John Downing, BiographyPorter County biographical sketches . . . .
Transcribed biography of John Downing
JOHN DOWNING - Was born May 20, 1902, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, the son of Evan and Margaret Jones; Mrs. Jones' second marriage was to George Downing, and her son by the first marriage was adopted and given the name of Downing. There were two other children: Mary, who is now the wife of Maurice O'Donnell of Valparaiso; and Celia, who resides with her mother.
John Downing attended the public schools of his native city, and in 1915 came to Valparaiso, where he accepted a position with a well known garage and subsequently opened a similar place of business on his own account. In 1925 he took charge of his present business, which is one of the most extensive in this county; it handles the well known Chrysler automobile, and a complete line of accessories, and also does a general line of garage work such as repairing, storage, and service. His concern is the exclusive agent for Fisk tires, and enjoys a very extensive business in this line. His mother is a partner in this enterprise, and they also operate a grocery and delicatessen store together.
Mr. Downing was married to Elmira, the daughter of Dan and Ida Homer of Valparaiso, on July 1, 1925; to them was born a son, Dan Evan, on March 23, 1926. Mr. Downing is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and is otherwise interested in the affairs of the community.
Source: Cannon, Thomas H., H. H. Loring, and Charles J. Robb. 1927. History of the Lake and Calumet Region of Indiana Embracing the Counties of Lake, Porter and Laporte. Volume II. Indianapolis, Indiana: Historians' Association. 827 p.
Page(s) in Source: 235-236
This biography has been transcribed exactly as it was originally published in the source. Please note that we do not provide photocopies or digital scans of biographies appearing on this website.
Biography transcribed by Steven R. Shook