Hiram L. Townsend
Post. No. 405., G.A.R.
Located at Metz, Indiana
At the outbreak of the war in 1861 there lived with his parents in the vicinity of Metz, a quiet thoughtful youth about 15 years of age, who was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, Nov. 26, 1846. Intense patriotism burned in the breast of this boy, Hiram L. Townsend, who longed for more years and strength that he might become a union soldier. HE waited impatiently until Jan., 1864, and being about 17 years of age, he enlisted in Company A 129th Ind. in company with many of his acquaintances and play-mates. From the entrance of his regiment into the service, he was constantly with his command participating in all of its engagements, marches, and flank movements as Hovey's Babies until after the evacuation of Atlanta. He, being a youth of ability was detailed as clerk at the A.A. Gen. Office in Decatur, but when the regiment marched in pursuit of Hood he insisted on rejoining his command and did active duty during the campaign that terminated in the total destruction of Hood's army at Franklin Nov. 30 and at Nashville Dec 15 and 16, 1864. Shortly after he was again detailed as clerk at regimental headquarters and in Feb., 1865, transferred to Brigade headquarters as clerk and retained that position until the regiment was mustered out of the service. Comrade Townsend was generous quiet and sincere in all work before him, with a smile a pleasant word and greeting for all. As a gentlemanly courteous citizen and business man, was well known in a large territory, especially near Metz where he married, lived and on Nov 26, 1882 died, just 36 years old, the resulting cause, his army and campaign service. He was buried with Masonic honor, of which order he was a prominent and worthy member.
At the formation of a G.A.R. post at Metz, in the selection of a representative name from deceased comrades, among others the name of Hiram L Townsend was proposed. Capt W. H. Cole being present gave a historic and fitting tribute of the soldier life and soldier qualities of comrade Townsend. The result was a post being chartered Aug. 8, 1885 with 16 charter members, known as the Hiram L. Townsend Post G.A.R. No 405.
Taken from :
War For The Union 1861-1865, A Record of its Defenders Living and Dead From Steuben County, Indiana and History of Veteran Organizations and Kindred Associations
by Jesse Carpenter 1888
