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James Downing (1753 - 1834)

James Downing
Born in Orange County, North Carolinamap [uncertain]
Ancestors ancestors
Husband of — married 1776 [location unknown]
Descendants descendants
Died at about age 81 in Bond, Illinois, United Statesmap
Profile last modified | Created 14 Sep 2014
This page has been accessed 1,043 times.

Contents

Biography

English flag
James Downing has English ancestors.

James Downing was born in 1753 in Orange County, North Carolina. He was the son of James Downing and Mary King. [1]

James' father James Downing, although born in Ireland, was not ethnically Irish, as his forefathers were Englishmen from Norfolk (if one is to accept as authentic the Wikitree profiles attached to this profile as parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc.). At that time England was colonizing Ireland - especially the province of Ulster (now Northern Ireland) - with protestant settlers from the Scottish Lowlands and England.

In about 1776 James wed Jane Haulkern. [2] They had the following children: [3]

  1. Mary Polly Downing;
  2. Margaret Peggy Downing;
  3. Jane Downing;
  4. Elizabeth Betsy Downing, b. abt. 1790;
  5. Eleanor Ellender Downing;
  6. William Downing, b. abt 1783, d. 1857 - Dade Co., Missouri;
  7. Esther Downing;
  8. Downey Downing b. 25 Dec 1789;
  9. Henrietta "Honor" Downing;
  10. Sarah Sally Downing;
  11. Nancy Downing;
  12. Ruth Downing, b. Dec 1794.

In December 1776 James Downing and his wife Jean enter into a contract with William Gillespie to buy 250 acres on Raeburns Creek in Laurens County, South Carolina (See full transcription of the document below).

In 1783 James Downing is recorded living in Duplin County, North Carolina. [4]

In 1790 James Downing is recorded living in Laurens, South Carolina. [5]

1797 The Downings and future son-in-law, John Baugh Jr move to Kentucky where John Baugh Jr marries their oldest daughter, Mary "Polly" Downing in Mercer County, Kentucky on 26 July 1797. The Downings moved from Mercer County to Warren County, Kentucky where James Downing appears on the 1797 Warren County Tax List This area became part of Barren County, Kentucky when Barren County was created in 1798.

4 Apr 1799 James Downing served on a jury in Warren County, Kentucky in the case of Anderson vs. Hudspeth.

In 1800 James Downing is recorded living in Barren County, Kentucky. [6]

On 6 Aug 1801 James Downing takes on two orphaned boys, John and Killian Sandusky, ages 8 and 6, to live with his family and promises to teach them farming, reading, writing, and common arithmetic by order of Barren County Court. In the June Court of 1804, the boys were removed from James Downing by Habeas Corpus and were bound to Killian Kreek to learn to become stone masons.

6 Sep 1803 James Downing makes first land purchase in St Clair County (now Madison County) Illinois. "John Harris sells James Beswell's 400 acre improvement claim to James Downing on Sept. 6, 1803 for $600.00. The land is located in St. Clair County at or near the head of Buck Run, lying between the old saltworks near the heads of the Canteen and Silver Creeks. Wit:by Moses Oliver and John Beaird. Recorded by John Hay, Jan 10, 1811"

May 1804 James and Jean Downing and other family members as well as others received letters of dismission from the Mt. Tabor Church in Barren County, Kentucky. The following day these same members requested for helps with a traveling constitution. The request was granted and Elders Jacob Lock, John Baugh Sr and Thomas Ferguson were appointed to help. Elder William Jones wrote that the traveling constitution was prepared by Elders Jacob Lock and Robert Stockton. At about this point they moved to St Clair County, Illinois. (The area the Downings moved to later became part of what is now Madison County, Illinois)

On January 9th and 10th, 1807 a council meeting was held a James Downing's home (Downan's) in the Ridge Prairie, to prepare for forming a new Association in Illinois. The new Association was formed on the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday in 1807. They called their church Richland Church and it was the 3rd Baptist church to exist in Illinois.

James Downing's son-in-law, John Baugh, Jr, husband of Mary "Polly" Downing was ordained in June 1808 and served as pastor to the Richland Church until it was split apart over the issue of slavery in 1809. Those who chose to maintain fellowship with others who were slaveholders remained in the church, although its name was changed to Ogles Creek Church. The Downings and the families of their children under the leadership of Elder James Lemen Jr and John Baugh Jr chose to leave Richland Church and formed the Bethel Baptist Church on the 10th December 1809 which was an "Emancipating Baptist Church". It was known as the Canteen Creek Church Friends to Humanity.

