E. E. Downham
Emanuel Ethelbert Downham | |
|---|---|
 Downham c. 1890s | |
| Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia | |
| In office 1887–1891 | |
| Preceded by | John B. Smoot |
| Succeeded by | Henry Strauss |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Emanuel Ethelbert Downham March 23, 1839 Newport, Cumberland County, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | September 17, 1921 (aged 82) Alexandria, Virginia, U.S. |
| Resting place | Presbytarian Cemetery, Alexandria, Virginia |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Sarah Miranda Price |
| Children | 6 |
| Profession | Politician, businessman, miner |
Emanuel Ethelbert Downham (March 23, 1839 – September 17, 1921), known by his initials E.E., was an American businessman, miner, and mayor of Alexandria, Virginia, from 1887 to 1891.[1] He was a prominent leading member of the Masonic Order in Virginia, and helped in the development and raising funds for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.[2] He died in 1921.
Biography
[edit]Early life
[edit]
Downham was born March 23, 1839, in Newport, New Jersey, the son of Emanual Downham, and his wife Eleanor. He was a descendant of Thomas Downham, who had settled in Delaware by 1705. He, along with his younger sister Rachel, were orphaned at a young age, and they grew up in the care of their relatives. In his youth, he went west as a Fifty-Niner during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush in the then Kansas Territory.[3] He was among the earliest miners, and settlers in the area. After a period in the territory, he returned to New Jersey in 1861, and later moved to Alexandria, Virginia at the onset of the Civil War and started a liquor business.[4]
Career
[edit]After moving to Alexandria in 1862, Downham decided not to directly join the war effort, and instead focused on the development of a grocery, and later alcohol business. During the war, he sold liquor and other commodities to Union troops. In 1869, he was involved in a legal dispute with the city of Alexandria, which reached the Supreme Court and was decided in Downham v. Alexandria.[5] This case became a legal precedent and is cited to the present day.
Later in his career, he entered into local politics. In 1874, he was elected to the Alexandria City Council, and upon the death of mayor, John B. Smoot, in 1887, he was elected by the council to fill out his term. He was very popular amongst the population and was elected outright in 1888, serving with distinction until 1891, before retiring from public office.
Family
[edit]Downham married Sarah Miranda Price, the daughter of a prominent local merchant, on November 16, 1865. Together they had 6 children, 5 of which lived into adulthood. All of his surviving sons followed him into local politics and business.
- Henry A. "Harry" Downham (b. 1867 - d. 1918)
- Emanuel Francis Downham (b. 1869 – d. 1950)
- Horace English Downham (b. 1871 – d. 1872)
- Horace English Downham (b. 1874 – d. 1902)
- Robert Forsythe Downham (b. 1876 - d. 1956)
- Sarah Maude Downham (b. 1877 - d. 1964)
His son, Robert Forsythe Downham, bought the Lee–Fendall House in 1903. The museum contains several photos of the Downham family. In 1914 the Downham family hosted President Woodrow Wilson for a reception following that year's George Washington Birthday Parade.[6] The house was kept in the Downham name until 1937.
Downham and his sons Robert, and Harry, were prominent Freemasons, and patrons in northern Virginia. They were involved with the Friendship Fire Association, and helped in the raising of funds for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.[7]
Another son, Horace English Downham, along with his company, was involved with mining operations in Arizona, and Mexico in the 1890s.[8]
Death
[edit]Downham died on September 17, 1921, at the age of 82, and was buried in The Presbyterian Cemetery in Alexandria.[9][10]
References
[edit]- ^ "Mayors and Postmasters of Alexandria, Virginia". Political Graveyard. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ "E.E. Downham: a Prominent Figure in Alexandria's History and Development". Gravestone Stories. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ "ACROSS THE PLAINS, MOUNTAINS, AND DESERTS" (PDF). Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ "North and South: Tales of Two Whiskey Men" (PDF). Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ "DOWNHAM v. ALEXANDRIA". Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ "The People of Lee-Fendall House: The Liquor Dealer". Vamonde. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ Office of Historic Alexandria. "Out of the Attic: A local family's involvement with Friendship Firehouse" (PDF). City of Alexandria. Alexandria Times. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ "Alexandria gazette. [volume], December 08, 1896, Image 3". Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "Notable Burials in The Presbyterian Cemetery". Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ "Image 16 of The Washington herald (Washington, D.C.), September 18, 1921". Retrieved 16 May 2023.