Following up on my own post:
I have discovered with almost certain probability that John Townley married Ann Hyde, instead of Ann Hinde (as shown in the IGI). In my research I could not find any Hinde family residing in Gagrave, Yorkshire, the birthplace listed for Ann Townley in subsequent Censuses. The light came on when I checked the Lancashire BMD (believe there had been some updates adding mothers’ surnames) and noted the Mother’s surname listed for the children of John and Ann Townley born in Blackburn was Hyde. Then it all fell into place, as there was a record of an Ann Hyde born in Gargrave at the right date, along with several siblings. Thanks to all of you for providing me hints from other posts and threats to help me work around brick walls.
The father of John Townley continues to elude me, but there are several possibilities. I believe the key will be to find the record of marriage of John and Ann, which should list the father of John Townley. The On-Line Parish Clerk site does not list any marriages in Preston for the year that I am seeking. Does anyone know if these would likely be found in the LDS tapes (IGI index)? The other place to look would be the Chipping parish for christening records, but am unsure if any exist today.
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