John Townsend Daniel was born in Deene, England, around 1840. His siblings were Robert F., Charles E., and Mary Ann. His father, John Daniel, was a rector in East Ardsley, England. J. Townsend Daniel became a captain in the 36th New York Infantry Regiment in 1861 and was wounded during the Battle of Fair Oaks in May 1862. He later served as a major in the 10th Maryland Infantry Regiment and the 1st Maryland Cavalry Regiment (part of the Potomac Home Brigade). In 1867, his appointment as 2nd lieutenant in the 7th United States Cavalry Regiment expired; he later returned to England. J. Townsend Daniel died around March 1877.
From the guide to the J. Townsend Daniel letters, Daniel, J. Townsend letters, 1860-1868, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)
