Courtesy of the California Historical Society
Maria Downey
1860–1862
Significant Facts
Born: September 10, 1836 in Los Angeles, California
Died: January 29, 1883
Married: John Downey in 1852
Maiden Name: Guirado
Family
Father: Don Rafael Guirado
Mother: Vincenta Urquidez
Husband: John Downey
Children: None
Find out more about the time period and interests of Maria Downey
Biography
Maria de Jesus Jacinta Guirado was born into an influential California family. Her father, Don Rafael Guirado moved from Guaymas, Mexico to Whittier, California in 1833. In 1852, Maria married John Downey, an Irish immigrant who made a fortune after starting a drugstore and bank in Los Angeles. He also founded the town of Downey. Maria was described as educated, beautiful, and refined. She felt that one of her duties as First Lady was to help the more unfortunate. After John left office, he and Maria moved back to Los Angeles. Maria Downey died tragically in a train accident in the Tehachapi Mountains on January 29, 1883.
Bibliography
Books
- Cook and LaDue, The First Ladies of California, Xlibris Corporation, 2007
