John W. Towt

DEATH OF JOHN W. TOWT.
While the announcement that John W. Towt died at his home in Nyack Thursday afternoon may not cause surprise in this community because it was expected, it will carry with it the forcible impression that Nyack has lost one of its best citizens, the church one of its strongest adherents and most sincere workers, and humanity at large one of its warmest friends and most practical sympathizers. Mr. Towt's last illness was not of long duration. About three weeks ago he was taken down with the ailment which resulted in his death. For a few years past he has suffered from severe attacks of sickness which have at times threatened to carry him off to that bright land whither his unbroken faith for many a long year had directed him ; but in each instance his strong and vigorous constitution carried him through that he might further fulfill his mission among men. The last attack, however, broke the cord which bound him to earth, and his soul fled away to a purer region. The record left behind it is worthy of emulation. John W. Towt was born in New York City on March 8, 1802, and came to Nyack 35 years ago with his family. His home on that magnificent ridge west of Nyack village is known by nearly every one in Rockland County. His wife, Susan C. Towt, died on Nov. 14, 1885. There are seven children living. Two sons, J. W. and V. Towt. are living in the West. Louis Towt is a resident of New York City and Charles D. Towt lives in Nyack. Of the daughters, one is the wife of the Rev. Solomon Parsons, a well known clergyman of the Methodist denomination ; another is the wife of Mr. L. L. Robbins, of Nyack, and the third the wife of Mr. Howard Van Buren of this place. Another son, Edward, died a few years ago. Mr. Towt was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this place for a long term of years, aud was active in every good work connected with that religious body. His heart was warm with love for the cause of religion, and his purse was always open when financial assistance was needed. Mr. Towt was a Christian not only in theory but in practice. While he was a devout attendant upon the church services he made his religion felt wherever he was. His benevolence was unbounded, and he showed by his works that he was one who, like Abou Ben Adhem, " loved his fellow men." All through the war Mr. Towt's loyalty to his government showed itself in many praiseworthy forms. He loved his nation's flag and her honor as he loved his life, and while doing everything in his power to cheer on the brave boys who were at the front, he did not forget the dear ones they left behind. His purse was ever open to carry out the promptings of his warm and generous heart. At a public meeting held in the old Union Hall, on Main Street, on May 24th, 1861, to take action in regard to assisting the families of volunteers until such time as should permit them to be beyond danger of want, Mr. Towt was one of the foremost ones present in the good movement, and was made one of the Vice Presidents of the relief organization effected at that time. When a committee of that organization was appointed to take charge of and supply the families in need, he was made chairman of that committee, and nobly did he perform the duties which devolved upon him. In the month of May, 1863, the Nyack branch of the Loyal National League was formed, and in that organization one of the most useful members was John W. Towt. The colored race had no better friend in this place than John W. Towt. He was one of the principal movers in the organization of the A. M. E. Zion Church in Nyack, and for a long time was Superintendent of the Sundayschool connected with that church. A house of worship was built for the colored people, principally through the efforts of Mr. Towt, on Burd Street, and for many, many months, rain or shine, his horse and carriage were seen in front of the church every Sunday while he was attending to nis self-im-posed and pleasant duties inside. Mr. Towt was one who believed in putting his theories for the elevation of tho colored race into practice, and in those earlier days when there was less opportunity for their advancement than there is at present, he set to work manfully to solve for himself the problem of how the minds of the colored people should be developed and improved. The people of the colored Methodist E. Church of this place never had a better friend than John W. Towt, and right well do they realize that fact. Eulogy in a case like that of Mr. Towt's is not a mere sentiment. All the good that can be spoken of him is but the truth. He was a quiet, unostentatious man, never seeking notoriety, but his good deeds made a history for him which stands out bright and clear.