William Townshend (colonial governor)

William Townshend (c. 1745 {some sources state 1762} – December 5, 1816) was a British politician and office holder, operating mainly in the colony of Prince Edward Island. One of his duties was Acting colonial Governor of Prince Edward Island between August 5, 1812 and July 24, 1813.

Townshend's birthplace is unknown. His father was Richard Townshend of Wrexham (presumably Wrexham in Wales, though other evidence suggests a place in England, possibly Wexham, Buckinghamshire).

He married Flora Stewart (b.1767 d.1843), the daughter of Chief Justice Peter Stewart, in c. 1790, and together they had eight children:

Much of William Townshend's early life is unclear, up until the point when he became collector of customs and naval officer for St. John's Island (today known as Prince Edward Island). Speculation states that Townshend may have obtained the appointment because of a family connection with George Townshend, 1st Marquess Townshend, although others have said that Townshend had many connections with powerful officials in England.

Townshend arrived on the island in 1784 and was appointed to the Executive Council that December. Tension was soon built between Townshend and the island's colonial governor, Walter Patterson, who may have been angry that Townshend's appointment had come directly from the British Administration, Lord Sydney, the Home Secretary.

Townshend had a secure place with the government of the colony, and was soon involved in Patterson's scheme to seize land from absentee landlords. Being a member of the council, he was present when legislation was passed on the land seizures, which had gone against the British government. A report was written and charges were brought to Townshend, as well as to many other officials.

...
Wikipedia