History of Michigan, / by Charles Moore. [Vol. 3]

HISTORY OF MICIHIGAN

1535

well qualified for his responsibilities to society. Dr. Glenn G. Towsley
was born at Portland, Michigan, May 6, I866, the oldest of three sons
born to Almon H. and Nellie (Joslin) Towsley. His father, who died in
I9IO, was a farmer by occupation, and a native of Niagara county, New
York. The mother was born at Lansing, Michigan, where she still resides. When Dr. Towsley was five years of age he began his attendance
at the country schools, and continued his studies in such institutions until
he was about fifteen. He then entered the Portland high school, where
he finished a course in 1887, at the age of twenty. Already he had made
up his mind as to his future course in life, and the only obstacle was
sufficient capital to pursue his studies. In order to get the means for his
higher education, he spent a year and a half as a clerk in a country store,
and also taught school. With this money he entered the University of
Michigan, in 1889, and after a brief course again took up school teaching,
finally returning to the University and graduating. M. D. from the medical
department in 1894. He then began his practice at Lowell, Michigan,
and in a short time had a satisfying practice. Later he entered a medical
college in New York city for post-graduate work, and finished a special
course there, returning in I899 to Lowell. There he continued until I909,
when once more he took post-graduate studies in New York City. In
I9IO he established his office at Grand Rapids, where he has built up a
large business, specializing in the diseases of the eye, ear; nose and throat.
Dr. Towsley is a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy,
and also has membership in the Kent County Medical Society, and the,Michigan State Medical Society. Fraternally he is affiliated with the
Lodge, Chapter and Knight Templar Commandery of Masonry, and also
with the Shrine, and the Eastern Star. His other fraternal affiliations
include membership in the Modern Woodmen of America, the Gleaners,
the Loyal Order of Moose. In politics the doctor is a Republican voter,
and he and his wife are members of the Baptist church. Mrs. Towsley
is active in social and literary circles, being a member of the East End
Literary Club and the Order of Eastern Star. Their home is at 310 Norwood Avenue, and the doctor's offices in the Ashton Building.
Dr. Towsley has been twice married. In I890 he married Miss Mabel
A. Ward, who was his class mate and graduated with him both at high
school and at college. Her death occurred August 4, I894, and she left
no children. On July I5, I896, occurred the marriage of Dr. Towsley to
Nellie A. McCarty of Lowell, Michigan. They have two children, Paul
G., now sixteen years of age, and Catherine E., aged twelve.
HAROLD F. CONGLETON. A Michigan family that has been identified
with the state for seventy years is represented by Harold F. Congleton,
one of Flint's leading merchants, who has for forty years had an active
career in business and has frequently been honored with positions of trust
and responsibility in the different communities of his residence.
His birth occurred in the township of Farmington, Oakland county,
Michigan, February I2, I849. His father, George B. Congleton, a native
of New Jersey, came to Michigan early in the forties, settling in Pontiac,
but the greater part of his active career was passed in Franklin in Oakland county. He was a blacksmith by trade, and that vocation gave him
the means of support until he retired. He served his township of Southfield for years as justice of the peace. He was an active Republican, and
a member of the Methodist church. The last ten years of his life were
spent in Clio in Genesee county, and while there he held the position of
township treasurer for two years, and village treasurer four years. He
was always active in local affairs.
George B. Congleton was born in New Jersey. The maiden name of