William H. Townsend

William Townsend
MLA for Yarmouth County
In office
1867–1872
Preceded by District created
Succeeded by John K. Ryerson
Personal details
Born 1812
New York City, New York
Died October 14, 1873
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Political party Conservative (from 1859-1863), Liberal (from 1866-1872)
Spouse(s) Sarah Gardner
Residence Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Occupation Merchant

William H. Townsend (1812 – October 14, 1873) was a merchant and political figure in Nova Scotia, Canada. He represented Yarmouth County in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1859 to 1863 as a Conservative and from 1866 to 1872 as a Liberal member.

He was born in New York City, the son of William Townsend, and ran away from home to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia at the age of 16. Townsend opened a chandlery and hardware business there. He was involved with a number of insurance companies as shareholder or director. Townsend also was a director of the Yarmouth Steam Navigation Company and president of the Bank of Yarmouth and then the Exchange Bank of Yarmouth. He married Sarah Gardner. Townsend was warden for Yarmouth County in 1857. He was first elected to the provincial assembly as a Conservative but opposed Confederation. Townsend resigned his seat in the provincial assembly in 1872 due to poor health and died in Yarmouth the following year.

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