litigation to 1841. Identifying the Revolutionary Soldier: James Downing of Lincoln County, Virginia (Kentucky) Carmen J. Finley in National Genealogical Society Quarterly, September 1989 p169.

1796-97: founded Downing's Station near Fork Church with brother John. History of Garrard County, Forrest Calico, New York: Hobson Book Printing, 1947, p39.

29 June 1806: (Downey) on tax list Lincoln County, Kentucky.

15 July 1807: (Downey) on tax list Lincoln County, Kentucky.

19 Aug 1807: (Downey) on tax list Lincoln County, Kentucky.

15 July 1808: (Downey) on tax list Lincoln County, Kentucky.

11 July 1809: (Downey) on tax list Lincoln County, Kentucky.

1811: (Downey) on tax list Lincoln County, Kentucky.

17 Oct 1811: died Madison County, Kentucky. (Bible 1)

1817-1841: estate disputed. Madison County, Kentucky Deed Book M p492, Book Y p34, Book Z p66 and Book 2 p427.

10 Apr 1817: heirs of James Downing to Daniel Ford. Madison County, Kentucky Deed Bk M p492.

Lived Bedford County, Virginia; Montgomery County, Virginia; Lincoln County, Kentucky.

James was the executor of his father’s will.

“Inherited “one survey of land” on Reed Creek called Blue Spring with brother Ezekiel. Served as Lieutenant in Montgomery County, Virginia Militia in 1778 (Lewis Summers, “Annals of southwest Virginia, 1769-1800 p685, 694). Granted 250 acres on Clear Creek, Lincoln County, Kentucky in 1781 and 1700 acres on Paint Lick in 1784 (Jillson “Kentucky Land Grants p49). Founded Downing’s Station with brother John about 1779 near fork Church (Calico, “History of Garrard County” p39). Captain of Lincoln County, Kentucky Militia in October and November 1782 in Clark’s expedition againt Shawnees (Harding, “George Rogers Clark and His Men, Military Records”). Appointed surveyor in 1783 (Lincoln County, Kentucky Order Book 20 May 1783 - in Kentucky Genealogist v7 #4 p135). Signed petition to General Assembly of Virginia for laws to secure better military protection, care of orphans, civil marriage and stray stock in 1783 (James Robertson “Petitions of the Early Inhabitants of Kentucky” p68). Left 850 acres along Paint Lick and Silver Creek in Madison County, Kentucky, settlement disputed from 1817 to 1841, heirs listed (Madison County, Kentucky Deed Bk M p492, Y p34, Z p66 and 2 p427.” Carmen Finley.

Polly Downing (daughter of James and Nancy Downing)

ca 1778: born.

no date: married Richard Boyd.

Nancy Downing (daughter of James and Nancy Downing)

ca 1780: born.

no date: married Arthur Johnson.

Margaret Downing (daughter of James and Nancy Downing)

ca 1782: born.

no date: married Thomas Cochron.

Elizabeth Downing (daughter of James and Nancy Downing)

ca 1784: born.

no date: married Thomas Thompson.

Sylvia/Selpha Downing (daughter of James and Nancy Downing)

ca 1786: born.

no date: married James Blair.

Martha “Patsey” Downing (daughter of James and Nancy Downing)

18 Jan 1788: born Madison? County, Kentucky.

9 May 1809: married Garrard? County, Kentucky, Samuel Finley (14 Feb 1790 Mercer County, Virginia-____) son of David and Elizabeth (Mounts) Finley. Children:

Mahala Finley born 22 May 1811 Kentucky/Indiana; married John Findley (ca 1810 Tennessee-____).

Alvin Finley born 9 Oct 1813 Orange County, Indiana; married Hannah Black (ca 1813-____). Child:

Mary Elizabeth Finley born 1836 Macon County, Illinois.

Nancy J. Finley born 25 Jan 1816 Orange County, Indiana; married George Marbern Braden (26 Mar 1815 Tennessee-____). Children all born Decatur, Macon County, Illinois:

Samuel R. Braden born 25 Jan 1835.

Nancy Caroline Braden born 29 Oct 1839; married Francis Cunningham (ca 1839-____).

James William Braden born 27 Apr 1842.

Elizabeth P. Braden born 14 Dec 1844; married John Parker (ca 1844-____).

Julia Ann Braden born 20 July 1848; married Isaac McReynolds (ca 1848-____).

