Windsor

DOWNER, Charles

Encyclopedia Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical Sketches 
of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other States. 
Dodge. Burlington: Ullery Publishing Company, 1912, p 173

Charles DOWNER, business man, Sharon, was born 14 May 1866 at Sharon [Windsor 
County, Vermont], son of Chester and Frances E. (SHEPARD) DOWNER. Educated 
at Boston Latin School, Boston [Suffolk County], Massachusetts; Harvard 
College, and Harvard Law School; degrees from Harvard University, A. B. and 
LL. B. Unmarried. Republican; represented Sharon in the Vermont 
Legislature, 1898 and 1904. Was senator from Windsor County, 1902; was a 
delegate in 1904 to Republican national convention; member Republican State 
committee. Member of Union Club of Boston, Harvard Club of New York, Harvard 
Club of Boston, Kitchi Gammi Club of Duluth [St. Louis County], Minnesota, 
and Lake Mitchell Trout Club of Sharon.

[In a section on the history of Williston, Chittenden County, Vermont, in 
Vermont Historical Magazine, No XI, October 1867, p 902, is the following 
about a John DOWNER: "John DOWNER was another of the 'oldest inhabitants' 
[of Williston, Chittenden County, Vermont] settling upon the hill south of 
the 'FRENCH place' [likely the place belonging to Isaac or Jeremiah FRENCH or 
their father?] and lived until quite an old man, dying about 1851. He made a 
purchase of land of Ira ALLEN in 1792." Any relationship between John DOWNER 
and Charles DOWNER of the above biography unknown to submitter, who is not 
researching this surname.]

Submitted by Cathy Kubly