Francis Townsend
Francis Townsend (1793-1853) was one of three brothers – the others were Joseph (1797-1843) and John (1800-1838) – who were baptised at Stannington (Presbyterian) Chapel. They were the sons of Joseph (c.1771-1847), a grinder, and his wife, Elizabeth (c.1766-1815). Between about 1828 and 1832, John partnered Robert Hides as a table knife and razor manufacturer at Hollis Croft. (Interestingly, James Townsend had appeared in directories in 1774 and 1787 as spring knife cutler at Hollis ....
