John Downey

Background

John Downey was born in 1765 in Germantown, Philadelphia, United States. He was one of five children of Captain John and Sarah Downey. His father was head of the English School of the Germantown Academy.

Education

His father, who was head of the English School of the Germantown Academy, was killed in 1778 in an engagement near Crooked Billet but through his mother’s efforts the son received a classical education at the celebrated Germantown Academy, where he distinguished himself.

Career

About 1795 Downey removed to Harrisburg, where he opened a school in 1796. He continued to teach school; served the city in the capacity of justice of the peace, 1807-26; was town clerk for many years; and a member of the legislature, 1817-18.

While living at Harrisburg he served about a year as first cashier of the Harrisburg Bank; was active in the incorporation of the Harrisburg & Middletown Turnpike Company; and served as treasurer of the board of directors of the stock company authorized by the legislature in 1812 to build the Harrisburg bridge over the Susquehanna River.

He recommended a state system, comprising: first, two or more elementary schools in each township, supported by a tax on property; second, one school in each township, supported in the same way, in which more advanced studies should be taught; third, one academy in each county, supported by a “very moderate assessment, ” devoted to “more liberal science. ”

He recommended furthermore that attendance in these schools “for a sufficient time should be strictly enjoined under an adequate penalty, ” and added the suggestion that it might “not be unworthy the attention of the legislature to raise agriculture from its present servilely imitative practice by encouraging scientific pursuits. ”

That he was not visionary, however, is indicated in the shrewd observation that “perhaps the public mind is not ripe for the reception” of such a plan.

Though Downey failed to gain the realization of his project, the system he proposed was later commended by Henry Barnard as having unusual merit.

Achievements

• Downey is best known for his plan of an educational system.

Connections

On June 5, 1798 Downey married Alice Ann Beatty, daughter of James Beatty, an early settler of Harrisburg.

Father:

John Downey

Mother:

Sarah Downey

Spouse:

Alice Ann Beatty