The Townend Saga is Solved

I posted this picture a friend of mine owns and thought it was a Townend family branch from Almonte. I was wrong and the mystery is now solved thanks to the Lanark County Genealogical Society.

Photo–Robert James Townend & Isabella Anderson Gilmour & Daughter

Stamp N Doodle who is Lynne Townend who makes fantastic card kits emailed the following information:  I am a great granddaughter (Lynne) of James Townend, born 1 May 1856 who immigrated to Canada in 1860 with his parents John Townend and Sarah J. Carr. The picture at the very top is not a picture of him and his family, but a family he took a picture of.

James Townend was Almonte’s first photographer, and conducted a studio there for many years. In his younger days he was a band leader being especially noted for his brilliant cornet playing. He married Isabella Anderson Gilmour, her death occurred at Perth on Tuesday, November 18th, of Mrs. James Townend at the great age of 96 years. She was born, on the 8th line Ramsay, probably the oldest native of the district at the time of her death.

Thank you Lynne!