This is a transcription of the Clara Louise (Bennett) Downs biography from New Hampshire Women: A Collection of Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Daughters and Residents of the Granite State, Who are Worthy Representatives of their Sex in the Various Walks and Conditions of Life, The New Hampshire Publishing Co., Concord, NH, 1895, page 189.
Clara Louise (Bennett) Downs
MRS. CLARA LOUISE (BENNETT) DOWNS, of the firm of Daniels & Downs, proprietors of the Daniels & Downs private school, at Manchester, is New Hampshire born and bred, being a native of the town of Milford, the youngest of a large family of the late Rhodolphus D., and Mary (Woodward) Bennett, highly respected citizens of that town. She comes of good old Revolutionary stock, her father being a direct descendant of the famous Captain Job Shattuck, who during the entire war evinced great courage and bravery, and gave both money and service for the patriot cause. She attended the Milford schools, graduating with honor from the high school after a four years’ course. She engaged for a short time in teaching in her native town, but, impelled by a strong desire for business life, and possessing an aptitude for the work of an accountant, she went to Manchester, where she was employed in important positions as accountant, in the service of different firms, always giving the highest satisfaction; so that Superintendent Buck in writing of her, says: “Mrs. Downs, by years of practical service as accountant for leading business houses in the city, has attained an enviable reputation as an expert in her department.” During her business career she had sought to advance herself as far as possible in her line, studying with Professor Bacon, a French teacher, Prof. H. F. Morse, expert accountant, and Prof. N. L. Hickok, of Boston. She is one of the original members of the National Organization of Accountants, started in Detroit, Mich. In April, 1892, a partnership was formed, for the purpose of conducting a private school, for bookkeeping, shorthand, etc., with Miss Harriett E. Daniels, this being the first of the kind managed by women in this section of the country, and one of the most successful, while their general office work is highly commended. She married Capt. Frank L. Downs, of Manchester, October 20, 1885.