Downey, Sheridan, 1884-1961

Sheridan Downey (b. Mar. 11, 1884, Laramie, Wyo.-d. Oct. 25, 1961, San Francisco, Calif.), lawyer, was a Democratic U.S. Senator from California from 1939 to 1950.

Biographical Sketch

Sheridan Downey was born in Laramie, Wyoming in 1884, the son of Evangeline Victoria (Owen) and Stephen Wheeler Downey. He was educated in the public schools there and was graduated from the University of Michigan in 1907. In the same year he was admitted to the bar and returned to Laramie to practice law. In 1913 he moved to Sacramento where he continued his law career. He made several unsuccessful attempts to win election to public office including a campaign for lieutenant governor in 1934. In 1938 he was elected to the United States Senate and served until his resignation, November 30, 1950. He then practiced law in Washington, D.C. until his death in 1961.