In the mid-1850s, James Townsend opened an inn called the Traveler’s Rest in this small frame house located at the time just east of the little town of West Branch. Townsend was a Quaker and ardent abolitionist, and the inn may have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. Local historic sources do record that Kansas abolitionist John Brown was a visitor to Townsend’s inn in 1856. James Townsend remained a confidant of John Brown and according to statements made later by Townsend, Brown visited the inn on several other occasions between 1856 and 1859.
Townsend ceased operation of the inn sometime before 1878 but continued to reside in the house adding a summer kitchen and wood house to the east side in 1883. His son, Jesse, advertised in 1882 that he operated a dentist office from the home.
The Townsend family sold the property in 1887 and in 1893 the owner moved the former inn a little to the east to make room for the building of a new home.
Today, the house on E. Main Street in West Branch remains a private residence. The former inn is one of the only structures still standing that is a vestige of the active support of the anti-slavery movement by residents of Cedar County.
There have been multiple threats to demolish the home as it blocks the direct access to Main Street of a few of the nearby properties. In addition, a recent inspection has determined that the foundation of the home is failing and has deteriorated to the point that it needs to be replaced.
The city of West Branch remains interested in protecting and preserving the house. In 2017, the city adopted a historic preservation plan which included the goal of protecting the Townsend home. In 2022, the city adopted a special historic landmark designation which would prevent a new owner from demolishing the structure.
The city and interested parties are currently looking at options for the future of the house including potentially moving it from its current location as well as trying to identify possibilities for funding the house’s preservation.
