This Townsend Family Group has at least four subgroups identified as a result of DNA testing, but they remain unconnected by traditional research, no common ancestor has been found. Recently several persons with other surnames but DNA results matching Townends are trying to find their Townsend connection.

An early known ancestor in England is Colonel Richard Townsend born 1618, died 1692 whose home was Castletownshend, Ireland. His line is documented by Richard Baxter Townshend and his wife Dorothea who collected various accounts and records, both public and private, and published in 1892 a book entitled "An Officer of the Long Parliament — Being an Account of the Life & Times of Colonel Richard Townesend of Castletown (Castletownshend) & a Chronicle of his Family" This book with updates can be reached by clicking on the title. DNA results for # 6274 whose branch of this sub-group ties the subgroups to the others.
Several persons in the US south whose earliest known ancestor is Thomas Townsend d 1796 Cumberland Co., NC
Another subgroup seems to have originated in Lunenburg Co., VA. It include other surnames.
An Australian

Background and Comments

Haplogroup

The I2b1 haplogroup (shorthand I-M223) based on three members of the group who have been tested. For information on this haplogroup go to Wikipedia

Monty Groves, TSA member visited Castletownshend Ireland. Click here for his pictures

Last update November 2011