This long held and incorrect assumption that Thomas, barely 13 years older than the oldest brother John, was based on no evidence.
[1] Due to political difficulties with the Dutch governor, Peter Stuyvesant, the Townsend brothers moved to Warwick, Rhode Island.
In 1656, Townsend and his brothers, John and Richard, again attempted to settle in Long Island, this time obtaining the patent of Rustdorp (now Jamaica).
Records from 15 September 1657 show Henry Townsend was asked to pay £8 Flanders or depart the Dutch province within six weeks, "upon the penalty of corporeal punishment.
Henry Townsend was arrested, imprisoned and fined £8 Flanders for harboring Quakers in his house.