Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1904-07-29
]. II. TOWNSEND is DEAD
Well-knOwn Lawyer Passes AWAY
at His Home Near PerrydaIe.

James H. Townsend, at one time q
weli-known lawyer and prominent
citizen OF Oregon, died at his home
near Perrydale, Wednesday, July ~.
1904, aged 40 years. His death was
caused by softening Of the brain. He
was stricken by the fatal disease about
Two years ago, but his illness did not
assume a dangerous form until last
Friday. On that date he was siezed
with severe convulsions and never
rallied from theireffects.
Mr. Townsend was a son of the late
Ira ). and Bersheba Townsend. and
was born on a farm near Perrydale.
November 10, 1854. He spent his bov.
mood days on the farm, and in the
late 7os took up the study of the law
Alter being admitted to practice. he
opened an office in Dallas and resided
IN this city until few months before
mis- death. For many years he was
associated with Hon. N. L. Butler in
the law practice, and later became the
senior member Of the firm ofTownsend
y Hart. He was an ardent Democrat
ana stood high in the councils Of his
party. He was a delegate to the
Natlonal convention held in Chicaoo
IN 1896, and four years later was a :
lelegate to the Kansas City conven-
lon. While taking an active interest 4
n politics, ne steadfastly refused to \
accept a nomination for any office. Tn i
o94 ne was prominently mentioned 3
or Governor of Oregon, but declined q
allow his name to go before the q
onvention. He was a member Of n
Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. nj n
10 was also a member of Dallas n
amp, No. 2O9, Woodmen Of the n
World, and carried $4,000 insurance n
lat order. "a
Mr. Townsend was a successful IA
'wyer and enjoyed an extensive and IA
lcratlve practice. He was a good IA
'uge or human nature and was IN
llck to grasp any point that could 4;
used to the advantage of his client .N
Q mad a fairly good law education. N
10 thls knowledge taken together N
lth retentive memory and plenti- W
supply OF PLAIN, common sense az
aoled him to win many hard fought :H
gal battles. N
Mr.. Townsend began to fail In M
alth about two years ago and his &
ment soon developed into a welI-de-
ed case OF softening of the brain.
best physicians on the Pacific
lst were called into consultation. Ii
thelr skill was of no avail in is "
terlng his condition, and he was be G
q Obliged to retire from the practice bal
lis profession. After few months ing
'est and quiet, he was taken to his Mis-
ntry home near Perrydale in the Mrs
'e that the fresh air and change of Mis-
roundings would prove beneficial Mis-
IN thls the family was disappointed Mis-
ne continued to sink steadily un- Mrs
Death came to his relief. His Mis-,
ady never partook Of the violent Mrs
H. and through all the long months Miss
utering he was kind and patient Mrs
was as easily controlled as a. little
g. During his last days on earth
'as the recipient of every attention 8%@
adevoted wife could bestow, and .
pains or expense were spared to :
Q MIN as comfortable as possible ~%S
lrlal will take place this morning Fo
ne Brown cemetery north of po to
as. The services will be con-
ed by the officers of jennings mn
Se' No. 9, A. F. & A. NJ, and it is .-'
oted that large number of on'
ms will be in attendance. A sIaCe
al motor will leave the Southern bros.
lc depot at 10 80 o'clock, and will conVl
n at the close of the services. Go
sinks