James A. Townsend

JAMES A. TOWNSEND. Among the many prominent farmers residing in Howard township, Labette county, Kansas, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He located there in 1877, and has been one of the most influential citizens in the township. Mr. Townsend was born in Clark county, Indiana, in 1845, and is a son of Isaac Monroe and J. Ann (Harris) Townsend.

Isaac Monroe Townsend was born in Clark county, Indiana, and was a cooper by trade, also following farming. He married J. Ann Harris, who was born in Kentucky, and they reared three children: James A., Hulda C., and Elam B.

James A. Townsend lived on his father's farm, which was near the Ohio river, for a number of years. He decided to try his luck in the West, and in 1876, set out for Kansas, making the trip by wagon. He used four horses, and was thirty days in completing the journey. In 1877, he bought his present home farm, which is the southwest quarter of section 30. He has lived on that place ever since, and has made extensive improvements on it. He entered the claim in 1877, at Independence, Kansas. He carries on diversified farming, and has been very successful.

Mr. Townsend was united in marriage with Miss E. A. Gossett, who was born in Clark county, Indiana, and they have been blessed by the birth of seven children, namely: Mellie, Allen E., Annie, Pinkney, Eden, Luella, and Jessie. Our subject is a member of the Republican party. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.