My Genealogy Hound

MRS. C. TOWNSEND, widow. Bloomington; is the widow of Rev. J. B. Townsend (now deceased). Mr. Townsend was a gentleman of more than ordinary mental capacity, though for many years an invalid. In speaking of those who are gone, we feel that this history would be incomplete, without a personal mention of Mr. T. He was a native of Washington Co., N. Y.; was born Aug. 8, 1810; his father intended him for the legal profession; for this purpose he entered the Union College of Schenectady, N. Y., where he was graduated with honor in 1835; he then spent one year in Castleton, Vt., as assistant principal in a seminary; he then entered the Auburn Theological Seminary; finishing his theological course in the Union Seminary of New York; his health failing, he moved to Knoxville, Tenn., taking charge of a seminary for young ladies; here he formed the acquaintance of Gen. John H. Cook, of Virginia; his health still being poor, he was induced to visit Gen. Cook at his home in Virginia; regaining his health, he again began preaching in Goochland Co., Va.; in 1843, he went to the wild country of Missouri, and began his work there; shrinking from no duty and laboring almost incessantly, his health again gave way, and he was compelled to desist; from here he went to St. Louis, and took charge of the Free Church; here, for six years, he was eminently successful; his congregation grew so rapidly, as to cause the erection of a large edifice, known as the Pine Street Church; in 1850, he accepted a call as the Pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church of Cincinnati; this appointment he held for nearly two years, when his throat again became so bad, that he retired from the pulpit; though he lived for twelve years after retiring, he did not afterwards preach. For five years he was engaged in the grain trade in St. Louis; then moved to McLean Co., where he resided until his death, which occurred from consumption Jan. 27, 1865. As a financier, Mr. Townsend was as successful as in the pulpit. During his business in St. Louis, he accumulated a fine property; though, by the treachery of those he thought were his friends, he lost over $20,000; he still left, at his death, a fine property. Sept. 6, 1839, he married Miss Cordelia Dunning, of Fairfield, N. Y. Mrs. Townsend is still a resident of Bloomington. She is a pleasant, genial lady, and is respected by a large circle of friends.