Stephen Wheeler DOWNEY, Congress, WY (1839-1902)

DOWNEY, Stephen Wheeler, (father of Sheridan Downey), a Delegate from the Territory of Wyoming; born in Western Port, Allegany County, Md., July 25, 1839; pursued an academic course; enlisted as a private in Company C, Third Regiment, Potomac Home Brigade, Maryland Infantry, October 31, 1861; successively promoted to first lieutenant, lieutenant colonel, and colonel; studied law; was admitted to the bar in Washington, D.C., in 1863; moved to the Territory of Wyoming in 1869 and practiced law in Laramie; prosecuting attorney of Albany County in 1869 and 1870; elected a member of the Territorial council in 1871, 1875, and 1877; treasurer of the Territory 1872-1875; auditor of the Territory 1877-1879; elected as a Republican to the Forty-sixth Congress (March 4, 1879-March 3, 1881); declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1880; elected a member of the Territorial house of representatives in 1886 and again in 1890; trustee of the University of Wyoming at Laramie 1891-1897 and served as its president; member of the State house of representatives in 1893 and 1895 and served as speaker in the latter year; member of the State constitutional convention in 1889; again prosecuting attorney of Albany County from 1899 until his death in Denver, Colorado, August 3, 1902; interment in Green Hill Cemetery, Laramie, Albany County, Wyo.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present