Person Page - 980

     Lewis was born on 7 December 1925 at Lafayette Co., Florida.¹ He was the son of Alford Townsend and Hattie Louise Wilson. Lewis died on 25 January 1980 at Lake City, Columbia Co., Florida, at age 54.

     Lewis Alford Townsend was born on 7 April 1897 at Lafayette Co., Florida.¹ He was the son of James Madison Townsend and Laura Simmons. Lewis Alford Townsend married Luddie Wilson on 20 May 1915 at Lafayette Co., Florida.² Lewis Alford Townsend died on 22 January 1934 at Lafayette Co., Florida, at age 36.³ He was buried at Walker Creek Bethel Bapt. Chr., Lafayette Co., Florida.⁴

     Lewis Rennels Townsend was born in May 1891 at Alachua Co., Florida.¹ He was the son of John Hill Townsend and Lucinda Thompson. Lewis Rennels Townsend married Georgia Euginia Simmons on 1 January 1908.² Lewis Rennels Townsend died on 19 December 1953 at Live Oak, Suwannee Co., Florida, at age 62.²

     Light was born on 1 May 1798 at Georgia.¹ He was the son of John Townsend and Kiziah Hays. He married Mary Ann Carloss, daughter of Dr. Robertson Carloss and Wilhemina Amelia Charlotte Poelnitz, on 11 October 1838 at Marlboro Co., South Carolina.² Light died on 17 March 1870 at Marlboro Co., South Carolina, at age 71.² His body was buried in March 1870 at Mossy Bay Cemetery, Marlboro Co., South Carolina.
     Light's occupation: Farmer.
Biography of Light Townsend:

Marie Townsend Butler in her "The Townsends of Marlboro 1764-1980"² that she prepared in 1980 included a very interesting biography that was primarily about her great grandfather Light Townsend (1798-1870). Most of that biography is presented below:

“They moved away to other counties and other states, or died and left no heirs; thus a family once both prolific and prominent in Marlboro County, South Carolina, is becoming extinct.”²

“Ever since Benedictus Townsend and his two sons settled on the east side of the Great Pee Dee, in what for a long time was known as Marlborough District, there have been Townsend’s in that area - in fact on some of the same land - until recently. The sons were named John and Light. The unusual name, Light, has been used generously by the family through the years, and is still found in Marlboro today - John Light Napier and William Light Kinney, both direct descendants of the first Light.”²

“The name Townsend may be disappearing as a family name, but it is frequently found as a middle name. A few examples are: Robert Townsend Rogers and his daughter, Robin Townsend, in California; John Townsend Napier of Blenheim; Robert Townsend Richardson of Richmond, Virginia; Harold Townsend Mobley in Nashville, Tennessee; and little Ryan Townsend Butler of Myrtle Beach.”²

“Though there were land grants to many of the older Townsend’s, the one who apparently built up the large estate held by the family for many years was Light Townsend (1798-1870). He was one of fourteen children born to John and Keziah Hays Townsend, who lived four miles east of Blenheim on what is now the Cousins family property, but for years was known as the “Kinney Bay Place”. Light was the third son, and after a stay in North Carolina where he was overseer of a large plantation, he returned to Marlboro and not only acquired his father's property (when other members of the family moved to Florida), but began building up his own estate.”²

“Light was not a young man when he married Mary Ann Carloss, twenty-two years his junior. In the early 1850's they built a large Greek Revival plantation house where they reared a family of three daughters and one son. Judging from the property he willed to each of his children, he had become a sizable landowner before his death. As John Townsend tells it, “Grandfather owned a lot of land and left each of his three daughters a big farm, all adjoining, near Blenheim. Papa always told me his father's property joined Major Drake at the branch near Lower Marlboro school where C. P. Poleston has a fish pond. The line went from that branch back across to Jennies branch (behind the McCallum home place). Aunt Hattie Irby, so I was told, inherited all the property from the road running by the Townsend house to the Kinney Bay Place, and over as far as the creek on the Poleston farm. I heard she lost it once and Grandfather bought it back for her saying, “You let John run through it again and see what happens', and of course they did lose it”.²

“Light and his son, John Robertson, were living on a farm he owned six miles out of Bennettsville when Light died. He left this farm (known as the Pledger Place and now owned by the Hollis family) to his son. By court approval the son, still a minor, and one of the daughters, Amelia Dudley, exchanged inheritances, and the plantation home remained property of a Townsend.”²

