Dwight Townsend

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

Dwight Townsend
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	(1826-09-26)September 26, 1826 New York City, New York, United States
Died	October 29, 1899(1899-10-29) (aged 73) New York City, New York, United States
Resting place	Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York, United States
Political 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]