Joel Townshend Papers, 1811-c. 1945

The Joel Townshend (father of Norton Townshend) series is relatively small, extending less than half a linear foot. It contains Townshend’s writings (mainly on religious topics), some biographical information compiled by family members, and Townshend’s legal and financial papers, which record the material existence of the family, both in Clay Coton, Northamptonshire, and Avon, Ohio. Of particular note among his legal papers is an 1811 document, "Request by the Poor Inhabitants of Clay Coton," apparently penned by Joel and concerning the use of commons by the poor.