Edward D. Townsend facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Davis Townsend
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Edward D. Townsend
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| Born | August 22, 1817 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | May 10, 1893 (aged 75) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial |
Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington DC
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1837–1880 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | Adjutant General of the U.S. Army |
| Battles/wars | Second Seminole War American Civil War Indian Wars |
| Relations | Elbridge Gerry (grandfather) |
Edward Davis Townsend (born August 22, 1817 – died May 10, 1893) was an important leader in the United States Army. He served as the Adjutant General from 1869 to 1880. This job meant he was in charge of all the army's records, communications, and administrative tasks. He played a key role during a time of big changes for the country.
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Who Was Edward D. Townsend?
Edward Davis Townsend was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1817. His father was David S. Townsend and his mother was Eliza Gerry Townsend. His grandfather was Elbridge Gerry, who was a Vice President of the United States.
Edward went to the Boston Latin School, which is a very old and famous school in Boston. After that, he attended the United States Military Academy (often called West Point). He graduated from West Point in 1837.
Early Military Career
After graduating, Edward Townsend became a second lieutenant in the Second U.S. Artillery. A second lieutenant is a junior officer rank in the army. He worked as an adjutant for his regiment. An adjutant is an officer who helps with administrative duties and paperwork.
During his early career, Townsend took part in some important events. He served in the Second Seminole War, which was a conflict in Florida. He also helped with the relocation of the Cherokee Nation.
In 1846, he moved to the Adjutant General's Corps. This part of the army handles all the official records, orders, and communications. He was assigned to duty in Washington, D.C., the nation's capital.
Service on the Pacific Coast
From 1851 to 1856, Edward Townsend served on the Pacific coast. This was a time when the United States was expanding westward. After his time on the Pacific coast, he returned to Washington, D.C. He stayed there for the rest of his long military career.
Becoming Adjutant General
In February 1869, Edward Townsend was promoted to brigadier general. This is a high rank in the army. At this time, he also became the Adjutant General. This was a very important position. As Adjutant General, he oversaw the entire administrative system of the U.S. Army. This included managing personnel records, issuing orders, and handling official correspondence.
He served in this role until he retired from the army in 1880.
Later Life and Legacy
Edward Townsend died in Washington, D.C., on May 10, 1893. He passed away after an accident involving a cable car. He is buried at Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Townsend's long career in the U.S. Army, especially his time as Adjutant General, helped to organize and manage the army during a crucial period in American history, including the American Civil War.
