This case study demonstrates how the FFANs method of conducting a broader search works in practice. When standard genealogy research hits limitations, researching extended Family, Friends, Associates, and Neighbours often provides the breakthrough you need. My research into Captain John Townson, a member of the NSW Corps who arrived in Australia on the Second Fleet, shows when and why expanding beyond direct your direct line becomes essential.
Using the FFANs method, I researched broadly to uncover family connections, historical associates, and shared experiences that standard birth, death, and marriage searches couldn’t provide. This approach has revealed evidence about John’s birth, his role in early Australian history, and his involvement in the ‘Rum Rebellion’.
This post was originally published in May 2022 and last updated on 15 July 2025
The Research Challenge
Captain John Townson was my 5x great grandfather. He had two daughters. I am descended from the second daughter, Sarah Griggs.
He presents exactly the type of genealogy puzzle that requires FFANs research. He arrived in Australia on the Second Fleet in 1790 as a member of the NSW Corps. Despite his significant role in early colonial history, including serving as Lieutenant Governor of Norfolk Island, the standard genealogy sources reveal frustratingly little.
What John’s sources revealed:
- Birth, death, and marriage records yield minimal useful information (typical for that era)
- No marriage record exists (he never married)
- Baptism record remains unfound despite extensive searching
- Few sources refer directly to him, despite his prominence in early Sydney and Norfolk Island history
- Claims about his birth in Yorkshire or Shropshire are not supported by the evidence.
The gaps and inconsistencies: John’s life story contains significant gaps in basic biographical information. Conclusions by other researchers are both inconsistent and not supported by evidence. To conduct a reasonably exhaustive search and gather sufficient evidence about his life events, FFANs research became essential.
My research goals:
- Find evidence of his birth date and location
- Better understand his role in early Sydney and Norfolk Island history
- Clarify his involvement in the 1808 Rum Rebellion.
Fortunately, John Townson had extensive family, friends, associates, and neighbours who left behind more sources.
Applying FFANs: Missing Birth Information
Missing birth information illustrates when FFANs research becomes crucial. It’s not enough to search for birth or baptism sources alone. You need to investigate the entire family group. Siblings often provide the key to confirming whether you’re searching in the right place, time period, and family line. And whether you have correctly identified the mother.
FFANs approach to family research: Rather than focusing solely on John’s own sources, I expanded to research his entire family network. This broader approach has revealed:
- Wills that provide family structure and relationships
- Divorce records for his mother from her first husband, establishing family timeline and connections
- Baptism record for his older sister, confirming location and family details
- Business records for his father, providing geographical and chronological context.
Results achieved: Collectively, these family sources provide circumstantial evidence that John was born before May 1760, probably in London or Richmond, Surrey. While I’m still searching for his baptism record, the FFANs research has narrowed the search parameters significantly and provided much stronger evidence than direct searches ever could.
Applying FFANs: Historical Context and Associates
Historical events create research opportunities through shared experiences. I maintain a timeline of John’s life in a spreadsheet with columns tracking his friends, associates, and neighbours. This systematic approach helps identify shared events and target sources about people who may provide insights into his life.
Key associates and their research value:
John Macarthur: Travelled to Australia on the same ship (Scarborough) and shared strong connections with Parramatta. Much has been written about Macarthur, and the NSW State Library holds extensive papers that may contain references to Townson.
Captain John Piper: The man after whom Point Piper in Sydney is named. Both Townson and Piper were stationed at Norfolk Island at the same time, and Piper served as executor of Townson’s will. Piper’s well-documented life provides context for understanding Townson’s experiences.
The ‘Rum Rebellion’ participants: In 1808, John Townson was named by Governor William Bligh as one of the conspirators in the mutiny that overthrew Bligh’s government. His brother Robert was also involved and signed the petition against Bligh.
Research discoveries through associates: Sources about the ‘Rum Rebellion’ are providing insights into the Townson brothers’ motivation, which appears to centre on Bligh’s failure to honour their land grants. These sources also reveal other details about their lives.
Results and Ongoing Research
The FFANs method has improved my understanding of John Townson and provided historical context. While gaps remain, the research has:
Achieved results:
- Narrowed birth location and timeframe, and debunked counter claims
- Revealed family structure and relationships previously unknown
- Provided historical context for his colonial service
- Uncovered evidence about his role in significant historical events.
Opened new research avenues:
- NSW State Library papers on Macarthur and Piper await exploration for Townson references
- Historical documentation about colonial Sydney may hold further insights about his motivations and experiences
- Family research has identified additional relatives for investigation.
Lessons Learned: When FFANs Research Succeeds
This case study demonstrates several key principles about when and how FFANs research works:
When direct sources fail, family group research often succeeds. John’s own sources were sparse, but his family left a paper trail that provided the evidence I needed.
Historical events create research opportunities through shared experiences. The history of colonial Sydney and Norfolk Island connected John to well-documented figures whose stories illuminate his own experiences.
Systematic tracking of associates reveals unexpected connections. Maintaining a spreadsheet of relationships and shared experiences helps identify research opportunities that might otherwise be missed.
FFANs research requires clear goals to remain focused. Without specific research questions, investigating associates and neighbours can become endless. Defining what you want to learn keeps the research productive.
Applying FFANs to Challenging Ancestors
If you have an ancestor with sparse sources or conflicting information, consider applying similar FFANs strategies:
- Map the family group: Research all siblings, parents, and extended family
- Identify historical events: Look for shared experiences that might connect your ancestor to better-documented people
- Track associates systematically: Create a timeline or spreadsheet to identify patterns and opportunities
- Define clear research goals: Know what questions you’re trying to answer before diving into broader research.
The FFANs method won’t solve every genealogy puzzle, but it can provide new evidence and research leads. Captain John Townson’s story shows the value of using this genealogy research method.
For more information about implementing FFANs research, see Broaden Your Genealogy research: How to Use the FFANs Method and Beyond Your Direct Line: 5 Genealogy Research Strategies.
A few sources:
NSW State Library, ‘From Terra Australis to Australia. The 1808 ‘Rum’ Rebellion’, (https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/stories/terra-australis-australia/1808-rum-rebellion), accessed 28 May 2022.
Findmypast & British Library, British Newspaper Archive (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk), Proclamation by William Bligh, March 1809; Cheltenham Chronicle, Thursday 11 January 1810.
Frederick Watson, Historical Records of Australia, Series 1 – Governors’ despatches to and from England (N.p.: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament., 1914), Governor Phillip to the Right Hon. W. W. Grenville. (Despatch No. 9, per store-ship Justinian, via China; acknowledged by Rt. Hon. Henry Dundas, 10th January, 1792.) p.193.
Featured photo: Searle, E. W & Beatties Studio, 1848, Norfolk Island convict settlement at Kingston in 1848, retrieved May 28, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-142181355
About the Author
Danielle Lautrec is a genealogy educator, researcher, and author of The Good Genealogist. With qualifications in history, family history, and historical archaeology, she teaches for the Society of Australian Genealogists.