I've "rescued" an old photograph of Helen E. DOWNES which was taken at the Mereness Studio in Oneonta, New York. The photograph appears to have been taken in the 1870's or 1880's with Helen appearing to be about 4 years old at the time. In addition to her name someone has written "My Mother - CRMJ" on the back of the photograph. Based on limited research and thanks to the assistance of a DOWNES Family Researcher I was able to determine that Helen was b. Nov 1875, the daughter of Richard and Frances Elizabeth DOWNES. During the 1880 census the family was living in Oneonta, NY: Richard H. DOWNS, age 30, born in England, A Car Painter, parents born in England Elizabeth DOWNS, wife, age 28, born in NY, Housewife, parents born in NY Hellen E. DOWNS, dau, age 4, born in NY Mary DOWNS, dau, age 2, born in NY The family was still living in Oneonta, NY during the 1900 census: Richard H. DOWNES, b. Apr 1850, age 50, married 25 years, born Eng, parents born Eng, came to USA in 1871, Painter Frances E. DOWNES, wife, b. May 1852, age 48, married 25 years, born NY, parents born NY, housewife Helen E. DOWNES, dau, b. Nov 1875, age 24, born NY, Trained Nurse Mary H. DOWNES, dau, b. Apr 1878, age 22, born NY, Brockery Bookkeeper John R. DOWNES, son, b. Nov 1884, age 15, born NY, At School Clark L. DOWNES, son, b. Aug 1890, age 9, born NY, At School I'm hoping to locate someone from this DOWNES Family so that this precious old photograph can be returned to the care of family. If you are a member of this family, or know someone who might be, please contact me. Thanks, Shelley