John Townsend (300)
| Date of Birth: | 26 May 1691 (1) |
|---|---|
| Date of Death: | 17 Feb 1756 (2) |
| Generation: | 3rd |
| Residence: | Skirtagh, Clonakilty, Co Cork |
| Father: | Colonel Bryan Townsend [200] |
| Mother: | Synge, Mary |
| Spouse: |
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| Issue: | |
| See Also: | Table III ; Scrapbook ; Lineage |
Notes for John Townsend JP
Katherine Barry (3) was the only daughter and eventual heiress of Colonel James Barry (the M'Adam Barry) of Lisnagar, Rathcormac by his first wife Susannah Townsend [114]. See ‘A Guide to Irish Houses’ by M. Bence-Jones, London, 1988 – “RATHCORMACK cor Lisnegar. Barry - Tonson 1720+. Enlarged ca. 1820 by William Tonson, Lord Riversdale.”
Compared with his four surviving brothers very little is known of John. However, it is known that he trained as a barrister but it would appear that he did not practice for long (4). In his will John's eldest brother, Richard Townsend [201], laid down that if he died before his son Richard [213] had come of age, his wife Elizabeth was to be the sole legatee and guardian of the children. If she were to die before young Richard came of age then his brothers Samuel Townsend [400], Philip Townsend [500] and Horatio Townsend [600] were appointed guardians. We will never know why John was not included as a guardian, but it could indicate that there was some ill feeling between the two brothers.
John was Sovereign of Clonakilty in 1719/20 and again in 1728, vice Sir Percy Freke who died in office. JP 1721.
It is not known how or when John bought Skirtagh (modern spelling is Scartagh or Scurtagh (it is also sometimes known as Mount Shannon), nor is it known which of his sons inherited the property. The eldest, Richard Townsend [301], was presumably resident in his various parishes thus leaving the property to either John Townsend [303] or Philip Townsend [304]. Either way, 'Scartagh Cottage' was leased in 1783 to Dr. Wm. Callanan a well known doctor, prosperous merchant and noted United Irish leader of the time. The Convent of Mercy was built on the site of Scartagh Cottage in 1856.
'The Post Chaise Companion or Traveller's Directory through Ireland 3rd Edition 1804' page 332 records "Within half a mile of Clonakilty on the L. is Mount Shannon, the seat of Dr Calnan".
(1) John's date of birth is taken from an entry, in contemporary writing, on the fly leaf of a copy of 'The Christian Pattern or Imitation of Jesus Christ' - London 1707.
(2) Judge John FitzHenry Townsend [250] shows John's death as ante February 1750.
(3) Katherine died on 20 December 1754.
(4) In the author's copy of 'An Officer of the Long Parliament' (now owned by John Townsend [5A26]) there is a note written by the author that reads "JST (John Sealy Townsend [333]) saw a law book printed in London 1646 that had belonged to Councillor John Townsend, son of Brian Townsend."
'An Officer of the Long Parliament' Ch IX p. 216 and 'Pooles of Mayfield' p. 71 refer.