Downs was a member of the Assembly in 1855. In 1860, Downs changed his party affiliation from Democratic to Republican. He was a member of the Senate from 1876 to 1877 representing the 28th District.[2] Other positions he held include County Treasurer of Richland County, Wisconsin and Richland County judge.
He died at home at the age of 73, following a stroke the week before.[3]
References
^Andrew Jackson Aikens; Lewis Amsden Proctor, eds. (1897). Men of Progress. Wisconsin. Evening Wisconsin Company. pp. 155–156.