MAOtherBrothersD
DOWNS, JAMES 1847-1912
From Proceedings, Page 1912-24:
R.W. JAMES DOWNS, of Natick, was born in Leith, Scotland, May 28, 1847, and died in Natick Tuesday, Jan. 2, 1912. He came to America in 1866 and resided in Melrose. He later found employment as foreman with Pierson & Blethen, bakers and caterers in Natick. In 1887 he purchased the business from his employers and continued in it until 1897, when he retired. Since then he has been engaged in the restaurant, business on Boylston Street, Boston, nearly opposite the Masonic Temple.
Brother Downs received the Masonic degrees in Wyoming Lodge, of Melrose, in 1873 and 1874, and affiliated with Meridian Lodge, of Natick, April 1, 1874. He became Wor. Master in 1898 and served two years. He was District Deputy Grand Master of the Twenty-first Masonic District in 1906 and 1907. He served as Deputy Grand High Priest in 1894 and was Eminent Commander of Natick Commandery, K.T.,in 1893 and 1894.
Brother Downs was public spirited and interested in town affairs, serving the town as a selectman. Free hearted and generous, no one ever appealed to him in vain for help or counsel, and from all who knew him comes a very kindly word for Bro. James Downs.
Funeral services were held in the First Baptist Church in Natick, Jan. 5, 1912, and his remains were buried in Dell Park Cemetery with Masonic services by Meridian Lodge, Parker Royal Arch Chapter and Natick Commandery, K.T., acting as escort.