“On one of Light's trips to Florida to visit his sisters and brothers he brought back a pocket full of acorns from the coniferous oaks and planted these in the yard of his new home. Many came up, and some of the huge, old trees are still living, though in deplorable condition as is the long abandoned house.”²

“The plantation house consisted of eight main rooms (20 X 20) and a detached kitchen. There were only two closets in the house. The kitchen had an open fireplace and a walk-in pantry. Just off the dining room was a butler's pantry, as well as a storage pantry with shelves from floor to ceiling to take care of the many items canned and preserved on the farm. In 1912 John Robertson added two bathrooms, which formed bays on the south side of the house. In later years John Rogers added a large family room, which connected the kitchen with the main house.”²

“Brick used in construction were made on the plantation, and the wide pine siding was all hand beaded. The interior millwork was of oak. Rift pine flooring was used throughout, while the walls were all plastered. The fourteen-foot high ceilings downstairs and the twelve foot ceilings upstairs were all ten inch boards.”²

“The house sat within a twenty-five acre fenced grove. The yard immediately around the house was enclosed with a picket fence for many years. The outbuildings included the commissary, a smoke house, light house (for the carbide generator), pump house, shop, carriage house (later used as a garage) and, of course, the traditional "outhouse" of the time. There was at one end of the grove the cow lot and horse lot with its gear house and associated barns along with a tall brick wall protecting the deep, open well. On the other side of the grove, just outside the fence, was the cotton gin with its seed house, the saw mill and a fertilizer warehouse.”²

“Wide porches on three sides of the house and the front step abutments were the ideal home for large potted ferns of various kinds. These were carried over year to year in the "pit" - an entrenchment on the south side of the house near the fruit orchard. This was constructed with brick walls and covered with heavy timbers, which could be opened on sunny days in the winter.”²

“According to various records, Light owned more than four hundred slaves to work his holdings. Interesting stories have been handed down about how he caught wild hogs in Big Hilson Bay to help feed the slaves. He also supposedly had a dog trained to patrol the slave quarters, and if a strange slave showed up, the dog would go to Light's bedroom and awaken him, and lead him straight to the cottage where the stranger was.”²

“Though not an educated man (his only formal education came after he was grown and hired a tutor) he was instrumental in helping establish several schools. Light told his son that he literally studied all the time when he had the tutor - except for a mile walk in the mornings, and when he was eating and sleeping. He began in the famous blue back speller, and after only nine months was able to do his own surveying.” ²

“Light also became something of a financier of his time. His grandson tells this story: “Grandfather stood security, as it was called then, for a merchant in Bennettsville for $33,000.00 and the merchant went broke. When Grandfather heard about it he got on his horse and went to Bennettsville and asked the man if the rumor were true, and the man said, “Yes, I don't even have a chicken to crow the time of day”. Grandfather said that was what he had come to find out – he guessed that meant he’d have to pay the debt... When he started to leave, the merchant said, “Don't go, Light, stay and have dinner with me” I’ve heard that Grandfather replied, “No, by God, I’ll go home and eat something that is paid for”. Uncle Tom Dudley settled that debt for $10,000.00 after Grandfather died.” ²

“When Light lived at what is now the Cousins farm he had two nephews from Florida living with him. They were sons of his brother, John and his wife, Vicie, who had died. One of the boys was trained as a surveyor and his Uncle Light gave him a horse and $100 when he returned to Florida. On one of the many trips to Florida (by horse-back) Light brought home a niece, Temperance, Dau. of his brother Allen. He sent her to Salem College where she was taken ill in a few months & died. She is buried in the Single Women's section of the Moravian Cemetery, but no identification of her parents is on the marker. Two of his sister Delaney's daughters came to Blenheim to live with him after their father died. They were Emma and Fannie Charles, and were living with the family when eighteen of Sherman's men came to the plantation house during their march through the Cheraw area. (For many year these sisters were the connecting link between the Marlboro family and their Florida relatives.)” ²

“Light's young son, John, accompanied slaves on wagons loaded with corn to feed the destitute people in the Cheraw area after the Union soldiers moved out. John frequently told his children how the soldiers camped for several days on his Aunt Hattie Irby's farm. When they moved on there was absolutely no food on the place. She finally found several sweet potatoes where the soldiers had torn down the potato hills, and some scattered corn where they had fed their horses. This was all she and the children had to eat until she could send to her father's home for food. On one of his trips the fifteen-year-old John brought home a sixty-pound cannon ball which had been left by Sherman's army. It is now in possession of Carlos Butler, a great, great grandson of Light.”²

