CAMPBELL-L Archives

From: <>
Subject: Ancestors and Descendants of 1st Duke of Argyll
Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2000 00:05:39 +0200

Dear Campbell researchers

My genealogical research has lead me to a John Campbell which I
think is the 1st Duke of Argyll. I do not know my Scotish roots or
Scotish terminology very well so before you conclude this as
"wishful thinking" please hear me out.

The information gathered for my claim is circumstantial and needs
to be corroborated. I would be most appreciative of anyone who can
give me the official, certified ancestors of the 1st Duke of Argyll.

I have been trying to find the family connection of Hon William
Townshend, Collector of Customs of Prince Edward Island (also
briefly governor of PEI). He married Flora Stewart, daughter of Peter
Stewart (b.1725), Chief Justice of Prince Edward Island. I have
heard that this Stewart line was of the head of the clan of Stewarts.
Peter Stewart was born in Campbeltown, Argyll, a place
associated with the Campbells (I think). Apparently, Peter
Stewart's wife, Helen MacKinnon was also of the head of the clan
of MacKinnons. Peter Stewart's father, Charles Stewart marries
Annabella Campbell, daughter of John Campbell (speculated to be
the 1st Duke) and Elizabeth MacNeil.

>From my dubious sources I have gathered that John Campbell
(1693-1770), 2nd Duke, has a sister named Anne and a mother
named Elizabeth. I am hoping that this is the Annabella Campbell,
grandmother of Peter Stewart.

Now let me explain how the Townshend family comes into all of
this. Firstly, I know that Lord Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount,
(with partner Robert Walpole - later Prime-minister) support the 2nd
Duke of Argyll during the Jacobite uprising. It is also known that
the 2nd Viscount's grandson, Rt Hon Charles Townshend (known
for the infamous tax act of 1767) marries Lady Dalkieth, Caroline
Campbell, daughter of the 2nd Duke.

Hon William Townshend's family connection is not fully concluded.
It is highly likely that he is another grandson of the 2nd Viscount
Townshend and 1st cousin to the other Townshend politicians. I
have written a short essay describing the evidence of his family
connection. Among the evidence I describe the Campbell
connection. I would be delighted if anyone would take an interest in
this and read my article at:
www.townshend.co.za/pei_connection.htm , also mirrored at
home.worldonline.co.za/~townshend/pei_connection.htm .
>From that article I link to the information I have about the
Campbells at:
www.townshend.co.za/campbellconnection.htm also mirrored at
home.worldonline.co.za/~townshend/campbellconnection.htm

If I can prove that Peter Stewart's grandfather, John Campbell was
the 1st Duke of Argyll then I can probably establish that the Lords
Townshends of Raynham Hall knew the Campbell and Stewart
families long before William was even born. This would be very
strong evidence indicating that Hon William Townshend was indeed
a grandson of Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount.

For further interest, it is known that Sir William James Montgomery
helps Peter Stewart to get his position as Chief Justice of PEI even
though Peter Stewart only has a background in Scotish Law and
not English Law as was required. William Montgomery was the
Lord Advocate for Scotland. I am almost sure that this William
Montgomery who was the father of Anne Montgommery who
marries George Townshend, 4th Viscount, 1st Marquess and elder
brother of Rt Hon Charles T (mentioned above). The Montgomery
family also seems to be associated with Campbeltown in Argyll.

Also for further interest is the fact that Peter Stewart marries Sarah
Campbell when his wife, Helen Mackinnon dies.

Yours Sincerely
Derek Wray Townshend

This thread:

• Ancestors and Descendants of 1st Duke of Argyll by <>