Origination and Genealogy
Of a Name

Before writing this geneology, the thought occured to me that those who may read it may ask the question; for what is it written and from whom did we get the information? For the benefit of those who may ask that question, I will say that, knowing the universal desire of the people to know of and trace their ancestry, I have written this pamphlet and have left no stone unturned to make it as complete and interesting as possible. Having recently made a visit to the vicinity of my childhood and where many of the families are located, I received much information I could not of otherwise gotten. I trust you will find it of sufficient interest and value to place it where it may be used as a reference by anyone wishing to revise or add to it.

Thinking it may be of interest and impart other information than I could give, I have copied a geneology, as written by Col. E. C. Townsend of Shullsburg, Wisconsin.

Respectively,
RUFUS H. TOWNSEND.

R. H. TOWNSEND DEALER IN GENERAL MERCHANDISE. May City, Iowa. Mr. Townsend came to the county in 1879 and engaged with the business men of Sibley for a number of years, but on account of decline in health, retired entirely from business. He visited the most important institutions of the state, then returned to the county where he followed various occupations for a few years. Six years ago he located at his present place, where by steady industry and close attention to business he and his son Myrle, have built up one of the best trading places in the northwest. May City is in Harrison township, the most productive in the county. -- Sibley Gazete (September, 1899.)

The following is a copy of a geneology of the Townsend family by Col. E. C. Townsend, of Shullsburg, Wis.

As I am the last one living of the Samuel Townsend family of eight children I write this history thinking it is fairly correct. The family is old, even for an English one, tracing its ancester from the year 1275. The origional name was known as Woodville, who lived in London, England. One branch moved to a distant part of the city, who was known as the Woodville of the towns end. Gradually the Woodville name was dropped and became known as Townsend. The family is closely related to Lord Townsend of Rainham, Norfolk county, England, who was an ancestor of the greater part of the Townsends in America. At that time the old English family coat of arms represented a stag and hounds on either side of the shield supporting a crown and stag. The first Townsend who immigrated to America was Richard Townsend, who came in 1620 to Jamestown, Va. In 1634 Thomas Townsend, came to Lynn, Mass; in 1637 Wm. Townsend came to Boston, Mass; in 1644 Martin Townsend to Watertown, Mass; in 1682 Richard Townsend to Philadelphia; in 1712 Josep and John Townsend to Philadelphia; in 1686 John, Henry and Richmond Townsend to Oyster Bay, Long Island, N. Y., afterward settling in Duchess county, New Jersey. They were Quakers. My grandfather, Eber Townsend, was a son of Henry Townsend and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, as proved by the records in Washington. He was wounded and taken prisoner when the British capured New York City and was one of the soldiers the British intended to execute, had not Washington ordered the execution of two British prisoners for every one of the Americans so treated. Eber Townsend, my grandfather, died in 1826. His wife, my grandmother, whose maiden name was Sarah Drew, was a sister of Daniel Drew of New York City. Their parents came from Scotland and settled in Duchess county, New Jersey. She was a very large woman, weighing 240 pounds, and of dark complexion. Her second husband was Timothy James, a Presbyterian preacher. She lived to be 103 years old.

My father, Samuel Townsend, a son of Eber Townsend, was born in Duchess county, New Jersey, in 1783, was an American soldier in the war with Great Britain in 1812. He moved from New Jersey to Steuben county N. Y., in 1814. My mother, Sara Longwell's parents, went from Scotland to county Derry, Ireland, thence to America, settling in Duchess county, New Jersey. She was born in 1782 and died in Steuben county, N. Y., in 1821 leaving five sons and three daughters as follows:

Susan, married Robert King. Both dead and buried near Angelica, Alleghany county, N. Y., leaving eight children.

George N. Townsend married Mary Miner, both are dead, and buried in the cemetery on his old farm at Stockton, Ill., leaving twelve children.

Ira L. Townsend married Katherine DeLong. He died, it is supposed, on the Pacific Ocean, when returning from California in 1853. She died at Stockton, Ill.

Cynthia married L. Harris, both are dead and buried at Stockton, Ill.

A. A. Townsend married Mary Ann Ross, at Fayette county, Ind. His second wife was Almira Wells of Jefferson county, N. Y. They are dead and buried at Shullsburg, Wis., leaving six children.

H. S. Townsend married Hannah Carver of Harrisburg, Ind. Both are dead and buried at Warren, Ill., leaving eight children.

Almira married E. Carpenter, both are dead and buried at Warren, Ill.

