Background
Towne, Henry Robinson was born on August 28, 1844 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of John Henry and Maria (Tevis) Towne.
Towne, Henry Robinson was born on August 28, 1844 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of John Henry and Maria (Tevis) Towne.
Student of University of Pennsylvania, 1861-1862. Honorary Master of Arts, 1887.
Began active career in 1862, as draughtsman, Port Richmond Iron Works, owned by the firm of I. P. Morris, Towne & Company, for nearly 2 years, and in 1863 was put in charge of Government work in the shops for repairs of gunboat Massachusetts. In 1864-1866 was in charge of erecting engines in monitors Monadnock and Agamenticus and similar work, until war closed. After war became special student of engineering with Robert Briggs, and took special course in physics at the Sorbonne, Paris.
Afterward connected with shops of William Sellers & Company, Philadelphia Became associated, in summer 1868, with Linus Yale in manufacturer of locks and after Mr. Yale’s death, December 1868, became president Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company, Stamford, Connecticut, until 1915. Later Chairman of the Board.
Chairman of the Board Morris Plan Company New York Life member American Society of Mechanical Engineers (vice president 1884-1886, president 1888-1889). President Merchants’ Association of New York, 1908-1913.
Member American Society of Mechanical Engineers (v.
Married Cora E. White, 1868 (died 1917).