Judge John S. Townsend

Judge John S. Townsend was identified with the history of Iowa for more than forty years, having taken a prominent part in formulating the policy of the State and having been a leading factor in its judicial circles. His career from first to last, in public and private, was that of an honorable, high-minded gentleman of noble qualities, painstaking and conscientious in the discharge of his duty, and ever an advocate of progress and improvement. His name is inseparably connected with the history of Monroe county, and stands conspicuously high on the roll of her eminent citizens.

The Judge was born in Morgansfield, Kentucky, August 21, 1824, being a son of James and Catherine (Davis) Townsend, who removed with their family to Putnam county, Indiana, when our subject was a child of six summers. There he acquired his education and the business training which afterward turned him toward his chosen profession,--the law. He came to Iowa in 1850, for his foresight taught him that the new but rapidly developing West would prove an excellent field for labor. His first location was at Chariton Point, in Lucas county, but in the spring of 1851 he came to Albia, where he made his home until his death. Opening an office, he at once entered upon the practice of law. He had been favored before coming here with good opportunities in the courts of Putnam county to become familiar with the practice, which experience greatly aided him in its commencement in Iowa. He had a more thorough knowledge how records should be kept, how court business should be transacted and how to formulate entries than any lawyer who ever practiced in Albia. He was also the most careful, thorough and active business man at the bar. The moment he attempted to argue a case it was seen that his preparation was thorough and painstaking. He marshaled his facts as a general would his troops, carefully weighed the evidence and produced it at the most telling point. He was quick to note and attack the weak points in an opponent's plea, was a forcible, logical speaker and his high reputation as a member of the Monroe county bar was justly deserved. In 1864 he entered into partnership with T. B. Perry¸ and the connection continued for twenty consecutive years, terminating in 1884.

Judge Townsend was again and again called to public office. In August, 1851, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Monroe county, and served in that position until his election to the State Legislature in August, 1852. His service in the House was a most creditable one. In April, 1853, he was elected Judge of the District Court of the Ninth Judicial District, comprising Appanoose, Monroe, Lucas, Wayne, Warren, Madison, Union, Ringgold, and Decatur counties, but the district was changed by the new constitution of 1857. At the April election of 1857 Judge Townsend was re-elected, and in October, 1858, at the first election for judge under the new constitution, he was chosen Judge of the new district for the term of four years, expiring on the 1st day of January, 1862.

Judge Townsend was twice married. He first wedded Miss Mary Brooks, of Indiana, who died in Albia, July 15, 1852, leaving one son, Rufus B., who is now living in Lincoln, Nebraska. In 1853 he married Miss Annie Elbert, daughter of Dr. John D. and Achsa(Hitt) Elbert, of Van Buren county, Iowa, her father being a very prominent citizen at an early day. Unmistakably a lady of high culture and refinement, Mrs. Townsend has exerted a beneficial influence on the social life of Albia. She is still living with her son Fred at the old homestead. Three of her children survive, namely: Judge James Elbert Townsend, of El Paso, Texas; Fred, a practicing attorney of Albia; and Wilber, who is now attending the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. The only daughter, Mrs. W. J. Carnohan, of Parker county, Texas, died in 1893.

The Judge suffered an attack of la grippe in 1892, and, after a short illness¸ passed away on the 23rd of April, 1892, at his home in Albia. He well deserved that popular confidence which he enjoyed to so marked a degree. The dominant elements in his character were his absolute honesty and uprightness. He was a man of strong convictions, fearless in expressing them under all proper circumstances, but always ready to hear and weigh the views of those who differed from him. On the bench it was his aim to be absolutely impartial, and no personal feeling was allowed to interfere with the even-handed administration of justice.

Judge James Elbert Townsend, son of John S. and Annie (Elbert) Townsend, was born in Albia, Iowa, July 19, 1857. He received his education in the public schools of Albia, at Beloit and Grinnell Colleges, and at the University of Michigan. In 1879 he entered the law office of Perry & Townsend at Albia, and in 1880 was admitted to the bar. In 1882 he was married to Miss Grace L. Bass, daughter of Hon. Jacob Bass, of Canton, Illinois. In 1883 he formed a copartnership with A. J. Weber, now of Ogden, Utah, and with him practiced law in Albia until 1886, when he removed with his family to El Paso, Texas, where he soon became a prominent member of the bar. In 1888 he was nominated and elected County Judge of El Paso county for a term of two years. Being of a judicial turn of mind, with a high sense of right and justice, courteous to all, he gave general satisfaction in his new position. In 1890 he declined re-nomination and again entered upon the active practice of his profession. In 1895 he was elected City Attorney of El Paso, a lucrative position and one of responsibility and trust.

He has three children: John Selby, Laura S. and James Elbert, Jr.