Almira J. Braden born 11 Nov 1851; married Thomas Barnett (ca 1851-____); m/2 George Gager (ca 1816-____).

Jefferson Finley born 25 Apr 1818 Orange County, Indiana; married Frances Poe (ca 1818-____).

James Finley born 20 Jan 1821 Orange County, Indiana.

John Finley born 20 Jan 1823 Orange County, Indiana; married Keziah Head (14 Jan 1828 Tennessee-____). Children:

Samuel Emanuel Finley born 20 Feb 1846 Pine Ridge?, Arkansas?; married Mary Jane Stanley (21 Dec 1855-____). Children all born Bodega, Sonoma County, California:

Eva Cential Finley born 4 July 1876.

James Franklin Finley born 10 June 1878.

Martha Elvira Finley born 30 Dec 1880.

Rollin Pierce Finley born 9 Oct 1882; married Mae Peacock (ca 1882-____).

Louis Emanuel Finley born 7 Feb 1884; married Bessie Elizabeth Misselbrook (15 Apr 1890 Somoa, Humbolt County, California-____).

Lily Maud Finley born 8 Jan 1886; married Francis Edward Pierce (ca 1886-____).

Cleveland Josiah Finley born 12 July 1889.

Mary Alice Finley born 17 Apr 1890.

Grace Pearl Finley born 12 Feb 1892; married _______ South (ca 1892-____).

Charles Wesley Finley born 5 July 1894; married Ira Kalen (ca 1894-____).

Samuel Edward Finley born 15 June 1896 Two Rock, Sonoma County, California.

James William Finley born 17 Jan 1848 Pine Ridge?, Arkansas?

John Jay Finley born 30 May 1850 Bates County, Missouri.

Henry Head Finley born 17 Apr 1852 Bates? County, Missouri.

Nancy Caroline Finley born 4 May 1854 English Hill, Sonoma County, California; married Calvin Harrison Keithly (1848 Missouri-____). Child:

Clara C. Keithly born 17 Dec 1875 Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California; married Martin Tarwater (ca 1875-____).

Elizabeth Finetta Finley born 11 Jan 1858 English Hill, Sonoma County, California; married Albert Pike Head (19 Nov 1858 Byhalia, Marshall County, Mississippi-____). Children all born Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California:

Clarence Elmore Head born 5 Sept 1881; married May Lena Bruce (27 Nov 1883 Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska-____).

Lulu Myrtle Head born 27 Nov 1883; married Otis Edwin McKune (10 Jan 1880 Kansas-____).

Robertson Calvin Head born 10 Mar 1887; married Lulu May Marsh (21 Feb 1887-____).

Twin James Preston Finley born 18 Jan 1860.

Twin Marenda Finley born 18 Jan 1860.

Jefferson Davis Finley born 10 July 1862; married Carrie Ann McCready (12 July 1871 Bodega, Sonoma County, California-____). Children all born Bodega, Sonoma County, California:

Cecile V. Finley born 17 Feb 1894.

Leora M. Finley born 23 Feb 1894.

Bessie Finley born 1896.

Winefred Alberta Finley born 26 July 1902.

Henry Harrison Finley born 19 Dec 1903.

Albert Finley born 6 May 1912.

Andrew Jackson Finley born 21 July 1863; married Alfaretta Isadora Stemple (21 Jan 1869 Bodega, Sonoma County, California-____). Children:

Leon Grover Finley born 27 Feb 1888 Westminster, Orange County, California; married Mary Elizabeth Kee (ca 1888-____).

Vivian Gertrude Finley born 24 Jan 1890 Westminster, Orange County, California; married Jess S. Wilds (5 Dec 1877 Lake County, California-____); m/2 James Weston Williams (12 Dec 1896-____).

Ethel Agnes Finley born 14 Oct 1893 Bodega, Sonoma County, California.

Perry Elmo Finley born 28 Oct 1898 Weaverville, Trinity County, California; married Ardith Bernice Bobst (29 July 1904 Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California-____).

Harold Finley born 15 Dec 1901 Weaverville, Trinity County, California.

William David Finley born 30 Oct 1866.

Martha E. Finley born 31 Oct 1868.

Alvin Wesley Finley born 18 Aug 1870; married Frances Gertrude Head (13 May 1880 Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California-____). Children.

Claude Thompson Finley born 3 Oct 1902 Graton, Sonoma County, California.

Florence Maurice Finley born 2 Nov 1910 Ukiah, Mendocino County, California; married David Miner (1912-____).

