maurice clifford townsend, known as clifford to his friends and family, was born on a farm in blackford county, indiana to david and lydia glancy townsend on august 11, 1884. he had one sister, myrtle, and the two were raised on a country farm. after completing high school in 1901 he worked as a teamster in the oil fields during the indiana gas boom, and later in a factory. in 1907 he entered marion college in grant county. after working as a teacher for six years to pay for his education, he graduated in 1907. he then taught in the common schools, and served as school superintendent for different counties between 1909 and 1919.