In 1747 Thomas purchased land in Baltimore Co, MD from James Gilbert (125 Ac Book E, Folio 711). In 1761 Thomas sold this land (Bk J, Folio 67) and moved his family west.
A History from Bob Bannon - 1992...
Listed along with his son Jeremiah in 1768 in an old account book kept by William Colvin, a trader and tavern owner in Redstone Twp. Elizabeth Colvin, Wm's daughter, subsequently married Thomas' son Jeremiah Downs. This establishes the arrival of Thomas Downs with his family. In February 1768, Governor William Penn of Pennsylvania commissioned four citizens of Cumberland Co to visit Redstone Settlement. Their report of this visit, dated "April 2d, 1768" includes "the names of the inhabitants near Redstone: ....Thomas Downs..." On 3 April 1769, Thomas Downs filed an application in the land office for 300 acres in Redstone Settlement, including his improvements. The property was surveyed on 6 October 1769, and subsequently deeded to Thomas Downs.
A 1776 tax list includes the names Guliemus, Jonathon, Jeremiah, and Thomas Downs in Fayette County.
Made his will on 2 March 1778 and died before May 1783 leaving 13 children, only 9 of whom were living at the time the will was proved 20 Dec 1789. One of his daughters identified as Mrs. John Jones, with only Jeremy and Jeremiah mentioned by name in the will.