Hi there,
I am researching a John Townsend, son of William, who was born 1822-24, place uncertain, and served in the British Army (1842-1863) before marrying, leaving the army and living in Co. Laois Ireland.
Today I found a William Townsend b 1780 Newnham near Wallingford, Berkshire/Oxford who served 15 years with the Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment)- 1st Foot and was discharged in 1818 to the Kilmainham Army Pensioners Hospital in Dublin.
On his discharge notes, it says he enlisted in 1803; it doesn't mention any wife or children, nor is it clear how long he remained in Ireland. Is this your William Townsend or could there possibly be another born Newnham Murren in 1780? Have you heard of an Army or Irish connection before?
I'm searching, on behalf of my Irish-born Townsend husband who has several generations of Irish born Townsends serving in the British army but we're trying to find the birthplace/date of both John and his father William.
Hope someone can clear up the mystery.
Kate