From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, page 506.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


JAMES W. DOWNING

James W. Downing, teacher in the public schools of Richland district, 
Ohio county, was born February 15, 1860, a son of Joseph and Anna E. 
(Whiltingham) Downing.  His father was born in Marshall county, W. 
Va., September 23, 1844, and his mother is a native of the same 
county born August 7, 1848.  By their marriage, which occurred April 
18, 1848, were born two sons, the subject of this mention and Thomas 
F., the latter of whom was born October 13, 1872. The parents, who 
are still living, are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and 
highly esteemed citizens. The subject of this mention was educated in 
the common schools of Richland district, and subsequently for a short 
time at the Linsly institute, after which he attended the State 
Normal school at West Liberty, and was graduated there in the class 
of 1889, with first honors.  He had taught somewhat before 
graduation, and he is now engaged in the same profession in Richland 
district.  Mr. Downing takes considerable interest in the militia of 
the state, and is a leading member and first sergeant of the West 
Liberty light guards. 


(Linda Fluharty)