Phineas Stewart Towle 1836-1898

TOWLE, BROTHER

Posted By: Michael J. Kearney (email)
Date: 11/27/2005 at 21:13:18

The Clinton Daily Herald Tuesday July 19, 1898 p. 5 P.S. Towle is dead. This was the sad message which reached Henry Towle, the eldest son, Monday evening. The news spread rapidly over the city and was the main topic of conversation, for Mr. Towle was perhaps the best known man in Clinton. Although it was a well known fact that Mr. Towle had been in poor health for several years, yet none thought the end was so near. Death came at Elmira, New York, where Mr. Towle was visiting a sister. Mrs. Towle was with her husband and sent the sad tidings to Henry, the only one of the boys now at home. The dispatch was brief, only stating the fact that the man whom all Clinton honors was dead. He had been seriously sick but a few days, and not even this fact was known in Clinton, outside the family. A few weeks ago Mr. Towle went to New York to see his son Charlie graduate and to attend the grand lodge of the United Workman. At that time he was feeling poorly, but as he had been chosen by his fraternal bretheran to go east in the interest of a lodge which he had done so much to build up, he did not hesitate, but cheerfully went where duty called. He will never return to make a report, but those who know him are certain that his work was well done, as was characteristic of his life. P.S. Towle was born in Bath, Steuben Co., N.Y., June 8, 1836, of English parents. He was reared in his native village and recieved his early education in the common schools of his native town. His first introduction to the world of business, was at Towlesville, where he clerked in a store. Afterward he went to Olean and clerked until 1862. At that time President Lincoln was calling for volunteers to put down the civil war. Mr. Towle, always of a patriotic spirit, responded to the call of his country. He enlisted in the navy and was assigned to duty on board the Vanderbilt, a war vessel that was then hunting for the Alabama. After a cruise of a year and a half he was appointed assistant paymaster of the United States naval service, being stationed ont he United States steamer Clyde, at Key West, Florida, ranking as major. He remained in the navy until the close of the war, part of the time being stationed at Havana, Cuba. Mr. Towle came to Clinton in 1866 and opened up a dry goods store on Front street. He moved the next year to his present location and has remained there ever since. By sagacity and honorable business methods the store of Towle & Spreter Co. has grown to be one of the largest in eastern Iowa. To build such a gigantic business required great energy and perseverance; but Mr. Towle surmounted all obstacles and his store stands today a fitting testimonial to his industry and business ability. In 1882 the firm of Towle & Spreter Co. was formed and since that time Mr. Towle spent considerable of hisi time in trying to recover his lost health. On December 12, 1867, Mr. Towle was married to Miss Mary Brother, of Bath, N.Y. To them three sons, Henry, Charles and Stewart, were born. Henry is now cashier and accountant for the firm of Towle & Spreter Co., Charles is in the engineering corps of the U.S. army, while Stewart is an electrician. Mr. Towle has been a leading member in St. John's Episcopal church for many years and was senior warden at the time of his death. He was an active member of Free Masonery, holding membership in the Blue lodge, chapter and commandery. He was also a member of De Molay Cosistory, No. 1, Ancient Scottish Rite Masons, of Lyons. He wa sa member of the A.O.U.W., Royal Arcanum, American Legion of Honor and Iowa Legion of Honor; also an honored member of Gen. N.B. Baker post No. 88, G.A.R. In the upbuilding of the city of Clinton Mr. Towle was always foremost and this city is indebted to him for many of the fine improvements the people are now enjoying. In all enterprises where the welfare of this city was involved he stood ready to put his shoulder to the wheel and push the matter along. Selfish interests nerve entered his head. He had the city of Clinton and its people at heart and was always willing to spend both time and money where it would do the most good. In the organization of the public library he was an energetic worker and was a member of the board of directors for many years. He took and active part in removing the county seat to Clinton, all because he thought it for the best interest of the county at large. When the question of building a horse railway came up, he became interested and took an active part in the organization of the company which built the railway connecting with Lyons. He took an active part in the consolidation movement, as he thought such a move would benefit both places. He was interested in the wagon bridge across the river and for several years was one of the most ardent supporters of the project. He was elected director of the company and his wise counsel in financial policies has always been eagerly sought. The sanitary condition of Clintoon was made much better at this instigation, as he was a firm believer in the doctrine that health makes a city as well as wealth. He was quick to see a good investment and was deeply interested in many commercial ventures. He was a stockholder in the Clinton Wagon Works, the Peoples Trust and Saving Bank, of which he was a director, the Tri-City Telephone Co., of which he was president, the Clintoon Commercial League, The Buxton Mining Co., the Clinton Mining Co., the Portland Mining Co., he was interested deeply in from their organization; and a stockholder in The Herald. But greatest of all his achievements was the upbuilding of his magnificent store, which was the pride of his life and the center of trade for people for miles in every direction. But today his death is mourned not only as a good citizen and friend, but as a kind husband and a devoted father. By his death Clinton looses one of its oldest and best citizens. In his achievements he leaves a grand monument behind, and one that will always linger in the memory of Clinton people, a more fitting testimonial of worth than stone or marble can make. The remains will arrive in this city over the Northwestern, at 9:30 Wednesday night. The funeral services will be held at 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon.