George Faber Downey was born 30 July 1866 at Whipple Barracks, Prescott, Arizona Territory, the son of Brevet Major George M. Downey, post commandant of Fort Verde. He saw active service in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War. Following this, he became Chief of Receipts and Disbursements at Manila. His Philippine service ended in 1904, when he became Chief Paymaster of the American Army occupying Cuba. He returned to Washington in 1907, where he served in various capacities until he was ordered to France in September 1918. On his return he was for two years Corps Area Quartermaster, and at his retirement in 1923 was Assistant Quartermaster General in the War Department. Brigadier General Downey died 01 April 1935 in Washington, DC, and is interred in Arlington National Cemetery.
Photo from 1922 passport application.