T.J. Downey

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

T.J. Downey

As there is no set rule for building character, so there is none for achieving success, and the man who has been able to rise from the ranks to a position of importance in the business world and the social life of any section, has amply proved his inherent worth. It is of a man of this caliber that this review treats. T. J. DOWNEY, of Boonton, Morris county, New Jersey, proprietor of the Franklin House, has conclusively shown his business ability. James W. DOWNEY, his father, was born in Ireland and was a young man when he came to the United States. He located in Morristown, New Jersey, where he found employment as a gardener for many years, and died at the age of fifty-five years. He married Mary NOLAN, also deceased, and they had four children.

T. J. DOWNEY was born in Morristown, New Jersey, in December, 1869, and obtained his educational training in the public schools of his native town and those of Jersey City, New Jersey. After leaving school he obtained employment in various capacities, all with a view to training himself for the hotel business, on which he had determined to embark. About 1893 he established the Franklin House, of which he has made a decided success. It has nineteen sleeping apartments, in addition to general public rooms, and is furnished throughout in a modern and comfortable manner. Both service and cuisine are excellent, and is kept up-to-date in every particular. Mr. DOWNEY also conducts a café at No. 109 Brooks street, which is also first-class in every respect. He keeps well abreast of the times in all essential matters, and is always ready to introduce improvements. He is a man of pronounced views on all subjects, and prefers not to bind himself politically to any party, casting his vote independently. He is a member of the Catholic church, and has been president of the St. Patrick’s Alliance, and of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Mr. Downey married Jemima G. BLUE, and of their eight children, five are living at the present time.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)