Born in Albia, Iowa, July 1, 1862, son of Judge and Mrs. S. J. Townsend. He was educated in the public schools of Albia and the University of Michigan, graduating from the law department in 1888. He practiced law in El Paso, Texas, for a short time after graduation, and return to Albia in 1890. He was elected county attorney in the early nineties and represented this district in the state senate in the 28th and 29th General Assemblies. He was secretary of the Chautauqua association for several years and had served on both the public school and library boards. He was confirmed in the Episcopal church in early manhood and was an active church worker. He was a member of the Big Brothers class and enjoyed its associations and benefits. He was also active in war activities, the Liberty Loan drives, the Red Cross and the equalization board and gave his efforts to their success. He was married August 14, 1889 to Miss Helen Dawson at Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Born in Albia, Iowa, July 1, 1862, son of Judge and Mrs. S. J. Townsend. He was educated in the public schools of Albia and the University of Michigan, graduating from the law department in 1888. He practiced law in El Paso, Texas, for a short time after graduation, and return to Albia in 1890. He was elected county attorney in the early nineties and represented this district in the state senate in the 28th and 29th General Assemblies. He was secretary of the Chautauqua association for several years and had served on both the public school and library boards. He was confirmed in the Episcopal church in early manhood and was an active church worker. He was a member of the Big Brothers class and enjoyed its associations and benefits. He was also active in war activities, the Liberty Loan drives, the Red Cross and the equalization board and gave his efforts to their success. He was married August 14, 1889 to Miss Helen Dawson at Minneapolis, Minnesota.