The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1907-12-05
LOUIS J. TOWNSEND.
Prominent Resident OF Berwick Succumbs to
Illness.

1t is often hard to understand
why men who are useful and pro-
yressive citizens, active i'll all that
pertains to the good of the commit
nifty, and leaders i'll church work,
are removed by the hand of death
in middle life, lust at time when
they are in the heighth oftheir use
fulness. while so many drones who
are OF no good to the public or to
themselves are left.
Louis J. Townsend died at his
home in Berwick on Thursday ev-
ening, November 2Sth, at six
O'Clock. About four years ago he
became afflicted with stomach trou-
bic, and three years ago he under
went an operation in Philadelphia
hospital, by which he gained tem-
porary relief. But the trouble "a
gain arose, and about month ago
he went to the hospital again hop
ing that he might be helped by an
other operation. After a consulta-
tion the physicians decided that he
would not be able to stand the
shock, and he was brought back to
Berwick on Sunday, November IS,
with no hopes for his recovery,
and he passed away four days later
ready and willing to go.
He was the eldest son of Mr..
and Mrs. John X. Townsend of
Bloomsbury, and was born in New
port, England, on March 7, 1870.
The family came to this country in
April, 1871. He obtained a good
education in the public schools and
the Normal, and after learning the
jewelers. trade he opened jewelry
store in Berwick i'll 1890. He was
appointed postmaster of Berwick by
President Cleveland, and filled the
office with entire satisfaction. AT
the close of his term he accepted a
position in the Auditors office OF
the American Car & Foundry Co. 1,
which position he resigned after
several years to accept that OF man
ager of the Berwick Electric Light
Co. which he held up to the time OF
his death.
Mr.. Townsend was one OF the
most jealous supporters OF Christ
Episcopal Church, Berwick, and
was it's treasurer for some years.
He was one of the most active in
organizing the church, and its Sue
cess was owing largely to his efforts
in conjunction with those OF few
other earnest members.
He was married in 1892 to Miss
Elizabeth Gruver, who with three
children, Ruth, Donald and Fred,
survives him. He also leaves his
parents, two brothers and a sister,
Harry W., Joseph L., of this town,
and Mrs. Edward Eyer of Phila-
delphia.
Mr.. Townsend was young man
of afable disposition, always court
eous and polite, and popular with
all classes He will be greatly miss
ed not only in his family but III
business, church, and Masonic cir
c!es. He was a thirty second de-
gree Mason, a member OF Caldwell
Consistory.
The funeral was held on Tuesday
and interment took place in Pine
Grove Cemetery. After brief ser
vices at the house further services
were held at Christ Church the
rector, Rev. O. II. Bridgeman Off
ciating. His remarks were peculi-
ary fitting for the occasion. The
music at the church was rem
dered by the vested choir
The services at the cemetery
were in charge of Knapp Lodge
with full Masonic ceremonial
Crusade Ouartette rendered Come
Unto Me" and $50 Mote it Be. -
A large delegation of Bloomsbury
Masons and other friends were
present.
The floral offerings were most
beautiful and profuse. Nearly two