BIO:

Joshua was the son of Joshua Downing (1734-1775) and Mary Richards, who survived her husband. His parents were natives of Hampton Falls, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire.

Joshua was married Patience CHASE, of Weare, in a wedding officiated by the Rev. William F. Rowland at Exeter, New Hampshire on 13 August 1791.

Joshua and Patience were enumerated in Federal Censuses at Henniker, New Hampshire, in 1800 and 1810. By the 1820 Federal Census, they moved to nearby Deering where they resided until his death [U.S. Censuses]. According to the History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, published by the J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885, at Deering Joshua purchased and settled on a farm that had been first owned by Nathaniel Gove, then by Nathaniel Chase, and most recently by the Quimby brothers (lot 17).

In his last years, Joshua lived with his son, Stephen C., and family at Deering.

Joshua's will, dated 17 March 1846, amended on 3 November 1849, and probated 6 January 1858, mentions his sons John, Joshua, Stephen, Nathan C., Peter C., and daughters Mary Downing, and Abiel Gregg (Rockingham Co., N.H., Probate Records).

Joshua bequeathed his entire estate, including his farm, valued at $1424.43 to his son, Stephen C., leaving $5 each to his other children with instructions to Stephen to care for Joshua's daughter Mary in the case she remained unmarried. Stephen C. was appointed the sole executor of his estate.

Children (born at Deering, New Hampshire); surname Downing:

1. John (1792-1868). He married Sarah CHASE. They had no children.
2. Joshua (1793-1868). He married Sarah LOVERIN.
3. Lydia (1795-1841). She married William FORSAITH.
4. David, born 1 January 1798; died young.
5. Judith (1799-1803).
6. Mary (1802-1881). She married Samuel G. DUNLAP. They had no children.
7. Stephen Chase (1804-1881). He married Eliza P. GOVE, a young widow.
8. Daniel, born on 8 October 1803; died young.
9. Nathan Chase (1807-1858). He married Martha CLARK. Moved to Boston.
10. Abigail C. (1809- ). She married Charles W. GREGG.
11. Peter Chase (1811-1886). He married Mary Ann GUTTERSON. They moved to Wakefield, Massachusetts.

Biography by Tom Brocher; last updated on 3 January 2022.