Officer Donald W. Downs was a member of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC.
Date of Death: September 2, 1946
Rank: Officer
Age: 27
Years of Service: 7
Marital Status Married
Children: Four
Location of Death: 7th Street and Maine Avenue, SW
Circumstance:
On September 1, 1946, Officer Downs was directing traffic when a drunk driver jumped the curb and ran over him, fracturing his skull. Officer Downs died the next day at Emergency Hospital.
The driver, Corporal James Oliver Claire, 21, a soldier stationed at Fort Belvoir attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended, and was later charged with murder. He was convicted of Manslaughter on November 26, 1946, following a jury trial.
PARTIAL WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE DATED SEPTEMBER 2, 1946, PAGE B1
The tragedy climaxed a wild circuitous chase of 14 blocks in the Southwest Washington waterfront section, with Motorcycle Patrolman John Bush attempting to catch the reckless speedster. The driver, witnesses said, veered right over the curb where Downs was standing to avoid striking merging traffic at the intersection.
Joined Department in 1939
The dead patrolman attended Eastern High School and joined the police department in 1939. After a few months at Precinct No. 11, he was assigned to Precinct 4, where he was serving at the time of his death.
He leaves his wife, Beulah; a son, Donald W. Jr., 4, and three daughters, Barbara Frances, 7; Diana Caroline, 3, and Janet Marie, 2. His parents and three brothers also survive. Funeral arrangements are expected to be completed today.
Officer Downs resided at 424 16th Street SE. One of his sons, Donald Downs, 4 years of age was promised a scholarship to Georgetown University.
John B Downs (Father of Officer Donald W. Downs)
United States Census, 1930
Name John B Downs
Event Type Census
Event Date 1930
Event Place Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Gender Male
Age 36
Marital Status Married
Race White
Race (Original) White
Relationship to Head of Household Head
Relationship to Head of Household (Original) Head
Birth Year (Estimated) 1894
Birthplace District Of Columbia
Father's Birthplace Maryland
Mother's Birthplace Maryland
Sheet Letter A
Sheet Number 3
John B Downs Head M 36 District Of Columbia
Elizabeth A Downs Wife F 35 Maryland
John L Downs Son M 12 District Of Columbia
Donald W Downs Son M 11 District Of Columbia
Howard F Downs Son M 8 District Of Columbia
James A Downs Son M 9 District Of Columbia
United States Census, 1930
District ED 134
Sheet Number and Letter 3A
Household ID 34
Line Number 28
Affiliate Name The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Affiliate Publication Number T626
Affiliate Film Number 296
GS Film Number 2340031
Digital Folder Number 004950208
Image Number 00085
Citing this Record
"United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XMKR-MKL : accessed 18 May 2017), John B Downs, Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 134, sheet 3A, line 28, family 34, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 296; FHL microfilm 2,340,031.
Officer Downs' family
F-John B.
M-Elizabeth A.
Brothers:
John L.
James A.
Howard F.
The 1940 Census reveals:
Household Gender Age Birthplace
head John B Downs M 45 D C
wife Eliza A Downs F 46 Maryland
son John L Downs M 22 D C
son James A Downs M 19 D C
son Howard F Downs M 18 D C
son Donald W Downs M 21 D C
daughter-in-law Beulah F Downs F 19 Arkansas
granddaughter Barbara F Downs F 0 D C
Date of Death: September 2, 1946
Rank: Officer
Age: 27
Years of Service: 7
Marital Status Married
Children: Four
Location of Death: 7th Street and Maine Avenue, SW
Circumstance:
On September 1, 1946, Officer Downs was directing traffic when a drunk driver jumped the curb and ran over him, fracturing his skull. Officer Downs died the next day at Emergency Hospital.
The driver, Corporal James Oliver Claire, 21, a soldier stationed at Fort Belvoir attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended, and was later charged with murder. He was convicted of Manslaughter on November 26, 1946, following a jury trial.
PARTIAL WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE DATED SEPTEMBER 2, 1946, PAGE B1
The tragedy climaxed a wild circuitous chase of 14 blocks in the Southwest Washington waterfront section, with Motorcycle Patrolman John Bush attempting to catch the reckless speedster. The driver, witnesses said, veered right over the curb where Downs was standing to avoid striking merging traffic at the intersection.
Joined Department in 1939
The dead patrolman attended Eastern High School and joined the police department in 1939. After a few months at Precinct No. 11, he was assigned to Precinct 4, where he was serving at the time of his death.
