James Townson

Resident in Jamaica at the time of compensation but in England when he made his will in 1843. He died probably in Jamaica c. 1847.

1. Partnership commenced 01/01/1828 between James Forsyth and J. Townson.

2. Will of James Townson merchant of [Kingston Jamaica but at present residing at] Chatham Kent [made in 1843] proved 30/08/1847. He left £1000 to his wife Janette Townson formerly Bogle, and instructed his executors to sell his Jamaica property and remit the proceeds to his executors and trustees in England. He left his farm at Greenstreet near Sittingbourne Kent to his sons Charles James Townson of Hamburg Germany merchants clerk and Richard Townson of City Chambers solicitors. He left his two daughters Sarah Jane and Mary, then at Rochester, a bundle of sectors including £900 consols and £500 bonds of Jamaica. His brother, also Richard Townson, was a solicitor of Chatham Kent. In a codicil of 1847 he revoked the £1000 legacy to his wife, and replaced it with 200 shares in the Bank of Jamaica, leaving her with the option of taking the original £1000.

3. The children named in his will appear to have been illegitimate and mixed-race. Baptised 11/04/1815 at Miss Bogle's, Bath, St Thomas-in-the-East, "a free child of colour named Charles James Townson", born 11/12/1811. Richard Townson, "a free infant of colour" baptised in St Ann 03/05/1818. Sarah Jane Townson, "a free infant of colour", baptised in St Ann 07/05/1820. Mary Townson, "reputed daughter of James Townson", baptised 27/08/1824 in St Ann.

4. Charles James Townson, late of Ehrenbreitstein in Prussia, Gentleman, died 01/03/1883 in Heidelberg, Germany, leaving a personal estate of £43,063 14s 3d.

1. Royal Gazette (Jamaica) 22/03/1828.

2. PROB 11/2061/253.

3. Familysearch.org, Jamaica Church of England Parish Register Transcripts, 1664-1880 [database online].

4. National Probate Calendar 1883.

We are grateful to Jim Brennan for his assistance with compiling this entry.