Stokeley P. Towles M. D., a leading physician and surgeon of Moberly, has practiced within the county's borders for nearly a quarter of a century. He was born near Jacksonville, Randolph County, Mo., July 22, 1874. the son of George D. and Mary D. Towles, to whom three children were born: Dr. Stokey P., the subject of this sketch , Robert E., deceased, and Delia the wife of F. F. Brock, who lives on the old homestead, near Jacksonville. George D. Towles, the father, was also a native of Randolph County, born at Huntsville, July 7, 1855, being descended from a long line of Virginia ancestors. His father was a native of Lancaster County, Va. He came west at an early day, locating in Missouri, where he engaged in the contracting business, and was one of the men who took an active part in the founding and building of Huntsville, Mo., which was named after his wife's father, whose name was Hunt. George D. Towles was reared on his father's farm near Cairo, received his education in the public schools of the county and after reachïng manhood, engaged in farming. He was one of the substantial and prominent farmers and stock raisers of this section, where he spent his life. Mary Towles was also born on a homestead which her father entered from the government, spent her life in this country and died at the old home place in 1918, aged 64 years. The Towles family were members of the Baptist church, to which they contributed all their lives. Dr. Towles sent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, attended the district school, near his home, during the winters and early began to assist his father and assume many duties around the farms. After completing his academic course and having laid the foundation for a higher education along special lines, Dr. Towles entered Keokuk Medical College, Keokuk, Ia., in the fall of 1895, and was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, March 15, 1898. He began the practice of his profession at Milton, Mo. Within two years he had built up a good practice. He then located at Jacksonville, in 1900, remained there one year when he came to Moberly, which has remained the scene of his professional labors and successes to the present time. Dr. Towles has never ceased to be a student of the great science of medicine. He has a large practice and is one of Randolph County's foremost physicians. On Sept. 28, 1899, Dr. Towles was manned to Miss Anna M. Burton. who was born near Milton, Mo. She is a daughter of Robert and Mollie (Scott) Burton. The father is now deceased, and the mother makes her home with her daughter. Mr. Burton was a farmer and one of the early settlers of Monroe County. Two children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Towles: Helen and Harold, both at home with their their parents. The family are members of the Methodist church. Dr. Towles is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He has attained a high place in the rank of the medical profession of Randolph County. (Waller, Alexander, "History of Randolph County" pages 469-470; Historical Publishing Co., 1920: Topeka. KS ) ---------------------------------- Canote and Towles Genealogy http://www.geocities.com/towlescanote --------------------------------