"Death of Robinson F. Downey

Prominent Waynesburg Attorney and Banker Passes Away in Washington City Hospital

Robinson Franklin Downey, one of the most prominent and widely known attorneys of Waynesburg, died Wednesday afternoon, December 19, at 3 o'clock, in the Emergency hospital, Washington, D. C. His death was due to complications. Mr. Downey had been in failing health for the past four years, but his condition did not become serious until the last two years. Eight months ago he underwent an operation which brought a temporary improvement. On December 4 Mr. and Mrs. Downey left for Washington City, where for the past twelve years they had been accustomed to spending the winter months, but shortly after their arrival in the national capital Mr. Downey's condition became worse and he was removed to the hospital and his decline was rapid. During his illness Mrs. Coolidge frequently sent him flowers from the White House conservatory which he greatly enjoyed.

Mr. Downey was a life long resident of Waynesburg, and for many years was one of the leading attorneys before the Greene county bar. He was a son of Robinson West Downey, one of Waynesburg's early attorneys, and Catherine Inghram Downey, deceased, and was born May 18, 1849, being 74 years of age. After completing his elementary education in the public schools Mr. Downey entered Waynesburg College and was graduated with honors in the class of 1867, being valedictorian of his class. Following his graduation he studied law in his father's office, was admitted to the Greene county bar December 19, 1870, at the age of twenty-one years and immediately entered upon the active practice of law, being associated in practice with his father until the latter's death. For a number of years Mr. Downey was one of Waynesburg's most active lawyers and was considered one of the most able, painstaking and conscientious attorneys practicing in the local courts. He was a tireless worker and in his early years could often be found at his 5 o'clock in the morning and worked until late at night. About fifteen years ago he suffered a nervous breakdown and partially retired from active practice.

President of Bank.

Mr. Downey was also a well known banker. He was the founder of the Citizens National bank of Waynesburg and was connected with that institution for a time. Later he organized the Union Deposit & Trust Company and was elected its first president in September, 1901, and continued to fill that position until June 16, 1920 when he resigned on account of ill health. He was also a trustee of Waynesburg college and was deeply interested in the welfare of the institution. He was for a number of years a member of the Waynesburg school board. During the time he resided in Washington City he became a member of the Chevy Chase Club and the Archaeological Society. In politics Mr. Downey was a staunch Republican and always upheld the principles of the party. He was a member of the First Presbyterian church. Mr. Downey was the last of a family of five children. John, his oldest, brother, during the civil war made the supreme sacrifice at Falmouth, Va. His sisters, Mrs. Emma Downey Hoge and Miss Kate Downey, died a number of years ago. While his youngest brother, F. W. Downey, Esq., died in March, 1920. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Jennie Wilson Downey.

The body arrived in Waynesburg Friday afternoon and was taken to the Downey home, Ivyhurst, where the funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. James E. Garvin, of Coraopolis, Pa., and Rev. James Edgar Wilson, pastor of the First Presbyterian church. Interment in Green Mount cemetery."