Biographical Sketch of John Townsend, St. Joseph, Buchanan County, MO

>From "History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881, St. Joseph
Steam Printing Company, Printers, Binders, Etc., St. Joseph, Missouri.
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John Townsend was born in McLean County, Illinois, in 1837. In 1841,
his father moved to this county. Young Townsend worked on the farm
till fifteen years old, in the meantime acquiring a limited education.
At fifteen he entered the store of I. J. Curd, then one of the first
firms who located here. He remained until Mr. Curd sold out and then
at the age of twenty one, he went into the employ of Mr. McDonald, with
whom he remained several years. He spent two years in Montana. Re-
turning to St. Joseph, he commenced business in the spring of 1866,
under the firm name of Townsend and Lowell. He finally purchased Mr.
Lowell's interest, and Mr. William H. Wood engaged in partnership with
him under the firm name of Townsend & Wood. In 1873, the firm of
Bailey, Townsend & Co. was formed, when they commenced the wholesale
trade, continuing three years. Mr. Townsend then withdrew from the
concern. After one year of recreation, in 1877, the present firm of
Townsend, Wyatt & Co. was formed. This has become one of the leading
retail dry goods houses of St. Joseph, being to St. Joseph what Stewart
is to New York. Their sales having increased from $75,000 per year to
one quarter of a million. Mr. Townsend was also largely instrumental
in establishing in 1875, the cracker and candy manufacturing house of
F. L. Sommer & Co., of which he is one of the Co. This is one of the
largest establishments of the kind in the West. Mr. Townsend commenced
life without means, and with nothing but his good health, willing hands
and hopeful heart, with which to pave his pathway to success. He has
achieved an enviable reputation as a business man and public spirited
citizen. He married Miss Anna R. Banes, of this city, in 1863. They
have three children.

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