Townsend family papers
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Abstract
Originally from Norwich, England, Henry Townsend (d. 1695) immigrated with his brothers, John and Richard, to the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam (later New York) during the mid-17th century, eventually settling in the Long Island town of Oyster Bay. This collection includes materials from the Townsend family, including several deeds for land in Oyster Bay, Long Island involving European settlers and Native Americans, dated 1658 to 1678; an arithmetic book of Margaret Townsend, dated 1786; and the will of Almy Townsend, dated 1809.
Biographical / Historical
Originally from Norwich, England, Henry Townsend (d. 1695) immigrated with his brothers, John and Richard, to the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam (later New York) during the mid-17th century. After settling in the town of Flushing on Long Island, the Townsend brothers relocated to Warwick, R.I. after political and religious altercations with New Amsterdam governor Peter Stuyvesant. They returned to Long Island in 1656, settling in the town of Jamaica. In 1657, Henry Townsend was arrested and imprisoned for harboring Quakers in his home. This incident prompted him and his brothers to relocate to the Long Island town of Oyster Bay, which was out of the jurisdiction of the Dutch government of New Amsterdam. Henry Townsend resided in Oyster Bay until his death.
Scope and Contents
This collection includes materials from the Townsend family, including several deeds for land in Oyster Bay, Long Island involving European settlers and Native Americans, dated 1658 to 1678; an arithmetic book of Margaret Townsend, dated 1786; and the will of Almy Townsend, dated 1809.
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Families
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Places
Conditions Governing Access
Open to researchers without restriction.
Conditions Governing Use
Materials in this collection are in the public domain.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date (if known); Townsend family papers, 1974.021, Box and Folder number; Brooklyn Historical Society.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Ada S. Townsend, 1924.
About this Guide
Processing Information
Minimally processed to the collection level.
