Born on June 12, 1849, in New Haven, Connecticut, Townsend received an Artium Baccalaureus degree in 1871 from Yale University.

[1] Townsend was nominated by President Benjamin Harrison on March 24, 1892, to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut vacated by Judge Nathaniel Shipman.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 28, 1892, and received his commission the same day.

His service terminated on February 27, 1902, due to his elevation to the Second Circuit.

He was confirmed by the Senate on January 21, 1902, and received his commission the same day.