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MR. DOWNES was born in Calais, Maine, October 26, 1839. He was educated in the
public schools of Calais and was admitted to Bowdoin College in 1856, graduating in the class of 1860.
After leaving college he began the study of law in his father's office, remaining there two years, when he removed
to Machias and went into Hon. George F. Talbot's office. He was admitted to the Bar in Washington County in April,
1863, after which he formed a partnership with Mr. Talbot, which continued one year, until Mr. Talbot removed to
Portland, Maine. Mr. Downes continued actively in the practice of his profession at Machias until April, 1872,
when he returned to his old home in Calais, where he has ever since resided.
Besides being a lawyer with an extensive practice, his services during the last twenty years have been in almost
constant demand in business and official affairs. He was chosen member of the Executive Council of Maine in 1874
and 1878, and again in 1890-4, in which capacity he is now serving. He was elected Mayor of Calais in 1876, and
is now Treasurer of that city, the duties of which he has discharged since 1889. He has been United States Commissioner
and also Judge of Probate for Washington County.
In 1879 Mr. Downes was elected President of the Calais National Bank, which position he still holds. He is also
President of the St. Croix Shoe Company and President of the Maine Water Company. He is Treasurer of the Ferry
Point Bridge Company and is actively connected with the management of the St. Croix & Penobscot Railroad Company.
Judge Downes is a man of positive opinions and always says what he means, yet he is social, companionable, and
very popular. He is prompt to act and quick to decide in matters demanding his attention. He is public-spirited
and enterprising, being ready at all times to give his best energies and the weight of his influence to the promotion
of public and private business enterprises in his own community. That his fine abilities are full appreciated by
his fellàw-citizens is shown by the great confidence they repose in him by their repeated invitations to
positions of trust and responsibility.
Mr. Downes married, in 1866, Augusta H. Wadsworth, of Pembroke, Maine. He has two children, Mrs. Mina A. Hodgins.
of Ottawa, Canada. and George, who is now studying law in his father's office.
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