“Mrs. William A. Wyatt of San Marcos, Texas, who researched her Townsend ancestors over a long period of years, says that of the early Townsend’s, “only Light, left a family Bible with full records and he was the only one who left a will”. That Bible, which is still intact today, had a record of the births of “Blacks”(slaves on the plantation) as well as members of the family.”²

“Light's young wife, Mary Ann, was the daughter of Dr. Robertson Carloss and Wilhemina Amelia Charlotte Poelnitz (b. 1772) and the granddaughter of Baron Charles von Poelnitz (b. 1734) who was widely publicized in the Carolina Series of historical novels by Inglis Fletcher. The Baron is buried in Marlboro County.”.²

     Light was born in 1770 at Hilson Bay, Craven Co., South Carolina. He was the son of John Townsend and Cortney (--?--). He married Phoebe Carter, , circa 1792 at Marlboro Co., South Carolina.¹ Light died on 14 October 1851 at Brooksville, Hernando Co., Florida.² His body was buried in 1851 at Brooksville, Hernando Co., Florida.
     
Biography of Light Townsend:

The genealogy of Light Townsend (1770-1851) was published in the "Florida Genealogical Journal" in an article entitled "Light Townsend 1770-1851"². This is an excellent article written by Theodore Lesley, Editor of the Florida Genealogical Journal, and a descendant of Light Townsend (1770-1851).

In that article Mr. Lesley indicates that Light Townsend (1770-1851) is the son of Light Townsend of Marlboro County, South Carolina. Our work concluded that Light Townsend (1770-1851) is the son of John Townsend (1740-1786) and his wife, Courtney, and not Light Townsend as Mr. Lesley indicated. [See biography of John Townsend (1760-1843)] Mr. Lesley offered only “circumstantial facts, and no proof to the contrary” as the basis for that relationship, suggesting that Mr. Lesley was unsure about who the father of Light Townsend (1770-1851) was. It is interesting to note that Light Townsend (1770-1851) named his first born son John, which is supportive of our conclusion that Light is the son of John Townsend (1740-1786).

Light and his wife Phoebe Carter, moved to Liberty County Georgia in the early 1800's moving into Jefferson County Florida by 1828, Alachua County, Florida in the1830's and finally Hernando County, Florida by 1848. This family appears to have been quite prosperous as Light owned many acres of land and reported owning 16 slaves in 1830 and in 1840. Several of their sons also owned significant numbers of slaves. They have many descendants throughout Florida from the 10 known children identified below.

The following is an excerpt from Theodore Lesley's article

"Shortly after the birth of their first child the family moved to Liberty Co., Georgia. There he was listed as an owner of slaves, and in 1806, 1807 and 1811 received three grants of land totaling 760 acres. In the War of 1812, he served as a private in Capt. John Winn's Company of Infantry, 2nd Regiment Georgia Militia. He enrolled in this company in 1815, and the muster roll is dated at Riceborough, a town located on the Newport River, Liberty Co., Ga. However, there is a deed on record in this county that states he and his wife are of Mclntosh County, January 1815. On August 5, 1822 Light Townsend is appointed administrator of the estate of (Mrs.) Letty Carter, possibly mother of his wife, Phoebe Carter."²

"With new fields beckoning following the purchase of Florida from Spain* in 1821, Mr. Townsend removed his family, and slaves, to that territory settling in Jefferson County where he was deeded land in 1828. Shortly after 1830 he again decided on a move, this time further south, and took up land near Newnansville, Alachua County, Fla. He was living there when the Seven Year War with the Seminole Indians commenced. In that long struggle, from 1835-1842, he was for a short while a member of his son-in-law's, Capt. Thomas C. Bills, company of the 1st Regiment Florida Mounted Militia. From August to December 1840 he was a member of the same Regiment, but mustered into the United States service under the command of Col. W. I. Bailey. Phoebe Carter Townsend died February 2, 1848, and shortly afterwards her husband disposed of his land near Newnansville and bought 200 acres six miles south of what is today Brooksville, Florida. This move was made to be nearer his son, John, and several daughters; all married with families of their own. He still retained possession of twelve slaves, having given the remainder of several families each to each of his children upon their marriage. Light Townsend died on this plantation, October 14, 1851. He is said to be buried thereon."²

The listing below of his children is from Theodore Lesley’s article. Nonetheless this family appears to be incomplete as the 1800 Marlboro County South Carolina census record on this family clearly suggests that there are 6 young male children born before 1800 as members of this family. The listing of children below shows only one male child in the family born before 1800. Thus there are very likely several unidentified children in this family. The reader is encouraged to read Mr. Lesley’s article that contains more information on his descendants.

