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Below is a family biography included in The History of White County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  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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J. H. Towles, a leading merchant of Onward, was born May 1, 1854, in Warren County, a son of John W. and Lucinda (Wilson) Towles. The father was born March 31, 1819, in Warren County, Tenn., where his father, Joseph Towles, a Virginian, emigrated in 1818. The mother was born November 4, 1824, and died in July, 1865. They are thought to have been of English descent. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm and received a liberal education. About the time of his majority, he engaged in the merchandise business in Smithville. October 20, 1875, he moved his stock to Towles’ Mills, now known as Jesse. In 1879 he went to Cross Roads, Warren County, and remained until October 20, 1884, when he came to Onward, where he has been most successful. He was the first to build at this place, and has done much toward its improvement and advancement. Through his efforts the high school was established in 1886. He is a valuable and highly respected citizen, a member of the Christian Church, and a stanch Democrat March 14, 1877, he married Miss Emma J., daughter of Christopher C. and Lavenia (Hudson) Zwingle, of Irish descent. To this union four children have been born: Mary E., Oliver J., Lavenia L. and Baxter Benton. Mrs. Towles is an earnest member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

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This family biography is one of 38 biographies included in The History of White County, Tennessee published in 1887.  The History of White County was included within The History of Cannon, Coffee, DeKalb, Warren & White Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Cannon, Coffee, DeKalb, Warren, White Counties of Tennessee

View additional White County, Tennessee family biographies here: White County, Tennessee

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