Elijah C. Townsend married Fanny Wells of Three Mile Bay, Jefferson county, N. Y. She was born April 3, 1829, died Jan. 5, 1898, and was buried at Shullsburg, Wis., leaving two sons and five daughters.

We have two half sisters, one of whom, Mrs. Mills, is dead and buried at Montfort, Wis. The other, Mrs. Samuels, is still living at Montfort.

I am now in my 87th year and when I am called for will be buried at Shullsburg.

George, Ira and H. S. Townsend, settled near the present village of Stockton, Ill., in 1836. They were the first settlers and secured farms of several hundred acres each which are now occupied by their children.

I have carefully gathered this history and trust that it will meet the approbation of all interested.

Shullsburg, Wisconsin, Sept. 1, 1904.

As the organization of the family and name have been given in the work of Col. E. C. Townsend, I will begin where my own ancestors branch off from his.

Although of English origin, the families in this country have become thoroughly Americanized. Members have fought in every war in which this great country of ours was concerned and always have, just as they do at the present, taken a great interest in public affairs.

Elihu Townsend, a son of John Townsend, was born near Oyster Bay, Long Island, N. Y. Moved to Green county, N. Y., in the Catskill mountains, where he grew to manhood. Was twice married. By his first marriage four children were born: Abigail, Sarah, John and Zebuland. His second wife was Hester Brewer, a sister of Peter Brewer of New York, of whom I will speak later. To them were born five children: Esther, Peter, Susan, Timothy and Elethan. All grew to manhood and womanhood in New York state. In 1832, Elihu Townsend and wife, together with their daughter Esther and two youngest sons, Timothy and Elethan, emigrated to the westward and settled in Oakland county, Michigan, the other members of the family having previously settled there. The county was very new, and they had to go through the usual hardships of frontier life, the Indians being quite numerous at that time. Detroit, with its three hundred thousand inhabitants as it now is, was then little more than a trading post. Land could be bought then at a dollar and a quarter an acre of the government. Michigan at that time was considered to be ``way out west'' and everything west of the Mississippi was thought to be a great sandy desert.

After a year or two here the rough and rugged life of the pioneer began to tell upon both Elihu Townsend and his wife, and on May 15, 1834, Elihu died and the year following on July 25, his wife, Hester, died. They were buried in a little grave yard there, now known as the Mt. Vernon cemetery, and is located about thirty miles north of the city of Detroit.

Abigail, the eldest child was married to Lyman Rice, in New York state, later settling in Michigan. To them were born four sons and two daughters: Eli, Jerrod, Elihu, Richard, Sarah and Louisa.

Lyman Rice died in the prime of life and his widow lived to a ripe old age. The members of their immediate family are nearly all dead. A grandson, Mr. Alvera Rice, now resides at Romeo, Mich.

Sarah, second child of Elihu Townsend, was married to Benj. McGregor, in New York state, moving to Michigan later. Their children were John, James, Alexander, Hiram, Mary, Susan and Sarah.

Benj. McGregor and his wife both lived to a very old age. But one or two of their children are now living. A grandson, Burton McGregor, a son of Alexander, is now living in New York.

John, eldest son of Elihu Townsend, was born July 26, 1793. Was married at Hunter, New York, to Ann Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Miller, a tanner on the Hudson river, by whom he had been employed a number of years previous. They were among the earliest settlers in Michigan, on the extreme frontier. They located, improved and spent the remainder of their lives on the same farm, which to this day is a remembered land mark for many miles. Is on the north line of Macomb county. John Townsend served in the war of 1812 with the New York militia. He died Jan. 5, 1874. His wife, Ann, died Nov. 19, 1891. Are buried side by side in the cemetery on a beautiful hill about a mile and a half from their farm. To them were born eight children: Elizabeth, Uriel, William, Julia, George, Caroline, Clark and Arthur, of whom four are living. Uriel at Almont, Mich.; Julia (Maynard) at Dryden, Mich.; Clark at Lapeer, Mich.; Geo. and his wife live on a farm between Romeo and Almont. Are quite extensively engaged in the fruit business; Have a large orchard of apples, peaches, pears, grapes and shrubbery of various kinds. Their only daughter, Grace, is married to a Mr. Thompson and resides at Port Huron, Mich. Arthur, youngest son of John Townsend, died Sept. 20, 1881. His wife and daughter still reside on the old homestead of John Townsend.

