Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Townsend, William (Sr.) November 16, 1919
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Nan Wheaton wheaton1624@yahoo.com December 24, 2021, 12:01 pm

Lake O. Wave, Friday, Nov. 28, 1919

W.M. TOWNSEND, SR., PIONEER PASSES ON

Wm. Townsend, sr., son of Chauncey and Sally Townsend was born in the township 
of Greenwood, Stuben county, New York, May 20, 1841, and left this life Nov. 16, 
1919 aged 78 years, 5 months, and 27 days.

He was the oldest of five children. When William was four years of age his 
parents moved to Michigan, locating in Jackson county. In the spring of 1851 
when he was ten years old they moved to Campbell township, Ionia county, then a 
wilderness of woods and swamps. There he grew to manhood where he has since 
lived on the old homestead, being a resident of Campbell twp. 68 years. In the 
early days of pioneer life neighbors were far apart. Both educational and social 
advantages were very much limited but chopping and clearing was unlimited at 
that time. 

He was married to Emma Perkins Feb. 28, 1875. To them were born nine children, 
eight of whom are living. Mr. Townsend was an old pioneer of wide acquaintance 
among the older generation of whom few are now living. He knew what it was to 
endure hardship and poverty and faced the pioneer of a new country. With courage 
and strength he hued from the forest a fine home and lived to rejoice in the 
fruit of his honest labor.

He has been gradually failing in health for the last several years, being 
constantly under the doctor's care the last year. He bore his suffering with 
great courage and fortitude and was ever hopeful for the better, remaining up 
about the house a portion of the day of his death. His last words were, "I want 
to go to sleep." 

He leaves to mourn their loss a wife, eight children, one grandchild, two 
brothers and one sister besides many other friends.

The funeral services were held at the farm residence Tuesday, Rev. Mourer 
officiating.

"For over tree score years and ten, Our father, counselor, neighbor and friend, 
Has borne the toils and cares of life; Battled with sickness, pain and strife. 
But now he sleeps, O blessed sleep, While we are left our loss to weep." 

Additional Comments:
Clarksville cemetery

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