Franklin Townsend
Encyclopedia
Franklin Townsend was descended from Henry Townsend
one of the founders of Oyster Bay, New York. He was a 19th century industrialist, active in his family's iron business which was a branch of the Stirling Iron Works
, the maker of the Hudson River Chain
that prevented the British Royal Navy from sailing up the Hudson River
during the American Revolutionary War
. He was active in Albany politics, serving as an Alderman and one term as Mayor of the City. He served as Adjutant General of the State of New York from 1869-1873.
, a ship's commander in the American Civil War who lost his life while on duty in China. Townsend's maternal grandfather was Solomon Townsend
, a midshipman in the Colonial United States Navy, merchant ship captain, and active in the iron business in New York State through the Augusta Forge which he established in Tuxedo, New York
. It could be said that iron ran in the family's blood since Townsend's great uncle, Peter Townsend, established and ran the Stirling Iron Works
which forged the great Hudson River Chain
which was strung across the Hudson River
just south of the important American base at West Point, New York.
On January 15, 1852 Franklin Townsend married Anna Josephine King, the daughter of Rufus H and Amelia Laverty King, in Albany. They had two children. Rufus King Townsend was born in Albany New York March 18, 1853 died there December 21, 1895 He was educated at the Albany Academy and at Williams College and eventually headed his father's iron business. Townsend's second son was Franklin Junior, born in Albany on 4 November 1854 and died there on 31 October 1895. He was educated at the Albany Academy and Williams College and studied at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. After graduation he received practical medical training in Germany and built his career practicing medicine in Albany where he was highly respected.
1804 called "I & J Townsend" The firm was involved in the buying and selling of iron and produced in their foundry machine castings and railcar wheels. Franklin joined the business as a young man in 1849 upon the death of his uncle John Townsend
along with John's son Theodore, (Franklin's first cousin). In 1856 he changed the business to a sole proprietor by the name of "Franklin Townsend & Co." until 1871 when his older son Rufus King Townsend succeeded him.
When civil war broke out in the United States, Townsend became involved in raising the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment which in December 1862 was converted to the Seventh Heavy Artillery. Recruitment lasted from July 24, 1862 to 18 August and raised 1,100 men. The regiment left Albany the next day bound for Washington.
Townsend was appointed adjutant general of the state of New York for five years January 1, 1869 to 1873.
, the 37th Mayor of Albany.
in Albany.
Henry Townsend
Henry Townsend may refer to:*Henry Townsend , early American colonist born in Norwich, Norfolk, England*Henry Townsend , American colonist born in Oyster Bay...
one of the founders of Oyster Bay, New York. He was a 19th century industrialist, active in his family's iron business which was a branch of the Stirling Iron Works
Stirling Iron Works
The Sterling Iron Works owned by Peter Townsend was one of the first steel and iron manufacturer in the American colonies and the first steel producer in the colony of New York...
, the maker of the Hudson River Chain
Hudson River Chain
The Hudson River Chain may refer to any of several chains used as a blockade across the Hudson River intended to prevent British naval vessels from proceeding up the river during the American Revolutionary War.-The Great Chain :...
that prevented the British Royal Navy from sailing up the Hudson River
Hudson River
The Hudson is a river that flows from north to south through eastern New York. The highest official source is at Lake Tear of the Clouds, on the slopes of Mount Marcy in the Adirondack Mountains. The river itself officially begins in Henderson Lake in Newcomb, New York...
during the American Revolutionary War
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
. He was active in Albany politics, serving as an Alderman and one term as Mayor of the City. He served as Adjutant General of the State of New York from 1869-1873.
Birth and Family
General Franklin Townsend was born on 28 September 1821 to Isaiah and Hannah Townsend Townsend in Albany New York. Franklin's younger brother was Robert Townsend (Captain)Robert Townsend (Captain)
Captain Robert Townsend was a Civil War era ship Captain in the United States Navy. He served twice, once before the war then again during the war. He saw active combat while serving aboard three ships, most notably as commander of the USS Essex from 1863–1864, an ironclad gunship on the...