Downing's Station is built somewhere either south of the Collinsville Township or in the southwest corner of the Jarvis Township in what is now Madison County, Illinois on the Ridge Prairie near the border with what is now St Clair County, Illinois. It was a fortified block house where nearby residents could go when in danger of attack by the Indians. There is no record that Downing's Station was ever attacked, but it shows the fear and concerns of the Downings and their neighbors. The exact location of Downing's Station is unknown.

10 Jul 1814 Wood River Massacre took place in Wood River Township, Illinois (located in northwestern Madison County). A group of Indians killed Mrs. Reagan and two of her children as well as two children of Capt. Abel Moore and two children of William Moore. This would be known by James Downing and his family and would be a subject of great worry and alarm and shows why building fortified block house was thought to be necessary to survival.

In 1820 James Downing is recorded living in Ridge Prairie, Madison County, Illinois. [7]

September 1823 Brother James Downing appointed to enquire as a delegate to the annual meeting by the friends to humanity at New Design.

September 1825 James Downing appointed as delegate to the annual meeting to be held at Cantine meeting house.

September 1826 James Downing chosen as a delegate to annual meeting to be held in Green County, IL. (Source: Bethel Baptist Church Minutes, St Clair, IL)

James Downing of Downing Station is listed as one of the early settlers of Jarvis township, Madison County, Illinois. [8]

Sometime before 1830 the Downing family moves to Bond County, Illinois and settles on Beaver Creek. James' son, William Downing is listed as head of household.

1830 US Federal Census: Bond County, Illinois lists William Downing with his family and includes the following: 1 male under 5 (Carter Tarrant Downing); 2 males between 10 and 14 (John Downing and Joel Downing); 2 males between 15 and 19 (Obediah Downing and William T Downing); 1 male between 20 and 29 (James Downing, son of William); 1 male between 40 and 49 (William Downing); and 1 male between 70 and 80. I believe that this is James Downing, William's father. Also living in this household are 1 female under 5 (Esther Downing), 1 female between 40 and 49 (Rhoda Short Downing, William's wife) and 1 female between the ages of 70 and 80 who may be Jane Haulkern Downing.

In 1831 James Downing is recorded living in Bond County, Illinois. [9]

Downing, James, of Beaver Creek is listed as a resident of Bond County, Illinois. [10]

James Downing passed away in 1834 in Bond county, Illinois. [11] No death or burial record has been found.

Downing family history, as per Carter T. Downing's Letter

On 18 December 1886, Carter T. Downing wrote a letter to his niece Laura stating:
"I will try to give you the correct chronology of the Downing family for the last 200 years. My great grandfather was named James [James Sr.]. He was one of seven brothers who came to America from Ireland. They were all noted for their immense strength and activity and also for their love of liberty and the general principals of self-government. My grandfather's name was James [James Jr.]. I know nothing of his brothers and sisters further that he had one red-headed brother named William. My grandfather died in Bond County, Illinois about 1834. My father was the only son of a family of 12 children. His name was William. He died in Dade County, Missouri in 1857, age about 75 years. He married Rhoda Short. The results of that union was eight children - namely, James, Obediah, William, Joel, Esterene, John, Mary, and myself (Carter T. Downing)." [12]

Letter written by Elby F Bowman of Shell Knob, Missouri, to Juanita Downing on 15 June 1980 concerning the Baugh Family Bible

"James Downing and Jane Haulkern did have 12 children. However, neither Benjamin nor George are amongst them. There are: not necessarily in order of birth, but listed in the same order as in the Baugh Family Bible.) 1. Mary or Polly, md. James Baugh (my line); 2. Peggy, md. James Newell; 3. Ellen md. John Mags; 4 Henrietta; 5. William; 6. Esther; 7. Downey md. Obediah Hooper; 8. Sally md. Samuel E Carpenter; 9. Betsy; 10. Nancy; 11. Jane; 12. Ruth. You will note they had only one son, William all the rest being on the distaff side, and I know nothing more about him or the other girls in the family; but do have more information on my line. The Baugh Family Bible merely states: "James Downing was of Irish descent, but his wife was of Welch descent and her maiden name was Haulkern." There are no birth dates given except for Polly born 1779." [13]
It should be noted that the Sally who married Samuel Carpenter was from the Benjamin Downing family. James Downing's daughter, Sally married Joseph Myers in Illinois. It is not known where the notation about the marriage to Carpenter comes from. Was it inserted by Juanita Downing? - Lois Turner Olmstead.

