New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-22
MR.. md MRS. GEORGE It. DOWNING.
PREF ARArroNs FOR THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING
NEwpORT

IN NEWPORT.
Newport, r. l.. Nov 81 Special).-The golden we'd
ding Of Mr. and Mrs. George T. Downing Is to be
celebrated at their house in Bellevueave next Tuesday
evening November "a. Four hundred invitations have
been extended to friends of the family in various States
all the land, among whom are some OF the most
distinguished colored people and whites in the country
The house where this aged couple will rededicate
themselves to another will be brilliantly lighted
by gas and electricity. There will be reception rooms,
parlors and retiring rooms for conversation games
and the like. The ballroom, large room twenty eight
by forty five feet Is being tastefuly decorated with
many flags and banners. There will also be two
supperroOms. where will be served bountifu supper
composed of The choicest viands that money buy
and prepared in the best that good taste and
experience can make attractive and tempting.
Every old Ncw-Yorker remembers the late Thomas
Downing, Of Broadst., Ncw-YOrk, who distinguished
himself through his business and by his efforts to free
his enslaved people. lie known at home and
abroad. All distinguished persons made it point TO
visit his place, where he in business forty six years
George 4. Downing, his oldest son, the one who will
celebrate his golden wedding next Tuesday night, as
he grew into manhood developed like characteristics
to those which his father had. and in time became
known all the world for his selfsacrifcing efforts
TO free and elevate the colored people Of the United
states and because Of his intimate association with
almost every public man Of note who has played an
important part The worlds stage In the United states
during the last half century lie an intimate
friend OF the lamented Charles Sumner, who passed
away while holding his hand.
Mr.. Downing owns large estate in BelevUe-ave.
In this city and lives in comfortable and spacious
house. luxur0usly furnished and filed with valuable
mementoes and relics. Among them Is a collection
of autographs which perhaps is as fine a one as any
other In the country.
Mr.. Downing married on November a. 1871. Serena
L. de Grasse the daughter Of George de Grasse. The
ceremony took place in st. Philips Protestant Epis-
copal Church, which at that time was situated in
Centre-st., New-lOrk, opposite extensive estate
owned by the brides father
Mr.. de Grasse was native of Hindoostan lie was
pIoege of the celebrated Count de Grasse Of Paris
Flnnce-ln fact his adopted son. Circumstances
brought Mr. de Grasse and the noted Aaron Burr into
contact with one another and warm friendship grew
up between them-a friendship which continued nm.
broken until Burr's death. M. de Grsse named one
OF his daughters TheodOsia Burr, after Colonel Burrs
CURED created such sensation. Miss Burr was on
her way home nom abroad and after her arrival in the
preparation TO celebrate her nuptials was made, but
she never came. The vessel on which sho had taken
walk the plank
gether by Aaron Burr to aid cclat to the marriage OF
ms s daughter was iooknsgass unique and Of more
gave 10 the De Gra,sc family, and it is now in the
possession of rs. Downing. The Colonel also gave TO
hr uc uT1,se an OIL Ninung or General George Wash
ington for which Washington sat TO the artist stuart
MIS- Downing has this painting: she also has parcII-
ment signed by Aaron Burr. assigning 10 her father
ceridn lands In sprIngst New York bearing also the
signature OF Mayor Livingston Mr. de erase was also
the owner of large estate Eighth and Ninth aves
aud Twenty fourth aud Twenty fifth SITS
Mr.. and Mrs Downing have three sons and three
Daughters living. number Of grandchildren and great
grandchildren and all I'm comfortable circumstances
me Oldest son IS In the employ OF the National Gov
eminent In the postofice at Boston, Another son IS
In the Customs Service. Now York, while The third
Philip, is the author of several valuable inventions
which promise to make him wealthy man.