Norton Strange Townshend

Norton Strange Townshend

Norton Strange Townshend (December 25, 1815 – July 13, 1895) was an American physician, politician, and educator. He is best known for his contributions to agriculture and education in the state of Ohio.

Early Life and Education

Norton Strange Townshend was born in Northampton, England. His family emigrated to the United States in 1830, settling in Avon, Ohio. Townshend pursued his education in medicine, graduating from the University of New York in 1840.

Medical Career

After completing his medical degree, Townshend practiced medicine in Avon and later in Elyria, Ohio. He was known for his dedication to public health and his efforts to improve medical practices in rural communities.

Political Career

Townshend's interest in public service led him to enter politics. He was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1848 and served until 1850. He was a member of the Free Soil Party and later joined the Republican Party. In 1851, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served one term.

Contributions to Agriculture

Townshend was a strong advocate for agricultural education and reform. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Ohio State Board of Agriculture and was instrumental in the founding of the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College, which later became The Ohio State University. He served as a professor of agriculture at the university and was known for his innovative teaching methods and research.

Later Life and Legacy

In his later years, Townshend continued to be active in agricultural education and public service. He passed away on July 13, 1895, in Columbus, Ohio. Townshend's contributions to agriculture and education have left a lasting impact on the state of Ohio and the field of agricultural science.

See Also

• Ohio State University
• Ohio House of Representatives
• Free Soil Party
• Republican Party (United States)