JUDGE THOMAS TOWLES

Judge Thomas TOWLES was born in Spottsylvania County, VA, on 01 Jun 1784. His father, Stokeley TOWLES, was born in Lancaster, VA, 21 Feb 1750, and died 23 May 1800. His mother, Mary SMITH, was born 08 Sep 1755, and died 06 May 1813. Judge TOWLES immigrated to Henderson County in 1805, and resided here to the date of his death, 12 Dec 1850.

Judge TOWLES first married Miss HOPKINS, daughter of General Samuel HOPKINS in 1809. She died, leaving one son, Thomas Jr., who was known as the brightest mind ever born in the county - a lawyer of wonderful memory and marked ability.

Judge TOWLES then married Elizabeth ALVES, daughter of Walter ALVES, one of the signers of the Henderson Grant, and Amelia JOHNSTON, whose father was William JOHNSTON, one of the Richard HENDERSON & Co., to whom the grant was made. Elizabeth survived her husband two years, she died 28 Jun 1852.

By his last marriage there were three children, Dr. John J. TOWLES, Mrs. Bettie T. BARRET and Walter A. TOWLES, all married and have children.

Judge TOWLES was a lawyer of large practice, and held the unrestrained confidence of the people of his town and county. He was the head and front of every enterprise, and no man gave more liberally of his time and means. On 16 Jan 1816, he was commissioned by President Madison, one of the judges for the territory of Illinois. He was a warm, personal friend of the renowned John James AUDUBON.

Starling's History of Henderson County, Kentucky, 1887.

JUDGE THOMAS TOWLES REFERENCES

MARRIAGES IN HENDERSON COUNTY 1806 - 1858

Thomas Towles - Anne T. Hopkins, 24 Jun 1809, Book 000A, Page 002

1850 HENDERSON COUNTY CENSUS

Thomas Towles age 66, Page 122, House No. 515; Elizabeth age 50; John J. 23; William F. Barret age 25; Elizabeth Barret age 20; Harrison Grigsby age 30.

Thomas Towles, Jr. age 39, Page 1, House No. 2; Judith age 30; Mary age 11; Ann age 10; Martha age 5; Henry age 3; Betty age 2.

1860 HENDERSON COUNTY CENSUS

W. A. Towels, age 35, Page 1, House No. 1; S. D. (f) age 26; E. A. (f) age 3; J. T. (m) age 1.

John Towles, age 33, Page 61, House No. 206; Louisa age 27; Arthur age 6; Florence age 4; Menna (f) no age listed; Calvin Alves no age listed.

William T. Barrett age 36, Page 101, House No. 601; Bettie age 29; Thomas age 7; Strachan age 4.

1870 HENDERSON COUNTY CENSUS

Walter A. Towles age 45, Page 145, house No. 39; Susan age 36; Elizabeth age 11; Susan age 9; Walter age 6; Thomas 5; Sillis age 3; Mary L. age 1.

Louisa Towles age 39, Page 144, House No. 35; Arthur age 16; Florence age 14; Louise age 10; John J. age 8; Stokley age 6.