- Seeking information on the following family: Thos. DOWNING b. 1829 in KY, parents Salem and Margaret, wife,Sarah HARDESTYDowning b. 1829 KY Ch. in 1870 McLean County census: John,17, Desdamona,15, Samuel,13,Marcus,12, Charlie,10, Wm. 8, Milton,5, and Josie/Jessie 2 mos. They moved from Ky to Chenoa Township , Mclean County IL between 1857-8 between the births of Samuel and Marcus. I cannot find Thos. or Sarah after 1870. Samuel married Emma PETERS or PETERSON Feb. 24, 1875 in McLean County. In the 1880 census his wife is listed as Louise, with 2 children, Arthur age 4 and Gertrude age 2. I cannot find Samuel and Emma/Louise after this. Gertrude married a KRAUSE and moved to California. Arthur was my husband's grandfather. Any help in finding out more about these family members would be appreciated. Karen Downing