Niagara County News 14 April 1882

Sketch of the Life and Death of Mr. Peter Tower.
Peter Tower was born in Cummington, Mass, July 10, 1791, and died at his home in Porter, N.Y., April 1, 1882
He came to this town in 1813 and looked about, selecting a place where he thought he would like to locate, and then went to Palmyra where he remained two years; returning here in 1815 be purchased a farm of one hundred acres, on which be spent the remainder of his life. He has added to this place from time to time, until at his death it contained two hundred and fifty acres.
He bought many other farms in this town and Wilson, and, after improving them, sold them. He also took up land warrants bat the west, and went there a number of times to locate these lands. He was in Chicago when it contained but two or three houses, but decided that it was not a desirable location.
Mr. Tower was very active in all the affairs of the town; helping to lay out roads, and by his activity and energy he did much to promote the interests of this section of country.
He was called to fill several important town offices, and for a number of years had charge of the government grounds around Fort Niagara. The first town meeting in Porter was held at his house, and the first school outside of the village was kept in a log house at the end of his lot.
Mr. Tower was a carpenter by trade, and built many houses in this and adjoining towns. He was also a cabinet-maker, and until within the last twenty-flve years made most of the coffins that were used in this vicinity. His daughter, Mrs. Robinson, states that it was customary to use brass-headed nails to ornament coffins, and that she has often helped her father by driving these nails after he marked the places for them. The highest price he ever received for a coffin was $15.
At the time of the Morgan excitement he look slrong ground against the Masons, and was very active in assisting in the search for Morgan's body, he with others helping to drag the river for it. One cause of his interest was, that for a number of months Morgan was an inmate of his household, and he became warmly attached to him. During his life nothing would exoite him more than the subject of Masonry.
Mr. Tower kept a store on his place from 1831 to 1862. After the marriage of his youngest son the building was remodeled and used for a dwelling house.
Mr. Tower was married twice; tho first time to Hannah Bailey, in 1819; six children were the fruit of this marriage, three of whom are living, Mrs. Lianda Robinson, residing in Flint, Mich., John E. Tower, of Wilson, N.Y., and Wm. Tower, of Charlotte, Mich.
Mrs. Tower died Dec. 27, 1831, and Mr. Tower married Olive Baldwin Smith, June 13, 1838; seven children were born to them, five of whom are living, Luke, Geo. P., Harman B., Peter S., and Olive A., who is the wife of Lewis Hosmer. These are all married and settled in this town, and the declining years of their father have been cheered by their thoughtful care and attention.
Mr. Tower possessed many admirable traits of character. A thorough business man, active and energetic, prompt and reliable always, he united with these qualities a heart full of kind and generous impulses. The poor were never turned away empty from his door; his hospitality was without stint, and the warmest of welcomes was ever extended to those who visited him. His last illness was of brief duration. On Monday he was to all appearances, as well as usual, and on Saturday night, about eleven o'clock, he passed away.
His funeral was very largely attended, friends and neighbors thus showing their appreciation of him. The funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 4, and were conducted by Rev. John Reid, Messrs. J. W. Brown and S. Shippy being in charge. The following gentlemen officiated as bearers: L.C. Beals, J.E. Ripson, Thomas 0. Wilson, J. L. Whittaker, William Hill, L.P. Gillett. Pall Bearers -Edward Calvert, H. Cuddaback, A. L Barker, S. Park Baker, A. J. Eaton, James Canfield.
His last resting place is in Tower Cemetery, a short distance from the home in which so many years of his life were spent.