Researchers who have claimed this convict
There is currently one researcher who has claimed Thomas Townend
Biographies
Thomas (1808-1858) Townend (later often referred to as Townsend) was a woolcomber in England.
His father died when Thomas was 16.
When 21 he married Susanna Long in England 4th Oct 1830 in All Saints Church Otley.
They had one child Sarah born 1832.
He was tried for sheep stealing in the York Assizes 17th March 1832, sentenced to life imprisonment. The family story is that the uncharacteristic theft was related to the shortage of food and pregnancy, just before or after Sarah’s birth.
Departed England on “Mary” on 21st August 1832 and arrived 123 days later in Port Jackson on 6th Jan 1833.
Granted Ticket of Leave 1841.
Granted Conditional Pardon 1848 for good behaviour, never to return to England.
He then became a sheep drover/holder in the Sodwalls Blue Mountains area and around Hartley. Here he met his next wife Jane Smith/Smyth who was born Liverpool England but no details can be found of her before their marriage, no-one knows how she came to Australia.
Remarried at age 45 in Yass on 12th Feb 1854 to Jane Smith/Smyth (1832-1866).
A census record describes him in Feb 1856 as “wool crusher”.
They settled in the Illawarra area south of Sydney.
They had 3 children – John Thomas (1855-1926), James (snr) 1856-1936 and Annie Cecilia (1857-1937)
He became the Inn Keeper of the Cabbage Tree Inn, Fairy Meadow in 1856 with wife Jane. It later became the Cabbage Tree Post Office, renamed in 1883 the Fairy Meadow Post Office.
He died in 1858 leaving her with 3 toddlers. He is buried in Pioneer Park Cemetery in Wollongong.
Jane remarried in 1862, age 30 to barrister Isidore Blake (later a Judge). She died young in 1866.
There are many ancestors of James (snr) Townsend (1856-1936) and Annie Cecelia Townsend (m. Madden) still living in and around the Illawarra area with a range of surnames including Townsend, Thompson, Madden, Bennett, Reus(s), Thomas, Lobb, Sully, Atkins, Pinch, Davis, Wilson, Dillon. James.
Holly Townsend, an Illawarra descendant of James (snr) Townsend, his great great granddaughter, compiled a lot of family history on the Townsend family.
Submitted by Researcher (S Thompson) on 16 September 2019
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Disclaimer: The information has not been verified by Claim a Convict. As this information is contributed, it is the responsibility of those who use the data to verify its accuracy. Research notes
There are currently no research notes attached to this convict. Sources
- The National Archives (TNA) : HO 11/8, p.404
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