Townsend, Col. Nathaniel 1848-1905

TOWNSEND, DONNELL, HOWARD, WESTBROOK, RODGERS

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 11/27/2004 at 18:56:38

Nathaniel Townsend, whose death was chronicled in the Daily News yesterday, has been a resident of Newton since 1856, nearly a half-century. He grew to manhood here, enlisted from here in the War of the Rebellion, married and raised a family here. He has been a prominent factor in the growth and development of Newton and has been always greatly interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the city. He was identified with the Methodist Church since 1867, and was always active in church matters. An enthusiastic Mason, he was prominent in Masonic matters and a past __inent Commander of Oriental Commandery No. 22. After he lost his health, some seven years ago, the Commandery with the K. T. Band, having always marched to his home and given salute when they were out for Easter or Ascension Day services.

Mr. Townsend was mayor of the city for eight years and was one of the most popular mayors Newton ever had. He was also a member of the school board for ___ years. He was a member of the G. A. R. and at one time adjutant in the state organization, during which time he got up a record of State G. A. R., which was comprehensive and correct that the State Encampment ____ it was presented awarded Col Townsend $500.

After returning from the war in 1865 Col. Townsend engaged in the harness business, which he followed until 1889, when he was elected county clerk where he served four years, and four years longer as deputy for John Matthews who succeeded him. He lost his health at this time, 1897. His malady being paralysis agens. During the past eight years he has been an invalid, but was able to get about the house until about seven weeks ago, when he fell and broke his right leg. Since which time he has been helpless. For some weeks the family have realized that it was only a question of a short time, and ten days ago when his appetite failed, all hope was gone and the end come yesterday afternoon.

Nathaniel Townsend was born in Montague, N. J., March 23, 1843. In 1848 the family moved to Lewiston, N. _., and in 1856 they came to Newton. Shortly after coming here, just after the Spirit Lake massacre, the family went to Jackson, Minn. That winter the father met his death while on his way from Mankato, where he had, in company with another man, gone after provisions. He was frozen to death. The next winter the family came back to Newton. Shortly after that the mother died. The children now alive are: John H., Mrs. Fanny Donnell of Chester, Neb., J. R., Mrs. S. A. Howard, Mrs. Lee Westbrook and L. C. Townsend of Los Angeles, California.

Mr. Townsend’s first efforts to self-support were put in on the grade of the Rock Island at Homestead.

In 1862 he enlisted in Co. C. 22nd Ia. Infantry as a private, and came home in 1865 a commissioned lieutenant. After he was at one time colonel of the Third Regiment I. N. G.

He was married June 30, 1867, to Miss Ella Rodgers, sister of Tommy Rodgers. There are three children: Mrs. J. B. Ryan of Des Moines, and Mrs. Eli Ammons and George R. Townsend of this city.

The funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at the M. E. Church and will be in charge of the Masonic Order.

Col. Than Townsend was a remarkable man in a great many ways. He was methodical, careful and conscientious in all that he undertook. His character habits were so well known and appreciated that it was an accepted fact that when Than Townsend did a thing it was well done. His interest in all which tended toward the general weal of the city and the active part he always took in these matters and his treatment of all with whom he came in contact, made him on of the best men Newton has had. His friends were numbered by the hundreds.

During the last years of his life the attention shown him by people in Newton have evidenced the great esteem and respect in which he was held by all who knew him. The writer of this article never saw Mr. Townsend but the expression of people who have known him during his life are such that if Col. Townsend’s spirit could be hovering near he would be entitled to feel that his work in this life had been well done. ~ The Newton Daily News, Tuesday, July 18, 1905, Page 1, Column 1