Charles Townsend (Ohio politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Townsend
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| 22nd Ohio Secretary of State | |
| In office January 10, 1881 – January 8, 1883 |
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| Governor | Charles Foster |
| Preceded by | Milton Barnes |
| Succeeded by | James W. Newman |
| Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the Athens County district |
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| In office January 7, 1878 – January 9, 1881 |
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| Preceded by | Charles H. Grosvenor |
| Succeeded by | Charles L. Kurtz |
| Member of the Ohio Senate from the 9th district |
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| In office January 2, 1888 – January 5, 1890 |
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| Preceded by | Calvin S. Welch |
| Succeeded by | V. C. Lowrey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 22, 1834 Belmont County, Ohio |
| Died | January 12, 1900 (aged 65) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Margaret J. Allen |
| Children | three |
| Alma mater | Ohio University Cincinnati Law School |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch/service |  Union Army |
| Years of service | August 10, 1861 -September 22, 1864 |
| Rank |  Major |
| Unit |  30th Ohio Infantry |
Charles Townsend was an important politician from Ohio. He was a member of the Republican Party. He served in both the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate. He also held a big job as the Ohio Secretary of State from 1881 to 1883.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Charles Townsend was born on December 22, 1834. His birthplace was Harrisville, Ohio, in Belmont County, Ohio. When he was a child, his family moved to Athens County, Ohio.
He went to regular schools as he grew up. To pay for his education, he taught at schools. He later attended Ohio University and graduated in 1861. After college, he started a school called Decamp Institute in Meigs County, Ohio. He was in charge of this school when the American Civil War began.
Service in the Civil War
In July 1861, Charles Townsend joined the Union Army. This was the army that fought to keep the United States together during the Civil War. In August, he became a Captain in the Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
He was promoted to Major of his regiment on January 27, 1864. He served bravely during the war.
Legal and Political Career
After the Civil War ended, Charles Townsend went back to school. He studied law at Cincinnati Law School and graduated in 1866. He then became a lawyer.
He was elected as the Prosecuting Attorney for Athens County, Ohio three times. A prosecuting attorney is a lawyer who works for the government. Their job is to bring people who break the law to court.
Serving in the Ohio Government
In 1877, Charles Townsend was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives. This is one part of Ohio's state government where laws are made. He was re-elected in 1879.
He then resigned from the House when he was elected Ohio Secretary of State in 1880. The Secretary of State is a very important state official. They handle many official records and elections. He ran for the position again in 1882 but was not re-elected.
Later, in 1887, he was elected to the Ohio Senate. This is the other part of Ohio's state government that makes laws. He also served as the State Commander for the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a group for soldiers who had fought for the Union in the Civil War.
Family Life
Charles Townsend married Margaret Jane Allen in October 1859. They had three children together. Their children were named Helen, Charles, and Mary. He was also a member of a group called the Masons.
Charles Townsend passed away on January 12, 1900.
Images for kids
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Charles Townsend
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Major rank insignia
