My Genealogy Hound

JOHN T. TOWNSEND. Adjoining the corporate limits of the city of Steeleville lies the finely improved farm owned and occupied by the subject of this sketch. The property is one of the most valuable in township 6, range 5; in fact, in all Randolph County there is no estate more highly cultivated than this. A visitor to the homestead will see that good buildings have been erected. Modern machinery has been introduced, the land has been subdivided into pastures and fields of convenient size by an excellent system of fencing, and all the improvements have been introduced that mark a first-class farm.

A native of the state of Missouri, the subject of this sketch was born January 17, 1840, and is the eldest child of William and Mary (Weinbarger) Townsend. His ancestors were for many generations identified with the history of the Old Dominion. Though enjoying few advantages in youth, he is a well informed man, and in the subscription schools of early days laid the foundation for the broad fund of knowledge he afterward acquired. At the age of eighteen he commenced to operate a rented farm, and saved his earnings in order that he might invest them in land.

The boyhood years of our subject were passed in Missouri, where his parents died. Thence, on the 4th of February, 1865, he removed to Illinois and located near Steeleville, where for four years he engaged in farming upon rented land. He then came to Steeleville, where he erected a house and resided for a number of years. In 1879 he purchased the beautiful homestead he now occupies. In religious belief he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, and are generous contributors to all philanthropic enterprises. Their residence is an attractive rural abode, and its hospitable doors are ever open for the reception of their friends, who are many.

In 1858 Mr. Townsend was united in marriage with Miss Rachel, daughter of James and Martha (Cannon) Dannel, natives of Tennessee, who, however, spent the greater part of their lives in Ste. Genevieve, Mo. Three children have been born of this union, one of whom died in infancy. Hubert J. married Miss Rebecca Lickiss, of Steeleville, and is a prominent insurance agent in St. Louis; William H., a successful physician, married Miss Mary McClain, of St. Louis, Mo., where he now conducts an extensive practice.

In his political belief, Mr. Townsend is a Democrat, and since attaining his majority has always given his support to the nominees of that party. He has rendered satisfactory and efficient service as a School Director, and has occupied other positions of prominence. It may be said of him that no measure having for its object the direct or in direct promotion of the welfare of the city fails to secure his hearty co-operation and enthusiastic support.