William Townsend (mayor)
William Townsend | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1821 Southwark, London, England |
| Died | 1882-10-25 |
| Occupation(s) | Auctioneer, politician, philanthropist |
| Years active | 1850s–1882 |
| Known for | Mayor of Adelaide (1864–1866), founding the South Australian Institution for the Blind, Deaf and Dumb (Townsend House) |
William Townsend (1821 – 25 October 1882) was a distinguished auctioneer, served as Mayor of Adelaide between 1864 and 1866, and was an influential figure in South Australian politics. In 1874, he established an institution dedicated to children who were deaf and blind, which later became known as Townsend House.
Early years
Originally from Southwark, London, Townsend began his career assisting his brother, who sold potatoes, before taking on a clerical position. He married Emma Slade in 1852 and emigrated to Adelaide in 1853 aboard the Dutch vessel Fop Smit. Following Emma's premature passing, he remarried Jane Hooper.
Migration to South Australia
Townsend initially worked selling boots and subsequently launched a boot manufacturing enterprise. Encouraged by F.J. Botting, he shifted his focus to auctioneering, gaining practical knowledge with various Adelaide-based companies. He partnered with F.J. Botting and William Kay to form Townsend, Botting & Kay, before eventually creating his own prosperous auction house named "Townsend and Son."
Political career
An eloquent speaker and lay preacher within the Congregational Church, Townsend played a significant role in the development of South Australia's responsible government and contributed to drafting the 1855 Constitution. After an unsuccessful attempt at election, he secured a seat in the South Australian Legislative Assembly through an 1857 by-election representing Onkaparinga, which he held until 1870; thereafter, he represented Sturt until his death. He briefly held the positions of Commissioner of Public Works in 1863 and Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration in 1868. During his tenure as Commissioner of Crown Lands (1871–1872), he commissioned a survey of the Northern Territory. From 1872 until his passing, Townsend acted as Speaker and was appointed Chairman of Committees in 1876, a role he fulfilled until 1882.
Public offices and philanthropy
Townsend was elected mayor of Adelaide for two consecutive terms from 1864 to 1866 and later served as mayor of Unley from 1878 to 1881.
In 1874, he founded what was initially called the South Australian Institution for the Blind, Deaf and Dumb (Incorporated), known today as "Townsend House," realizing his vision of creating a sanctuary for the blind in Adelaide. The organization started with only five blind and two deaf pupils and continues its mission today as CanDo4Kids. Townsend chaired its governing committee from 1875 until his death in 1882.
Personal
Residing at "Waverley" in Lower Mitcham, Townsend passed away at age 61 on 25 October 1882 due to phthisis. He was survived by his second wife along with four daughters and three sons.