Nathaniel Tower

NATHANIEL D. TOWER,* a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Montana township, Labette county, Kansas, takes an intelligent interest in the leading questions of the day, and has deeply at heart the welfare of his section of the Sunflower State. Mr. Tower was born in Chenango county, New York, in 1839, and is a son of Loammi and Elizabeth (Townsend) Tower. Loammi Tower, who was by occupation a farmer, was born in Vermont, and his wife was a native of the Empire State. Seven children comprised the parental family, as follows: Polly (Shoe), of Illinois; Nathaniel D., the subject of these lines; Sarah (Fore), of Van Wert county, Ohio; Samuel; Mary and Matilda, who are deceased; and Timothy, who was killed in an engagement of the Civil War. Nathaniel D. Tower's parents removed to Ohio when he was five years old, and there he was educated in the public schools, and was prepared for the sober duties of life. In 1857, the family removed to Illinois, where, in Sangamon county, they continued to reside for a number of years, during which period Nathaniel followed carpenter work. In 1865, he left Illinois, traveled overland to Kansas, in company with Samuel Dunham, and located in Labette county. The following year (1866), he took up a claim in section 30, Montana township, having made proper, entry of it at Humboldt, Kansas, where the nearest land office was located.

Mr. Tower has continued to reside upon this farm ever since, and has carried on general farming and stock raising. Quite recently, in 1899, his present large, substantial residence, a two-story frame, with seven rooms, was erected, and the whole place was otherwise improved and modernized. Mr. Tower was joined in marriage with Miss R. Whitehead, who was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1841. Ten children blessed their union. Of this interesting family, the eldest two, Daniel and George, are farmers in the state of Missouri, Charles, the next one, is deceased. Ruth M., the eldest daughter, is now Mrs. Carns, of Oswego, Kansas. Martin, the next in order, is an employee of the Colorado and Midland Railroad and resides in Colorado City, Colorado. Nora, the second daughter, is now Mrs. Whelen, of Denison, Texas. Herbert, the next son, assists in cultivating the home farm. Bryan is a fireman on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway, and resides at Denison, Texas. Grover is an assistant on the farm, while Allen N., the youngest son, resides in the Indian Territory.

Mr. Tower is closely allied with the Populist party in Kansas, and has served his party in various ways. He served one term as treasurer of Montana township, and was, for several years, on the school board, of which he was also treasurer. He is a prominent member of the Anti-Horsethief Association, Camp No. 26, and belongs to Labette Lodge, No. 488, I. 0. 0. F., and, the Sons and Daughters of justice, also of Labette. In religious matters, he was reared a Baptist, and strongly adheres to the faith of that denomination. He ranks among the most prominent citizens of Montana township, and his success in life is most gratifying to his friends and his family.