Southwest Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Washington Townsend

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 26, 2024

1. Washington Townsend Marker

Inscription. Born 1833 on the Hermitage plantation, Davidson County Tennessee as the slave of Andrew Jackson, ex-President of the United States. Escaped to Ohio in 1860. Lived in Columbus 45 years, thirty years in the employ of the Ohio State University. Died December, 24th, 1904. Not all the debasing influences of his early life as furnace-man, field-hand, deckhand, jockey, fighter, and slave, could undermine his perfect honesty, faithfulness, dignity, courtesy, and sweetness of disposition. He was essentially one of nature's noblemen. His example was an inspiration to his race and a rebuke to those whose opportunities were greater and achievements less.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.

Location. 39° 56.273′ N, 83° 2.238′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in Southwest Columbus. It can be reached from Greenlawn Avenue west of Greenfield Drive. Marker is in Section 52 of Green Lawn Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:

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1000 Greenlawn Ave, Columbus OH 43223, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Scioto Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Reverend James Preston Poindexter (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Franklin County Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Reverend Washington Gladden / Washington Gladden Quotes (approx. 0.2 miles away); Our Unknown Dead (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Pond (approx. ¼ mile away); Pigeon Oaks (approx. ¼ mile away); George A. Blount (approx. 0.3 miles away); Founding of Veterans of Foreign Wars / VFW Founders Day (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Regarding Washington Townsend. Edwin Orton, Sr., the first president

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 26, 2024

2. Washington Townsend Marker

The original marker, which has been badly weathered after more than a century in the elements.

of Ohio State University, hired Townsend as a janitor or groundskeeper (sources vary). Townsend was the first person of color to be an university employee. He became a beloved figure on campus, and his death was greatly mourned by the university community. Orton's son, Edwin Orton, Jr., wrote the epitaph etched upon Washington's grave marker. It was becoming harder to read after a century-plus in the harsh elements, so cemetery officials had the eulogy inscribed on a granite slab and placed it next to the original marker.

Also see . . . Washington Townsend and Orton Hall. Upon completion of Orton Hall in August 1893, Townsend became the first custodian for the building, which housed the Orton Geological Museum, the University Library, and the President's office. (Orton Geological Museum, Ohio State University) (Submitted on June 10, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 26, 2024

3. Washington Townsend Marker

The original and duplicate grave markers.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 26, 2024

4. Washington Townsend Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 232 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 10, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.