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Submitted by Cheryl Van Wormer.


					MERTON E. TOWN.

MERTON E. TOWN.  Among the young men who are factors in the financial growth of Montcalm County 
is Mr. Town, who is located in Crystal Township and is carrying on a general merchandise 
business.  He was born in Livingston County May 18, 1863, and is a son of Ira C. and Emma (Beach)
Town.  The surroundings of his early life were such as are common in agricultural communities, 
his father being a farmer, and prior to his twentieth year his educational privileges were those 
of the common school.  He then went to Detroit and entered the commercial school known as the 
Spencerian Institute, but which has since been merged with Bryant and Stratton's College.  He 
devoted a year to study there, the returned to his father's house and spent a twelvemonth in work
upon the farm.
	During his youth Mr. Town had devoted the summers to farm work, attending school during 
the winters only, and he became thoroughly acquainted with the details of agricultural life.  
When he left home the second time he went to Auburn, Bay County, and became salesman and 
book-keeper for Ira. E. Swart, with whom he remained five years.  He then came to Crystal, 
Montcalm County, and bought the stock of goods belonging to H. H. Steffey and has been carrying 
on business with very satisfactory results.  His parents are now living within five miles of the 
village, having come to the township in the spring of 1865.
	Mr. Town has never sought office and limits his political work to informing himself 
regarding party principles and issues of the day and voting the Democratic ticket.  He takes an 
interest in all public enterprises that promise to increase the prosperity of the section in 
which he lives, or add to the welfare of the people.  He is quite popular and is looked upon as 
one of the rising young men of the neighborhood.



This biography is taken from "PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF IONIA AND MONTCALM COUNTIES, 
MICHIGAN."  Chapman Brothers.  Chicago, Illinois.  1891.  Pages 420-421.