occupation
Blacksmith, publican
dates
Born: 17 Jul 1813
Drayton St Leonard, Oxon
Married: 29 Dec 1836,
Ann Eleanor MOLYNEUX
Died: 20 Jan 1883, Drayton St Leonard
residence
Drayton St Leonard
submitted by
Jillian HEDGES, née ALLEN
(great-great-granddaughter)
related faces
Phoebe Sophia DAY (daughter-in-law)
Background information
One of seven children, he spent his childhood in Drayton St Leonard. His father Richard TOWNSEND was a blacksmith and made the move from his own birthplace in Garsington to Drayton St Leonards before 1810.
The family of Richard’s wife, Elizabeth DRUCE, had been blacksmiths for several generations. William learnt his trade from his father and also his beautiful copper plate handwriting which was to stand him in good stead when he became Parish Clerk.
William and Ann had twelve children, four of whom died young, but their descendants are now widespread with even a great granddaughter in The Netherlands.
William was Parish Clerk for forty-three years.
William TOWNSEND
william at work