Zebuland, second son of Elihu Townsend was married to Maria Durnburger. Four children were born to them. Two sons and two daughters: Clark, Marshall, Mary and Sarah. They were pioneer settlers in the vicinity of Mt. Vernon, Mich. Zebuland died March 27, 1858 and Maria died Dec. 18, 1890. Both were buried in the cemetery at Mt. Vernon.

Clark, their eldest son, married Mary Johnson at Mt. Vernon, and is now a resident of Detroit.

Marshall was married twice. His second wife was Clara Anderson, daughter of John Anderson of Lakeville, Mich., where they now reside.

Mary was married to a Mr. Kingsbury of Disco, Mich.

Sarah was married to Theo. McClure at Mt. Vernon, Mich.

Esther, daughter of Elihu and Hester Townsend, was born 1802 in New York state. She was never married and lived at home until the death of her parents and thereafter with her brothers. Peter, Timothy and Elethan. She died at the home of her brother Elethan on June 9, 1867, and was buried at Mt. Vernon.

Peter, son of Elihu and Hester Townsend, was born in 1805. Emigrated with his parents to Michigan from New York state. Was married to Sara Hauck. Three children were born to them: Ann, John E. and Charles W., one of whom (John E.) is still living. Peter died July 25, 1860. Sarah his wife died April 11, 1880. Ann was married to Ranse Odle. Of their three children three are living. Ann and daughter, Mary, are buried at Mt. Vernon. Mr. Odle and son George and daughter Maria survive them. Mr. Odle and George live at Lakeville, and Maria at Oxford, Mich. John E. was married to Matilda Bates and moved to a farm one half mile from Lakeville, where they still reside. He is now one of the oldest and most respected men in the township. Two children, Charles and Orpha. Both are married and live in the vicinity of their childhood.

Charles W., youngest son of Peter Townsend, was born in Michigan. He was married to Fanny Smith, of Kalamazoo, Michigan. They began married life on the farm where he was born, and raised a family of four children: Frank, Julia, Will and Clara. in 1882, together with their family, they moved to Iowa and settled near Sibley. After residing on the farm six years they moved to Sibley, where they resided until Charles' death, which occurred Oct. 7, 1905. His wife still survives him.

Frank, the eldest son, is now a resident of Sioux City, Iowa. Julia was married to Charles Aznoe, and resides near Dymond, N. Dak. They have three sons, Myron, Ralph and Cecil. Will E. Townsend was married in 1902 to Maude Tompkins, and lives at Sibley, Iowa. They have two children. Clara was married to G. W. Wingaard and resides at St. Paul, Minn.

Susan, daughter of Elihu and Hester Townsend, was married to James Compton. To them were born two sons, Orville and Townsend Compton. She died in the prime of life. Mr. Compton was again married and the families now reside near Grand Rapids, Mich.

Timothy, son of Elihu and Hester Townsend, was married to Marriet Norton. To them were born three sons and one daughter: Louisa, Henry, Elihu and John. Louisa was married to Hal Curtis and is now dead. Henry was never married and now resides near Leonard, Mich. Elihu was married and resides at Oxford, Mich. Has one son and one daughter. John went west and now resides at Minneapolis, Kansas. Is married and has one son and two daughters: Arthur, Faye and Ruth. The son is married and resides in the same neighborhood as his parents. His wife is a Michigan girl. Both girls are at home.

Elethan, youngest son of Elihu and Hester Townsend, was born March 4, 1812, in New York state. In his youth he moved with his parents to Michigan. After the death of his parents he was married in the year 1835, on Dec. 30, to Laura Eliza Tedman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Tedman. Laura Eliza was born in Connecticut, Jan. 17, 1815. Moved with her parents to New York and later to Michigan. To Elethan and Laura E. Townsend were born nine children, three girls and six boys: Harriet E., Lucy A., Sherman Sexton, James Edwin, Freeling H., Rufus H., George Lewis, Judson and Rosamond Eliza.

Elethan bought government land in the township of Addison, Oakland Co., Mich., near which place is now the town of Lakeville. They cleared and improved the farm and passed their whole life there. The only move they ever made was from the old log house to a new house. Both died in the year 1883, Laura E. on May 24th and Elethan on July 14th, and were buried in the cemetery at Lakeville, Mich.

Harriet E., eldest daughter of Elethan and Laura E. Townsend, was born March 15, 1837. Was married to Nathan Jersey, of Romeo, Mich. To them was born one daughter, Hattie E., who is now Mrs. Hattie E. Parshall, of Chesaning, Mich. They have three children, one girl and two boys. Her father, Nathan Jersey, was a soldier in the Civil war and also lives at Chesaning. Harriet E. died in Romeo Dec. 27, 1864. Was buried in the cemetery at Lakeville, Mich.

