For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 673
THOMAS T. TOWNSLEY, a prominent farmer of Muscatine county, who for some years past has served most acceptably as justice of the peace in Cedar township, was born at Greene county, Ohio, May 17, 1848, a son of Cyrus and Elizabeth ( Stevenson ) Townsley. He received his preliminary education in the public schools, later attending the high school and after coming west graduating from a veternary college at Omaha, Nebraska. He remained in the Buckeye state until twenty-three years of age and then began trading and handling stock, operating in Nebraska and Kansas principally but also at times in Colorado, Texas and other states. He continued in this business for twenty years, during which time he gained a wide acquaintance among stockmen and built up an enviable reputation in his special line.After his marriage Mr. Townsley spent sixteen years in Rock Island county, Illinois, where he cultivated a farm of two hundred and eighty acres and also raised live stock, which he delivered regularly to the market. Having rented part of his farm, he devoted the remainder of it to stock purposes and in 1906 purchased the farm in Cedar township, this county, upon which he now lives, it being the old homestead of the family. It is one of the best improved places in the locality and is provided with all modern conveniences for up-to-date operations. The success of Mr. Townsley has been largely due to his skillful handling and feeding of cattle and hogs.
On the 12th of September, 1883, Mr. Townsley was united in marriage to Miss Celestia E. Woodward, a daughter of C. R. and Amanda E. ( Glancey ) Woodward. Her father is a native of Pennsylvania and her mother of Indiana. They are now living in Mercer county, Illinois. There were three children in their family: John G.; Mary S., now the wife of R. G. Hines, of Mercer county, Illinois; and Celestia E. Three children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Townsley: Elizabeth E., born June 22, 1894; Cyrus R., April 10, 1897; and Helen Agnes, July 5, 1899.
Since arriving at voting age Mr. Townsley has given his allegiance to the republican party, believing that its principles are most condusive to the prosperity and permanency of the republic. He and his family are consistent members of the Presbyterian church and give it their hearty support. A man of large and varied experience, Mr.Townsley is somewhat cosmopolitan and is broader in his views than one less versed in human nature. He has attained success through diligence and perseverance, and his record should be an encouragement to all who are striving to accomplish worthy objects.
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