     Light Townsend was born circa 1745 at probably "Millfield" on Broadkill Creek, near Beaverdam Branch, Sussex Co., Delaware. He was the son of Benedictus Townsend and Lucilla Light. He married (--?--) (--?--), , circa 1766 at Craven Co., South Carolina. Light Townsend married Elizabeth "Betsy" Long, daughter of James Long, on 1 June 1796 at Shelby Co., Kentucky. Light Townsend died in November 1817 at Warren Co., Kentucky. He was buried in November 1817 at Brown-Townsend Cemetery, Warren (now Edmonson) Co., Kentucky.¹
     
Biography of Light Townsend:

This biography of Light Townsend (1745-1817) starts with his South Carolina record and ends with his Kentucky record.

The South Carolina Record

The earliest records of Light Townsend (1745-1817) we have been able to identify are two South Carolina indenture deeds dated 9 and 10 January 1767. Abstracts of these indentures found in the "Townsend Papers"² by Marie Townsend Butler are as follows:

"January 9th, 1767 An Indenture "in the sixth year of the reign of George III, 1767, for five pound current lawful money of South Carolina" a tract (the acreage of which can not be read) but for which rent is to be paid (one pepper corn) for one year to Benedictus Townsand of Craven County by Light Townsand. (The document spells the name with an a and Benedictus signs as Townsen.)" ²

"January 10, 1767 There is a second Indenture "for one hundred pounds current lawful money of South Carolina" conveying one hundred "acres granted by His Excellency William Bull to Benedictus Townsend to Light Townsend, the property lying on the North side of the Pee Dee River in Craven County. (Benedictus Townsen signed receipt for money)" ²

These indentures are for the 100 acres of land that Benedictus Townsend was granted on 18 January 1765 and implies that Light Townsend is the son of Benedictus as whom else but a father would rent for "one pepper corn". The one hundred pounds sales price for the 100-acre property is excessive. Our judgment is the price was more likely to be one pound. This may be in the indenture as £1.0.0 which is the manner that was used at that time for one pound, zero shillings and zero pence, but could easily be read as 100 pounds. If as we believe the sales price was £1 this also implies that Light Townsend is the son of Benedictus as it is a low price for that land that only a father would sell to a son. We have not been able to view these Indentures personally but we place a very high credibility in the abstracts contained in the “Townsend Papers” ² prepared by Marie Butler. (The reader is encouraged to read the detailed citation on the Townsend Papers for more information on these abstracts.)

The quit rent scrolls for the year 1767, 1770 and 1773 provide further evidence of the existence of the above indentures. The 1767 scroll show that rents were paid by Light Townsend in the amount of 4 shillings 9 pence proclamation money on 100 acres in Craven County - with a notation that reads "New Grant Jan 18, 1765".³ The quit rent scrolls for 1770 show that Light Townsend paid for two years of rent in the amount of 4 shillings proclamation money per acre.⁴ Again in 1774, Light Townsend is listed as paying quit rent in the amount of 4 shillings proclamation money per acre on 100 acres for the year 1773.⁵ Thus we have Light paying the rents as required on the property originally granted to Benedictus. We conclude from these documents that Light Townsend (1745-1817) is the son, of Benedictus Townsend.

The above documents suggest that Light Townsend reached the legal age of 21 years before January 1767 in order to be able to enter into such indentures. This puts his birth year as before 1745. If he had been 21 when his father, Benedictus, first petitioned for land in 1764 he most likely would have obtained land in his own name. Based on this rationale we have selected his birth year as circa 1745. Delaware deeds put him with his family in Sussex Co. Delaware on that date thereby suggesting he was born in Delaware.

Light likely obtained this land from his father because he was about to be or was recently married and was starting his family. This reasoning and the birth year of his son, Benjamin, (see Benjamin Townsend (1768 - ) biography) as being circa 1768 suggest that Light Townsend married circa 1766 probably in Craven County, South Carolina. We also believe that Benjamin Townsend (1768- ) is the first-born son of Light Townsend which further supports Light Townsend being the son of Benedictus as it was common practice to name the first born after the grandparent.