Lucy A., second daughter of Elethan and Laura E. Townsend, was born Dec. 18, 1838. Was married to Amos Graves, of near Clifton Mills, Mich. To them were born four children: Ida, Jan. 5, 1858; Clara, April 2, 1861; Rufus, Sept. 15, 1866; Freddie, Aug. 5, 1874. Amos Graves was a soldier in the Civil war. Enlisted at the beginning of the war. Re-enlisted and was in the service until the close of the war. Lucy A. died April 20, 1891. Amos Graves died Feb. 10, 1905, aged 70 years. Both are buried at Byron, Mich., where are also buried three of their children. Clara died Oct. 4, 1877; Rufus died June 5, 1873; Freddie died July 10, 1877. Ida, the eldest child, is still living. Was married to Theron Herrington. They have three children: Alva, Maude and Edla. Mr. and Mrs. Harrington reside at Byron, Mich.

Sherman S., eldest son Elethan and Eliza E. Townsend, was born Jan. 29, 1841. Was married to Nett Morrison. They reside at Gladwin, Mich., where they have lived since 1872. To them were born three children: Alva (who died in infancy and was buried at Lakeville, Mich.) Bessie, now Mrs. Sinclair, whose husband is superintendent of schools at Cass City, Mich. They have one son named Claud.

Floyd, the youngest son, resides with his parents at Gladwin.

Sherman has been in the employ of the county for a good many years in capacity of county clerk of courts. Was one of the first settlers of his county.

James E., second son of Elethan and Laura E. Townsend, was born Feb. 18, 1843. His early life was spent in eastern Michigan. Was married to Emma Jones, of Holly, Mich. In 1873 they moved to Iowa, settling in Gilman township, Osceola county, near the present town of Ashton, where they still reside: Were among the first settlers of northwestern Iowa. To them were born six children; Clara L., Elethan B., Frank E., George M., James E. and Robert M.

Clara makes her home with her parents except when employed as a trained nurse, having taken a course of training as such.

Elethan B. has been engaged in the banking business, for a number of years cashier of the First National Bank of Melvin. He recently sold out his banking interests, and is now located at Murdo, South Dakota, and is engaged in the real estate business. He was married to Florence McCallum, of Sibley, Iowa. They have one child, Ruth M.

Frank E. is engaged in farming and stock raising on a farm adjoining his father's, a few miles from Ashton. Was married to Jessie Lent, formerly of Sibley, Iowa. They have one child, Francis J.

George M. has been until recently engaged in the banking business with his brother, Elethan. Since selling out their banking interests, he attended college at Des Moines a short time and is now engaged in the real estate business, with his brother, Elethan, at Murdo, S. D.

James E. and Robert M. still reside at home, being employed by their father in the management and farming the home farm.

When James settled in northwest Iowa he planted a good many trees which have grown to a large and handsome grove. He also planted many fruit trees and now have a fine orchard of apples, plums, pears, cherries and all kinds of shrubbery.

Freeling H., third son of Elethan and Laura E. Townsend was born May 30, 1846. Served in the war of the rebellion, enlisting in Co. A., 9th Michigan volunteers, at the age of eighteen. Served until the close of the war. He was married to Mary Smith of Thornwell, Mich. They moved to Shelby county, Missouri, in 1869 and engaged in farming. In 1872 they removed to Osceola county, Iowa, taking a homestead about eight miles southwest of Sibley, now known as the C. D. Wilbern farm. In 1876 he engaged in the agricultural implement business at Sibley. Six years later he sold out the implement business and removed to Columbia, Brown county, S. Dak., where he engaged in the milling business. He moved from there to Minneapolis and later to Denver, Colorado, where he resided until his death, July 11, 1897. His wife still survives him and resides at Denver. To them were born two daughters: Hattie and Cora. Hattie was married to Claud Hasting and lives in Minnesota. Cora was married to Wm. McNerney of Denver, where they still reside.

Rufus H., fourth son of Elethan and Laura E. Townsend, was born June 22, 1848. Grew to manhood on the farm where he was born. For some years thereafter followed various occupations. Lived in the towns of Romeo, Rochester, Detroit and Oxford, Mich. In the spring of 1879 removed to Sibley, Iowa, and has lived in the county ever since at Sibley, Harris and May City, where he still resides. Was married in September, 1880, to Emma B. Proper of Sibley, a daughter of Phillip Proper, one of the pioneers of the county. Mr. Proper was a soldier in the Civil War a member of the Wisconsin volunteers. To Rufus and Emma Townsend were born two sons. One died in infancy and the other, Myrle Albert, resides with his parents at May City, where they are engaged in the general merchandise business.

