John M. Downs

He was born in Tomah, Wisconsin.^[2][3][4]

He studied at the School of the Art Institute.^[3][4]

He worked as an illustrator while serving in the United States Army.^[2] He later contributed nearly 150 illustrations in an Air Force arts program.^[2][3][5]

As a sketch artist, he worked for the Chicago Daily News and Chicago Sun-Times and covered many famous trials including that of the Chicago Seven trial.^[2][3]