TOWNE, Ralph P. 1874-1936

TOWNE

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 11/23/2010 at 23:00:25

Ralph Towne, Once
Osage Man Found
Dead in Automobile

The following account from the Mason City Globe-Gazette tells of the death of a former Osage man, Ralph Towne, who moved from the Osage vicinity (on the River Road) to Mason City about eighteen years ago. He was an uncle to Norma Towne, who lives with Miss Lulu Fay, and he and his wife and daughter drove here frequently to visit former neighbors and friends. The account follows:

“Ralph Towne, 715 Delaware Avenue NE, was found dead in his car near Cameron, southeast of Mason City, early Thursday morning. Coroner J. E. McDonald stated that Mr. Towne died of heart disease. The body of Mr. Towne was found slumped over the steering wheel of his car, which had been stopped in the middle of the road. The motor was not running, although the ignition was turned on. It was believed by the coroner and the sheriffs deputies who examined the body, that Mr. Towne had died about eight hours. previous to his discovery.

“Mr. Towne left his home about 7:30 o'clock Wednesday evening and failed to return. The car was headed south on the highway. Mr. Towne was a painter in Mason City.

Mr. Towne was born in Iowa July 31, 1874.

Besides the wife, Edna and one daughter, Gertrude, he is survived by three brothers and four sisters: Ensign, of California; Clarence, of Mason City; Willis, of Plymouth; Mrs. Amanda Holcomb, Plymouth; Clara Davey, California; Viola Robinson and Anna Redington, Mason City.

“Funeral services were held on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 at the Randall Funeral Home, with the Reverend C. E. Flynn, pastor of the First M. E. church, in charge. Interment was made in Elmwood Cemetery."

[Mitchell County Press, Thursday, April 23, 1936]

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