Arthur C. Townley graduated from high school and moved to western North Dakota where he engaged in farming. He experienced financial ruin after a failed wheat farming venture and a calamitous snowstorm, prompting a career shift. Townley later became known as the "Flax King of the Northwest" before his fortunes changed. He transitioned to a different vocation and later worked as an insurance salesman.

Arthur C. Townley's political journey is marked by a blend of resilience and adaptability, transitioning from a financially ruined farmer to a successful insurance salesman. Townley's strategic philosophy seems to hinge on an ability to pivot in the face of adversity, as evidenced by his varied career paths and eventual involvement with a faith-healing group. His ideological positioning remains ambiguous, though his career suggests a pragmatic approach to economic challenges. Townley's rhetorical style likely emphasizes personal struggle and redemption, drawing on his life experiences to connect with constituents on a deeply personal level.