sentences:  After his graduation from Williams, he studied law with David Dudley Field in Albany, and then moved to Troy to become a clerk in the law office his brother, Rufus M. Townsend.He was admitted to the bar the following year in 1836, and commenced practice as a partner with his brother, later known as the firms of Townsends & Browne, when Irving Browne joined, then Townsends & Roche when W.J.Roche joined, Townsend & Roche upon the retirement of his brother, and Townsend, Roche & Nason.