Leland George Downing was born on July 1, 1901 in Lenawee County, Michigan. He was the son of Charles James and Martha (Carmen) Downing. He was the twin brother of Leon James Downing.

On June 1, 1926, he married Fannie Ellen Wadsworth and they had one child.

1. Madalyn Eunice (Downing) Irwin

Leland died on April 6, 1971 at the age of 69 in Britton, Lenawee County, Michigan. He is buried in Ridgeway Cemetery in Ridgeway Township, Lenawee County, Michigan.

Fannie who was born on March 13, 1902 in Petersburg, Michigan, died on December 31, 1995 in Adrian, Michigan. She was 93 years old and is also buried in Ridgeway Cemetery.

"Leland George and Leon James, twins, were born July 1, 1901. On April 4, 1903, Leon died of indigestion and whooping cough. Leland married Fannie Wadsworth of Petersburg on June 1, 1926. About this time, Charlie and Stel (Martha) moved into a small frame house on a farm they owned on Kniffen Road, the old Tuttle Place. Leland and Fannie moved into the big brick house and took over the homestead. They had one daughter, Madelyn Eunice. After Vera died, Merlyn came to live with them, and they brought him up as their own son. Leland farmed the homestead until his death, April 6, 1971. Fannie taught school for many years, and since her retirement, she has continued to live in the big brick house. (as of 1985)"