Daniel Downes

Daniel Downes was a resident of Redan, <1875-1923>

History
Daniel Downes was born in c.1843 in Clare, Ireland. He married Margaret Murray in Victoria in 1866. They had ten children:
 * Timothy (1867-1869)
 * Martin (1868-1869)
 * Daniel (1870-1871)
 * Mary Elizabeth (1872-1944)
 * Martin Thomas (1873-1935)
 * James John (1875, Ballarat East -1878, Redan )
 * Bridget (1877-1878)
 * Patrick (1881-1920)
 * Margaret (1879-1941)
 * Catherine Ellen (1884-1960)

His son James was tragically killed in an accident in Talbot Street at the age of three. He was trying to poke a stick into the wheels of a passing waggon when he slipped, and his head was crushed beneath the wheels.

In June 1891, Daniel wrote to the the Ballarat Star after his son Martin was rumoured to have been involved stealing gold from the Star of the East gold mine: "RE THE SUPPOSED ROBBERY AT THE STAR OF THE EAST BATTERY. TO THE EDITOR. SIR, —As false statements are persistently being made in various quarters regarding the connection of our sons with the above matter, and as there are some inaccuracies in your report of the same, will you kindly publish the following facts, which can be proved by undeniable evidence? Our sons (Martin Downes and John Rowen) went to work at half-past 7 o’clock on Wednesday morning, and upon being requested by Mr Hicks to be allowed to be searched they immediately consented (and not, as your report says, refused) with the result that nothing whatever was found upon them. On Sergeant Charles arriving at the claim four of the boys were searched; and the other four boys (including our sons) were not searched, as Mr Hicks said that they were all right. The boys were not dismissed, as stated in your report, but were ordered by Mr Hicks to proceed with their work, but they preferred to leave. By publishing the above you will oblige—Yours, &c, D. DOWNES, 71 Talbot street. P. ROWEN, Kent street, Redan. 14th June."

In 1909 he is listed in the Electoral Roll as being a dairyman, living at 515 Talbot Street. (The Downes house has been demolished, and a new house built c. 1960).

His wife Margaret died in Ballarat on 23 June 1913.

Daniel died in Ballarat on 16 September 1923. He is buried in the Old Ballarat Cemetery with his wife in and young children, Plot E2, Section 19, Row 2, Grave 6.