DOWNES, Edmund. Northampton (?) 1844 — Eastbourne, Sussex 11.12.1911. Rev. British Officer turned Missionary. Son of Rev. John D. and Lucy Todd. Educated at Radley College and Woolwich. Served as lieutenant in Royal Horse Artillery about 8 years, then left army and worked for Church Missionary Society in Madhapore by the Ravi and in Peshawar. In 1872 he made an illegal attempt to cross the border in Persian disguise and get to Kafiristan (Nuristan)), but was very soon captured and sent home. M.D. 1876 Brussels. After medical course he returned in 1877 as medical missionary to Kashmir. In 1882 retired because of ill-health. Back in England opened practice in Eastbourne. Married 1875 Mary Boughton Hill, one son. Some details remain uncertain.
Publications: Kafiristan. An account of the country, language and customs of the Siah posh Kafirs. Considering especially Kafiristan as a suitable field of Missionary Labour. Compiled from various sources. 20 p. Lahore 1873, also in Church Missionary Intelligence 1874, 277-287, 307-309.
Sources: *A. Neve, Thirty Years in Kashmir. 1913, ch. 2 on E.D.; brief obituary in British Medical Journal 1912:1, 221.; The History of the London Church Missionary Society 147 (www/mocavo.com); Wikipedia.
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