From the time that he arrived at his majority W. E. Downs has been one of
the most zealous workers in the interests of the Democratic party in Ottawa.
He was but twenty-five years old when, in the spring of 1893, he received
the nomination and was elected to the office of alderman by his numerous
party friends. In 1897 he was again chosen to represent the people in the
city council, and was elected from the Third ward. He is still acting in
that capacity, and now, as always, has the best interests of the public at
heart. Progressive and in accord with the spirit of the times, he advocates
public improvements and judicious expenditure of the people's money.
One of the native sons of Ottawa, in which place he has passed his whole
life, Mr. Downs is naturally proud of this enterprising little city, and is
loyally anxious to promote its growth and prosperity. He was born in 1868,
and is a son of John Downs, an old and prominent citizen of this place. In
his youth our subject attended the public schools and gained a practical
business education. After leaving the school-room he obtained a position in
the employ of the Ottawa Electric Street Railway Company, with which
corporation he has been connected in various capacities for many years. At
present he is the foreman and superintendent of tracks. By long and faithful
service and strict attention to the welfare of his employers, he has won
their approbation and confidence.
Mr. Downs bears an enviable
reputation for integrity and uprightness in all the varied relationships of
life. He is a member of the Uniformed Rank of the Knights of Pythias, and
has many friends in the organization. For years he has been sent as a
delegate to political conventions, local and general, and has kept well
posted on party tactics and plans of campaign work.
Extracted 13 Jun 2019 by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois, published in 1900, volume 2, pages 637-638.
| Lee | DeKalb | Kane |
| Bureau |
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Kendall |
| Putnam | Grundy | |
| Marshall | Woodford | Livingston |