, a ship's commander in the American Civil War who lost his life while on duty in China. Townsend's maternal grandfather was Solomon Townsend
Solomon Townsend
Solomon Townsend was a merchant ship’s captain prior to the American Revolution, owned an ironworks in New York State, and was a representative to the New York State Legislature. Stranded in London following the outbreak of hostilities, Townsend's passage back to America was facilitated by...
, a midshipman in the Colonial United States Navy, merchant ship captain, and active in the iron business in New York State through the Augusta Forge which he established in Tuxedo, New York
Tuxedo, New York
Tuxedo is a town located in Orange County, New York. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 3,334. The town is in the southeastern part of the county. NY Route 17 and the New York State Thruway pass through the town...
. It could be said that iron ran in the family's blood since Townsend's great uncle, Peter Townsend, established and ran the Stirling Iron Works
Stirling Iron Works
The Sterling Iron Works owned by Peter Townsend was one of the first steel and iron manufacturer in the American colonies and the first steel producer in the colony of New York...
which forged the great Hudson River Chain
Hudson River Chain
The Hudson River Chain may refer to any of several chains used as a blockade across the Hudson River intended to prevent British naval vessels from proceeding up the river during the American Revolutionary War.-The Great Chain :...
which was strung across the Hudson River
Hudson River
The Hudson is a river that flows from north to south through eastern New York. The highest official source is at Lake Tear of the Clouds, on the slopes of Mount Marcy in the Adirondack Mountains. The river itself officially begins in Henderson Lake in Newcomb, New York...
just south of the important American base at West Point, New York.
On January 15, 1852 Franklin Townsend married Anna Josephine King, the daughter of Rufus H and Amelia Laverty King, in Albany. They had two children. Rufus King Townsend was born in Albany New York March 18, 1853 died there December 21, 1895 He was educated at the Albany Academy and at Williams College and eventually headed his father's iron business. Townsend's second son was Franklin Junior, born in Albany on 4 November 1854 and died there on 31 October 1895. He was educated at the Albany Academy and Williams College and studied at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. After graduation he received practical medical training in Germany and built his career practicing medicine in Albany where he was highly respected.
Iron Business
Franklin Townsend's father, Isaiah established his own metals business in partnership with his brother JohnJohn Townsend (Mayor)
John Townsend was a prominent industrialist and politician in the Albany, New York area. He was unanimously elected Mayor of Albany three times and served as the 37th Mayor of the city.-Birth and Family:...
1804 called "I & J Townsend" The firm was involved in the buying and selling of iron and produced in their foundry machine castings and railcar wheels. Franklin joined the business as a young man in 1849 upon the death of his uncle John Townsend
John Townsend (Mayor)
John Townsend was a prominent industrialist and politician in the Albany, New York area. He was unanimously elected Mayor of Albany three times and served as the 37th Mayor of the city.-Birth and Family:...
along with John's son Theodore, (Franklin's first cousin). In 1856 he changed the business to a sole proprietor by the name of "Franklin Townsend & Co." until 1871 when his older son Rufus King Townsend succeeded him.
Military career
Townsend was appointed adjutant general of the state of New York for five years January 1, 1869 to 1873.
Political career
Townsend was active in Albany city politics, serving as a supervisor alderman and member of assembly. He was elected the 47th mayor of Albany April 9, 1850 on the Whig party ticket, following in the footsteps of his uncle John TownsendJohn Townsend (Mayor)
John Townsend was a prominent industrialist and politician in the Albany, New York area. He was unanimously elected Mayor of Albany three times and served as the 37th Mayor of the city.-Birth and Family:...
, the 37th Mayor of Albany.
Commercial Interests
In addition to his involvement in the family's iron business, Townsend was president of the New York State National Bank 1867 to 1879 and vice president of the Albany Savings Bank.Death
Franklin Townsend died at his home at 4 Elk Street, Albany NY on 11 September 1898. His body is interred at the Albany Rural CemeteryAlbany Rural Cemetery
The Albany Rural Cemetery was established October 7, 1844, in Menands, New York, just outside of the city of Albany, New York. It is renowned as one of the most beautiful, pastoral cemeteries in the United States, at over . Many historical American figures are buried there.-History:On April 2,...
in Albany.