Townsend, James H.
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LAST NAME: Townsend
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FIRST NAME: James
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MIDDLE NAME: H.
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NICKNAME:
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MAIDEN NAME:
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AKA 1:
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AKA 2:
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AKA 3:
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GENDER: M
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TITLE:
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BORN: 10 Nov 1854
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DIED: 27 July 1904
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BURIED: 29 July 1904 (William C. Brown Cemetery)
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OCCUPATION: Lawyer
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BIRTH PLACE: Polk Co, Oregon
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DEATH PLACE: Perrydale, Polk Co, Oregon
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NOTES: MARRIAGE - J.H. Townsend & Allie Richmond m 11 Nov 1881 at residence of Thomas S. Richmond by John James MG. Wit: John H. Whitley & Hetta S. Rowell
1900 OR CENSUS - James H. Townsend (b Nov 1854, OR; md 18y), enumerated with wife Alice A. (b June 1863, OR; md 18y; mother of 2 children, none living), uncle Ira P. Smith (b Oct 1823, MO, widowed) and servant Carrie B. Siefarth (b Mar 1876, OR; single)
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DEATH CERTIFICATE: Not found in Oregon Death Index
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OBITUARY: J.H. Townsend Dead.
He was born in 1854 on the donation claim which his father Ira S. Townsend took up near Perrydale in 1847. He was educated in LaCreole academy at Dallas and in 1876 began the study of law with J.J. Daly, and was admitted to the bar in 1883. He first formed a partnership with Warren Truitt, later was for years with N.L. Butler and then with J.N. Hart until his health failed, when he went back to his native home, where he died last Wednesday. He was married in 1882 to Miss Allie Richmond. His brother George is on the old home place. For years he was quite prominent in democratic ranks. Today he will be laid to rest besides his parents in the Brown cemetery north of Dallas. The funeral procession will arrive there at 11 o’clock and be met by a special motor with Dallas friends. He ranked high in the Masonic order which will have charge of the burial. His warm friend N.L. Butler will at the grave make appropriate remarks concerning the deceased.
Polk County Itemizer (Fri) 29 Jul 1904, 1:4
J. H. TOWNSEND IS DEAD
Well-Known Lawyer Passes Away at His Home, Near Perrydale.
James H. Townsend, at one time a well-known lawyer and prominent citizen of Oregon, died at his home near Perrydale, Wednesday, July 27, 1904, aged 49 years. His death was caused by softening of the brain. He was stricken by the fatal disease about two years ago, but his illness did not assume a dangerous form until last Friday. On that date he was seized with severe convulsions and never rallied from their effects.
Mr. Townsend was a son of the late Ira S. and Bersheba Townsend, and was born on a farm near Perrydale, November 10, 1854. He spent his boyhood days on the farm, and in the late ‘70s took up the study of the law. After being admitted to practice, he opened an office in Dallas and resided in this city until a few months before his death. For many years he was associated with Hon N.L. Butler in the law practice, and later became the senior member of the firm of Townsend & Hart. He was an ardent Democrat and stood high in the councils of his party. He was a delegate to the National convention held in Chicago in 1896,a nd four years later was a delegate to the Kansas City convention. While taking an active interest in politics, he steadfastly refused to accept a nomination for any office. In 1894 he was prominently mentioned for Governor of Oregon, but declined to allow his name to go before the convention. He was a member of Jennings Lodge, No 9, AF & AM. He was also a member of Dallas Camp, No 209, Woodmen of the World, and carried $3000 insurance that order.
Mr. Townsend was a successful lawyer and enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice. He was a good judge of human nature and was quick to grasp any point that could be used to the advantage of his client. He had a fairly good law education, and this knowledge taken together with a retentive memory and a plentiful supply of plain common sense enabled him to win many hard-fought legal battles.
Mr. Townsend began to fail in health about two years ago and his ailment soon developed into a well-defined case of softening of the brain. The best physicians on the Pacific coast were called into consultation, but their skill was of no avail in bettering his condition, and he was soon obliged to retire from the practice of his profession. After a few months of rest and quiet, he was taken to his country home near Perrydale in the hope that the fresh air and change of surroundings would prove beneficial, but in this the family was disappointed and he continued to sink steadily until death came to his relief. His malady never partook of the violent form, and through all the long months of suffering he was kind and patient, and was as easily controlled as a little child. During his last days on earth he was the recipient of every attention that a devoted wife could bestow, and no pains or expense were spared to make him as comfortable as possible. Burial will take place this morning in the Brown cemetery north of town. The services will be conducted by the officers of Jennings Lodge, No 9, AF & AM, and it is expected that a large number of Masons will be in attendance. A special motor will leave the Southern Pacific depot at 10:30 o’clock, and will return at the close of the services.
Polk County Observer, Friday, July 29, 1904, 3:4
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INSCRIPTION: J. H. Townsend
Born
Nov. 10, 1854
Died
July 27, 1904
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SOURCES: Branigar Survey
Polk Co, Oregon, Marriage Records, 1879-1888, p 11
1900 OR CENSUS (Polk Co, Dallas, ED 173, FA#380)
PCI 29 July 1904, 1:4
PCO 29 July 1904, 3:4
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