"On Sunday the 19th inst., after a lingering illness of long duration, Rev. Francis Downey of Cumberland township, departed this life aged 92 years. He was the father of the late R. W. Downey, Esq., and grandfather to R. F. Downey, Esq., of this place, and his remains were brought here and interred in Green Mount cemetery on yesterday at 2:30 o'clock p. m. in the presence of a goodly number of relatives and sympathizing friends.

Mr. Downey came to this county from Fayette about fifty years ago and lived and preached in Greensboro for a number of years organizing the Greensboro Baptist church in that place. He afterwards purchased the farm upon which he died. For many years he followed preaching in connection with his farming operations and at various times was the pastor of several Baptist churches in Greene county, and was a fluent speaker, a ready reasoner and an earnest worshipper of the olden type of ministers. He supplied the Waynesburg pulpit, we believe, for a number of years.

Until within a few years of his death, he was remarkably active and healthy and passed at an estimated age much below what it really was. He was of a cheerful and social disposition, having a kind and encouraging word for everybody he met.

His patriotic ardor was almost unbounded and he took the liveliest interest in all the details of the late war and has since been politically a most uncompromising Republican. Even during the recent Presidential campaign though confined to his room he became so enthusiastic in his advocacy of the election of General Garfield, that to gratify his wish, a public meeting was called at his residence and a handsome pole raised in his yard.

He leaves a wife and numerous relatives to mourn his death.

He was perhaps the oldest "watchman on Zion's walls" within the bounds of Greene county, but he was faithful to the last and fell at his post."