Surname: Mayer Forename(s): Samuel Ralph Townshend b. August 1841. d. 28 May 1880. Nationality: English. VIAF.
Poet. Born in Gloucester. Son of Samuel Mayer, solicitor. Husband of writer Gertrude
Mary, and acquainted through the marriage with Barry Cornwall and Leigh Hunt. Worked
as an editor for Churchman’s Shilling Magazine, the Illustrated Review, the Free and Open Church Advocate, and St. James’s Magazine, and founded the Free and Open Church Association, for which he served as secretary.
Married Gertrude Mary in 1868. Contributed to Gloucester newspapers and periodicals.
Notable publications include the novelette Amy Fairfax (1859) and some historical books and essays. Biographical information: ODNB. (AHC, BGL)