Additional South Carolina records concerning Light Townsend are as follows:

The Light Townsend land on Hilson Bay is shown as bordering that of John Townsend and David Leigh on a plat certified on 3 Feb 1773 for 200 acres granted David Leigh.⁶

On 9 October 1775, Light Townsen and John Townsen signed a petition in St. David's Parish, Craven County to the Council of Safety of South Carolina for the issue of officer commissions for Robert Lide, Thomas Poe and William Watkins to head a company of Volunteers in opposition to the British.⁷ This clearly establishes Light joining the Revolution and is one of the documents that caused the Daughters of the American Revolution to declare Light Townsend (1745-1817) as an American Patriot.

On 25 Nov 1775 Lite Townsend witnessed a deed wherein John Townsend and his wife, Cortney, sold to John Brown for 20 Shillings for 150 acres of land granted said Jno. Townsend in Craven Co "by His Excellency William Bull lying and being in Craven County aforesaid and butting and bounding as follows. That is to so say NW on land laid out for Mr. Cattles,W. on Townsend. S. part on Mr. Hayes and part on Charles Kerbys, NE on William Pouncy. The other sides on vacant land...The said plantation a tract of land containing one hundred and fifty acres of land." Signed: John (his mark) Townsend and Cortney (her mark) Townsend. Witness: Lite (his mark) Townsend, Samuel Brown, John (his mark) Kelly.⁸

The following abstract is found in the “Townsend Papers”: “April 6, 1780 There was recorded an Indenture between Light Townsend of Craven County and William Allston of Georgetown "for four pound current lawful money" transferring 100 acres which appears to be land originally granted to Benedictus.”² This appears to be a deed wherein Light sells his 100 acres. Jabish Townsend reacquires this same 100 acres in 1823. [See the biography of John Townsend (1760-1786) for more information on this 1823 transactional]

Light Townshend is listed as a Petit Juror on the March 1786 Term of the County Court in Marlboro County. A Joseph Townshend is also listed as absent on this same jury.⁹ Light Townsend is again listed on the Petit Jury for the March 1787 term.¹⁰

A 100 acre parcel of land that George Trayweak, planter of Marlborough sold to Benjamin Townsend on 4 Sept 1786 in Marlboro County, South Carolina is described as "being adjoining Lyght Townsend’s land whereon he now lives" thereby indicating Light Townsend is living in Marlboro County. ¹¹

On 22 January 1787 Light Townsend signed a note with "his mark" authorizing the Public Treasurer of the State of South Carolina in Charleston to deliver to Robert Blair his Indenture in payment for 60 days of duty as a Private in Col Benton’s Regiment in 1782.¹² This indenture was issued 26 March 1786 in the amount of four pounds five shillings and eight pence half penny Sterling.¹³ As a result, five years after the end of the war he received his pay in the form of an indenture from the Government.

The following entry was found in the minutes of the September 1788 Court: "State vs. Light Townsend. Assault and Battery - True Bill. Ordered that a bench warrant do issue.”¹⁴ It appears that a warrant was issued for Light Townsend’s arrest. There is nothing further about this case and a search for further records was not successful. However, the timing of this arrest warrant and when we believe he moved from Marlboro County to Kentucky are unusually close leading one to speculate that his leaving South Carolina may have been due to trouble related to this arrest warrant. A further notation in the December 1788 Court is as follows: Light Townsend was one of 9 jurors listed that "were noted as Defaulters for non-attendance" on the Petit Jury. This suggests that Light may have left Marlboro 1788 as he had not been attending Petit Jury meetings. John Townsend is also listed as a member of this jury, but not as a “defaulter for non-attendance” ¹⁵

Light Townsend (1745-1817) does not appear in the 1790 census of Marlboro County, South Carolina. John Townsend (1760-1843) is the only Townsend to appear in that census.

