Morning journal and courier., 1881-01-07

Funeral of Mrs. William K. Townsend.
 The funeral of the late Mrs. William Knee land Townsend took place yesterday after noon at o clock from the old homestead of the family in East Haven. The grounds, SO, beautiful at all seasons of the year, wore a drear aspect with their thick burden of snow, the e-encased and dripping branches of the trees, and with misty rain falling; and outward the water view presented an ice bound harbor and the sullen waves of the Sound in the distance. Notwithstanding na- ture wore this somewhat indictment aspect, the beautiful residence was thronged with mourning friends, many of whom had left homes of elegance and every comfort to pay the last sad tribute to the memory of the sleeper, whose long life had become invested with a radiance from her rare union of ac- complishments, most endearing nature and whose lovely character and Chris sian virtues shone more and more brightly as life wore on apace, leaving store of precious memories to two generations of descendants. Oficiat- ing at the funeral were the Rev. Burdett Hart, of the First Congregational church, Fair Haven, who delivered a rarely beautiful discourse in memoriam at the death of Mr. Townsend, the beloved husband of the de- ceased and Rev. Dr. Bacon, the honored di- vine, who was the pastor of the deceased for many years. A finished and elegant tribute was given by Rev. MT. Hart, in which he re- ferred to the beautiful Christian character of died years before, honored and esteemed and lamented, at the old homestead, wheFe the closing years of his life were spent. The sep aration was now over, and both had left precious message to their children and children's children and friends, in the dying words, 'Live for Christ" The pastor offered also beautiful consolatory words to the bereaved iii the loss of so kind so anaia- ble parent, and commended her example to all Prayer was offered by Rev. pr. Bacon, the deepest silence and stiffness prevailing as he invoked the divine spirit to rest upon the mourning friends and spoke of the consola- tions of Christ as the true balm for the strick- en heart of the brevity and uncertainty of life and the joy and serenity which Christs blessing gave to the believing soul. Thomas R. Trowbridge, Esq, was in charge of the funeral ceremonies, and the pail bearers were  six of the sons of the deceased There was one absent who resides abroad. The remains lay in an elegant casket and the floral tributes were choice, lavish and elegant. The inter ment was in the Grove street cemetery, near the remains of the husband and son. The former, Hon Wm, K. Townsend, died in 1S49, the latter in 1S59 There are seven sons living. William, the oldest, resides in London, England. The bearers were Hon. James M. Townsend, ex-State Senator; Hon. George H., one of our harbor commissioners, Major Frederick A., who was in the 2d Conn. regiment;. Captain Charles H., ex-com- mander of several noted ocean steamships, Dr. T. Beers, well known for his high rank as surgeon, and Edward H. son-in-law and assistant of c. S. Maltby. The death of Mrs. Townsend is the third in the family. that has occurred in the old homestead in period of 75 years,