The subject of this sketch, Morton E. Downing, is the superintendent of one of the most important industries of LaSalle county - the mining and shipping of sand for glass manufacture.
Mr. Downing was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, January 12, 1868, and is of Scotch origin. The family, however, have long been identified with America, having settled in Ohio at the time of their emigration to this country. Don E. Downing, the father of Morton E., is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born some sixty-six years ago, and is now a resident of Marshall county, Indiana, working at the carpenter's trade at Bourbon, that state. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Jane Cassell, are the parents of the following named children: Mary, who married Joseph Harris, resides in Bartholomew county, Indiana; Emma, wife of Thomas Parrish, resides in Durand, Missouri; Tamar is the wife of Harry Compton, of Wedron. Illinois; Morton E., the subject of this sketch; Josie, wife of Tyde Deardorf, of Bourbon, Indiana; and Julia, wife of Philip Baugher, also of Bourbon.
Morton E. Downing, as he grew up, spent some time working at the carpenters trade, under his father's instructions, and some time working in a machine shop; but on leaving his parental home at the age of twenty-one he took a position as stationary engineer at Millington, Illinois. From that place he went to Aurora, this state, where he filled a similar position in the Aurora Chemical Works, and from there came to his present location at Wedron. Here he had charge of the engine at the works of the Wedron. White Sand Company until 1896, when he was made foreman, and afterward superintendent, the position he now holds. His continuance in the serviceof this company and his promotion by them is ample evidence of his ability and faithfulness.
Mr. Downing was married in McHenry county, Illinois, in the town of Woodstock, June 21, 1897, to Miss Effie Worden. They have an only child, Nora, born September, 1898.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 116-117.
| Lee | DeKalb | Kane |
| Bureau |
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Kendall |
| Putnam | Grundy | |
| Marshall | Woodford | Livingston |
