----Source: 1891 History of Clark & Jackson Co., Wis.,pg. 309 - 310

NOBLE DOWNER, a highly respected farmer, residing on section 36, York Township, was born in Stockholm, New York, in the county of St. Lawrence, August 7, 1852. His parents, Joel and Eliza A. (Nichols) Downer, were natives of Vermont and New York respectively. The father lived in his birthplace until he was twelve years of age, when he went to Essex County, New York. There he afterwards met and married Lavinia Nichols, by whom he had two children: Lucy and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Downer died in Essex County, New York, about five years after her marriage. Later on Mr. Downer removed to St. Lawrence County, New York, and settled in Stockholm, where he married a second time, this union being with Eliza A. Nichols, a sister of his first wife. She was born in Crown Point, New York, April 8, 1828, and was a daughter of Elbie and Lucy (Holding) Nichols, natives of New York and Vermont respectively. They had five children born to them: Noble, the subject of this notice, Mariette, deceased Homer, mention of whom is made in another sketch Cora L., and Carrie L. In 1864 Mr. Downer removed with his family from St. Lawrence County, New York, to Clark County, Wisconsin, and settled on farm on section 36, of what is now York Township there he spent the remainder of his days, passing away February 12, 1889, at the age of seventy-five years his wife still survives, and makes her home with her son, Homer.

When Joel Downer came to Clark County he bought forty acres of land on which he settled it was a dense forest, and there were no roads, and there was only an occasional cabin built in the woods. He and his family were subjected to all the hardships of pioneer life, but they were determined, brave and willing, and success has been their reward. In politics he adhered to the principles of the Republican party.

To return to the subject of this brief sketch: Noble Downer was reared to his eleventh year in the county of his birth, when his parents removed to Clark County, Wisconsin. He attended the common schools of that day, and acquired an education that fitted him for ordinary business pursuits. His father being a farmer by occupation, he was trained to this work, and at the age of twenty-two years he settled on a farm of his own. He has a tract of sixty acres, to the development of which he has given much thought and labor he has made all the improvements, and all the surroundings bespeak his wise management and thrift. During the winter season he is engaged in one of the leading industries of Wisconsin, logging in the pineries. In his political views he adheres to the ideas set forth by the Republican party. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, at Maple Works.

Mr. Downer was united in wedlock, in 1873, to Miss Malinda Johnson, of Grant Township, Clark County, Wisconsin. She was born in the State of Pennsylvania, in 1854, and is a daughter of Josiah and Susanna Johnson. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Downer Noble, deceased Albion, Joel, Richard, Frank, Gertrude, Neil and Bessie.