James Downs

     James was born on Tuesday, 3 May 1740 in Aquabogue in the Town of Southold, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. James married Mehitable Wells on 23 October 1764 in the Town of Southold. James and Mehitable had chilren: James [1769], Hannah & Mehitable.¹ 1776, James were listed on the Town Census at the Town of Southold, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. Enumerated in this household were James Downs: 1 Male under 16; 2 males over 16; 2 females under 16; 2 females over 16.¹ James made his will on 13 May 1784 at the Town of Southold, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. In his will he calls himself “Yeoman” and gives all his estate except household goods to his son James, or if he die before of age then one-third of the estate should go to the eldest child of his daughter Hannah, and the rest as well as household stuff to his daughter, Mehitable. James departed this life on Monday, 23 May 1791 in Moriches, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York, at age 51 years and 20 days. He was buried there in Hawkins-Downs Cemetery. The inscription on his tombstone is a poem: Trust God ye saints in all your ways - Pour out your hearts before his face - When helpers fail & foes invaid - God is my all sufficient aid - Once has his awful voice declared - Once and again my ears have heard. -- He is buried with his brother Daniel who owned the farm at that time.