Robert Wilfred Townsend

Robert Wilfred Townsend was born in 1887 at Somercotes, Derbyshire, he was the son of the late Johnathan Townsend a coal miner hewer and the late Eliza Townsend née Gee of Somercotes.

His father Johnathan was born in 1847 at Somercotes, he died in 1912 aged 65 yrs, his mother Eliza Gee was born in 1845 at Somercotes she died in 1920 she was 75 yrs of age. they were married in 1876 at Birchwood Chapel, Alfreton, they went on to have 5 children, sadly two were to die in infancy or early childhood.

In the 1911 census his father Johnathan was living at Cinder Road, Somercotes, he is 63 yrs of age and is a coal miner hewer , he is living with his grandaughter May Townsend 11 yrs of age.

In the same 1911 census his mother Eliza Townsend is living a 8 Alvenor Street, Ilkeston, she is 66 yrs of age, she is living with her sister Mary Gee 55 yrs and her her husband Frederick Gee 57 yrs .

Robert Wilfred married Ellen Shaw (born 26th March 1885) they were married on 2nd June 1906 at Alfreton, they had the following children, Florence Elizabeth born 29th October 1906, Gertrude Ellen born born 1909 died 1911 and Leonard born 3rd December 1911

In the 1911, census the family lived at Smotherfly, Alfreton, Derbyshire. Robert Wilfred 24 yrs is a coal miner hewer he is living with his wife Ellen 26 yrs and their daughter Florence Elizabeth 4 yrs of age.

Commencing 21st May 1917 his widow was awarded a pension of 22 shillings and 11 pence a week.