Background
Townsend, Edward Davis was born on August 22, 1817 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Son of David S. and Eliza (Gerry) Townsend.
Townsend, Edward Davis was born on August 22, 1817 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Son of David S. and Eliza (Gerry) Townsend.
Attended Harvard 1 year. Graduated from the University South. Military Academy, 1837.
Commissioned Second lieutenant 2d Artillery, United States Army, 1837. Served in Seminole War. Served on Pacific Coast and Washington, District of Columbia, 1846-1861.
Adjutant general to Winfield Scott, 1860.
Senior assistant Adjunct General’s Department, 1861. Adjutant general United States Army, 1862-1865.
Brevetted major general, 1865. Adjutant general (appointed by President Grant), 1869-1880.
Collected all war papers, later published as War of the Rebellion: Official Records.
Retired 1880. Member Society of Cincinnati.
Member Society of Cincinnati.
Married Ann Wainwright, May 9, 1848, 5 children.