Jacob Downing

Jacob Downing (April 1830 – 1907) was a major in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was present at the infamous Sand Creek Massacre as a subordinate of Colonel John Chivington. After the war ended, he played a part in the development of Colorado and in particular the city of Denver.

Early life Jacob Downing was born in Albany, New York in April 1830, the youngest of 11 children of Jacob Downing Sr. (1785–1858) and Jane (née Winne) Downing. Downing Sr. was, according to one source, the owner of several farms and a successful entrepreneur. At 14, he went to work as a clerk at the Albany City Bank. In 1850, he was badly injured aboard the steamer Alabama when the boiler burst. during the Colorado Gold Rush, or in 1860. In 1860, he was elected a judge of the municipal court.

A civic leader, he was one of those who pushed for parks in the community, and originated the bill that led to the establishment of City Park. After his death in 1907, his widow converted the building into the Downing Home for Old People.

Personal life

On November 1, 1871, he married Caroline Rosecrans in Glen Falls, New York.