George L., fifth son of Elethan and Laura E. Townsend, was born Aug. 8, 1850. In 1873 he came to Iowa with his brother James, but returned to Michigan the same summer. He lived in Saginaw, Oxford and Orion, Mich. In the year 1877 he was married to Elizabeth Charlton, of Orion, Mich.

They took farming as their occupation and resided on his father's farm, where he lived until his death which occured September 26, 1893. His wife still survives him and resides on the same farm. To them were born three sons; Roy, Ray and Ralph. Roy and Ray are attending the university at Ann Arbor, Mich., Ralph remaining at home with his mother. Roy was married to Fay Hosner, daughter of Ezra and Neoma Hosner of Lakeville, Mich.

Judson, sixth son of Elethan and Laura E. Townsend, was born May 18, 1853. Lived at home until twenty-one years of age. Was engaged for some time by Ketcham Bros. at Romeo, Mich., in the capacity of carriage trimmer Later being employed as engineer by a milling company as Saginaw. In 1878 came to Iowa on a prospecting tour returning to Michigan the same year. The year following he again came to Sibley, Iowa, where he made his permanent home for a number of years. Was married February 22, 1882, to Lena Jarr of Sibley. Her father was a soldier in the Civil war and one of the pioneers of the county. In 1893, they moved to Iroquoise, South Dakota, and in 1894 removed to Spokane, Washington, where they still reside at E. 1920 Fifth Avenue. Is engaged in real estate business and fruit raising. To them were born three sons; Hugh, Carl and Donald. All of whom reside at Spokane with their parents. Hugh is employed as a clerk in a clothing store, Carl as a printer and Donald still attends the public schools.

Rosamond E., youngest child and third daughter of Elethan and Laura E. Townsend, was born March 26, 1856. Was married to Frank W. Hosner of Lakeville, Mich., in 1876. In the spring of 1881 they removed to Iowa locating on a farm near Ashton. From there they moved to near Sibley and later to Little Rock, Lyon county, Iowa, where they resided until the death of Rosamond, which occurred June 30, 1905. Was buried in the cemetery at Little Rock and on October 4 following the body was exhumed and removed to Michigan and buried in the Bruce church cemetery near where they used to live. Since her death Mr. Hosner has sold their property and expects to return to Michigan to live. To Frank and Rosamond Hosner were born four children; Edna, Vinnie, Paul and Ben, all of whom are at home with their father.

I believe the foregoing to be a fairly correct record of the families and descendents of Elihu Townsend to the present time. Of course there are many other branches and the name is becoming quite familiar in many parts of the country.

BREWER.

As I have before said the wife of Elihu Townsend was Hester Brewer. The name Brewer is also an old one originating in a similar way to that of Townsend. My father's uncle, Peter Brewer, and Aunt Mary, his wife, were early settlers in Michigan, coming from New York state. They resided on a farm in Oakland county, near my father's farm about six miles from Romeo. They lived their entire married lives together for in September 1866, they died, Aunt Mary on Saturday night and Uncle Peter the next day. I remember it was a double funeral. Two caskets and two hearses at one house and at the same time. They were buried in one grave in the cemetery at Romeo, Michigan.

To Peter and Mary Brewer were born five sons, Addison, Peter, John, Abram and Mark, and four daughters, Ann, Mary, Lydia and Sarah.

Mark the youngest son died a number of years ago at Washington, D., C., being at the lime a member of Congress, for the Fifth congressional district of Michigan. His wife still survives him and resides in Pontiac, Michigan, where he was previously engaged in the practice of law.

Addison, the eldest son died at Saginaw, Mich. Had for many years been engaged extensively in the lumber business. His son Frank is also engaged in the lumber business at Duluth, Minnesota. Other members of his immediate family living in various places. As I am writing this from memory, I cannot give a correct and detailed record of the younger and rising generation, as they multiply far beyond a man's acquaintance.

Peter, second son, resides at Saginaw. He is a widower, his family matured and residing in homes of their own.

John, third son, appears hale and hearty at seventy-two years old. Resides at Romeo, Mich. His family are grown up, some married away and some still living at home. John spent a good share of the prime of his life in Michigan forests, prospecting and locating land for large timber and lumber company, by which he realized a good fortune himself. I expect he has traveled on foot more hundreds of miles than he is years old, and then some, perhaps thousands. In a recent trip to my old home I enjoyed a visit with him and his family.

