Townsends of Chadlington....suggestions...?

[Catling121]

Hi All,

I thought I'd run my situation past the forum just to see if anyone has any suggestions.

I have been researching the Townsend family of Chadlington, Oxfordshire for a few years now, but the last couple of years I have done very little, until recently!

Essentially, I was fortunate enough that my grandmother's family (Townsend) have been living in the village for over 250 years, so tracing them back that far was a pretty straight forward affair.  I was able to get back to the baptism of a Matthew Townsend in 1765, to a Thomas and Ann Townsend.  However, despite finding earlier siblings, that's where the trail dried up.  No marriage in Chadlington for Thomas and Ann, and no baptism or burial for Thomas either.  I did have a burial for Ann, but no age at death given.

So I didn't do much.  Until I took a punt last weekend through the Oxfordshire Family History Society's marriage index on a Thomas Townsend and Ann Rainbow, married in Bloxham in 1743.  They were married by licence, and when I checked the document out....hurrah, they were both listed as residing in Chadlington at the time and also gave their respective ages as 21 and 22.

However, now I am stuck again, as I can't find any baptism for either or them in the surrounding area around the 1720s.  The marriage licence does also mention a Robert Townsend living in Hook Norton at the time, but I can't find a likely candidate for him either, and (in case it's of any import) the licence was for the princely sum of £200.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to a way I could perhaps go back further.  Oxfordshire is blessed with a remarkably intact collection of Parish Registers overall, and I am sure that if I could only find a relevant document somewhere that might point me in the right direction, that I might be able to go back another generation or so.

All suggestions welcome!

Thanks,

Chris

[Pennie]

Following Ann's line, I had a look on the OMI for any RAINBOW marriages between 1700 and 1721.  These were the parishes mentioned (either place of marriage, or where the bride or groom came from):  Ascott, Shipton/Wychwood, Steeple Aston and Middle Aston.  These may give you some further parishes to check for Ann's baptism.

Alternatively, have you checked the OFHS's Oxfordshire Baptism Index (1538-1851) for your TOWNSENDs and RAINBOWs.  You can have a look at it on the computers at the Oxford History Centre (as I see that you're located in Oxford), or you can request a look up via their website.

Pennie

[Catling121]

Hi again Pennie,

I will certainly check out the Wychwoods again when I get home.  I may have done already, but it's been so long since I looked at this line and my record keeping can sometimes be pretty poor!

Sadly the Baptism index doesn't give me any 'leap out at you' suggestions.  But it isn't 100% complete and I have several ancestors anyway who aren't included on it, so I won't give up hope yet!

Chris

[Derek-T]

Hi Chris
I have started to research the Townsend family back to Chadlington. My Grandfather, Herbert Townsend, left for Canada in 1910 from his birthplace of Chadlington.
Could you possibly give me some leads to follow so that I can dig a bit farther back?
Many thanks,
Derek Townsend

[Catling121]

Hi Derek, great to hear from you!

If your grandfather is Herbert then we are in fact related.  My Great Great Grandfather Alfred was Herbert's brother and in fact my Great Grandfather Newton lived with your grandfather in Canada for a few years in the run up to the First World War  (Newton fought for the Canadian Artillery in 1917).

I'm also in touch with one of your cousins.  At least by proxy.

Let me know what you'd like help with and I'll see what I can do.  Hopefully you can help me fill in some gaps as well.  Is your father Frank, Arthur or Alfred?

All the best,

Chris

[Derek-T]

Hello Chris and thanks for the reply. Still trying to get my new computer working smoothly so my response is a little tardy.
My father was Alfred of Herbert's three sons. He had four children, Dale, Gary, Velda and Derek. We all reside in British Columbia, Canada. Most of our children and grandchildren also live here as well.
I didn't know I had a great uncle, Alfred, or that his son, Newton, lived in Canada. My knowledge of the family line is limited to knowing that Herbert and Annie came over from Chadlington in the early 1900's and doesn't include their siblings.
Alfred was born in Victoria, BC, the only Canadian born child of Herbert. He spent most of his life there as did his brother, Frank. Arthur moved around and resided in Prince George for a long time.
Any information about about Herbert's or Annie's families would be appreciated.
Thanks and nice to know we have more relatives out there.
Derek

[m_town]

Hello Chris and Derek,

Chris and I shared some information last year but Derek, the following may assist in your research.  My Great Grandfather is Herbert Edward Townsend.  I’m related through his son Frank; his son Rodney Alfred was my father.  I have completed some family research back to the Chadlington Townsend family.  Unfortunately my Townsend family name ends when Ann Townsend seems to have had an illegitimate son, Jehu born Chadlington, February 12, 1810 - I have been unable to figure out the father’s name.  But, I have traced Ann’s family back to Thomas born before 1755.  Derek, I have you listed in my family tree from information passed on to me from Dale a few years ago.  You are welcome to review my research; I sent a PAF file to Dale awhile ago.

Chris, the Ann Rainbow discovery is exciting – well done!

Regards, Mark