No other records that we could attribute to Light Townsend (1745-1817) have been found in South Carolina after December 1788 when he was reported absent from the Petit Jury. A search for extant tax records for this period was unsuccessful. There are five documents we located that refer to a Light Townsend in Marlboro County after 1788. These are all 10 years after Light Townsend (1745-1817) left South Carolina. The first is a deed dated 31 August 1798 where James Townsend sold Maurice Stapleton 150 acres that was witnessed by Light Townsen.² We have not seen this deed so do not know if it was signed by his mark or signature. The second document is the 1800 census of Marlboro Co. South Carolina where a Light Townsend age 26-45 is listed with family as head of household with six males under 16. (It is possible that this is a record of Light Townsend (1745-1817), however an analysis of this census entry suggests that this is the family of Light Townsend (1770-1851) and his wife, Phoebe Carter.¹⁶ Light Townsend (1770-1851) moved to Liberty County, Georgia about 1806 and Florida by 1828. Also the Light of the 1800 Census is too young to be Light Townsend (1745-1817). The third document is the 31 December 1800 Will of Moses Pearson which was witnessed by Light Townsend. In this Will, Light Townsend used his signature to witness the Will, which is uncharacteristic of Light Townsend (1745-1817), as all previous documents have him signing with "his mark". This implies that the Light Townsend who signed the Pearson Will is not Light Townsend. The fourth document is dated 5 May 1801 where the following entry is in the Court Minutes: "Wm Henry Pearson produced the last will of Moses Pearson Esqr. decd. which was proved by the oath of Light Townsend, a witness."¹⁷ It is clear that Light Townsend who signed the 1800 Will with his signature appeared in court to prove the Will. This could not be Light Townsend (1745-1817) as he was in Kentucky at that time. The fifth document is dated 1 Feb 1802 wherein Thomas Townsend grants to William Cox 50 acres of land...."being the Lower part of a tract of 300 acres deeded to Light Townsend by Moses Pearson, by a deed of Conveyance the 18th of October 1800."¹⁸ The Light Townsend of this document is very likely the same Light Townsend who witnessed Moses Pearson's Will in 1800 and is the Light Townsend who signed with a signature. Although it is possible that Light Townsend (1745-1817) learned to sign his name by 1798 and could be the person involved with these Moses Pearson documents, this seems most unlikely, thereby inferring that it was Light Townsend (1770-1851) who is the signer of these documents as he was of age, had a young family and was living in Marlboro County at the time.

The Kentucky Record

The following is a listing and commentary on records of Light Townsend (1745-1817) found in Kentucky. Howard Bowers of Oak Ridge, Tennessee has done extensive research on the family of Light Townsend (1745-1817) in Kentucky. Mr. Bowers has graciously shared his work with us and given his permission to use it.

On 7 July 1789 "Light Townsen" is listed as a taxpayer in Fayette County, Kentucky. This is the earliest record in Kentucky that has been found on Light Townsend. Mr. Bowers searched the 1787 and 1788 tax records of Fayette and Lincoln County and found no record of Light Townsend (1745-1817) in those years. This indicates that he arrived in Fayette County, Kentucky before 1789. This is about one year after he disappears from South Carolina records.

Other Townsend's found on the 1790 tax list are: James Townsend, Gorrad Townsend in Fayette County, Jabez Townsend in Lincoln County (This is son of Thomas Townsend (1732-1796) and Anaphilda Watson who moved to KY in mid 1785) and Osweld Townson in Madison County, Kentucky.¹⁹ A brief search found that these other Townsend's, with the exception of Jabez, had been in Kentucky since 1775, as revolutionary patriots with Daniel Boone near Fort Boonesborough, a few miles south of present day Lexington, Kentucky. According to Riely Leon Townsend, Jabez Townsend came to Kentucky about 1785 and was the first of the Thomas Townsend (1732-1796) family to move to Kentucky. Anaphilda Watson, widow of Thomas Townsend (1732-1796), and most of her children came to Logan County, Kentucky during the summer of 1797 after the death of Thomas in Greenville, Co. South Carolina. Jabez, is a nephew of Light Townsend (1745-1817) and maybe one of the reasons that Light moved to Kentucky, so as to be near kin.

Mr. Bowers searched for Townsend's and Sample's in the tax lists in Fayette, Lincoln, Woodford, Shelby and Warren County, Kentucky and found entries for Light Townsend (1745-1817) in Fayette County in 1789, in Woodford County in 1791-92, Shelby County in 1795, 1796, & 1799 and Warren County in 1800 thru 1811 (Tax lists for 1801, 1807 & 1810 were either missing or unreadable). The dates and location of these entries for Light Townsend (1745-1817) precisely match the documents that follow.

