This line of the Downing surname originated in Bradninch, Devonshire,  England, in the 1400`s.  The first documented male of the line is John  Downynge, born about 1530 in Bradninch.  His descendants are well documented by  the parish church in Bradninch (St. Disens).  Records earlier than 1530  were destroyed by fire.
    The ggg grandson of John Downynge was Thomas Downing (1691 - 1772), who  emigrated from Devonshire to Chester county, Pennsylvania in August of 1717.  A  member of the Society of Friends (Quakers), he established a mill on the  Brandywine River.  The area became known as Milltown, but in the late 1700s  became called `Downing`s Town`; and finally in the mid 1800s it became the  borough of Downingtown.
    This web site, then, largely documents the descendants of Thomas Downing,  and the families into which they married.  Viewers with mutual ancestors are  cordially invited to contact me to share information!  Please contact me directly at rdown3657@cox.net