Micah Townshend

Micah Townsend (May 13, 1749 – April 23, 1832) was an attorney and political leader in Revolutionary War-era Vermont. The offices he served in included Secretary of State of Vermont.

Biography

Townsend was born in Oyster Bay, New York on May 13, 1749.[1] The son of Micajah Townsend and Elizabeth Platt, he graduated from Princeton University in 1766, and received a master's degree in 1769.[1] Townsend studied law, was admitted to the bar, and began a practice in White Plains.[1] He was appointed secretary of Westchester County's Committee of Safety, and in June 1776 he was commissioned as a captain and appointed to command a company in the New York militia.[1] He served until November 1776, when his company was disbanded.[1]

After his militia service, Townsend relocated to Brattleboro, Vermont.[1] Initially a supporter of New York's government in its ongoing dispute with local residents concerning jurisdiction over Vermont, Townsend later became a supporter of the Vermont government's claims.[1] From 1781 to 1787 he was judge and register of probate for Windham County.[1] From 1781 to 1788, Townsend served as Vermont's Secretary of State.[1] After resigning his offices, Townsend continued to practice law in Brattleboro.[1]

In 1801, Townsend sold his Brattleboro home and land to Royall Tyler, and moved to Guilford.[1] In 1802, he moved again, this time to Farnham, Quebec, Canada.[1] He farmed and practiced law, and continued to reside in Farnham until 1816, when he moved to Clarenceville.[2] In Clarenceville, Townsend resided with his son, the Reverend Micajah Townsend.[2]

Townsend died in Clarenceville on April 23, 1832.[2] He was buried at Saint Georges Anglican Cemetery in Clarenceville.[2]

Family

In 1778, Townsend married Mary Wells (1760–1831).[2] They were the parents of several children, including: Harriett Matilda Townsend (1779–1848); Epenetus Townsend (1783–1839); Rebecca Gale Townsend Hawley (1784–1830); and Micajah Townsend (1789–1871).

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Records of the Governor and Council of the State of Vermont.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 History of the Eastern Townships.

Sources

Books

Political offices
Preceded by
Joseph Fay		 Secretary of State of Vermont
1781–1788 		Succeeded by
Roswell Hopkins
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