Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-10-22
BANK CASHIER
DIES SUDDENLY
Mr.. James P. Townsend Of
Snow Hill Stricken With
ApOplexy,

home in Snow Hill shortly after eight
o'clock Monday night, after an illness
of only few hours. On Sunday. Mr..
Townsend appeared to be in his usual
good health, and attended morning and
evening services in Whatcoat NJ. Z.
Church. as had been his custom for
wears. When he arose Monday morning
he complained Of suffering with a severe
headache. but such was his zeal and in
terest in his work. that he went down
town as usual to the First National Bank,
of which institution he was cashier.
When he reached the bank, he did net
take his customary place at the cashiers
desk, but walked through to the direc-
tors room in the rear, where he remain
ed only minute or two, remarking as
he came through the bank. Il am going
back home, il can get there. = 1t was
seen that he was in great suffering, and
his daughter, Miss Eva Townsend, ac-
companied him to the door, and watched
his progress down the street until he
turned in at his own door. On reaching
his home, Mrs. Townsend was alarmed
at his symptoms, and fearing to trust
to the simple remedies which they We're
accustomed to administer for his head
aches, she summoned her brother, Dr.
Paul Jones, the family physician. While
realizing that Mr.. Townsend was a very
sick man. the seriousness of his con-
dition could not at that time be deter
mined. DIR. Jones prescribing remedies
which gave temporary relief. About
noon decided change for the worse
took place in Mr.. Townsend's condition,
and DIR. Jones was again summoned.
When he reached his bedside. however
Mr.. Townsend had suffered stroke of
apoplexy and was unconscious. He
remained in an unconscious state gradu-
ally sinking, until the evening, when he
passed peacefully away.
The news Of Mr.. Townsend's illness.
followed so closely by his death, came
as a great shock to the people OF
Snow Hill and surrounding community,
and everywhere were heard expressions
of profound sorrow and sympathy.
As cashier of the First National Bank,
of Snow Hill, one of the foremost bank
ing institutions in the state. Mr.. Town
send occupied very prominent and re-
sponsible position. and he was in close
touch with the financial pulse of the
town, county and state. His sound
business judgment and knowledge of
financial affairs, combined with his
naturally kind and courteous manners and
his considerations for Others, rendered
him peculiarly fitted for the position.
Mr.. Townsend was director of the
Snow Hill Building and Loan Associa-
ton, of which he was also treasurer.
He was noble Christian man, and was
member of Whatcoat NJ. Z. Church.
He was a trustee and steward of the
church, also district steward. Mr..
Townsend was Democrat, and, while
he never held public office. he always
took keen interest in politics.
Mr.. Townsend was the son Of Alfred
J. Townsend and Mary Ann Porter
Townsend. He was born in 1856, fifty
four years ago. at the old Townsend
homestead at Acquango Branch, where
most of his early youth was spent. AT
one time he lived with his parents in
Snow Hill and attended school here.
Prior to his marriage he also lived about
two years in Wilmington, Delaware.
In 1878, he married Miss Helen
Jones, and they went to live at his
fathers old home at Acquango Branch,
where he engaged in farming. About
1885 he accepted a position in the store
Of Richardson, Moore & Smith, and re-
manned with that firm until 1898. when
he became teller in the First National
Bank. On the death of. 7. Matthews
in 1899. Mr.. Townsend was elected
cashier of the First National Bank,
which position he filed acceptably until
his death.
Mr.. Townsend is survived by widow.
and by the following children: Mr..
Charles A. Townsend and Miss Helen
Townsend. of Philadelphia, Misses
Mary. Eva and Jessie Townsend, and
Master James Townsend. all Of Snow
Hill. He is also survived by three half
brothers. Messrs. Tyler. Ames and Paul
Townsend, all of whom reside out OF
the county.
Funeral services, conducted by his
pastor, Rev. G. w. Prettyman, were
held at his home Wednesday afternoon
at three O'Clock. Interment was made
in the family burial lot in Whatcoat Nj.
E. Cemetery, The honorary pall-bear-
ers were, United Senator John Walter
Smith, Messrs. Thomas NJ. Purnell.
William +. Johnson. Calvin B. Taylor.
Zadok p. Wharton. Edgar w. McMas-
ter and Zadok Powell. The active pail
bearers were: Messrs. MarionT. Hargis.
Inhn w Sfafnn John Mock Gordon