Rash's Surname Index

---

Notes for Thomas DOWNING

---

Thomas Downing, b. 14 Dec 1691, sailed from Bradninch, Devonshire, England, about 1717 to Philadelphia. He later removed to the vicinity of the Brandywine, and was a farmer, miller, and merchant. He was a Friend (Quaker), and a member of the Falls, Birmingham, Wilmington, and Baltimore Friends meetings. About 1735 the area he settled in Chester county became known as "Downing's Town", and subsequently, Downingtown.
"History of Chester county", p. 525, states, "There is reason to think that he operated a mill belonging to Nathaniel Newlin, and he and his descendants continued to be mill-owners at Downingtown for several generations."
Thomas appears to have had three wives, losing two to death, but their order is not clear. Thomazine Beer generally seems to have been the mother of the descendants of Thomas born in Chester county.
Of the eleven children of Thomas Downing, seven attained adulthood, married, and had children of their own. A number of those descendants are today still in Chester county. Among the surnames that married in to the family are EDGE, HUNT, JOHN, ROBERTS, BALDWIN, BOND, and TRIMBLE, all familiar names to Chester county researchers.
Thomas died 15 Jan 1772 in Downingtown, 18 years after the death of wife Thomazine.
At least one son -- Joseph -- took an active part in the American cause during the Revolution, thereby becoming separated from the Society of Friends.

---

| HOME | EMAIL | SURNAMES |
Return to The Pennocks of Primitive Hall website.

The information in this database may contain errors. If you find any questionable data, or if you have something to add my findings, please feel free to e-mail me by clicking on the "E-MAIL" link above. Thank you!
Page built by Gedpage Version 2.21 ©2009 on 07 July 2020