William F. Towns
William F. Towns, dealer in boots and shoes, Ravenna, was born May 8, 1844, in Paris Township, Stark Co., Ohio. His parents, Joseph and Harriet Towns, former a native of Maine, latter of Maryland, settled in Stark County, Ohio, in early life, and moved to Ravenna Township, this county, in 1864. Here Mr. Towns departed this life March 5, 1871. Of their ten children five are now living: T. H. (in Pomeroy, Ohio), William F., Mrs. W. S. Churchill (in Ravenna Township, this county), M. N. (in Brookville, Kan.), and L. J. (in this city). Mrs. Towns is now living in Ravenna. Our subject received his early education in the schools of the home district and in attending college at Alliance, Ohio. He established and carried on the Salem Business College, Salem, Ohio, during the winter of 1869-70. Mr. Towns was united in marriage October 24, 1870, with Miss Hattie M., daughter of W. D. Durham, of this city, and they have two children: Florence I. and Nellie A. In 1882 Mr. Towns established a boot and shoe business on Main Street, in Ravenna, and by courtesy to his customers and strict business principles he has built up an extensive trade in the city and vicinity. He is quite a church worker, a member of the official board of officers of one of the leading churches of the city, and does a good portion of its financial work; he is at present Church Treasurer, which position he has held several years.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885