He leaves his wife, Beulah; a son, Donald W. Jr., 4, and three daughters, Barbara Frances, 7; Diana Caroline, 3, and Janet Marie, 2. His parents and three brothers also survive. Funeral arrangements are expected to be completed today.
Officer Downs resided at 424 16th Street SE. One of his sons, Donald Downs, 4 years of age was promised a scholarship to Georgetown University.
John B Downs (Father of Officer Donald W. Downs)
United States Census, 1930
Name John B Downs
Event Type Census
Event Date 1930
Event Place Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Gender Male
Age 36
Marital Status Married
Race White
Race (Original) White
Relationship to Head of Household Head
Relationship to Head of Household (Original) Head
Birth Year (Estimated) 1894
Birthplace District Of Columbia
Father's Birthplace Maryland
Mother's Birthplace Maryland
Sheet Letter A
Sheet Number 3
John B Downs Head M 36 District Of Columbia
Elizabeth A Downs Wife F 35 Maryland
John L Downs Son M 12 District Of Columbia
Donald W Downs Son M 11 District Of Columbia
Howard F Downs Son M 8 District Of Columbia
James A Downs Son M 9 District Of Columbia
United States Census, 1930
District ED 134
Sheet Number and Letter 3A
Household ID 34
Line Number 28
Affiliate Name The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Affiliate Publication Number T626
Affiliate Film Number 296
GS Film Number 2340031
Digital Folder Number 004950208
Image Number 00085
Citing this Record
"United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XMKR-MKL : accessed 18 May 2017), John B Downs, Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 134, sheet 3A, line 28, family 34, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 296; FHL microfilm 2,340,031.
Officer Downs' family
F-John B.
M-Elizabeth A.
Brothers:
John L.
James A.
Howard F.
The 1940 Census reveals:
Household Gender Age Birthplace
head John B Downs M 45 D C
wife Eliza A Downs F 46 Maryland
son John L Downs M 22 D C
son James A Downs M 19 D C
son Howard F Downs M 18 D C
son Donald W Downs M 21 D C
daughter-in-law Beulah F Downs F 19 Arkansas
granddaughter Barbara F Downs F 0 D C
Officer Donald W. Downs was a member of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC.
Date of Death: September 2, 1946
Rank: Officer
Age: 27
Years of Service: 7
Marital Status Married
Children: Four
Location of Death: 7th Street and Maine Avenue, SW
Circumstance:
On September 1, 1946, Officer Downs was directing traffic when a drunk driver jumped the curb and ran over him, fracturing his skull. Officer Downs died the next day at Emergency Hospital.
The driver, Corporal James Oliver Claire, 21, a soldier stationed at Fort Belvoir attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended, and was later charged with murder. He was convicted of Manslaughter on November 26, 1946, following a jury trial.
PARTIAL WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE DATED SEPTEMBER 2, 1946, PAGE B1
The tragedy climaxed a wild circuitous chase of 14 blocks in the Southwest Washington waterfront section, with Motorcycle Patrolman John Bush attempting to catch the reckless speedster. The driver, witnesses said, veered right over the curb where Downs was standing to avoid striking merging traffic at the intersection.
Joined Department in 1939
The dead patrolman attended Eastern High School and joined the police department in 1939. After a few months at Precinct No. 11, he was assigned to Precinct 4, where he was serving at the time of his death.
He leaves his wife, Beulah; a son, Donald W. Jr., 4, and three daughters, Barbara Frances, 7; Diana Caroline, 3, and Janet Marie, 2. His parents and three brothers also survive. Funeral arrangements are expected to be completed today.
Officer Downs resided at 424 16th Street SE. One of his sons, Donald Downs, 4 years of age was promised a scholarship to Georgetown University.
John B Downs (Father of Officer Donald W. Downs)
United States Census, 1930
Name John B Downs
Event Type Census
Event Date 1930
Event Place Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Gender Male
Age 36
Marital Status Married
Race White
Race (Original) White
Relationship to Head of Household Head
Relationship to Head of Household (Original) Head
Birth Year (Estimated) 1894
Birthplace District Of Columbia
Father's Birthplace Maryland
Mother's Birthplace Maryland
Sheet Letter A
Sheet Number 3
John B Downs Head M 36 District Of Columbia
Elizabeth A Downs Wife F 35 Maryland
John L Downs Son M 12 District Of Columbia
Donald W Downs Son M 11 District Of Columbia
Howard F Downs Son M 8 District Of Columbia
James A Downs Son M 9 District Of Columbia
United States Census, 1930
District ED 134
Sheet Number and Letter 3A
Household ID 34
Line Number 28
Affiliate Name The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Affiliate Publication Number T626
Affiliate Film Number 296
GS Film Number 2340031
Digital Folder Number 004950208
Image Number 00085
Citing this Record
"United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XMKR-MKL : accessed 18 May 2017), John B Downs, Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 134, sheet 3A, line 28, family 34, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 296; FHL microfilm 2,340,031.
