Angeles. In 1880, Downey had acquired the nearly Warner's Ranch in San Diego County, which was being used for cattle ranching. In 1892 he moved to evict Cupeño American Indians who occupied some of the land as their traditional historic territory, especially near the hot springs (Agua Caliente.) The Cupeño challenged the eviction in a case that reached the US Supreme Court, but by the time it was decided in 1901, Downey had died. While the court ruled the Cupeño did have a right to land, it said they had waited too long to press their case, according to a law about the issue when California entered the Union. In 1903 they were relocated to the Pala Indian Reservation about away. Downey died in 1894 at his home in Los Angeles. He was originally interred at Old Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles. After the cemetery was removed, Downey's remains were relocated to Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma. Legacy Downey, California was named after Downey. His land company owned the land that was subdivided to create the town in the 1870s. During Downey's governorship, construction began on the California State Capitol in Sacramento. Also, during his governorship, the Pony Express began service to San Francisco, and the Central Pacific Railroad was formed. See also List of U.S. state governors born outside the United States References External links John G. Downey biography at the California State Library Democratic Party governors of California Lieutenant Governors of California Politicians from Los Angeles Businesspeople from Los Angeles Land owners from California American pharmacists 1827 births 1894 deaths Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Los Angeles Common Council (1850–1889) members Democratic Party members of the California State Assembly American financial company founders Farmers and Merchants Bank of Los Angeles people University of Southern California people Burials at Holy Cross Cemetery (Colma, California) Downey, California History of Los Angeles Irish emigrants to the United States (before 1923) People from County Roscommon Union (American Civil War) state governors 19th-century American businesspeople 19th-century American politicians 19th century in Los Angeles