For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 666
O. E. TOWNSLEY....The owner of a well improved farm in Cedar township which he acquired through years of industry, O. E. Townsley has attained a recognized position as one of the substantial and respected citizens of Muscatine county. He is a native of Cedar township, this county, born March 18, 1860, and is a son of Cyrus and Elizabeth ( Stevenson ) Townsley. The father was born in Ohio and the mother in Kentucky. They came to Muscatine county after their marriage in 1849 and set up housekeeping in a log cabin with a stick chimney, puncheon floor and greased paper for windows, living in this style for several years until they were able to move into a more pretentious residence. Cyrus Townsley prospered as a farmer and became the head of a family of nine children, seven of whom are now living. He departed this life August 11, 1905, his beloved companion having been called away June 30, 1896.O. E. Townsley was educated in the district school and assisted upon the home farm until he was twenty-two years of age when he was married and began farming upon his own account by renting land. After one year upon rented property he purchased fifty acres on section 23, Cedar township, where he now lives, and, applying himself diligently, acquired more land until today he is the owner of two hundred and forty-five acres in one body. He raises grains extensively but makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock, being one of the most successful stock-raisers in his part of the county. Ne has made many improvements on his farm in buildings, fences, and drainage nad has used a judgment which has prodused excellent returns. By good managements he has overcome many difficulties that might have discouraged a less resolute man but he steadilt persevered and is now assured of a handsome competence for the rest of his life.
On the 8th of March, 1882, Mr. Townsley was united in marriage to Miss Ava McMichael, who was born September 1, 1864, a daughter of Joseph and Anna E. ( Snyder ) McMichael. The father was born in Ireland and the mother in Ohio, the former coming to this country at seventeen years of age. Both are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Townsley seven children were born : Clyde E., a resident of Cedar Township ; Guy O., of Clinton, Iowa ; Roy, who died at the age of thirteen years ; Rayzell, deceased ; Maxey and Edna, at home ; and Anna Margaret, deceased.
Mr. Townsley gives his support to the republican party and although he has never sought public office, he has been called to positions of responsibility by his neighbors and is now filling the office of township trustee. He has also served with great acceptance as a member of the school board. He and his estimable wife are affiliated with the United Brethren church and for a number of years he has been identified with the Fraternal Aid Society. He has steadily progressed from the beginning of his active career not only as a landowner but as a man of influence in the county. He has many friends who are attracted by his genial qualities and his interest in the welfare of others.
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