On 25 September 1791, David Sample and Lite Townsen posted bond for the marriage of David Sample with Mary Townsend all of Woodford Co. Kentucky. A note on the back of the bond states that "Lite Townsen is father of the within named Mary Townsen" signed Tho. Arnold.²⁰ This is a very important record as it is direct evidence to show that Light Townsend of South Carolina and Light Townsend of Warren Co., Kentucky are the same persons. This record clearly indicates that Light Townsend (1745-1817) is the father of Mary Townsend who married David Sample. As shown in the biography of Mary Townsend (1774-1859), Mary was born 11 April 1774 in South Carolina. Her place of birth of South Carolina is indicated by her being enumerated as Mary Turner in the 1850 U.S. census of Morgan Co., Illinois, as age 77, (born circa 1774) and being born in South Carolina, and living in the household of Jacob Sample. Mary Turner is Mary Townsend (1774-1868). Her first husband, David Sample died in 1829, she married Andrew Turner in 1832. Andrew died in 1842. The 1850 census shows that Mary Townsend (1774-1859) was born in South Carolina about 1774. The only Light Townsend of age that we have found living in South Carolina in 1774 is Light Townsend (1745-1817) of Craven (now Marlboro) County, South Carolina. This marriage bond and census record clearly and directly indicate that Light Townsend of South Carolina and Light Townsend of Warren County, Kentucky are the same persons. Mary Townsend (1774-1859)’s two sons, Andrew and Washington Sample, both indicated in the 1880 Census that their mother was born in South Carolina. This is further evidence of Mary Townsend's South Carolina birth.

On 1 June 1796 Light Townsend (1745-1817) and James Long posted bond for the marriage of Light Townsend and Betsey Desheroon in Shelby Co. Kentucky. This bond was signed by Light (his mark) Townsend. A later notation by Howard Bowers states "A hand-written note made by Brent Bledsoe, Brownsville, Kentucky, on a family group sheet dated 27 Dec 1994, states that Elizabeth first married Samuel Deshroon on 22 Jan 1784, in Tyrrell Co., North Carolina."²¹ Here we have Light marrying Betsey Long. This suggests that his first wife, had recently died and he remarried.

Light Townsend (1745-1817) is listed as paying taxes on 7 Aug 1800 in Shelby Co. Kentucky. This taxpayer list was the basis of the Kentucky 1800 Census.²² This is the only Townsend on the Shelby list. 13 other Townsend’s are listed in Kentucky by 1800.

A Wright Townson is listed on the 1800 Census of Warren County, Kentucky.²² This census was based on taxpayer lists and Light had just moved from Shelby County into Warren County at that time as reflected by the deeds below.

Howard Bowers reports finding the following three documents which show when Light Townsend (1745-1817) and his family moved from Shelby County to Warren County in 1800.

"Deed from Light Townson and Betsy Townson to Robert Tyler "in consideration of the sum of 150 pounds lawful money of Kentucky" --- a "parcel of land situate in Shelby County on the waters of Lik Creek on the south side therof being a part of a 200 acre survey pattented to said Robert Tyler who fomerly conveyed the above mention tract of or parcel of land to said Townson which being laid off is bounded as follows: to wit, Beginning at a sugar tree buckeye & Ash corner to Robert Tylers 400 acres survey running thence East 127 poles to two birchs and white walnut in said Tylers line & with the same South 127 poles to the Beginning containing 100 acres or thereabouts. Recd and filed Nov 1, 1800. (HB comment: I was not able to locate the deed for Light Townsend’s purchase of the land in Shelby County Records, but will try again. The deed might be in Jefferson Co. records since Shelby was formed in 1792 from Jefferson)" ²¹

"William Statham of Warren Co appointing David Sample of Warren Co his attorney "to make to Light Townson a deed in the fee simple for a tract of Land of 113 acres it being the place whereon the sd Townson now lives" making a deed for the sale of land to Light Townson, it being land on which Townson was then living. Recd March Court 1801 (or 1807??)" ²¹

"Deed from William Statum of Warren Co. to Light Townsingor Warren Co. for 110 pounds lawful money for "a certain Tract or parcel of Land containing one hundred and seventy three acres by Survey Bearing Date the 3rd day of September one Thousand Eight Hundred one" "on the waters of Beaver Dam Bounded as follows. (To wit) Beginning on a white oak South West of his improvement Running North Eighteen Degrees East two hundred and thirty nine poles to two white oaks thence North seventy two degrees west and hundred ninety & half poles to an hickory and two black Oak. Thence south Eighteen degrees west two hundred and thirty nine poles to a stake, thence South seventy two degrees East one hundred and nineteen and half poles to the Beginning" ... " containing one hundred and seventy three acres by estimate" ... Signed Sealed and Delivered the Presence of All (or Us) Signed " Wm. Statum" and "By David Samples his Atty in Fact" " ²¹

