Arthur D. Downing

Submitted by Robert Kingrey

Source: Unknown

Arthur D. Downing, President of the First National Bank of Chardon, was born at Stanstead, Canada, September 7, 1833, son of Major Alvin S. and Sarah (Morey) Downing, the former of whom was born in the State of Vermont in 1800. The grandfather, George Downing, was a native of New Hampshire, and was descended from English ancestors who emigrated from Downing Street, London, England in colonial days. He was a surveyor by profession, and followed this vocation through his life; he lived at Colchester, Vermont, and was sheriff of his county at one time. He was a man of robust constitution, and lived to an old age.

Major Alvin S. Downing was a farmer and carpenter by occupation. He was married in Vermont, but removed to Canada, locating in the border of the Dominion. He came to Ohio as early as 1832, but did not settle permanently until 1833, when he located in Munson Township, on land, which he owned in partnership with his brother Joshua.  For ten years he worked at his trade in Cleveland, and his brother managed their farming interests. He became Major of the State Militia, and was generally known by this title. He crossed the plains to California in the spring of 1849, when the tide of emigration swept to the gold fields of the Pacific Coast, and was on the way from March 1, until the following August, suffering from many of the ills of the tedious journey.

He married Sara Morey, who was born in Canada in 1805, and they reared a family of eight children. The father died at the age of eighty-four years, and the mother lived to the age of seventy-six years. She was a very domestic woman, and took deep interest in her home and family. Politically he supported the Whig and then the Republican Party.

A.D. Downing is the fourth of the family. He was a young child when his father removed to Ohio, and received his elementary education in the common schools. He entered Hiram College at the age of twenty year and was a student in that institution at the same time James A. Garfield was there. He pursued his studies for two years, taking an elective course. He then began life for himself by teaching school in Scioto County, Ohio, which occupation he continued for two years. He also taught at a writing school.

Thence he went to Lawrence Furnace in Lawrence County, Ohio, in 1857, and was with this institution for seven years as bookkeeper. In the spring of 1864 he bought an interest in Buckhorn Furnace, selling out at the end of two years. Going to Ironton, Ohio, where he searched a position as a bookkeeper in the rolling mill of Campbell, Woodrow & Co., which he filled for two years. He then accompanied Gen. Powell and his bother George E. to Clifton, West Virginia, where they erected the Clifton Iron Works. He became financial agent for the concern, and embarked in general mercantile pursuits, which he conducted three years.

In the fall of 1870, Mr. Downing came to Chardon and opened a general store, continuing in the business for twenty years. He has been connected with the Geauga Savings and Loan Association sine 1875, in the capacity of a director, and served two years as vice-president. In 1891 he assisted in the organization of the First National Bank, and was elected president of the corporation. The authorized capital of the Savings and Loan Association is $100,000, and the capital stock of the First National Bank is $50,000. The First National Bank and the Geauga Savings and Loan Association are under almost the same management, having the same president and vice-president.

Mr. Downing was married April 1, 1857, to Miss Barbara M. Fisk of this country, who was educated at Hiram College, and was a woman of many admirable traits. She died without children in 1865. She was a worthy member of the Disciple Church, and took a leading part in all its work. Mr. Dawning’s second marriage occurred in 1868, when he was united to Miss Jennie C. Smith, daughter of George Smith, a leading citizen of Munson Township. Two children have been born to them: Willis G. and Bessie M. Mrs. Downing is a member of the Congregational Church, to which she contributes her time and means.