ROBERT TOWNSLEY

TOWNSLEY

Posted By: Jake Tornholm (email)
Date: 4/22/2020 at 14:31:52

ROBERT TOWNSLEY, one of the aged and prominent farmers of Washington township, Adams county, Iowa, is a native of Champaign county, Iowa, born June 13, 1830. His parents were John and Hannah (Marshall) Townsley, both natives of Ohio. The father, a miller by trade, died in 1832. His wife lived to be seventy-four years of age, dying in 1866. She was a devoted Christian and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of their nine children Robert is the youngest, and he and his brothers, James and William, are the only ones now living.

When Mr. Townsley was twelve years old his mother broke up housekeeping and he went out to work on a farm. He was employed as a farm laborer when the war broke out. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served in a number of important engagements, always acting the part of a brave soldier. November 25, 1863, at the battle of Mission Ridge he was wounded. He was sent home on a furlough and after two months rejoined his regiment, continuing in the service until he was honorably discharged in June, 1865. His father had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and for services rendered his mother received a land warrant.

The war over, Mr. Townsley engaged in farming on rented land near Oxford, Benton county, Indiana. In 1868 he came from there to Page county, Iowa, where he rented land for three years. Then, in 1871, he bought the eighty acres in section 3 where he now resides. This place is well improved and devoted to general farming, his chief products being corn, oats and grass. His residence is located two miles and a half northwest of Mount Etna.

In 1866 Mr. Townsley was united in marriage with Miss Emily Fletcher, daughter of John and Sarah A. (Wrightsel) Fletcher of Benton county, Indiana. John Fletcher was a carpenter by trade, and in his later years was engaged in farming. He was well and favorably known throughout his county. He was born March 28, 1816, and died June 11, 1885. His wife was born August 5, 1824, and died June 14, 1873. They were the parents of nine children, Mrs. Townsley being the oldest. Mr. and Mrs. Townsley have five children, - Lulie, John, William and Lillie (twins), and Anna.

Mr. Townsley is a member of the G. A. R. post, and is Senior Vice- Commander of the same. In politics he is independent, usually, however, voting with the Republican party.

In referring to the history of Mrs. Townsley's parents, it should be further stated that they were married on the 11th of February, 1841.