James Robert Townsend

James Robert Townsend (born September 21, 1858) was an American patent attorney.

Early life and education James Robert Townsend was born to James Townsend and Julia (Somers) Townsend in Staunton, Indiana. After graduating high school, he taught in the public schools of Indiana before going on to read law under his uncle John Selby Townsend and the older Townsend's partner, Theodore Bolivar Perry.

Career Townsend began practicing law in Brazil, Indiana with the firm of Coffee & Carter.

Personal life Townsend was the grandson of James Townsend, a one-time enslaver who became a fervent abolitionist after having a religious experience in the early 19th century. He was married and had three children.

Townsend was an unaffiliated Christian Scientist.