Richard came to Virginia at age 14 in 1620 in the Abigale. He was
apprenticed to Dr. John Pott, February 20, 1621/22, and lived at James
City, 1623/24 with the physician, who had agreed to teach him "the art of
an Apothecarye." On October 10, 1626, Townshend petitioned and complained
that Dr. Pott was not teaching him. The court ordered Dr. Pott to
instruct the young man or pay for his services.
In 1629, Richard represented the plantations between Archer's Hope and
Martin's Hundred in the General Assembly, and represented Charles River
(later York) County in 1642. He was sworn a member of the Council on July
31, 1642 and served until 1650. He may have returned to England and
married because he (age 28), his wife, Frances, (age 21), and
two-year-old Francis were listed as passengers for Virginia in the Globe
on August 7, 1635. On March 10, 1639/40, he patented 650 acres in Charles
River County. He was named in an Act of the Assemby, January 6, 1639/40,
as a tobacco viewer from the west side of Wormeley's Creek to the
furthest extent of the parish. On February 10, 1647/48, he gave a power
of attorney to his friend Rowland Burnham to conduct business in his
absence as he was "by God's grace bound for England in the good ship the
Honnor of London." He died by February 7, 1650/51 when his widow patented
more land