New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-12-06
OBITUARY..
JOHN JOSEPH TOWNSEND.


John Joseph Townsend president Of tho Union Club.
died yesterday, age sxy-throe. at his home. No Isl
FiftlLav after serious illness OF only few days.
Mr Townsend was prominent club-man, ana the
news OF his death caused great regret not only among
members OF the Union Club. but among many OF
NETWORKS most prominent families. Mr.. Townsend
has not been in good health for year or more, and
for some time 1t has been his custom to Visit Europe
every year for his health lie left Now
York fcr Europe last June. ard visited
vichy Inns. Baden Baden and Pats. hoping
10 be benefited BY the trip and IL was confidently OK
pected By his many friends and Dr. Frederick Doiahem
his family physician, that he would return with re
newed health. lie sailed by the Etrria. on her last
westward trip. and stricken with pneumonia while
on board he was attended by the ships physician
At first his case was not regarded as Serious but
on Sunday and Monday his Illness became much more
severe and IL was not thought that he could 1--we
twelve hours When the passengers were landed on
Monday he was taken to his mouse
In an ambulance, and upon his arrNai
there seemed TO rally somewhat and was better for
about thlrty-six hours.
lie then began TO fail slowly but surely, and con-
tlnued 70 get weaker until the time Of his death
At his bedside were his wife. his sons, John Joseph
Townsend, ir. Fitzhugh Townsend, Arthur Town
send. his daughter. Elizabeth Townsend, DR.. Dela-
field and Dr. F. VI. Jackson. The funeral VIII %
held at Trinity Church tomorrow at p. m.
Mr. Townsend was born in this city in 1928, and was
one Of the Townsend family long seuleu
at Oyster Bay L. l. His early youth was spent In
this city and Oyster Bay. He was graduated with
honors from Columbia College with the class of 1s4 at
the unusually early age of sixteen and was admitted
to the bar in New-York State when he came of age.
I'm the later years of his life no was only Interested
In politics relative to matters Of taxation pertaining
to the cities of NewYork and Brooklyn, but during the
early part Of HIS career he was identified with all
Whig and Republican interests and movements. lie
served with honor several terms in the Assembly, and
at one time was chairman OF the judiciary Committee
During the last few years he had not been In active
legal or business life He delegate from New
York 10 the convention which framed the
constitutional amendments adopted in 1874
bur conducted them in singIlary unos-
tentatous WAY For than thirty years
he was manager OF the House of Refuge. ITO
was trustee OF Columbia College, and the welfare
OF his alma mater was one OF his most decided con-
Germs lie was married in 1854 % Catherine H.
bronson daughter. OF the late Arthur Bronson
His wife survives him. Ho was elected 70
membership in the Union Club In 1867 and was made
lis seventh president on June 49, 1883. In l9eD he
was past master of Holland Lodge, NO o, r. ana
A. VI. !, -, -
Wells vice-president OF the Union Club, courteous
and dlcnihed eentleman-a man who made no enemies
and was kindly, generous and genial 10 every one.
The Governing Committee OF the club will pa,s ap
prOprate resolutions at the regular meeting 10 be held
next week