John TOWNER b 1722 Bishopstone, Sussex. So far John is the earliest Towner I have found and confirmed. He married Mary SHOOR 29th June 1744 at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Willingdon, Sussex.

They removed back to Bishopstone and raised 8 children

1. Charles b 1744

2. John b 1746

3. Elizabeth b 1749

4. Thomas b 1752

5 William b 1755

6. Samuel b 1757

7. Mary b 1760

8 Benjamin Clark b 1765


John was a fisherman but during his life he served 42 years as clerk of the Parish of St Andrews Church, Bishopstone. He would have been literate and also taught his children to read and write a rarity in those days.

John is buried in the churchyard of St Andrew's at Bishopstone.