Harvey Townsend was born where he now resides, in Franklin Township, March 16, 1838, son of Major and Phebe (Briggs) Townsend; the former born in Maryland, and died in Franklin Township; the latter born in Clark County Ind., about 1805, and now resides in this county. The family came to this county in 1731[sic]. Our subject is the sixth in a family of eight children, and received a limited education. At the age of twenty-one years he began farming for himself, and now owns 228 acres of well improved land. In 1860, Mr. Townsend was united in marriage to Miss Mary Vandiver, born in this county in 1836. To this union are these four children: William S., born 1866; Joseph M., 1868; Sarah B., 1872; and Jesse T., 1875. He is a true republican, and cast his first vote for A. Lincoln. For fifty years he has lived in this county, and is an honest, upright citizen, esteemed for his many good qualities by all who know him. He and wife have been members of the Christian Church about thirty years.