Dwight Townsend
American politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dwight Townsend (September 26, 1826 – October 29, 1899) was a U.S. representative from New York. He became chairman of the Bankers' and Merchants' Telegraph Company, competitor of the Western Union
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Dwight Townsend | |
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 1st district | |
| In office March 4, 1871 – March 3, 1873 | |
| Preceded by | Henry A. Reeves |
| Succeeded by | Henry J. Scudder |
| In office December 5, 1864 – March 3, 1865 | |
| Preceded by | Henry G. Stebbins |
| Succeeded by | Stephen Taber |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 26, 1826 New York City, New York, United States |
| Died | October 29, 1899 (aged 73) New York City, New York, United States |
| Resting place | Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Biography
Born in New York City, Townsend was educated at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School.[1] He worked in the sugar refining business, and was active in other ventures including the Equitable Life Assurance Society and the Bankers' and Merchants' Telegraph Company.[2][3][4]
Townsend was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-eighth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Henry G. Stebbins and served from December 5, 1864, to March 3, 1865.[1] During this term, Townsend voted "nay" (the minority position) on the question of adopting the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.[5]
Townsend was elected to the Forty-second Congress (March 4, 1871 – March 3, 1873).[1] He did not run for reelection, and resumed his former business pursuits.[1]
Death and burial
He died in New York City on October 29, 1899.[6] He was interred at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.[1]
