One of the early educators of Corsicana was Captain James Andrew Townsend.  He was born August 7, 1836.  He was a veteran of the Civil war, serving as a Captain in the Texas Troops. Capt Townsend was principal of the first independent school.  Capt. Townsend came to Corsicana January 20, 1872, from Owensville, and while there, he met and married Miss Emma Davis.  He and his wife had taught private schools before the coming of the independent system.  His original school, known as Cedar Hall, stood at the location of the present Westminister Church.  It was later moved and occupied the corner where the telephone building now stands.  Capt Townsend died on Dec 7, 1918 and is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX.  He is remembered as a faithful and conscientious instructor who did much toward the education of the youth of Corsicana.

His wife received Confederate Pension #46898

Captain Townsend's former residence
518 West 7th Avenue.