4. Alexander Downey (1825-1908)

Alexander was born in April of 1825 in Monongalia County, Virginia. Unfortunately, records are slim and I can not find a birth or marriage record for him or Sarah Jane Brannon, his wife. She was born about 1831 in Kanawha County, Virginia. Little information is found about Sarah, she only shows up in census records and the records of her children. I have found other genealogical information for her parents, this specific tree seems to have relevant supporting facts, But at this time I have not personally checked the facts. No records as of yet to tell me who Alexander's parents are, or where they are from. But the Downey surname is typically Irish.

The 1850 census is the first census we find them in. They are in the 17th District of Gilmer County, Virginia. They have one child.

In scouring land records, I've found Alexander receiving land in Gilmer County. The first in 1853 and the second in 1854.

The 1860 census gives us much more information, this enumerator even took down the counties the individuals of the family were born in. Now we find them in Arnoldsburg, Calhoun County.

The 1870 Census they are in Washington District, Calhoun County West Virginia

The 1880 census they are in Center, Calhoun, WV

1900 census Alexander is shown as a widow and it shows his father was born in Maryland, and his mother was born in Pennsylvania. He is found in Calhoun County still, and his youngest son is living at home, with his wife and children.

His death record has little information other than what can be surmised. He was born about 1824 and died in 1908 in Calhoun County, West Virginia.

Children to Alexander and Sarah Jane:

1. Jeremiah M. Born May 29, 1847 and died in Clay County in 1920. His death record states his mother's maiden name.
2. Sarah Jane married J. W. Jarvis in 1875 she was 23, this puts her birth year around 1852.
3. Thomas J 
4. Loverna Ellen married a Reip and her death record states she was born on or about May 14, 1855 in Calhoun County and died October 1, 1940 in Calhoun County.
5. James B.: According to his death certificate, he was born July 23, 1853 and died Nov 29, 1939.
6. Minnorah  marriage record  married A Rollyson, son of Jack Rollyson in 1881. Death Record says she was born 6 Aug 1862 and died 19 October 1951
7. Eunice Marriage record indicates she was born about 1863. Married J. Spencer Meadows
8. Ulysses Grant Born May 2, 1868 died November 26, 1939 in Calhoun County information found on his death certificate. Married Emma Meadows.
9. Lydia