Taken from the Steuben-Republican Newspaper, Hudson News, 27 Jan 1897.

    Jasper Towns died January 21, 1897, age 71 years 10 months and 3 days. Deceased was born in Stark County, Ohio, March 18, 1825.  He came with his parents to Steuben County, Indiana in 1850.  He was the fifth child of a family of nine children, of whom five are still living;  Thomas Towns, Mrs. Susan Weaver, Lydia Weaver of this state, Mrs. Eliza Wallace of Ohio, and
John Towns of Michigan.  Mr. Towns was united in marriage June 5, 1852 to Mary Miller.  This union was blessed with three children, Nelson and Sylvester Towns of Fort Wayne, and Miss Rachel, who still remains in the parental home.  Mr. Towns ate his dinner as usual on last Thursday and seemed as well as common.  He attended to some work about the barn during the afternoon.  Towards evening the family became uneasy about him, and search being made, he was found lying in the hay loft dead.  It is supposed he lay there some two or three hours.  The funeral was conducted by Rev. E.B. Westhafer, of Ashley at the Mount Zion Church Sunday, January 24.  His remains were followed to their lasting place by a large company of relatives and friends.

Submitted by Jean Ann Childers