Transcription of Laurens County, SC Land Purchase -1776-1791

"For the 15th March 1791.
Know all men by these presents that I William Gillespie am held firmly bound unto James Downen yeoman in the just and fair (full ?) sum five hundred pounds current money of South Carolina well and truly to be paid unto the said James Downen his heirs Execs Adms or assigns. I William Gillespie do bind myself, heirs, Execs Adms firmly by these presents to make a firm and proper title by lease and release of two hundred acres and fifty acres of land, situated and lying on the waters of Reaburns Creek. Surveyed by a warrant of [blank] The title to be made at the last payment which is to be in the year 1780. Given under my hand and seal this fifth day of December in the year of our Lord 1776.
The condition of the above obligation is such that sd Downen is to pay sd Gillespie a cost [cart?--really looks like cart] at twenty five pounds, in hand, and fifty pounds currency for three years and one hundred pounds in the year 1780 to be paid in grain at market price and said Gillespie is to make a title to sd Downen by lease and release of this two hundred and fifty acres of land. Then this obligation to be . . . and of none Effect and if not made this is to stand in full force and virtue at law. Given unto my hands the day and year above written.
/s/ Jane Downen
Margaret Bracker her x mark
/s/ William Gillespie
State of So. Carolina Laurens County
. . . taken the 15th day of March 1791 personally . .. and under . . oath that she did see William Gillespie sign, seal and deliver the within bond for the use and purpose within . . and that (s)he did likewise see Jean Downen subscribe her name . . . together with his wife.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written.
Margaret X Bracher
Joseph Downs, Esq.
(Note by Lois Turner Olmstead: Much of the subscription in the this land record is illegible)

Deed Book C - Entry C50 6/9/1788-6/29/1789 Riley to Haghey (McHaffey) for L20stg., 100a. on S. Fork Reaburns Cr., origi. gr 1786 b. on Robt Sims. Thos McDaniel, James Downing. Wit: Wm. Sims, John Rodgers, JP.

C107 12/3/1788-1/5/1790 Patrick Reiley and w. Ann to Wm. Kellett for L100stg., 100 a. on S Fk Reaburn's Cr (formerly Craven now Laurens) orig gr. 3/27/1795 to John Riley bordering on Thomas McDaniel, Robt Sims, James Downing, also part of 1786 grant to said PR and of a Montague grant to Wm. Galaspy. Wit. Wm Farifs, John Kellet, Nathan Camp, John Rodgers JP.

C317 11/5/1790-3/9/1791 Thos Norris, blacksmith to Sam'l Putt, pl, for L2, 73 a original granted to J. Downs on n. side of Reedy R. bordering on Elijah Taylor and Jonathan Downs. Wit: Elisha Hunt, James Downen, Joseph Downs, JP.

Deed Book E - Entry E434 8/24/1794-2/19/1795 Moses Lawson and Catherine Gilaspie of Mecklenburg NC to James Downen pl. for L275 cur., 250 acres on S. Fork Raeburns Cr originally granted to Peter Dinner 5/8/1769 by Montague, conv to Wm. Galaspy deed and by heirship to said M. L. Wit: Elisha Hunt, W. Kellet

F356 12/30/1794 Wm. Kellett to Jno Kellett for L 50 stg, 140 acres part of 433 acre grant on Raburns Cr bordering on Cornelius McMahon, James Downen, leaving out 3 acres at the still. Wit: Edwd Scarborough, Martin Kellett, Jas. Ryley, Jno Coker, JP, Wm K. dec'd by 7/18/1798

F234 1/11/1796-7/18/1797 James Downen and wife Jane to Sampson Babb for L 60 stg 220 acres on Rebourns Cr part of grant by Pinchney 1791 Wit. Edward Scarborough, Andrew McKnight, Jno Coker, JP.


