One Name Place Study: John Townsend of Truro, Ohio

Townsend Study in Franklin County Ohio

The hunt for ancestors continue with the second of 15 heads of households named in the 1880 US Census with the last name Townsend in Franklin, County.

John Townsend Truro Ohio
"United States Census, 1880,"John Townsend, Truro, Franklin, Ohio, United States; citing enumeration district 015, sheet 310B, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 1015; FHL microfilm 1255015.
In 1880, John and Catherine Townsend and their two boys Joseph and John were living in Truro, Franklin County, Ohio. John Townsend (FS ID: LJY6-82Z) was born in 1814 in Maryland, as were his parents. His wife Catherine was born around 1826 in Ohio, and her parents were also from Maryland. Joseph was born around 1853 and John around 1860. Both were born in Ohio. However, ditto marks by the census maker says the both of the boy's parents were from Maryland. Was Catherine really from Maryland or did the enumerator become ditto mark happy?

If John was related to William James Townsend, he could be a father or even an uncle. The states of Maryland and Ohio are often suggested as possible birth plates for William' family. John died in 1890 in Columbus, Ohio. I've traced him back to the 1850 Census, all the while in Truro. William and John do not seem to cross paths.

Conclusion... a possible relationship may exist but needs to be further investigated.


Previous Posts:
What I Know About William James Townsend
Who else was in the 1880 US Census?

Additional Reading:
That's Everyone Now What?

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