Stock

TOWNSEND

as seen in Picturesque Huron, 1896


 
 
Hosea Townsend
The subject of this sketch was one of the pioneers of Huron County, and of New London Township. He was born at Greenbush, N.Y., May 25 1794. On
August 15, 1815 he first visted New London, and after a few weeks of investigation, beame convinced of the desirability and the fertility of
the soil, and despite the exceeding wildness of the land and the many dangers to be encountered, determined to establishe his home here.  He
however, first returned to his eastern hom, and on February 4 1816, accompanied by his brother Hiram Townsend, started for their future home
in the wilds of New London.  After fifty-two days of travel, with an ox team, they arrived at their destination on March 28, 1816. With him, he brought the iron from which he made the first plow used in the turning of the virgin soil of New London.  To him also belongs the credit of having planted the first orchard (in 1820) and the erection of the first frame dwelling (1826) in the township.  March 25, 1821, he maried Miss Sophia Case, who taught the first school established in the township. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and by an act of Congress he was granted 160 acres of land, to the cultivation of which, he always gave his
attention, and at his death he was the possessor of more than one thousand acres in New London and Fitchville townships. At the time of his death he, which occurred December 18, 1884, he was a
citizen of  New London village, having resided there and in the township for nearly seventy years.  He was indeed a pioneer.
 
 
 
 

Ira S. Townsend
The subject of this sketch was born in New London Township, Huron county, June 14, 1831, and was the first child born in a frame house in that
locality. Upon the completion of his studies at Oberlin College, he returned to his father's farm, sharing in the labor of its successful conduct until he embarked in personal enterprises. September 27, 1855 he married Miss Mary A. Ward, of Milan Ohio who died October 14, 1881.  Later in life he
married Miss Ellen L. Ward, a sister of his deceased wife. His entire life was spent upon his excellently conducted farm in New London township, where he died September 12, 1893.
He was director of the First National Bank of New London, from its incorporation in 1872, and for eleven years served as its vice-president, and as its president for six years.  In 1892 the institution was reorganized under the name of The New London Bank, of which he became president, serving until his death.  Upon the seas of commerce and in the field of agriculture he was  alike successful.
 
 
 
 
 
John T. Townsend
Of Fitchville township, the eldest son of  Hosea and Sophia Townsend, was born July 22, 1824, in New London, township and there reared.  In youth he attended the public schools and Oberlin College, after which he devoted his attention during the winter months to teaching in the schools of
Fitchville and Clarksfield Townships.  September 20, 1849, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Lenius Palmer, who was the youngest of the four
Palmer brothers who settled in Fitchville township in 1818.  Mr. Townsend has always been an agriculturalist, though he has devoted much of his time to the interest of his township and county, as is evident from the fact that for more than twenty-three years he performed the duties of the office of justice of the peace, and resigned at the
expiartion of the period mentioned.  In 1880 he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners, serving until 1886.
 
 
 

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