Steuben-Republican 18 September 1912 P. 1

        Thomas G. Towns was born in Stark County, Ohio, March 28, 1827 
and departed this life September 3, 1912, age 85 years 5 months and 5 
days. At the age of 21, he was married to Mary Jane Paterson.  They 
lived in Ohio until 1850, when they moved to Steuben County, Indiana, 
where they resided on a farm west of Pleasant Lake, until 1867, when he 
moved to a farm east of Ashley, living there until 1898.  When with his 
son, Hiram and family moved to a farm east of Hillsdale, Michigan, where 
he lived until October 10, 1911, when he came to make his home with his 
daughter, Mrs. J. H. Ritter, where he lived until the time of his death, 
September 3, 1912. 
        He was the father of seven children, four of whom survive him 
and mourn his departure as also do 10 grandchildren and 5 great-
grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, together with a large 
number of relatives and a host of friends. 
        He was an invalid the last few months of his life and was 
confined to his bed all the time.  Yet, he was never complaining but 
always cheerful and kind and speaking a good word for one and all.  He 
was a kind and indulgent father, a faithful and true companion, and will 
be greatly missed by all. He has gone from among us and we can but 
resign our loss and say a Heavenly Fathers will be done. 
        Funeral Services were held at the house Thursday at 10 A.M., 
Rev. Z.W. Sheppard of Ashley officiating. Burial in Mount Zion Cemetery.


Sent in by J.A. Childers