Light Townsend (1745-1817) is enumerated in the 1810 Census of Warren Co. Kentucky as follows:
HH Light Townsend 1m under 10 1 m 45+ , 2f under 10 ) 2 f 10-16 1 f 26-45. This shows that Light was born before 1755.

The Last Will of Light Townsend (1745-1817) dated 27 April 1817 is recorded in Warren County, Kentucky and reads as follows:

(Beginning of Record****)
In the name of God, Amen. I Light Townsen weak and lowly in body but in perfect mind and memory do make this my last will and Testament. First of all I do commend my soul to God who gave it, my body to be decently buryed at the discretion of my Executrix and as tuching(?) my worldly affairs I want Them Disposed of as follow – Item. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth Townsen one third of the land including all the cleared land and plantation whereon I now live. The tract of land containing one hundred and seventy three acres and also one third of all my movable property and out of the Balance when all my just debts are paid I want my three grand children, to wit, Sally Townsen and Betsy Townsen and Polly Townsen to have one dollar each of them and my daughter Polly Samples to have one dollar and then the rest to be equally divided between Benjamin Townsen my son and my daughter Annie Townsen and my daughter Lucy Townsend and my daughter Betsy Townsen and my daughter Nancy Townsend and my son James Townsen and I do hereby leave and constitute my beloved wife, Elizabeth Townsen my whole and sole Executrix. In Witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand this 27th day of April 1817.
            Signed:      Light (his mark) Townsend
     
Witnesses:
Edward Thompson
James Going
Abner F__??__

(---p. 172----)

Warren County KY Nov County Court 1817. This Instrument of writing was this day produced in Court and proved by the oath of the subscribing witnesses Edward Thompson and James Going to be the last will and Testament of Light Townsend decd. Test
(signed) Jon Hobson
(End of Record****)

Light is buried next to his second wife, in a grave with a now unreadable stone marker, near Brownsville, Edmonson County, Kentucky in the Brown-Townsend Cemetery. This according to a letter dated 8 February 1997 from Mr. Brent Bledsoe, 810 Mohawk Road, Brownsville KY 42210 to Howard Bowers. In that letter Mr. Bledsoe stated the following: "There is an old cemetery less than a mile from my home called the Brown-Townsend Cemetery which is where Light and his second wife are buried. The cemetery is completely grown up and has only blank stones for markers. An old family bible mentions that Elizabeth was buried there next to her husband."

     Light Townsend was born circa 1853 at Madison Co., Florida; Light and Benjamin Townsend are twins.¹ He was the son of Benjamin I. Townsend and Jane Suggs. Light Townsend married Jane Smith circa 1877 at Lafayette Co., Florida.²

     Light Townsend was born on 24 February 1845 at Madison Co., Florida.¹ He was the son of David R. Townsend and Nancy Burnett. Light Townsend married Mahala "Mary Ann" Floyd on 27 January 1870 at Madison Co., Florida.² Light Townsend died on 2 November 1914 at Florida at age 69.³ He was buried at McCrab Baptist Church Cemetery, Dixie Co., Florida.³

     Light Townsend was born on 6 November 1876 at Marlboro Co., South Carolina.¹ He was the son of John Robertson Townsend and Catherine Jane "Kate" Rogers. Light Townsend married Elisabeth Eugenia McLeod on 23 April 1900 at Marlboro Co., South Carolina.² Light Townsend died on 28 December 1932 at Marlboro Co., South Carolina, at age 56.³ He was buried at Drake Cemetery, Marlboro Co., South Carolina.³

     Light Townsend was born on 17 August 1769 at Pittsylvania Co., Virginia.¹ He was the son of Thomas Townsend and Anaphilda Watson. Light Townsend married Nancy Martin at Pittsylvania Co., Virginia.¹ Light Townsend married Mary Arnold in 1796 at Greenville Co., South Carolina.¹ Light Townsend died on 20 August 1846 at Logan Co., Kentucky, at age 77.¹