James Townsend (311)

Date of Birth: 1759
Date of Death: dunm post 1798
Generation: 5th
Residence: London and Dublin
Father: John Townsend [303]
Mother: Reddish, Elizabeth
Spouse: Unmarried
Issue: None
See Also: Table III ; Scrapbook ; Lineage ; Ancestors' Tree ; Descendents' Tree

Notes for James Townsend

Alumni Trinity College Dublin from Co Cork and Kerry 1593-1860 in Dr Casey's Collection records that James was taught by Mr Collins before he entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 5 January 1774 aged 15 as a pensioner who paid a fixed sum annually for his studies. Mr Collins also tutored James's brother, Richard Townsend [310], and his cousin Horatio Townsend [5D00] before they entered the University in 1774 and 1765 respectively. Following this James trained as a barrister at Lincoln's Inn.

The Gentleman’s and Citizen’s Almanac compiled by John Watson Stewart in 1800 was published in Dublin and records on page 120 under the heading ‘Judges and Barristers’ - “T. 1780 Townsend (James) London, M.1767 Townsend (John) Cork, M. 1787 Townsend (John Sealy) Baggot Street and H. 1797 Townsend (Thomas)”. The fact that James is shown in the Almanac indicates that he practiced in Dublin. Part III (Wilson’s Dublin Directory) of The Triple Almanac 1801 sold in Dublin by W. Wilson, No.16 Cork Hill repeats these details but omits Thomas Townsend [509]. A facsimile of the 1800 Almanac is shown in John's 'Scrapbook'. (James Townsend [311], John Townsend [214], John Sealy Townsend [507].

James was executor for his cousin Henry Townsend [215] when he died in February 1788. A transcription of Henry's will can be seen in his 'Scrapbook' or in Swanage Wills. (Scroll down to his entry.)