My Genealogy Hound

L. DOWNS, deceased; one of McLean County’s early pioneers; born near Nashville, Tenn., April 30, 1808; he removed with his parents to White Co., Ill., in 1817, where he lived until he removed to McLean Co., and located in what is now Downs Township, and which was named in honor of Mr. Downs; his location here was in 1829, upon Sec. 7, where he afterward entered land, and was among the very earliest settlers of the county. He was a volunteer in the Black Hawk war and served under Col. Covel. He was united in marriage to Sarah Welch in 1836; she was born in Northampton Co., Penn., July 7, 1819; she was a sister of Henry Welch, whose biography appears in this work; they were the parents of nine children, of whom six are now living — William, born Oct. 18, 1837; George W., Aug. 22, 1839; John D., Nov. 11, 1845; Solomon F., June 28, 1851; Albert P., Nov. 18, 1852, and Alfred E., Aug. 7, 1855, all of whom are now living in McLean Co. Mr. and Mrs. Downs were both members of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, for many years previous to their decease, and lived and died consistent Christians. The decease of Mr. Downs occurred Sept. 7, 1860; Mrs. Downs died Aug. 7, 1866; they lie buried in the beautiful family cemetery located in the forest upon the old farm, their graves being properly marked by marble tombstones placed at their graves, sacred to their memory, by their loving children.