CONFEDERATE BIOGRAPHY: THOMAS J. TOWLES - Van Zandt County, TX

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Submitted by Doris Peirce - ginlu@charter.net
26 January, 2002 
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TEXANS WHO WORE THE GRAY by Sid S. Johnson 
THOMAS J. TOWLES

Thomas J. Towles, of Canton, was born in Jones county, Georgia, 
Dec. 29, 1843.  When fourteen years of age he came to Texas, 
locating in Van Zandt county where he was reared and educated.  In 
the month of June 1861 he enlisted at Dallas in Co. "G", Third Texas 
Cavalry, and served through the entire war, being in all the battles 
participated in by his regiment.  In the progress of the fight with 
Gen. McCook's troops at Newnan, July 30th, 1864, he was dangerously 
wounded and remained for some time within the lines of the enemy.  
As he was sitting against a tree, his clothing saturated with blood 
from his wounds, Gen. McCook and his staff halted in front of him 
and after assuring him of surgical aid as soon as it could be 
procured he inquired what forces were opposing him on the immediate 
field.  Lieut. Towles replied: "You can form as correct an estimate 
of their numerical strength as I can, as the divisions of Jackson, 
Wheeler, and Roddy are present;" whereupon Gen. McCook remarked to 
his staff:  "We must get out of this!" and immediately rode away.  
This probably explains the panic with which the Federals were seized 
when Gen. Ross soon after bore down upon them in the headlong charge 
which routed and dispersed them.  Certainly too much praise can not 
be accorded this brave officer for his fortitude and loyal devotion 
to his country's cause, though suffering from excruciating pain.  
He was long the brave, vigilant, and efficient commander of the 
brigade scouts, and as such was the eyes and ears of the command.  
In the discharge of this hazardous service he won the confidence 
of his commanding general and as Gen. Ross said, "we always slept 
with a sense of security when the faithful Captain Towles was on 
duty."  After the surrender Capt. Towles returned to Van Zandt 
county and became a planter.  He has been called by the people to 
the office of sheriff, tax collector and representative; serving 
in the latter capacity in the 15th and 21st Texas legislatures 
where he was on important committees and rendered great service to 
Texas.  He was married in Butts county, Georgia, Feb. 14, 1864, 
to Miss N. A. Nolen.  They have had seven children, four sons and 
three daughters, of whom only the two youngest, Eva and Alice, are 
living.  Captain Towles is worthy the homage of all who admire the 
true and the brave.