Elkanah W. Townsend 1861-1926

TOWNSEND

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/21/2024 at 19:56:17

Elkanah W. Townsend
(September 8, 1861 – September 28, 1926)

Grim Reaper Visits Lake City Homes
Long-Time Residents Called to Eternal Home
E. W. Townsend, son of Wm. A. and Sarah A. Townsend, was born in Dekalb County, Illinois, September 8, 1861, and died in Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 28, 1926, aged sixty-five years and twenty days. In 1867, with his parents, he removed from Illinois to the state of Iowa, living for two years in Benton County, and thereafter for three years in Carroll County. In 1872 the family moved to Lake City, Iowa, where Mr. Townsend lived continuously until the date of his death. His schooling was that available to a boy living in those early years of this community’s development, supplemented by a year’s attendance at the Iowa City Academy in 1878. After returning from his school work at Iowa City, Mr. Townsend taught school for a time and later was employed in the bank of Peter Smith and sons which was then organized in Lake City. On December 16, 1882, at Lake City, he was united in marriage to Lena M. Horne and to this union three children were born, the wife and children all surviving him. These children are: Edna L, wife of G. R. Farley, of Lake City; Zora, wife of H. A. Low, of Minneapolis, and Warren W., of Lake City. In 1885 Mr. Townsend and his father, established the Citizens Bank of Lake City, Wm. A. Townsend holding the position of its president and E. W. Townsend that of its cashier until the death of Wm. A. Townsend in 1902, when E. W. Townsend became its president, which position he held throughout the remainder of his life. From a humble beginning the banking house thus founded grew from year to year, increasing responsibility and usefulness until it became and maintained itself as one of northwestern Iowa’s strongest and most influential financial institutions. Back of this success and supporting it through the vicissitudes of more than forty years were the sterling integrity, untiring industry and business ability of the subject of this sketch. His honesty was never questioned and because of his recognized honor and faithfulness his business ventures were destined to succeed. Mr. Townsend was initiated into Zerubbabel Lodge No. 240, A.F. & A. M. on October 17, 1885, passed November 21, 1885, and raised to the degree of a Master Mason, December 19, 1885. He was Master of this lodge during the years of 1893, 1894, 1895 and 1900, and served as treasurer of the lodge for many years. He became a member of Cyprus Chapter No. 99, R. A. M. on February 3, 1887, holding the office of High Priest for the years 1896, 1897, and 1898 and the office of Secretary for more than twenty-five years. He was a member of Rose Croix Commandery No. 38, Sac City, Iowa, and was a charter member of Za Ga Zig Temple of Des Moines. He was also a member of Lake Queen Chapter O.E.S. of Lake City and was a past patron of such order. In August 1884, he was initiated into the I.O.O.F. and later passed all the principal chairs of that order, retaining membership and interest in that organization throughout life. The life of Mr. Townsend is inseparably woven into the development and growth of the city and county of his many years of residence. He was a loyal citizen with a keen vision of the future’s possibilities. No person contributed more toward the permanent upbuilding of his community than he. He and his father were the builders of business structures which will stand for years to come as monuments to their civic loyalty and optimism. His common sense and good judgement were always sought in the solution of problems wherein the welfare of the community was involved, and he was called upon to serve in nearly every official capacity in the administration of local municipal and school affairs. For the past few years, because of ill health, Mr. Townsend had been gradually withdrawing from active management of his business affairs, entrusting them to his son and associates, and thus has had opportunity to devote his time and attention to his family and friends. Home and family were always foremost in his life. The companionship of his wife, children and grandchildren afforded him his greatest enjoyment and filled his life with peace and contentment. This modest, unassuming man played will his part in Life’s Drama and it can truthfully be said that the world is a little better because of his having lived. The last honors of the many friends were paid Friday afternoon at a service at the Presbyterian Church, conducted by Dr. J. E. Spencer. A quartet composed of Dr. W. E. McCrary, J. D. Clark, F. W. Newendorp, and L. H. Adams, sang and Mr. Clark and Dr. McCrary sang a duet. The Masons attended the service as lodge and at Lake City cemetery where burial was made, the service was conducted according to the ritual of the Masonic fraternity, in charge of Oscar W. Lundberg. Source – The Graphic, Lake City, Iowa, Thursday, October 7, 1926, p.1