Trying to confirm the existence of a Georgiana DOWNING. A friend has a piece of memorabilia from the 1870s with Georgiana's name and this address: 108 Bellevue, Newport, RI.
According to Newport city directories of the period, it is the same address as George T. DOWNING, a prominent African-American entrepreneur and activist. Georgiana would likely be his daughter, granddaughter, niece, or sister.
Here is more about George:
http://www.redwoodlibrary.org/notables/downing.htmI have looked up the Downing family in Newport censuses and find no mention of a Georgiana.
Can anyone help me prove or disprove her existence?