Townsend was born on December 21, 1768[1] in Lattingtown, township of Oyster Bay in what was then the Province of New York, a part of British America.[2] He was the first son of Prior Townsend (1749–1803) and Sarah (née Feake) Townsend (1750–1833). Among his siblings was Jacob Townsend, Hannah Townsend, Deborah Townsend and Hannah Townsend.[1]
Townsend was married to Deborah Cock (1776–1854), a daughter of Daniel Cock and Rosanna (née Townsend) Cock.[4] Together, they were the parents of two boys:[5]
James Cock Townsend (1797–1882), a physician who married Anne S. Valentine, daughter of Hon. Richard Valentine.[5] After Anne's death in 1836, he married Margaret Elizabeth Townsend (1809–1879), a daughter of William Townsend, in 1838.[6]
George Prior Townsend (1815–1854), who married Anna Frost in 1838, a daughter of Jervis Frost. After George's death, his widow married John W. Somarindyck.[5]
He died in Lattingtown, township of Oyster Bay, New York, August 17, 1844.[2]
Descendants
Through his son James, he was a grandfather of Julia M. Townsend (1842–1896), who married George Faile Valentine (1844–1891).[6]