Townsend/McDowell

[shellboo]

Hi, Wondering if anyone has any info on The Townsend/McDowell line.
Alexander Townsend Born about 1846 and died 1918.
He married Margaret McDowell I think in 1870 which is the same year they came to New Zealand.
Thanks

[XXXX]

Hi shellboo,

Welcome to Rootschat,

Alexander Townsend married Margaret McDowell on 16 May 1870 at Raloo Presbyterian Church, Parish of Raloo, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Alexander Townsend died 1918/Reg#5184
Alexander Townsend is buried at Papakura Cemetery in 1918, age 71.

Margaret Townsend died 1934/Reg#7108
Margaret Townsend is buried at Papakura Cemetery  in 1934, age 84.

Link: https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/home/

Cheers,

Janet.

[XXXX]

Possible children of Alexander and Margaret:

New Zealand births:

Margaret Townsend born 1876, Reg#15954
William Townsend born 1880, Reg#517
James Townsend born 1881, Reg#11030
Sarah Townsend born 1884, Reg#1132
Robert Henry Townsend born 1886, Reg#9677
John Townsend born 1888, Reg#5444
Agnes Townsend born 1891, Reg#16730
Eliza Townsend born 1892, Reg#496
Annie Esther Townsend born 1896, Reg#4173

[shellboo]

Hi janet,

Thanks for the help.
I did know some of their children but their is a Gordon (he is my GG Grandfather) and Alexander as well.
Do you happen to know any of their birth details or parents?

Thanks Shelley

[garstonite]

Hmm...according to Familysearch Record Pilot
44 records for McDowell in Raloo, Antrim...so if Margaret was 84 in 1934, we presume she was b around 1850 ..
IF she was born in Raloo ?...can`t find her...there is a Margaret Mcdowell who marries a John McDowell in 1857...that`s the only record of a Margaret around 1850`s

allan

[shellboo]

Thanks Allan,

According to my records they must have got married then jumped straight on the boat. (They were married in May and arrived in Sept).
But I have no idea where she was from. I don't think birth certificates show anything but the parents name and even then it doesn't show a maiden name.
Do you know if this is correct?
If there is a chance of the birth cert showing anything I may consider ordering one.
Thanks, Shelley

[towcar]

Hi Shelley,

This is my family line as well.  I went to the Townsend reunion at Te Aroha in the early 90's.  I've done a bit of research going back into Ireland and have found Alex's and Marg's parents + brothers and sisters (some decendents are here in NZ as well).  I can get information to you by email if you want as I have birth & wedding cert's and the Townsend Family photo from 1917/18.
Cheers,

Craig 

[aghadowey]

According to my records they must have got married then jumped straight on the boat. (They were married in May and arrived in Sept).
But I have no idea where she was from. I don't think birth certificates show anything but the parents name and even then it doesn't show a maiden name.
Do you know if this is correct?
If there is a chance of the birth cert showing anything I may consider ordering one.

Civil registration of births started in 1864 so there will be no birth certificates for Alexander and Margaret.
Their marriage certificate, however, will list impostant details such as residences at time of marriage and fathers' names and occupations as well as names of two witnesses. See here for details on Irish marriage certificates and how to order certificate-
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,433042.0.html
Looks like the marriage details from the civil registration indec-
Alexander Townsend, 1870 Larne registration district, volume 6 page 763

[oscar123]

Hi Shelley,

This is my family line as well.  I went to the Townsend reunion at Te Aroha in the early 90's.  I've done a bit of research going back into Ireland and have found Alex's and Marg's parents + brothers and sisters (some decendents are here in NZ as well).  I can get information to you by email if you want as I have birth & wedding cert's and the Townsend Family photo from 1917/18.
Cheers,

Craig


Craig

I realise this is an old thread but I have just come across it. I have just been loaned a photograph of the Townsend family which may be the same as the one you mention. I reckon it was taken just a few years before the death of Alexander Townsend in 1918. My interest is this - my great grandfather was Hugh Townsend from Raloo (?). I don't have birth dates for him but I believe he may be related to Alexander Townsend - possibly a brother. Hugh Townsend married Sarah Larmour on 28 April 1876. Hugh's parents were James and Martha Townsend.
From your research are you aware of the names of the siblings of Alexander Townsend or can you throw any light on my thoughts ?
Appreciate your help.

Regards

Michael.