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         SAMUEL TOWNSEND, deceased, son of Isaac and Frances (Hardman) Townsend, was born in Columbiana, Ohio, on the 4th day of September, 1810, and when about fourteen years of age went to live with an uncle in Philadelphia, by whom he was employed as a clerk. On the 3d of September, 1835, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Hardman, a twin sister of Maj. Black Hardman, of Steubenville, Ohio. Their marriage was celebrated in Columbiana, and soon afterward Mr. Townsend embarked in business for himself. To them were born five children: Aspasia, Jan. 9, 1837; Gertrude M. E., Sept. 20, 1838; Isadora, born March 13, 1840, died on the 16th of December following; Alice, born Oct. 5, 1844, died March 31, 1848, and Albert, born Sept. 1, 1845, died Oct. 14, 1849. The death of Mrs. Townsend occurred in Steubenville, Ohio, on the 29th of May, 1847, aged thirty-three years, three months and ten days.

After her death Mr. Townsend sold his interest in some lead mines in the Lake Superior regions, and came to Wapello, Iowa, with the intention of making it his permanent home. Previous to this time he had resided in St. Louis, Mo., where he engaged quite extensively in merchandising, carrying a complete line of dry-goods. He also owned a half-interest in a steamboat, which he used in freighting goods. On moving to Wapello, Iowa, he brought a large stock of goods with him, and established himself in business. In 1847 he was elected Treasurer of Louisa County, the duties then comprising those of both the Treasurer and Recorder. After serving two terms in that position he embarked in general merchandising, which he carried on for several years, but in 1857, and again in 1868, was elected Mayor of the city. He built a large flouring-mill in the northern part of Wapello, doing an extensive business, and in 1860 was appointed general swamp land agent for Iowa. His duties called him to Washington, D. C., which he made his headquarters, moving his family to that city in 1863. At a call of the Secretary of War, issued Aug. 30, 1862, for 1,000 volunteer nurses to go to the battle-field of Bull Run, he offered his services and was accepted, but while taking care of the wounded, with several others was captured and held as a prisoner. One day during his incarceration a paper was received in Wapello with the intelligence that three men had been hung as spies, and that Samuel Townsend was among the number. He had been marched up to the gallows and would have been hung had it not been for the timely arrival of a General, who, taking a diary from Mr. Townsend’s pocket, discovered he was not a spy and ordered his release. In 1865 he returned to Wapello, where he was connected with the mill until the time of his death. His interest manifested toward and the work which he did for various railway projects and schemes, gave him quite an . . .

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. . . extensive acquaintance in this part of the State in business circles. He was always ready to aid in any enterprise of public benefit, and did much for the advancement of the city in which he lived for many years.

On the 14th of October, 1847, Mr. Townsend wedded Mrs. Louisa A. Davidson, the widow of Ephraim Davidson, who by her former marriage has two living children—Rose and Samuel. By their union were born the following children: Albert, Sept. 14, 1848; Susan Elizabeth, May 12, 1850; Rebecca Louisa, March 7, 1852; James Oliver, Jan. 1, 1854; Stephen Franklin, March 21, 1856; Willis Wesley, Feb. 22, 1858; Mary Margaret, Nov. 25, 1859; George Elmer Ellsworth, April 12, 1862; Robert, Oct. 22, 1864; Isadore and Isadora, twins, Oct. 16, 1868; Jesse Kersey, born Sept. 30, 1869.

On the 18th of October, 1872, four days after celebrating his silver wedding anniversary, Mr. Townsend departed this life. He was then sixty-three years of age. His funeral was conducted by the I. O. O. F., of which he was an honored member, and was the largest funeral procession ever witnessed in Wapello. His death proved a sad loss, not only to the family, but to the community.