Submitted by: Chuck Schmidt <cschmidt@uti.com>

Alexandria Herald, Alexandria, SD, Thursday, Mar. 20, 1884:

Rev. E.C. Downs died at his home eight miles northwest of town, Saturday
night. He was born in Prattsburg, N.Y., July 4, 1829. He was well educated.
Later he moved to Newton Falls, O., where he was overseer of a foundry when
the war broke out. Enlisted in the 20th O. V. I., and rose to the rank of
Major; was discharged on account of deafness. After the war he moved to
Troy, Ia.; was ordained a minister and preached eighteen years. Came to
Dakota in 1879. He leaves a wife and six children. His funeral took place at
the Downs school house and was very largely attended. Rev. Washburn preached
the funeral sermon. The remains were interred on a portion of his brother's
farm which had been set apart as a cemetary. Mr. Downs had many friends in
the country and fell a victim to what he considered his duty - filling
appointments to preach in distant places on cold and stormy days.