Born in Ontario in 1833, Town moved to Ripon with his mother and brother in July of 1844. They joined the Wisconsin Phalanx in 1846. Town began clerking in the store of William Starr, later taking over in 1857. Signed Bovay’s letter for the March 20, 1854 school house meeting. He entered the Civil War with the 1st Wisconsin Calvary in 1861 and served until 1865. After returning home to Ripon, Town took up business and public office—serving as Sheriff, State Senator, Mayor, Clerk of the Ceresco School Board, and local Postmaster.