Abram, the fourth son of Peter and Mary Brewer, lived the most of his life on the farm that his father had purchased from the government. Was married to Mary Ann Bolsby of Orion, Michigan. Abram died in 1903, I think. His wife, three sons and three daughters survive him, and are still living on the farm. When there last year I enjoyed a good Sunday afternoon dinner with them. Their Uncle Peter, from Saginaw, was also there.

Mark, the fifth and youngest son whose death I mentioned, was the first of the brothers to die. The daughters, Ann, Mary, Lydia and Sarah, are all living, married and have homes of their own. It has been many years since I have seen or met any of them and therefore will not try to numerate them, but leave the opportunity for other hands if they wish to do so.

TEDMAN.

The Tedman family, of which my mother was a member, were New England people in the state of Connecticut. From there they moved to New York state and later to Michigan. The family consisted of Mr. James Tedman and wife, four daughters and three sons viz; Sophia, Mary, Eliza, Alvia, Robert, Helen and Lucious, all of whom are dead except Lucious who is a superannuated Methodist minister living at Schoolcroft, Michigan.

Robert lived in Chicago ever since I remember of him. I saw him there twenty-two years ago and had a visit with him. Since that time I have heard nothing of him and it is thought that he is now dead. He was a single man as long I as I knew of him.

Sophia was married to one John DeWitt and died in the year 1836. Was buried in the cemetery where John Townsends are buried.

Mary was married to Thomas Tedman of New York state. He was a brother of Mrs. Hanna Aldrich of Romeo, Mich., who is the mother of Frank Aldrich of Jackson, Robert Aldrich of Davis, Mrs. Lovia Badger of Detroit and Mrs. Alma Hudson of Port Huron.

Helen was never married and died some years ago at Mount Clemmons and was buried in the cemetery at Romeo.

Alvia, of my mother's brothers is the one most remembered by me as he always lived near our place. When a young man (before my memory) he lived with my folks and grew to manhood. Was married to Lovina Snyder, a daughter of Jacob Snyder. Alvia and Lovin Tedman were residents of Romeo all their married lives. He died there in the year of 1893. Was buried in the cemetery at Romeo. Mrs. Tedman is in the millinery business, one of the oldest established business places in the city, and I think the only one with the exception of Newbury Bros,, Edward and Charles, who are in the dry goods business, still continuing the business of their father who was one of the pioneer merchants of the county. To Alvia and Lovina Tedman were born one son and two daughters, Frank, Mary and Jennie.

Frank married Lena Hudson and lives at Richmond, Michigan. They have one son in Chicago and four daughters at home.

Mary married Theodore Little of Romeo. They have two daughters and one son at home.

Jennie remains at home engaged in the millinery business with her mother. Located in a brick store building, built in the year 1865 on the ground where previously they had two frame building burned down, like in most all cities in so many years are most of them several times burned down.

I must cease or it will run into too much history. I simply commenced writing this little pamphlet upon reading of the origin of the name Townsend as prepared by Col. E. C. Townsend, and trust that the record herein will meet the approval of those that may be interested.

Am satisfied to believe that at this time we all have innumerable relatives all over the land which I am not able to numerate here. The origin and multiplication of a name is almost equal to that of man.

Sincerely and Respectfully Yours,

RUFUS H. TOWNSEND.

A Bit of Experience.

Transcriber's Notes

The first section of this monograph, reproducing the work of Col. Elijah C. Townsend, contains numerous errors of fact; see the Winter 98-99 Townsend Society Newsletter. The main body, Rufus Townsend's original work, is of much higher quality and seems to be generally reliable. The significance of the concluding poem is unknown.

The ancestry of Elihu Townsend, Rufus Townsend's grandfather, remains unconfirmed. There is some thought that he migrated with other Townsends from Dutchess County, New York, to Greene County. Martha J. Burke, the Townsend Society genealogist, disputes the assertion that Elihu's father was named John.

This text faithfully reproduces the original, including dubious spellings and typographical errors. The photograph of Rufus Townsend required aggressive enhancement of a very faded image; I would be happy to receive a better copy.

Gregg Townsend
gmt@cs.arizona.edu
November, 1998
Tucson, Arizona

Postscript (August, 2001): The recently added Preface is not part of my personal copy. It was transcribed from a copy filmed at the Iowa State Historical Society by the LDS Family History Library (film number 1020761, item 2).