The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1874-11-05
In Memoriam.

| Row. DR.. Daniel Downey died in S:a''ntof'
September. 9th, 1874. H. was born III coaf
| D ,wnS. IRELAND. in 1919, and IT the tme OF ms
death was II yalrs OF age. e Ill. was llVe'teu
with priestly orders 1T Mlymrath Coll 'S'. IT G.
land, and shortly ;lterwer Is c'n' 80 1'l's co'.'-
try, first settling in CanlEl, and subsequently,
was place in c.llrge OF Il congregation at Man
haitian. N. Y. He brilt the Catholic church at
Lynciburss, all in 1873 WAS orderea TO ota:Hi-
I ton. where after ar1l'ious and lnceisant i'oor'
he erected st. Francis church, tho late Michael
O ,inlan IA .ting the beautiful dot Oh Which
the church now stands.
Dr.. d ,wnny was man OF many generous
qualities He had peculiar fon'lness for the
v )uny, all was quick to comprehend the capac-
titles of those with whom he came in contact
His learning WAS very extensive, and isr''forled
him pleasure to instruct young mea whose OPP
portnities of acquiring knowledge were clreum-
scribed in early life. The writer hls known him
to sit IN late at night to hear the recitatlohs IN
latin and mathematics of those who were conf
PEELED to labor at mechanical occupations du-
ring The day. and who appropriated their spare
moments to acquiring knowledge OF these cli-
ficult branches of study. His method OF in-
struction was clear and impressive, aud always
conveyed his meaning to the student. tie was
laborious stl lent himself, constantly review
ing his studies, especially in mathematics ana
chemistry. in both ofswhich he was a proficient.
AS q controversial writer lie had but few sllpe-
rior.-vigorous, bold and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
with style that was both attractive and i'll
structive. Ills vast store of learning and famil-
lar acquaintance with ancient and modern his
tory enabled him to forciby illustrate his points
by interesting classical citations, and appropr!-
ate quotations from the most finished authors.
AS a convcrsationalist he was peculiarly happy
and entert rining-quick at rebartee, Astounding
in hunor and witt and pointed in argument,
although eccentric and amusing sometimes, in
the manner in which he presented his thoughts.
ssFather'' Downey was universally esteemed
in this community, where he had lived for over
thirty years. He met with CHEEKY greeting
wherever he went, and his sudden death caused
the expression of general and unaffected regret.
About IA years ago he adopted Il poor orphan
girl, now Miss Hannah Lowther, for whose
welfare he manifested the most earnest solicit
tude in his last moments. The burden of his
thoughts seemed to be for her future comfort,
and as contributing to that end, he bequeathed
to her all of his worldly possessions, embracing.
valuable city property and some personal eff
fects. :
Although the summons of death came sudden
ly to the subject Of this notice, it did not sur
prise him. Whilst in apparent good health, he
anticipated the attack that so quickly termina-
ted his existence, land spoke OF his symptoms as
the certain prelude to an early grave. Hc met
death with philosophic colnposure, and passed
into the realms Of the spirit world without a
murmur Of regret. -
Woodstock is looking up. Messrs. VIM.
Borden & Sons have now in operation a bar
rel, staye, and heading mandatory which
turns out seven thousand pieces per day and
employees number Of hands.
+ Messrs. Propst 6 Boyer have purchased prop
erty with view of erecting buildings to be
used as spoke, felloe, and hub mandatory.
5rhe Democrat from which the above is taken
adds:
We take fresh hope from these new evidencrs
of enterprise and prosperity. Our resources
are abundant. and il our. people will only cote;
work upon them in this way instead Of stand
ing idle, waiting for immigration and capital,
there is life in the old hind yet. These men
have read the lesson of the g Lark and the Far
mer to SOME purpose.
What if things do look blue for the Republic
cans? Somebody had to be defeated, and it
is we'll emo tgb that a little respite from iubila-
ton has occurred SO that they will be better
pre- pared to enjoy their triumph in 1876.