John Hardiman was showing me an interesting printout on
John Gately Downey 1827 - 1894
Born in Castlesamson County Roscommon in 1827 Downey left Ireland
for America in 1842 when he was 14 years old.
His proffession was given as Apothecary, or a Druggist.
He worked in California and was Governor of that state for a term.
A town in California is named after Downey.
To get to Castlesampson you branch left off the
old Ballinasloe / Athlone road just past Carty's Shop.
To get more information on John Gately Downey use -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/john_gately_downey