This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: DOWNING, ANNIS, GEROY Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/gFC.2ACI/1418 Message Board Post: 'History of the Chippewa Valley' pg. 939 George R. DOWNING, farmer, P.O. Lochiel, Dunn County, was born in Vermont, March 2, 1851, a son of Oliver and Sarah (ANNIS) DOWNING, New England people. They immigrated to Wisconsin in 1854, and settled in Juneau County on a farm, where they lived until they came to Knapp, Dunn County. Our subject was obliged to commence the battle of life for himself at the early age of twelve years, and worked out by the month on farms. He married, at Knapp, Wis., September 20, 1873, Sarah GEROY, and they have five children, all living at home. They are as follows: Winifred L., Isadore, Julius O., Julia O. and George R. After his marriage Mr. DOWNING farmed it at Knapp until 1876, when he came to Otter Creek and entered his homestead of 160 acres on section fourteen. He now has about 100 acres improved, and a large amount of stock. During the fall he runs a threshing machine. He has been on the town board several terms, and served as school clerk three years, besides having held se! veral other offices. In politics he is a democrat, and is a member of the Farmers' Alliance.