My Genealogy Hound

James W. Townsend, dealer in general merchandise, grain and hogs, and at one time the largest grain dealer in the northern part of the county, is the son of E. H. and Elizabeth Townsend, who located in this county in 1880. In 1868 our subject purchased a one-half interest in the stock of goods of John Stafford, the firm being Stafford & Townsend for a period of eight years, terminating in our subject becoming proprietor of the stock. T. M. Gares then became a partner, and in 1882 our subject was elected circuit court clerk, holding the office four years, during which time the store was run by his parents and their clerk. At the expiration of his term of office he returned to Athens, and resumed his former business, purchasing his partner’s interest, and has since been sole proprietor. In 1878 he married Miss Hattie, the daughter of J. C. Curtis, of Athens, now of Keokuk, Iowa. To this union were born six children— three sons and three daughters. Mr. Townsend is a member of the Masonic order, and his wife is a member of the Episcopal Church.