The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Center Township, page 511-512
James A. Downard, senior member of the law firm of Downard & Parker, at Danville, was born in New Winchester, Hendricks County, Ind., Nov.15, 1855, a son of Davis M. and Cassandra (Morgan) Downard. He was reared on a farm in Marion Township, where he obtained his primary education in the district schools. He afterward attended Butler University at Irvington, Marion Co., Ind., one year, and during 1876-'77 he took a course in Bryan & Stratton's Commercial College, at Indianapolis, from which he graduated in November, 1877. He then immediately entered the office of Cofer & Taylor as a law student, where he studied till June, 1878, when he was admitted to the bar at Danville. He remained in the same office till August, 1880, when he began the practice of law with Thad. S. Adams, the firm name being Adams & Downard. He retired from the firm in December, 1881, and became associated with Marshall Todd in the law and abstract business. In April, 1884, Mr. Todd was succeeded by James O. Parker, the firm name now being Downard & Parker. May 22, 1884, he was married to Miss Maud L., daughter of the late William H. Donaldson, of Danville. In 1881 he was elected Clerk of Danville, holding the office by re-election for three years. He is a Master Mason and member of Western Star Lodge, No. 26, A.F. & A.M., of which he has served one term as Junior Warden. In 1882 he was elected Secretary of the Hendricks County Republican Central Committee, and was re-elected in 1884.