He founded Decamp Institute in Meigs County, Ohio, and was in charge of that school when the American Civil War began.

[2] In July, 1861, he enlisted in the Union Army, and in August was made a captain in the Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Townsend was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Athens County, Ohio, three times.

He served as State Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was elected to the Ohio Senate in 1887 for the 9th District in the 68th General Assembly.

[5] Townsend married Margaret Jane Allen in October 1859, and had three children, Helen, Charles and Mary.