Mt. Tabor Baptist Church of Barren County, KY Minutes

November 1798. John Baugh is appointed to open and close meetings in the absence of Bro. Davidson (John Baugh was the husband of Mary Polly Downing, James and Jane Downing's daughter).
August 1800. Margaret Downan is dismissed from the church (pg 10).
December 1800. Eleanor Downan and John Baugh Jr and Mary Baugh "dismst" from Mt Tabor Baptist Church.
January 1801. James Downan joined the church "on recantation" at the January 1801 meeting of the Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Barren County, KY. At the same time Downey Downan and Honor Downan joined "by experience".
February 1801. Wm Newell and Jno Murphy to take a lease on behalf of the church from bro. Jr. Downan for a piece of ground to build a meeting house. (Note: This was the original location of the Mt Tabor Church in Barron County. Only ruins exist today reminding us where the church was located).
April 1801. Received William Downan and Esther Downan.
March 1802. Bro and sister Downan and bro and sister Newell are appointed to cite a fellow member to appear at next meeting.
January 1804. Bro. Downan came forward and charg'd himself with being drunk, refered to next meeting. (Note: This could refer to either James Downing or his son, William Downing).
February 1804. As Bro Downan is not here nor about home, we agree to continue the reference from last meeing till he shall return or the Church see fit to take it up.
March 1804. The Church met and after worship proceeded to business. 1st took up the reference respecting bro Downan, on his consession restore him to fellowship.
May 1804. The Church met and after divine service, proceeded to business . . . letters of dismission, which is granted for . . . John and Mary Baugh, James & Jean Downan, William, Esther, and Honor Downan, Eleanor Maggs, Downey Hooper, Margaret Newell . . . Dismissed. [14]

Illinois Land Records This is part of the Hammes Collection which is an abstract and index to selected Illinois records prior to statehood in 1818 with an emphasis on land records.

Vol VIII Kaskaskia Record Book C Sullivan, John, a farmer, sells his 400 acre head-of-family claim to James Downing on July 23, 1805, for $400. Wit. by George Atchison. Recorded Aug 14, 1805.

Vol VIV Cahokia Record Book B, 1800-1810 Reynolds, Robert, Randolph County, sells Crowen Johnston's 400 acre improvement claim to James Downing, St Clair County, on Nov 29, 1806 for $500.00. The improvement claim on which Downing resides is located 3 miles west of Silver Creek about 20 miles from its mouth. Witnessed by William Downing and John Reynolds. Acknowledged before P.M. Wilson, JP, Nov 28, 1806. Recorded by John Hey, Nov 15 1808.

Vol. XVIII Report of Squatters in 1807 Application 170 - James Downing (320 acres) - Aug. 31, 1807 application date. Situate on the head of a branch of Silver Creek on the Ridge Prairie joining William Downing on the East and near Henry Cox on the North and Obediah Hooper on the North East. Permission granted on Jan 8, 1808.

Application 190 - William Downing (320 acres) - Sep 17, 1807 application date. "Situate on the waters of Silver Creek about three miles from said creek joining James Downing on the West." Permission granted Jan. 8, 1808.

Application 194 - Obediah Hooper (320 acres) - Sep 24, 1808 application date. "Situate on the head waters of one of the branches of Silver Creek joining James Downing on the South and Henry Cox on the West." Permission granted Jan 8, 1808.


