My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Miller County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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John J. Towery, a native born resident of Miller County, Ark., was ushered into the world September 8, 1845. His father, Isaac Towery, was born in Alabama, in 1818, and when a young man learned the gun and blacksmith trade, subsequently coming to Arkansas to work at this occupation. He came to Miller County among the very first settlers, his capital being confined to his trade, but at the time of his death, in 1850, he was on the road to fortune, and his prospects for the future were very bright. Soon after his arrival here he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Johnson, a native of Tennessee, born about 1820, who had come to Miller County from Middle Tennessee, with her parents, when a girl, and their union was blessed with three children, the subject of this sketch being the oldest and the only one now living. Mrs. Towery was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The father served as drum major in the Mexican War. Soon after their marriage they moved to Bowie County, Tex., locating near where Buchanan now stands, and here they both received their final summons, she in 1849, and he one year later, leaving our subject wholly orphaned at the age of five years. He was taken by his uncle, John Ferguson, the administrator of his father's estate, with whom he lived until he was twenty-one years old, his school days being spent in this county. In January, 1863, he joined the Second Arkansas State Troops, afterward known as the Second Arkansas Confederate Cavalry, in which he served until January, 1865, when he was accidentally wounded near Pine Bluff, Ark., by a gunshot in the right thigh, which disabled him for further duty. During the time of his service he was at Poison Springs, Marks’ Mill, Jenkins’ Ferry, and on the Missouri raid. At Ironton, Mo., he received a flesh wound by the bursting of a shell; he was taken prisoner at Poison Springs, but soon escaped and returned to his regiment. His guardian was a heavy loser by the war, and the close of the struggle found our subject entirely without means. He came directly to his home in Miller County, and soon after located about seven miles south of Texarkana, where by his industry and good business management and ability, he has met with very good success. He owns 200 acres of as good land as can be found in the county, and twenty acres of land inside Texarkana corporation, besides some other valuable city property. In 1873 he embarked in the mercantile business, but continued in it only two years, when he sold out, having come to the conclusion that he was not cut out for a merchant. He also served as deputy sheriff for eight years, under Jack Roberts. His marriage to Miss Mary E. Oats, was consummated in this county, on September 19, 1866. She was born October 5, 1846. Eight children have been born to their union, all of whom are living, either at home or in school, and whose names are: John I., Joseph E., Beuregard H., William A., Tabitha J., James E., Charles I., and Hugh B. The eldest son, John I., is a very promising youth, and was recently appointed by Congressman McRae to West Point. Mr. and Mrs. Towery are both members of the Christian Church, in which body they are zealous workers and highly esteemed. The former is a Mason, and in politics votes the Democratic ticket. He is one of the prominent and influential citizens of Miller County, and takes the lead in promoting the public welfare.

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