DOWNS, Lawrence A.
Source: Fresno, California Morning Republican Thursday 23 Sept 1926 p 4
When Lawrence A. Downs, just out of college, went to work 30 years ago in a minor position with the Vandalia Railroad it would have seemed rash to predict that he would one day become head of two of the great railroad systems of the country. Yet he rounded-out this record the other day when he was chosen to succeed Charles H. Markham as president of the Illinois Central Railroad. He was already president of the Central of Georgia railway in which position he had succeeded Mr. Markham in 1924. The whole of Mr. Downs’ career has been spent in railroad service and he is particularly familiar with the Middle West and South. He was born in Greencastle, Indiana in 1872 and received his education at Purdue University. His connection with the Illinois Central system dates back to 1896 when he entered the engineering department of that company. - kbz
Source: Greencastle Banner & Times 27 April 1894 p 3
The bright young Irish had nominated for surveyor, “Larry” Downs is a native Putnam County boy. He first saw the light of day on May 9, 1872 in Greencastle and is the youngest son of James Downs, one of the oldest and best known citizens of our community. Mr. Downs’ early education was obtained in the public schools of Greencastle and in the preparatory school at DePauw University. Desiring to fit himself for a civil engineer, he entered the freshman class of Purdue University in the fall of 1890 and will thus graduate this year with the degree of Bachelor of Civil Engineering. But 22 years of age, he is considerable the youngest man on the ticket and has not seen much party service, although he is a representative of a family of five stalwart young republican who have been active workers for their party at all times. Mr. Down has not been inactive in politics, however, having been identified with the American League of College Republican Clubs in 1892 and was sec of the Purdue Republican Club in the same year. His college fraternity is the Sigma Chi. Mr. Downs is particularly fitted for the duty of civil engineer and his education on that point has been carefully attended to. He will give Mr. O’Brien a hard fight for fist place and we believe will be triumphantly elected.