This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: PeggyBPerazzo Surnames: TOWNSEND Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.ohio.counties.muskingum/6236/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The following article is from "Stone" magazine, July 1898, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 110. "Wm. C. Townsend. (abt. 1843-1898) (obit.) "This pioneer of the granite monument industry, and during all his career as such the most conspicuous man in the business, died at his home in Zanesville, O., June 8, after a short illness, aged 55 years. His death takes another name from the list of veteran soldiers who came out of the civil war less robust than when they entered it. He had carried with him ever since that terrible experience the baneful effects of the exposure and trial he had passed in the service of his country. "To him more than to any one man contemporary with him, must be accorded cerdit (sic) for the development of the granite monumental industry. From that of retailer he pushed his business with such energy that his house commanded a wholesale trade in granite and marble monuments greater than any single concern in the country, having branches in New York, with quarries in Scotland and Italy. He gained this distinction and success in the face of opposition that would discourage a less courageous spirit. He was an honest man. He was a firm friend. He made enemies, but these universally respected him for his upright character. Not much more can be said of a manly business man than could be truly said of him - that dead those who waged commercial contest with him, sorrow that he department life at the zenith time of his success, before he could enjoy the full measure of life's tribute to the industrious and persevering. "Mr. Townsend had so fixed his worldly affairs that they could be carried on uninterruptedly when he was called away. The business will be continued by his partner and heirs. He leaves a wife and one son. "We are indebted to the 'Monumental News' for the engraved portrait herewith." Submitted by: Peggy B. Perazzo Stone Quarries and Beyond http://www.cagenweb.com/quarries/ Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.