Officer Downs' family
F-John B.
M-Elizabeth A.
Brothers:
John L.
James A.
Howard F.
The 1940 Census reveals:
Household Gender Age Birthplace
head John B Downs M 45 D C
wife Eliza A Downs F 46 Maryland
son John L Downs M 22 D C
son James A Downs M 19 D C
son Howard F Downs M 18 D C
son Donald W Downs M 21 D C
daughter-in-law Beulah F Downs F 19 Arkansas
granddaughter Barbara F Downs F 0 D C
Date of Death: September 2, 1946
Rank: Officer
Age: 27
Years of Service: 7
Marital Status Married
Children: Four
Location of Death: 7th Street and Maine Avenue, SW
Circumstance:
On September 1, 1946, Officer Downs was directing traffic when a drunk driver jumped the curb and ran over him, fracturing his skull. Officer Downs died the next day at Emergency Hospital.
The driver, Corporal James Oliver Claire, 21, a soldier stationed at Fort Belvoir attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended, and was later charged with murder. He was convicted of Manslaughter on November 26, 1946, following a jury trial.
PARTIAL WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE DATED SEPTEMBER 2, 1946, PAGE B1
The tragedy climaxed a wild circuitous chase of 14 blocks in the Southwest Washington waterfront section, with Motorcycle Patrolman John Bush attempting to catch the reckless speedster. The driver, witnesses said, veered right over the curb where Downs was standing to avoid striking merging traffic at the intersection.
Joined Department in 1939
The dead patrolman attended Eastern High School and joined the police department in 1939. After a few months at Precinct No. 11, he was assigned to Precinct 4, where he was serving at the time of his death.
He leaves his wife, Beulah; a son, Donald W. Jr., 4, and three daughters, Barbara Frances, 7; Diana Caroline, 3, and Janet Marie, 2. His parents and three brothers also survive. Funeral arrangements are expected to be completed today.
Officer Downs resided at 424 16th Street SE. One of his sons, Donald Downs, 4 years of age was promised a scholarship to Georgetown University.
John B Downs (Father of Officer Donald W. Downs)
United States Census, 1930
Name John B Downs
Event Type Census
Event Date 1930
Event Place Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Gender Male
Age 36
Marital Status Married
Race White
Race (Original) White
Relationship to Head of Household Head
Relationship to Head of Household (Original) Head
Birth Year (Estimated) 1894
Birthplace District Of Columbia
Father's Birthplace Maryland
Mother's Birthplace Maryland
Sheet Letter A
Sheet Number 3
John B Downs Head M 36 District Of Columbia
Elizabeth A Downs Wife F 35 Maryland
John L Downs Son M 12 District Of Columbia
Donald W Downs Son M 11 District Of Columbia
Howard F Downs Son M 8 District Of Columbia
James A Downs Son M 9 District Of Columbia
United States Census, 1930
District ED 134
Sheet Number and Letter 3A
Household ID 34
Line Number 28
Affiliate Name The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Affiliate Publication Number T626
Affiliate Film Number 296
GS Film Number 2340031
Digital Folder Number 004950208
Image Number 00085
Citing this Record
"United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XMKR-MKL : accessed 18 May 2017), John B Downs, Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 134, sheet 3A, line 28, family 34, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 296; FHL microfilm 2,340,031.
Officer Downs' family
F-John B.
M-Elizabeth A.
Brothers:
John L.
James A.
Howard F.
The 1940 Census reveals:
Household Gender Age Birthplace
head John B Downs M 45 D C
wife Eliza A Downs F 46 Maryland
son John L Downs M 22 D C
son James A Downs M 19 D C
son Howard F Downs M 18 D C
son Donald W Downs M 21 D C
daughter-in-law Beulah F Downs F 19 Arkansas
granddaughter Barbara F Downs F 0 D C
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Children
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