Canton in Van Zandt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Thomas Jefferson Towles

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, November 26, 2023

1. Thomas Jefferson Towles Marker

Inscription. The youngest of seven children born to William and Elizabeth (Jones) Towles, Thomas Jefferson Towles was born on December 29, 1843, in Jones County, Georgia. After losing his father in 1847 and his 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 its first units to serve outside of Texas. In May 1862, Towles was promoted to 2nd Lt. in charge of a company of cavalry scouts, eventually assigned to Ross's Brigade. He participated in many 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

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

returned to Van Zandt County where he became one of the more influential citizens of Canton and Van Zandt County. He was one of the larger 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 served 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.

Erected 2017 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18859.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is December 29, 1843.

Location. 32° 33.516′ N, 95° 51.726′ W. Marker is in Canton, Texas, in Van Zandt County. It can be reached from the intersection of North Trade Days Blvd

Thomas Jefferson Towles Marker and grave stone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, November 26, 2023

2. Thomas Jefferson Towles Marker and grave stone

and Groves Street. The marker is located in the Hillcrest Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 339 N Trade Days Blvd, Canton TX 75103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Edmund A. Wynne (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hillcrest Cemetery (about 300 feet away); Canton: The Misplaced County Seat (about 300 feet away); First Monday Trades Day (about 300 feet away); Dixie Hotel (about 800 feet away); Caldwell Walton Raines (approx. 0.2 miles away); Oran Milo Roberts (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of 1896 Van Zandt County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canton.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, November 26, 2023

3. Thomas Jefferson Towles Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 254 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 29, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.