Colonel Charles Townsend (1837 - 1864) Heoric Notable of the 106th NYV…parental lineage may never be known

Question

Hi Wikitreers,

I have been researching in collaboration a veteran with whom I believe is one of the utmost bravest men of the 106th NYV to have ever served the Union.

There is some new research and ongoing research but the question remains…

Who were Charles parents?

I often come back to update his profile and search for clues to his lineage and have added updates.

Any collaboration in his research is appreciated…lets leave no stone unturned in finding this brave veterans genealogy!

Thank you

Note: See research notes to aid in collaboration. Also not sure why 3rd NY is categorized but he definitely served with the 3rd New York Cavalry

Addendum: is he considered a notable? He has a Wikipedia link see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lt._Col._Townsend,_106th_N.Y._Inf._LOC_cwpb.05446.jpg

Comments

Being a notable would require a wikipedia link to an article about him to go with the photograph.

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I removed the {{Notables Sticker}} as he doesn’t have an article at this time.

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The WikiTree Notables Project uses Wikipedia's standards for notability (in any language). Because Wikipedia has acknowledged them, we can also accept anyone from an "official" Dictionary of National Biography (in any language). Note that many qualified notables do not yet have a page on Wikipedia or an entry in a National Biography. Likewise, occasionally an individual may get a Wikipedia page without having met Wikipedia's own criteria for such - although these pages are typically taken down once discovered and reviewed. For clarity, WikiTree's standard for notability is not based on whether or not an individual has a Wikipedia page, but whether they actually meet Wikipedia's requirements for having one. 

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Anyone can create a Wikipedia article. If you think he meets their criteria, by all means, create the page. I've done that more than once.

Answer 1

Here's an account of Col. Townsend's last charge. https://museum.dmna.ny.gov/application/files/6715/5309/3061/106thInf_article_NT_1884_March_20.pdf

Comments

Wow Victoria a great read and the man whose first hand account will be memorialized. He is Peter Robertson (1840 - 1912 of Company C 106th New York Vols

The last paragraph of his account is very insightful

“I suppose it will remain one of the unexplained mysteries of the war why a single regiment was ordered to make such a charge; but, as soldiers, it was not for us to criticise, although someone had blundered.”

Answer 2

Andrew,

Yes, at this time he does not have a biography at Wikipedia. (There are a few other sites that also qualify.) Under the guidelines for the Notables Project, he does not qualify.

I did add that photo from Wikipedia of him. It's a nice photo. It is in the public domain. Therefore, it can be used on his profile.

Reading the profile, I can see you have put a lot of time in researching him. The profile reflects well the work you have put into it.

Comments

Thank you Norman I appreciate the collaboration! 

Answer 3

I have found another record for him on Fold3. I believe this is also him because he enlisted in Albany, and that's where his father was from according to the Daily Journal article.

I would have thought that the mention of his father's name in his obituary was sufficient evidence to confirm his identity.

Comments

Hi Paul!

Thank you the fold3 does indeed seem to be of this Charles Townsend. The parental lineage is still in question but the obit clearly states Isaiah Townsend as his father. I’ll be so curious as to see what comes of his genealogy research into his roots. See also research notes. Fascinating to say the least!