TOWNE, Orin: 1843-1922

TOWNE, TALBOTT, UMPHREY

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri (email)
Date: 9/3/2013 at 05:28:41

Life Sketch

Orin Towne was born at Millersburg, Ohio, Nov. 19, 1843, and departed this life Oct. 21, 1922, at his home in Kilbourne, Iowa. In 1846 he, in company with his parents, brothers and sisters journeyed westward until they came to the beautiful Des Moines valley, where they decided to make their home. It was at that time an uncleared tract of land, but he lived to see the developments which now exist in the valley. He was the last member of the Towne family, having lived to see his parents, brothers, sisters, also two half-brothers laid to rest.

He was married to Harriet A. Talbott, Feb. 21, 1867. To them was born one son Stillman, now a resident of San Francisco, Calif. His wife died in 1868. He was married to Ellen I. Umphrey, Oct. 12, 1871, and to this union were born nine children. Three sons preceded him death, the rest with the wife survive and all ministered to his comfort, for which he was ever grateful, for even when suffering intensively, he never failed to thank one for every kindness.

He was a great reader and much interested in good schools, having served as secretary of the Kilbourne school board for thirty-six years, retiring a few years ago because of poor health. He had 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren. His suffering was great, but bore it all with patience. His children were all at his bedside when he passed away except Stillman of California.

Funeral services were held at the home at 2:30 Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. B.H. Morse, C.P. Barker and wife, A.C. Minear and Bessie Forbes, four friends of the family, sang. He was laid to rest in the Kilbourne cemetery. Besides the immediate family he has a host of relatives and friends who mourn his departure. The large congregation present, even tho it was raining, testified of the esteem in which he was held. Those who knew him, best loved him most.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 215, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA