James Elbert Downes. (October 31, 1845 -- January 25, 1917) A native of Houston County, James Elbert Downes was the son of area pioneers. He served in the Civil War and was later active in the local Confederate veterans association. He was married to Elizabeth Brown in 1871 and they were the parents of three sons. A prominent local business and civic leader, Downes devoted much of his time to the Methodist Church. The home he built for his family on 7th Street in a noted landmark. #10985