Hillcrest Cemetery now home to Towles marker
A historical marker dedication was held for Thomas Jefferson Towles Tuesday, Sept. 18, in Hillcrest Cemetery. The event was hosted by the Canton Main Street Program and the Van Zandt Historical Commission.
VZC Commissioner Pct. 4 Tim West welcomed guests to the dedication and VZC Commissioner Pct. 3 Keith Pearson led the invocation.
VZC Historical Commission member Lawrence Greer gave a brief history of Thomas Jefferson Towles, who left a lasting legacy in Van Zandt County.
Unveiling the marker was Texas Historical Commission members Emily Koller and Riley Triggs. After the unveiling, Alice Towles, portrayed by Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett, read the historical marker. The marker text reads:
Thomas Jefferson Towles was the youngest of seven children born to William and Elizabeth (Jones) Towles. Thomas was born on December 29, 1843, in Jones County, Georgia. After losing his farther in 1847 and mother in 1854, Thomas came to Van Zandt County, Texas, in 1857 with his older brother, Adam T. Towles, who settled and farmed near Canton. Thomas received his education at a private subscription school in Canton and at McKenzie College near Clarksville while also assisting Adam with the farm. At age 17, Thomas entered the Confederate Army in the third Texas Cavalry as a private in Company G, south Kansas-Texas Regiment, which was one of the first units to serve outside of Texas. In May 1862, Towles was promoted to 2nd Lt. in charge of company Cavalry Scouts, eventually assigned to Ross’s Brigade. He participated in well-known battles including Vicksburg and skirmishes in Northern Georgia. It was during this time that Lt. Towles became one of General Ross’ most confidential advisors.
On February 14, 1864, while on furlough from the army, Towles married Nancy Ann Nolan in Georgia. After the war, he returned to Van Zandt county where he became one of the most influential citizens of Canton and Van Zandt County. He was one of the largest farmers and stock raisers, and operated a gin. As a Canton businessman, he was a liquor dealer, grocer, and mercantile store owner. As a politician, he serves as the county sheriff, tax collector and as a representative in the 15th and 21st Texas legislatures. He was Canton’s leader in the “county seat war,” an 1877 incident whereby Towles led and won a legal battle against an election which caused the removal of the county seat from Canton to Wills Point. Towles was the father of seven children. He died January 21, 1909, leaving a lasting legacy of service to his community. “
Mayor Everett
Canton Main Street Manager Stacy Crossley thanked Canton Economic Director Julie Seymore for the CEDC’s help with the dedication and the VZC Historical Commission for their research and efforts for the historical marker.
