Downs was a member of the Assembly in 1855. In 1860, Downs changed his party affiliation from
Democratic to
Republican. He was a member of the Senate from 1876 to 1877 representing the
28th District. Other positions he held include County Treasurer of
Richland County, Wisconsin and Richland County judge. He died at home at the age of 73, following a stroke the week before. ==References==