Listed in 1850 census as a machine maker with his wife Sarah (26) and daughters Anna (4) and Caroline (2). An Elizabeth Blosser (26) was living with them, no occupation listed.
Later lived at New Geneva, Fayette Co and was father of A. F. Downs, county treasurer.
He was married for the 4th time to Mary A. Way in 1862 in Monongalia Co, WV. They are listed in the 1870 census back in Fayette County, as David (57, PA) a miller, wife Mary (52, PA) and children Mary (17) and Ashbel (15). Then listed in Springhill twp in 1880 as David (68, PA) a miller, wife Mary (63, PA) and son Ashbel F. Downs (25) a student at law.
1899 Bio -
“David DOWNS, one of the old and highly respected citizens of New Geneva, was born in Redstone township, Fayette county, PA, 9 September 1812, and is a son of Jonathan Downs and Mary Miller Downs.
David Downs was reared on a farm, educated in the subscription schools and learned the trade of carpenter. In 1836 he located at Brownsville in the manufacture of threshing machines. Two years later he removed to New Geneva, purchased a lot, erected a dwelling house, and continued in the threshing machine business until 1863, when he in company with Mr James Davenport, a very respectable merchant of New Geneva, bought the Mellier Flouring Mill in that year, and operated it with his other business until 1885 when the partnership was dissolved.
On December 21, 1836, he married Miss Anna Harford, who died August 15, 1844. His second wife was Miss Sarah Campbell, to whom he was married November 2, 1845. She died September 9, 1850, leaving two children: Anna Downs, wife of Mathias Hartley, now living in Illinois; Caroline Downs (now dead).
He was married March 18, 1852, to Miss Ellen Thompson, and to this third union were born two children: Mary Downs, wife of John A Simpson, DD of Washington, Penna; and Ashabel F Downs, an attorney at law and treasurer of Fayette county. Mrs Downs died September 6, 1855, and he was remarried April 16, 1862, to Miss Mary A Way, daughter of Mr Gideon, an early settler of this county, who died in 1866 in his eightieth year.
David Downs has been over fifty years a prudent, economical, straightforward, and successful business man. He was a member of the Sons of Temperance, and is a republican. He is a substantial member of the Baptist church at Greensboro, Greene county, Penna, of which his wife is also a member. Mr Downs has lately retired from the cares of active business life. He stands high, wherever known, as an honest business man and a Christian gentleman.”
Living in South Union in 1900 at age 87 and widowed a 4th time, with his sister Mary. He is listed as a machinist.