Sources

  1. Russ Myers Genealogy Website Affadavit of James Downing in 1830 in the divorce of Sally Roundtree from her husband, Henry Roundtree dated 1830 in which James Downing stated that he was age 77 points to a date of birth about 1753. (Barron County, KY Court Records) http://russmyerssite.zxq.net/fam08755.htm (Nota bene: this site is defunct as of 2022; perhaps the information can be retrieved)
  2. U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900. Text: "Name: James Downing; Gender: Male; Birth Place: KY; Birth Year: 1753; Spouse Name: Jane Haulkern; Marriage State: of IL; Number Pages: 4."
  3. Russ Myers Genealogy Website
  4. North Carolina, U.S., Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1790-1890. Text: Name: James Jun. Downing; State: NC; County: Duplin County; Township: Early Tax List; Year: 1783; Database: NC Early Census Index.
  5. Text: "Name: James Dawning [James Downing]; Home in 1790 (City, County, State): Laurens, South Carolina.
    Free White Persons - Males - Under 16: 1
    Free White Persons - Males - 16 and over: 1
    Free White Persons - Females: 9
    Number of Household Members: 11"
  6. Kentucky, U.S., Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1810-1890. Text: "Name: James Downing; State: KY; County: Barren County; Township: No Township Listed; Year: 1800; Record Type: Tax list; Database: KY Early Census Index."
  7. 1820 U.S. Federal Census of Ridge Prairie, Madison, Illinois. Text: ""Name: 'James Downing; Home in 1820 (City, County, State): Ridge Prairie, Madison, Illinois; Enumeration Date: 7 August 1820.
    Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 2
    Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 15: 3
    Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 2
    Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1
    Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 2
    Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15: 2
    Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 1
    Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44: 2
    Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over : 1"
  8. History of Madison County, Illinois : illustrated : with biographical sketches of many prominent men and pioneers, pp. 440, 555
  9. Web: Illinois, U.S., Databases of Illinois Veterans Index, 1775-1995, Ancestry.com. Text: "Name: James Downing; Rank: Sergeant; Company: James, B; Brigade: 20 DAY; War: Black Hawk War; War Years: 1831-1832; Service Entry Place: Bond County, Illinois, USA; Record Source: Illinois Black Hawk War Veterans."
  10. History of Bond and Montgomery Counties, Illinois. Part I. History of Bond and Montgomery Counties, History of Bond County, page 88
  11. Gedcom from Lorri Carter as given by Eowyn Langholf
  12. From Russel E. Myers' Website. Quoted in Illinois Pioneer & Downing Family at Downing Family Tree on Ancestry.com
  13. Letter written by Elby F Bowman of Shell Knob, MO to Juanita Downing on 15 June 1980 concerning the Baugh Family Bible
  14. Mt. Tabor Baptist Church of Barren County, KY Minutes
See also:
Dec 15 1776- 15 Mar 1791. Wm Gillespie to James Downen for L500, 250 a on Reaburns Cr. Wit: Jean Downen, Margaret Bracker, Joseph Downs, JP (Date of land sale: 1776; Date of Recording 1791)
  • Laurens County, SC Deed Book C-Entry C50.
9 Jan 1788-29, Jun 1789. Riley to Haghey (McHaffey) for 120stg., 100 a. on S. Fork Reaburns Cr., orig gr 1786 b. on Robt Sims. Thos McDaniel, James Downing. Wit: Wm Kellett, Wm Sims, John Rodgers, JP.
  • Laurens County Deed Book E-Entry E434.
24 Aug 1794 - 19 Feb 1795. Moses Lawson and Catherine Gilaspie of Mecklenburg, NC to James Downen pl for L275 cur., 250 a. on S. Fd Reaburns Cr orig gr to Peter Dinner 8 May 1769 by Montague, conv to Wm Galaspy deed and by heirship to sd M.L. Wit. Elisha Hunt, W. Kellet.
  • Laurens County, SC Deed Book F 356-357.
30 Dec 1794: William Kellett, of Laurens Co., S.C., to John Kellett, of same place, for L50 Stg.; 423 acres on Raborns Creek, waters of Saluda River. Including in the tract of 140 acres bounded by said creek, Cornelius McMahan, James Downen. And leaving out 3 acres as the Still. Signed William Kellet. Wit: Edwd Scarborough, Martin Kellet, James Ryley. Proved by oath of James Ryles 18 July 1798 before Jno Coker, J.P.
  • Laurens County Deed Book F: 234-235.
11 Jan 1796. James Downen;, of Ninety Six District annd Laurens Co, S.C., to Sampson Babb, of same place, for L60 Stg.; 222 acres on waters of Raborns Creek waters of Reedy River, and is part of a tract of land granted to James Downen 10 November 1791. James Downen (LS) Jane Downen (LS) Wit: Edward Scarborough sic, Andrew McKnight. Proved by Andw McKnight 15 July 1797 before Jon. Coker, JP.
  • Warren County Kentucky 1797 Tax List burgoo.com/taxlist1797.html
  • Warren County, Kentucky Court of Quarter Sessions
  • Barren County, Kentucky Court Order Book
  • Barren County, Kentucky Order Book II, 1803-180
  • Vol. IV Cahokia Record Book B, 1800-1810
  • "The Primitive Baptist Library of Carthage, Illinoispblib.org/FamHist-Stclair.html
  • Bethel Baptist Church Minutes, St. Clair, IL

Acknowledgements

WIkiTree profile Downing-1075 was created by Kirsty Livingstone Ward on 15 Sep 2014 and was adopted and edited by Fuller-5187 on 28 Sep 2015.





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It may be possible to confirm family relationships with James by comparing test results with other carriers of his Y-chromosome or his mother's mitochondrial DNA. However, there are no known yDNA or mtDNA test-takers in his direct paternal or maternal line. It is likely that these autosomal DNA test-takers will share some percentage of DNA with James:

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