Samuel Joseph Finley born 6 Mar 1826 Orange County, California; married Prudence Brians (1830 Jackson County, Missouri-____). Children:

Martha J. Finley born 1850 Missouri; m. James P. Oliver (ca 1850-____). Children:

Charles F. Oliver born 1867 Bodega, Sonoma County, California.

Mary E. Oliver born June 1869 Nevada.

John Oliver born 1872 Missouri.

James Oliver born 1872 Missouri.

Nellie Oliver born 1874 Missouri.

William Oliver born 1876 California.

Eva Oliver born 1878 California.

Washington Finley born 1852 Missouri.

James Finley born 1854 Missouri.

Samuel W. Finley born 1855 Bodega, Sonoma County, California.

Victoria Finley born 1856 Bodega, Sonoma County, California.

James Buchanan Finley born 22 Nov 1856 Bodega, Sonoma County, California; married Clara Letts (Mar 1873 Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa-____). Child:

Clara Eva Finley born ca 1882.

Elvira Finley born Aug 1862 Bodega, Sonoma County, California; married Charles F. Richardson (Sept 1852 Illinois-____).: Children:

Beryl Richardson born Jan 1881 California.

Charles F. Richardson born Dec 1883 New Mexico.

Nancy V. Finley born 1864 Bodega, Sonoma County, California.

John Lee Finley born 1865 Nevada.

Thomas Finley born 1867 Nevada.

Prudence Finley born 1869 Nevada.

Elizabeth Finley born 13 Apr 1829 Orange County, Indiana; married John Findley (1810 Tennessee-____). Children:

David Findley born (1855/56 Texas, Orange County, California-____).

Catherine M. Findley born 1 Oct 1859 San Bernardino County, California; married William Alburtus Akers (2 June 1844 Hopkins County, Texas-____). Children all born Drumms Valley, Tulare County, California:

Alvin Lashley Akers born 1875; married Sarah E. "Sadie" Hill (1884-____).

Wade Hampton Akers born 1877; married Emma Meininger (1882-____).

Cora Alice Akers born 3 Aug 1880.

George Stoneman Akers born 5 Nov 1882 Centerville, Fresno County, California; Married Annie Laurie (Elaine) Marston (29 Mar 1880 Woodland, Yolo County, California-____).

Elizabeth Findley born ca 1862 California; married Seaborn N. "Zebe" Lashley (6 Apr 1829 Georgia-____); m/2 Frank Humphrey (1862-____). Children:

Mary Catharine Lashley born 1877.

Josephine Lashley born 1879.

Seaborn N. Lashley, Jr. born 3 Dec 1881.

Frank Humphrey, Jr. born 1884.

Melcina Humphrey born 1886.

Doris Humphrey born 1888.

Samuel F. Findley born ca 1864 California; married Emma Chambers (3 Feb 1868 Kings River, California-____); married Minnie Hunsaker (17 Mar 1876 Oregon-____). Child:

Juanita Findley born 1895.

Jefferson Findley born ca June 1871 Tulare County, California.

10 Apr 1817: heirs of James Downing to Daniel Ford regarding the settlement of a 680 acre parcel and a 170 acre parcel on Paint Lick and Silver Creek. Mentioned are the names of all children and their husbands, except for four “infant heirs.” Madison County, Kentucky Deed Book M p492.

15 Nov 1832: died Indiana or Illinois.

In Finley family bible, copy in possession of Carmen J. Finley.

Sally Downing (daughter of James and Nancy Downing)

1790: born.

Before 10 Apr 1817: married Isaac Preston.

Rachel Downing (daughter of James and Nancy Downing)

before 1799: born Kentucky.

10 Apr 1817: referred to as "infant heir" of James Downing. Madison County, Kentucky Deed Book M p492.

James Downing (son of James and Nancy Downing)

before 1799: born Kentucky.

10 Apr 1817: referred to as "infant heir" of James Downing. Madison County, Kentucky Deed Book M p492.

Celia Setchey Downing (daughter of James and Nancy Downing)

before 1799: born Kentucky.

10 Apr 1817: referred to as "infant heir" of James Downing. Madison County, Kentucky Deed Book M p492.

no date: married James Downey (1799 Kentucky-____).

before 1799: born Kentucky.

10 Apr 1817: referred to as "infant heir" of James Downing. Madison County, Kentucky Deed Book M p492.

no date: married Moses Poor (1799-____).